Cover Image Courtesy: Extremesland Official | Thumbnail Image Courtesy: Extremesland Official



One of the biggest Asian CS:GO tournament, ZOWIE eXTREMESLAND 2019, featuring a prize pool of $100,000, taking place from 14th-17th November in Shanghai, China at the Jing’An Sports Center has announced the groups for the first stage of the tournament.

Groups Revealed

The sixteen participating teams have been divided into four groups of four teams each for the Group Stage, which will be following a double-elimination format. The opening and the winners’ match-up will be featuring a single game series whereas the elimination and the decider faceoffs will be played as a best-of-three.







Top two teams from each group will advance onto the Playoffs, which will follow a single-elimination bracket with each match being a best-of-three series.

Group Stage Predictions

Group - A

The first team to make their way through this group has to be the front runners of Asian Counter-Strike, TYLOO. The Chinese teams have not been in the best of form in recent times, but their skill and experience are on a different level when compared to other teams in the group, giving them a definite edge over them.



It is tough to point-out the second team that might be qualifying through the group stage, but seeing YaLLa Esports playing firsthand in the Middle East qualifiers, I can say that the team certainly packs a punch and might qualify for the Playoffs. Giving them trouble will be the last-minute invite Genuine Gaming, which is a tier-two Australian team, they certainly have the exposure of playing against high skilled teams as they often go up against Grayhound Gaming and might have some tricks up their sleeves.

Group - B

The Mongolian squad, AUGUST are a scary bunch. With the team boot camping in China along with a star-studded lineup of erkaSt, dobu, and kabal, they certainly have the necessary firepower and the experience to make their way to the top eight.



But it will not be an easy ride for them, as ALPHA Red is looking confident to make a deep run at the tournament, following up on their runners-up finish at the recently concluded OMEN Challenger Series 2019.



Giving the two teams an even tougher time will be the defending champions, MVP PK. The Korean team is certainly a top tier contender and with the trio of glow, xeta, and stax, along with the responsibility of defending their title, certainly have what it takes to reach the playoffs.



LAZE performed better than expected in their last outing at Jakarta but are still young and don’t have the necessary experience to take on the regional veterans.

Group - C

Demise from Turkey is a top-tier team having players who have plenty of experience playing and competing in the EU region. Their gameplay has good synchronisation and method to it, which is a double-edged sword when going up against the Asian teams, but they can hold their own and will definitely make it to the Playoffs.



Once again the tussle for the second spot is a tough pick with both B.O.O.T-d[S] and Ground Zero Gaming being on equal footing. But the Singaporean represents will hold a slight edge over the Aussies, having had a complete roster which has practised together for a longer time, while GZG comes in with their coach, Burk and substitute player Noobster stepping-in as substitutes.

Group - D

ViCi Gaming will definitely take the first slot followed by Bren Esports. Both the teams have more skilled players and experience to take them into the top eight. Revolution might have a marginal chance of making it through, while the Indian squad of Entity haven’t achieved great results in international tournaments yet to credit them with a Playoffs slot.



Nonetheless, surprises are a part of the game and if any of the underdogs make it through to the playoffs, there is nothing but respect and admiration for those teams.



These are the predictions for the Group Stage of the upcoming ZOWIE eXTREMESLAND 2019 which is just a few days away from its opening day. What do you guys think about these predictions? Comment below which team will you be supporting in one of the biggest Asian CS:GO tournaments of the year.