CGS Season Preview: Counter Strike: Source
Written By: Michael “Peawok” FlemingYou know, I’ve always loved predictions. They are a fun, little way for fans to scream at each other and players to respond “lol” on your article. It feels great when you get it right, and “ugh..” when you’re predictions fail.
Then again, it looks like one game is out to ruin my love – Counter Strike: Source.
I don’t care what anyone thinks; Counter Strike: Source is, by far, the hardest game to predict. Teams get hot at the right time, and team A can beat team B but team C can always beat team A. Then again, team D never loses, unless they’re losing the franchise match. Ugh! It’s just complication on complication.
But, never fear. I’m here to give you my best. You’ll probably be a bit surprised, but these are well thought out and the best I got. Read on to see my predictions for the 2008 CGS Regular Season!
Projected Record: 4-8
Final Standing: Sixth Place
The Chicago Chimera has a lot of potential. Their players, individually, are all good, but aside from tr1p, I don’t see many “big” names. In one “dream team” thread, I’ve never seen any of Chicago’s players, other than tr1p and possibly Stevenson, as a selection. That’s not testament to my prediction – don’t get me wrong. In fact, I believe that may help them during the season. The team and players are definitely underrated and will likely upset a few of the top teams several times.
However, out of all the Counter Strike: Source teams I have reviewed and analyzed, one of the top five toughest would definitely be the Chicago Chimera. They haven’t played in much since the World Finals – having opted to take a break from CEVO and not really giving it their all, as a team, in training camp. They have had roster shakeups, and have had Pham sub nearly the entire preseason. It also should be noted that Pham played a huge part in their performance during training camp. They have confused me beyond words. I have no idea how they will play during the season, and putting them any higher would be a slap in the face towards the other teams who have shown me what they can do.
Dallas Venom
Final Standing: Fifth Place
I feel bad for Dallas. If they had a chance to play Chicago and Carolina three times, like 3D does, I’d put them as third in the season. However, it’s like the NFC East; The Optx, Venom, and CompLexity, are all good, but only two really have a legitimate shot at being the stars. Most would place CompLexity and Optx near the top, and if you do that, then Dallas has to slide down a few wins. In my opinion, they won’t win more than one game each against coL and Optx, and that already puts them in a 2-4 hole. Then, add in the fact that JaX wasn’t set on Classified being his fifth, and you start scratching your head.
What’s going for them, you ask? Well, they have great players and I’m sure they don’t want to be in that dreaded last place again. They also crushed CompLexity in their training camp match. In my opinion, Sunman was a great addition, though it may have been a bit too late. They have an uphill battle this season, so it will be interesting to see how they do and if they can pull an upset.
Projected Record: 5-7
Final Standing: Fourth Place
Last season, the Carolina Core were still learning Source. It is obvious to everyone that the team continued to improve throughout the winter, and the addition of org before the season began further escalated their skill. Through training camp, it was org, not devour, who led the way. Devour and Org are their “main show”, but their other players also make a huge impact. S0nny and Torrez have very strong AKs and, among the Core, fit in perfectly. DAFF has single-handedly won games for the Core. Their teams is very powerful and a force to be reckoned with.
However, there are a few things that have me worried. The team didn’t prove anything during training camp. People can argue that it meant nothing and Mark was more worried about saving strats than winning games. That may be true, but I don’t think any team really used strats to win the games; they just won by stronger teamwork and superior skill. Since they are the only team that did not have a roster change (org has been around long enough), you would be a fool to put them any higher than fourth.
3D.NY
Final Standing: Third Place
Most predictions I have recently read have put 3D rather low on the final standings. All is fair in predictions wars, I guess, but I think people just like to hate on 3D. Before the draft, people said 3D needed a leader and a stronger player to replace Rector. Moto did just that. Now, everyone’s saying they aren’t good. Well I don’t know what to say. Juan is an incredible player and leader, and Nicknoit can AWP with the best of them. Ksharp, Method, and Volcano have also had big games. No one can say they’ll do worse than they did last season, and getting to play Chicago three times during the season should help their record as well.
Of course, I have some doubts like others. 3D hasn’t really been a top team in awhile, and losing Rambo, one of the greatest minds in CS, really paralyzed the team. Juan has probably the toughest job out of all the Source players, due to his team’s long history and diehard fans. He, out of the entire team, is in a “make or break” situation. He makes it, the team plays well. He breaks it, Moto breaks him.
Los Angeles CompLexity
Final Standing: Second Place
The Los Angeles CompLexity is an incredible team. Individually, their team is one of the best. They have the skill, and they can handle the pressure of the big stage. Playing on LAN since the transition to Source has helped them immensely, but it is obvious that the other teams are catching up. Many have wondered if the roster change – zet leaving and Hanes taking his place – was too little, too late. I, however, haven’t even questioned it. Hanes is already at the coL house putting in hours of time and practice with the team. They’ll be ready for the season, and are still a favorite to take first place.
However, there are still questions. Hanes has been out of practice for quite some time, and even I am worried he won’t be as strong as he could be. It’s also important to note that Sunman could have been drafted instead. Also, people are out to beat CompLexity; Everyone hates the team on top. However, if I know Jake, he won’t let CompLexity slip from the top two. I see CompLexity losing their first CSS match against Optx, and also losing another to them, but overall they should find ways to pull out the close ones.
Projected Record: 8-4
Final Standing: First Place
And finally, we reach my number one. When Kat made her changes, I was a bit worried. She ruined what I thought was a perfectly good team and I was screaming at my computer asking “What are you doing!?!” Well, she proved me wrong, and now she has the best team in the league. Also, their bootcamp will definitely give them an edge during the season.
I don’t think Optx fans have much to worry about. If anything, fans should worry about the team still running on to much emotion; Moe himself carries enough for the team. It fuels their fire, but they could burn themselves. Also, if the team is far behind and it’s looking grim, I don’t know if they can pull it out. Still though, Optx looks strong this season, and unless a predictions curse comes to haunt them, they should have no trouble placing in the top two.
That’s it everyone! Hope you enjoyed the prediction and I’ll see you during the season!
. I agree with the CompLexity prediction. I think everything is going to be ok with no problems. Good write up btw Peawok.
Team GM
Staff Member
Pro Gamer
Staff Member
http://www.insideresports.com - #insideresports