OG and NiP Preview and Prediction- Free Betting Picks 8/18

OG and NiP will face each other in the opening match of the ESL One Cologne Online 2020:Europe. The two European teams are a part of Group A and the winner of this match proceeds to the upper bracket round 2. The ESL One Cologne 2020 is divided into several smaller regional events due to the coronavirus pandemic. The European segment of the tournament has sixteen teams competing for a $325,000 prize pool. The tournament uses a double-elimination GSL format group stage where the top eight teams move forward to the playoffs.

The 13th ranked OG roster has a lot of experience on its squad. Players from different backgrounds have joined OG and many of these players have been former in-game leaders. The team also added mantuu and ISSAA to add the much-needed firepower to the squad.

The NiP are ranked 12th and comprise a very young CS:GO roster. The team is very strong on Mirage, Overpass and Train. Vertigo was one of the team’s favorites, although its low win-rate might be an indication for the team to choose a new favorite map.

Pick: NiP

The NiP players have broken new barriers on maps like Vertigo. Their dominance on certain maps allows them the freedom to have a stronger draft. I am taking NiP to win this match.