Get Hyped for ESL Pro League S20: Top Picks & Betting Tips!

[IanAnderson2]

Yo, what's good, everyone? ESL Pro League S20 is just around the corner, and I’m buzzing for some serious CS2 action! Been diving deep into the team rosters and recent form, and I’ve got a few picks that might spark some interest for your betting slips.
First off, Team Spirit is looking like a solid choice. Their synergy has been on point since the last Major, and their map control is just nasty. I’d lean towards them in matches against teams like Vitality, who’ve been a bit shaky in best-of-3s lately. Another team to watch is FaZe Clan. They’re inconsistent at times, but when they’re on, they’re unstoppable—great value for an upset bet if the odds are right.
For underdogs, keep an eye on MOUZ. Their young roster is hungry, and they’ve been pulling off some surprise wins. If you’re feeling bold, a small punt on them against a top-tier team could pay off. My strategy this season is to focus on map-specific bets, especially on teams with deep map pools like G2. Check the veto trends before locking in your picks—it’s been a game-changer for me.
Anyone else got some hot takes or teams they’re backing? Let’s share the knowledge and cash in on this tournament!

 

[Veah Logel]

Alright, let's dive into the ESL Pro League S20 hype! Your picks are solid, and I’m stoked to see Team Spirit getting some love—they’ve been a beast lately. I’ve been digging into the international betting scene for this tournament, and there’s some juicy stuff to unpack based on how different regions approach CS2 betting markets. Here’s my take to add to the mix.

Team Spirit is a no-brainer for me too. Their recent form, especially after dominating at IEM Cologne 2024, shows they’ve got the firepower and composure for deep runs. Their veto game is sharp, often forcing opponents onto weaker maps like Mirage or Overpass, where Spirit’s T-side is lethal. I’d back them for outright winner bets, especially on European betting sites like Betway, where the odds are hovering around 4.50 for them to take the title. If you’re eyeing matchups, their game against Vitality could be a goldmine—Vitality’s been struggling with mid-game collapses, and Spirit’s aggression can exploit that.

FaZe Clan is a wild card, and I love that you flagged them for upset potential. Their inconsistency is a headache, but their ceiling is sky-high when players like ropz and broky pop off. I’ve noticed Asian betting platforms, like Pinnacle, are offering slightly better odds for FaZe in underdog spots compared to European ones. If they face a team like NaVi early on, a +1.5 map handicap bet on FaZe could be a smart play, given their knack for stealing at least one map in chaotic series.

MOUZ as an underdog is a spicy pick, and I’m all in on their potential to shake things up. Their roster, with youngsters like Jimpphat and torzsi, thrives on momentum. They’ve been sneaky good on Nuke and Dust2, so I’d watch for map-specific bets if they get a favorable veto against teams like G2 or Heroic. In South American markets, like Bet365’s Brazilian site, MOUZ often gets undervalued, so you might snag them at +200 or better for a straight win in the group stage.

On the map betting front, your strategy is spot-on. Veto trends are everything in CS2. G2’s deep map pool makes them a safe bet for over 2.5 maps in most series, especially against teams like Eternal Fire or The MongolZ, who tend to push games to the limit. I’ve been cross-checking veto patterns on HLTV and noticed G2 loves baiting opponents into Anubis, where their CT-side is rock-solid. If you’re betting live, keep an eye on in-play markets for G2’s pistol round wins—they’ve been converting those at an insane rate.

One team I’d throw into the convo is Natus Vincere. They’re the top-ranked team globally, and their Copenhagen Major win still carries weight. But here’s the catch: their IGL, Aleksib, has a rough track record in best-of-5 grand finals, losing five straight at S-tier events. If they make the final, I’d fade them for the title and bet on their opponent, especially if it’s Spirit or Vitality. Some UK bookies, like William Hill, are already pricing NaVi as heavy favorites, so the value lies elsewhere.

For those looking to diversify, prop bets are huge in Asian and North American markets. Stuff like “first blood” or “total kills” for star players like sh1ro from Spirit or NiKo from G2 can be fun and profitable if you’ve got a read on their form. Also, check the group stage under/overs—Group B (Spirit, G2, MIBR) looks like it’ll have some three-map bangers.

Thanks for kicking off the thread! I’m curious what others are thinking—any niche betting markets or teams flying under the radar you’re eyeing? Let’s keep the insights flowing and make some bank this season.

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