CS_Summit Betting Tips: Gambit to go well at big odds

Esports tournaments are now a far cry from what they once were. The burgeoning industry has swapped bring-your-own-computer exhibition halls for sold out stadiums with production value on par with any top sporting event. The Spodek Arena in Katowice played host to IEM’s multi-genre tournament just last month and holds approximately 11,500 people at full capacity.

Beyond the Summit have a different idea though. Through their house/studio setup in Los Angeles, the esports studio run a series of alternative tournaments. They bring the intimacy back to esports and bring the communities a glimpse at their favourite competitors behind the scenes. The somewhat informal setup sees the analyst desk swapped for a sofa and the soundproof booths swapped for an ordinary room.

This weekend sees the first iteration of the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Summit, or CS_Summit as it’s been dubbed.

It’s an intriguing one from a betting point of view. Not only will players feel less pressure as there’s no live audience, or glamorous stage, but it’s the first tournament in a while where all of the top teams aren’t present. The eight teams set to compete are all good teams but, bar SK Gaming, none would be considered the creme de le creme of competitive Counter-Strike.

Understandably, SK Gaming hold the favourite tag and it’s not without good reason. The esteemed Brazilian squad are heavyweights and in recent years have had periods of sheer dominance over the CS:GO world. They have been harshly dismissed in the group stages of their last two tournaments so they’ll be looking to right the wrongs and take home the lion’s share of the $150,000 prize on offer. At odds of 5/4 on Bet365 they hardly represent decent value; but with the tournament being double-elimination they have two bites at the cherry and it’s hard to see how they’ll slip up twice.

At just 11/2, the shaky Ninjas in Pyjamas don’t represent anywhere near enough value in this tournament. They’ve been consistently poor for a while now, and continue to chop and change their fifth player without assessing any of their other problems.

For those looking to take an outsider, Gambit Gaming at 7.50, again with Bet365, would be our pick.

Gambit are a team which many would struggle to explain. They’re one of, if not the best team in the world on the Cobblestone map but it would be hugely surprising if it wasn’t banned against them. They’ve shown they can mix it with the best when they’re on top form.

A big factor in our decision is that they avoid the side of the bracket with SK Gaming in it. It means they have to win their opener and beat either Ninjas in Pyjamas or Liquid to have two bites at making the Grand Final – something that appears to be well within their capabilities. On that note, the better bet may be ‘Gambit to Reach the Final’ at a chunky 5/2.

Check out our first round match-ups tips here.