CS:GO ESL One: Road to Rio - Predictions & Odds for This Weekend

• Team Liquid faces FURIA in a rematch of last week’s big upset.
• The Gambit Youngsters look to make it 2-0 this week against forZe.
• Team Vitality and Team Heretics face off with major tournament implications.

With one week to go in the CS:GO ESL One esports tournament, teams are in a do-or-die scenario for advantageous seedings and hoping to pick up precious momentum as the tournament kicks into high gear.

There is high level play all over the world as we speak, but this weekend has plenty of matches that are too close to call and can presumably be decided by whoever gets the last shot. Now more than ever, every play will determine if a team surges towards glory or flames out in defeat.

The defending champions Team Liquid look to avenge their shocking loss against FURIA in our featured match, but two teams on the bubble as well as a potential upset highlight this weekend’s CS:GO action.

CS:GO – ESL One: Road to Rio Odds

May 9

May 10

Odds taken from Bovada Sportsbook.

This matchup between two powerhouse teams looks to be the match of the weekend. When Team Liquid and Furia last met, Furia dominated on Vertigo, but narrowly avoided calamity on Inferno.

Though the defending champions might have been caught off guard and let their slow start cost them, the way they ended the match might suggest they’re more than prepared for the rematch.

Furia will have to hope they catch Liquid off guard and slow to the trigger once again. If both teams have properly adjusted since last week, this one will go down to the wire.

forZe vs. Gambit Youngsters

Despite losing three of their last four ESL games, the Gambit Youngsters are trending upwards as a possible upset against forZe. It does seem odd, especially as forZe has won their last two ESL games in commanding fashion.

These two met last on May 4 in the Loot.Bet league, the Youngsters handily defeated forZe 2-0 and should carry enough momentum to snap their skid against a familiar opponent.

The higher stakes involved might tip the scales to forZe’s favor, but an upset here wouldn’t be surprising in the least.

Team Vitality vs. Team Heretics

The final lower bracket spot in the European region is in play between these two 3-3 teams. Vitality should have the upper hand, but Heretics strong showing at BLAST suggests they may be on a hot streak.

At the same time, Team Heretics run at BLAST was against subpar teams, meaning that Vitality is going to be a sterner challenge in what essentially is a win-or-go-home scenario for both teams.

Heretics shouldn’t be resting on their recent success, because the battle tested Vitality may have the upper hand should this showdown come down to the wire.

Picks: Team Liquid, Gambit Youngsters, Team Vitality