The 2022 PGL Major Antwerp is the first CS:GO Major tournament of the year and the first since PGL Major Stockholm, which took place in November 2021. Like the last Major, the PGL Major Antwerp will welcome 24 CS:GO teams who will vie for the lions’ share of the $1,000,000 prize pool and the glory that comes with winning the Major title. Let’s check the Vitality vs Complexity Betting Analysis.
But while the PGL Major Antwerp promises exciting two weeks of esports picks action, it also offers plenty of CS:GO betting opportunities, some of which we will explore in this betting article. So without further ado, here is our betting preview and CS:GO predictions for the opening round clash between Team Vitality and Complexity.
Last games records
Team Vitality and Complexity enter the Major as Challengers, meaning they have done enough in regional RMRs, but they weren’t quite the best teams in their respective regions. And that’s a proper way to view them.
Team Vitality are 3-2 since the start of April, with wins against Dignitas, Eternal Fire and MOUZ, and two defeats against FaZe Clan and Natus Vincere. Not the best record to hold, but we can give them some slack, knowing that Vitality’s only two losses came against the current no.1 and no.2 teams in the world.
Complexity hold a much better 7-4 record since the start of April, but most of those games were against weaker opponents. Notably, Complexity Gaming lost against Astralis, Natus Vincere Liquid, and MIBR but won against GODSENT, Carpe Diem, Caetano, 00Nation, Evil Geniuses, and Team oNe.
Vitality vs Complexity Betting Analysis
Interestingly, Team Vitality and Complexity have never met before, but that’s hardly surprising, knowing that Complexity rebuilt its lineup at the start of 2022. The teams also attended a few same tournaments, but they never met.
Notably, Both attended ESL Pro League S15, where Vitality and Complexity disappointed with 13th-16th and 17th-20th-place finishes.
They also participated in BLAST Premier: Spring Groups 2022, which Vitality won, while Complexity crashed out in 10th-12th place.
Evidently, Vitality have achieved more in 2022, which explains why they’re the favorite, but they haven’t accomplished enough to justify the offered CS:GO odds. And even if consider that Complexity have struggled to win anything, they shouldn’t be priced as high as +270 for a Bo1 match.
Team Vitality
Team Vitality are under pressure heading into the Major, as they need to start posting solid results; otherwise, a roster change or a roster rebuild is inevitable. Vitality completely changed its identity ahead of the 2022 season by building a Danish/French, but results are nowhere to be seen even though the roster holds potential.
On a more positive note, Vitality had a decent showing at the European RMR, where they only lost to NaVi and FaZe, who are the current top favorites to win the major, according to esports odds.
So if those results are any indication, Vitality should be a top-8 team, and there isn’t much to suggest otherwise. That said, the team’s star player, Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut has been struggling with his form, and if he doesn’t find any traction here, Vitality could struggle to make a splash.
Admittedly, Vitality are more than just ZywOo, but even elsewhere, the squad have been largely underwhelming as far as individual performances are concerned.
Complexity
Complexity might not come off as a serious candidate to win the Major, nor were they particularly impressive at Showdown Series. But the NA squad had shown good performances at the RMR and Dallas qualifiers.
Moreover, Complexity fields Michael “Grim” Wince and Ricky “floppy” Kemery are excellent players and have consistently been the top fraggers. They might not be two of the top players at the tournament, but they can be the difference-makers in close series, as shown when Complexity faces dome of the world’s best teams.
Updates
There are no notable news regarding Team Vitality or Complexity. Both teams should have a full squad ready for the PGL Major Antwerp.
Moreover, the recent ban on coaches for exploiting the spectator bug has not affected either of the two teams, meaning Complexity and Vitality will have coaches travel with them to the Major.
Vitality vs Complexity Betting Preview
On paper, Team Vitality look much stronger, and no one should be surprised if they make a much deeper run at the Major. However, while anyone should consider Vitality as the better team, that doesn’t guarantee them success in the tournament’s opening round.
We have to note that the first rounds are all best-of-one (Bo1), a format notorious for upsets. So while you can hardly make a case for Compelyity to defeat Vitality in Bo3, they should not be ignored in Bo1 settings.
As difficult as it is to defeat top teams, stealing just one map – preferably the one you are good at – is not that difficult. And this explains why there are so many upsets in Bo1s and not as many in Bo3s.
Admittedly, Complexity still need to be good enough to go toe-to-toe with Vitality, and despite their lack of success this season, they have proven to check that mark. When Complexity are feeling themselves, they can be competitive against any team, and that’s enough to give them a fighting chance here.
Vitality vs Complexity Betting Prediction
There is little to no reason to back Vitality to win at the offered betting odds. They might be better, but they are definitely not as strong as the latest CS:GO odds suggest, and their chances of winning are not nearly as high as the odds imply.
How to bet on Team Vitality vs Complexity
A handicap round bet on Complexity does make sense, as they are getting a 4.5-round headstart, meaning the underdogs would only need to pick up rounds, But if you’re betting on this match, a moneyline bet on Complexity is a far better choice.
Prediction: Complexity to win +275
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