Lootbet Invitational: Playoff Predictions
Lootbet hosts the Lootbet Invitational in order to produce the final participant for Summit 7. Additionally, winning the tournament grants entry to World Cyber Arena 2017 EU Main Qualifier. Three teams were directly invited to the Summit 7: Virtus.pro, Team VGJ, and Team Secret; the rest play their way in.
Qualifiers are held for several regions including Southeast Asia, China, Europe, and America. These tournaments produced Clutch Gamers, CDEC Gaming, Natus Vincere, and Team NP respectively. This leaves us with seven participants, and an eighth on the way. Summit 7 is played in Los Angeles, CA; the prize pool is $100,000.
Lootbet Invitational: Quarterfinals predictions
Ninjas in Pyjamas meet Thug Life, winners of the Lootbet Invitational Closed Qualifier. This is an exciting matchup because it provides Thug Life with a legitimate chance to advance to the semifinals. NiP formed recently. Four players came together in January 2017, and added Swedish player Aydin “iNsania” Sarkohi on April 20, 2017. I don’t find this matchup particularly significant because the winner will meet (and lose to) Team Empire in the Lootbet Invitational semifinals.
Which brings us to the next quarterfinal series, mousesports versus Team Empire. I like Team Empire in this matchup because I have no faith mousesports; since their runner-up finish at the Boston Major, what have they done? Not much. On the bright side, though, mousesports tied a Bo2 with VP May 21. Perhaps they’re showing signs of life, but Empire 2-0 mousesports. Team Empire have a cake walk to the winners’ finals.
Effect clashes with Vega Squadron after winning the second closed qualifier for Lootbet Invitational. Vega Squadron is the favorite to reach the semifinals. Effect beat Cascade twice to earn runner up at the Lootbet Invitational qualifier, unable to best Thug Life in the winners’ bracket. Vega Squadron 2-0 Effect, both games end in less than 40 minutes.
Alliance entered a rebuilding phase post-TI6. However, they shouldn’t be held back in the quarterfinals. Alliance will play Prodota Gaming, and are expected to win. PG’s most recent impressive victory came May 6 versus Vega Squadron during the Mr. Cat Invitational Europe. Vega Squadron is up and down. Therefore, I cannot give too much credit for the result.
Lootbet Invitational: Projected Scorelines
NiP 2-1 Thug Life
Empire 2-0 mousesports
Vega Squadron 2-0 Effect
Alliance 2-0 Prodota Gaming
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