We have an exciting 1-1 bracket matchup in the first stage of ESL Pro League Season 22, where G2 Esports will face B8. A loss here won’t mean elimination from the tournament, but it will significantly complicate the path forward — the team will be just one step away from the danger zone. That’s why both squads will approach this match with maximum focus, as a victory brings them closer to advancing to the next stage without added pressure.
How the Bookmakers See It: G2 as Favorites
Bookmakers clearly consider G2 Esports the heavy favorites in this clash, which is backed up by their recent results and consistency on their strongest maps. Their success at BLAST Open London 2025 further boosted confidence in the team, while B8 are seen more as underdogs, capable of an upset only if they manage to fully utilize their own map pick. Analysts expect G2 to take the series with a 2:0 or 2:1 scoreline.
Current Form of G2: What to Expect
G2 are entering ESL Pro League Season 22 in solid form. Over the last three months, they played 50 maps and won 30 of them, demonstrating stability. Their triumph at BLAST Open London 2025 Finals, where they became champions, stands out. On the other hand, their showing at FISSURE Playground 2 was less impressive, finishing only in the 5–8th place.
- G2 lineup: huNter-, malbsMd, HeavyGod, SunPayus, matys
Their last five matches show mixed results: wins against Rooster, GamerLegion, and Legacy, but disappointing losses to Gentle Mates and The MongolZ highlighted that the team still struggles under pressure against unpredictable opponents.
Current Form of B8: What to Expect
Over the last three months, B8 have played 35 maps, winning 16 of them. While this is a more modest figure compared to G2, the team has proven capable of challenging stronger opponents. In September–October, B8 performed well at the Perfect World CS Challenge Series 1, finishing 4th, and impressed at StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025, securing 3rd place.
- B8 lineup: npl, esenthial, headtr1ck, alex666, kensizor
In their last five matches, B8 defeated Legacy, Gentle Mates, and Passion UA, but fell short against HOTU and NiP. This confirms their status as a team capable of surprises, though still inconsistent when facing stronger competition.
G2 Map Pool
In a bo3 series, G2 will most likely remove Nuke, which is their most common ban. Their strongest maps include Inferno (77% win rate), Dust2 (75%), and Ancient (64%). The first pick is likely to be Inferno, where G2 look the most confident. In the second ban phase, they could remove Overpass to avoid playing on B8’s 100% win-rate map.
B8 Map Pool
B8 are also expected to start by banning Nuke. As their pick, Mirage (62% win rate) looks like the best option, where the team feels comfortable and has a chance to challenge G2. Their second ban will likely be Train, as it is rarely played. That leaves Dust2 as the most probable decider map — a battleground where both teams have solid results, making it potentially the most intense part of the series.
Head-to-Head Record
In the past six months, G2 and B8 have not faced each other. This adds intrigue to the match, as neither side has recent experience playing against the other, forcing them to prepare in an unpredictable setting.
Prediction for G2 vs B8: ESL Pro League S22
Considering form, experience, and depth of roster, G2 are clear favorites in this matchup. Their map pool is more stable, and the individual skill of their players allows them to recover even in tough situations. However, B8 are a team that can surprise, especially on Mirage or Dust2, where they might catch G2 off guard.
Prediction: G2 to win 2:1
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Astralis
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