THUNDER dOWNUNDER have already become one of the stories of Stage 1. Few expected the Aussies to defeat MIBR in Round 1, yet they managed exactly that before pushing B8 all the way in a narrow 13-11 defeat. Regardless of what happens next, they’ve already exceeded most expectations coming into Cologne.

BIG, meanwhile, find themselves in a position many expected. Their loss to Liquid was disappointing, but they responded exactly as they should have by dismantling Gaimin Gladiators in Round 2. The German side still possess significantly more experience at this level, and the move to best-of-three should favor them heavily. THUNDER have proven they can compete in individual maps, but maintaining that level across an entire series against a structured opponent is a different challenge altogether. With blameF and gr1ks continuing to provide reliable firepower, BIG should easily control this series and move into the 2-1 bracket.