Shahzeb “ShahZam” Khan. Bild: Cloud9.gg

During MLG X-Games, Cloud9 were upset by brazilian underdogs Kabum and were flattened on Mirage.

As the qualifiers for ESL One Katowice close in, Shahzam and his teammates will make sure they’re not surprised again in Group B.

– We’ve played them while they’ve practiced in the US so we know what to expect this time, ShahZaM tells Aftonbladet Esport.

This weekend eight teams struggle for a spot in the first big tournament of the year. ESL One Katowice is just around the corner and a lot is on the line for the teams struggling for one of those spots. None more so than the North American side Cloud9. After several disappointing results at the start of the year, the North Americans need to show their true face to advance to the grand tournament in Katowice.

– I’m fairly confident with the teams we’re set to play against. There isn’t much to know about INSHOCK. We couldn’t find any VODs/demos of them, but the other teams like Mouz and KaBuM we are pretty familiar with, AWP star Shahzeb ”ShahZaM” Khan tells Aftonbladet Esport.

”Think we will beat INSHOCK”

To advance from the qualifiers, Cloud9 will have to face off against their antagonists from MLG X-Games in Aspen. The Brazilian side, KaBuM, took both C9 and the CS:GO community by storm when they crushed the former American powerhouse on Mirage. But ShahZam says that they’ve since done their homework regarding KaBuM

– I think we will beat INSHOCK, then play KaBuM. We’ve played them while they’ve practiced in the US so we know what to expect this time.

And you’ll maybe veto Mirage this time?

– Haha, of course. They are seriously impressive on that map.

Group A is finished and CounterLogic Gaming, Titan, LGB Esports and Flipsid3 Tactics advanced to the ESL One Katowice main event. At 11 CET tomorrow morning, Cloud9 will enter the fray against home team INSHOCK.