DeKay CS:GO Major Mailbag, Part 2: Karrigan, Mertz and playoff predictions

With the IEM Katowice CS:GO Major about to kick off its final stage, DeKay is back with another Mailbag looking at some of the biggest questions from the community.

There’s less than 24 hours left until the playoffs of the first CS:GO Major of 2019 gets underway, and there’s plenty at stake for all the teams involved. 

Depending on how each teams perform, we could be set for a number of roster moves once the post-Major shuffle gets underway. 

Part 2 of DeKay’s Mailbag will look at a few of the teams that could be set for moves, as well as look beyond the Major to what’s coming during the rest of 2019.  

Who will win the Major? 

The biggest surprise for the entire Major in general has to be Renegades. I put them in to make Top 8 in my Pick’Em but only after the Challengers Stage. The appear very cohesive and I’m amazed at how well AZR plays while also being the in-game leader. They almost look like a mini Team Liquid.

Speaking of Team Liquid, they are my choice to win it all. I think their path to the Final is clear cut and they are overflowing with confidence.

Could tarik have landed somewhere other than NRG?

I’m not 100% certain of every team that reached out to him. My guesses would be teams like Envy and compLexity.

Where will karrigan land?

If I had to put money on it now, it would be either Envy or Mousesports. In that order. Still uncertain at this point though.

What are FaZe Clan’s long-term plans? 

I think that is doubtful. I’m not sure how keen NiKo is on working with ChrisJ again. I think it wouldn’t be a bad idea though. It is hard to say how everyone on that team feel about him.

I haven’t heard any rumors about it being possible yet. Again, it is early because FaZe are still in the Major.

Are BIG looking to make moves after a disappointing Major?

I think them looking to players like ChrisJ or woxic is a real possibility. There have a been a few rumors pointing that direction, but it’s still a bit early yet.

What’s up with Ghost and steel?

Contrary to what most people think, it has nothing to do with being able to play Majors or not. It’s not my position to discuss what exactly at this time. Maybe in the future.

Is a French roster shuffle on the horizon? 

I don’t expect much movement from them. At the most, G2 maybe making a singular change? That’s the only thing I feel is possible, but for now I wouldn’t be surprised if they stay put.

What about a Danish shuffle? 

Not that I’m aware of. From what I’m told, Mertz was in fact sick and Heroic held him out a tiny bit longer rather than immediately throwing him back into the fire. 

I haven’t heard of any real movement yet around North and OpTic. We will see.

Can MIBR beat Astralis? 

I explained the first part above. I don’t believe MiBR have the map pool to make it past Astralis though.

What’s next for pashaBiceps? 

I haven’t heard anything about Pasha and his future. He doesn’t strike me as someone that is interested in grinding from the bottom. It will probably come down to the quality of offers he receives.

Playing with olof doesn’t sound like something that would actually happen. Who knows though.

Can compLexity replicate their success in the future?

I don’t have a ton of confidence in them. I’d be shocked if either n0thing or Rickeh remain with them moving forward. They would have to make a huge splash for me to count on them to carry any sort of momentum the rest of the year. 

Stanislaw played out of his mind and they can’t expect that to happen on a regular basis.

Is a new seasonal league on the way?

None that I’m aware of. Everything appears very static at the moment with mostly format changes occurring. Ask me again in six months.