At the first stage of ESL Pro League Season 22, we are set for an exciting clash between Legacy and B8. Both teams come into this match with inconsistent results but with the potential to challenge each other on their strongest maps. B8 have recently shown progress and picked up some important wins, but it’s Legacy who, thanks to their experience and deeper map pool, are considered the favorites in this matchup.
Bookmakers’ View: Legacy as Favorites
Bookmakers rate the Legacy vs B8 encounter as fairly even since both sides have their strengths in the map pool and a similar level of results in recent tournaments. However, the slight advantage is still on Legacy’s side. The team has more experience playing against top-tier opponents and stable numbers on maps like Inferno and Overpass, where they can dictate the pace of the game.
B8, despite looking solid on Mirage and Dust2, lack the consistency to be considered favorites in a bo3 series on such a big stage. It is Legacy’s experience and more reliable arsenal of maps that make them the primary contenders for victory in the eyes of the bookmakers.
Legacy’s Current Form: What to Expect
Legacy have been struggling with stability in recent months. Over the past three months, they’ve played 44 maps, winning 24. However, their recent tournament results leave much to be desired: a 13–16th place finish at BLAST Open London 2025, a 5–8th place at Thunderpick World Championship 2025 Closed Qualifier, and a 12–14th finish at FISSURE Playground 2.
- Legacy lineup: latto, dumau, saadzin, n1ssim, lux
The last five matches raise further concerns — only one win (against HEROIC) while losing to Astralis, G2, Team Falcons, and Imperial. This points to serious issues when facing stronger opposition and a need to find consistency in key situations.
B8’s Current Form: What to Expect
B8 have shown slightly better momentum, though they remain inconsistent overall. In the last three months, the team has played 29 maps and won 13. Their most notable recent results include a 4th place finish at Perfect World CS Challenge Series 1 and 3rd place at StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025.
- B8 lineup: npl, esenthial, headtr1ck, alex666, kensizor
Their recent matches look more promising — three wins out of five, against Gentle Mates, Passion UA, and OG. However, losses to NiP and PARIVISON show that they still struggle to keep up against solid Tier-1/Tier-2 lineups.
Legacy Map Pool
Legacy almost always open vetoes by banning Train, which is not part of their active arsenal. Their go-to picks are typically Inferno (11 plays, 55% win rate) and Mirage (13 plays, 54%). Ancient is also an option, though their results there remain shaky (50%).
Their strongest maps overall are Overpass (100% win rate), Dust2 (67%), and Inferno. In the second ban phase, Legacy are likely to remove Ancient to avoid a 50/50 scenario against B8.
B8 Map Pool
B8 generally start with a ban of Nuke, which has been their weakest map. When it comes to picks, they usually adapt to their opponent’s weaknesses but tend to lean on Mirage (7 plays, 71% win rate), Dust2 (5 plays, 60%), and occasionally Ancient (4 plays, 25%).
Their best maps are Overpass (100% win rate), Mirage (71%), and Dust2. In the second ban, they will most likely remove Overpass to prevent Legacy from capitalizing on their strength.
As a result, the most likely decider looks to be either Dust2 or Ancient, where both sides have the tools to compete.
Head-to-Head History
In the past six months, Legacy and B8 have not faced each other. This series will mark their first-ever official meeting, which adds intrigue and makes the outcome less predictable.
Match Prediction: Legacy vs B8 — ESL Pro League S22, Stage 1
Legacy’s form is far from perfect — only one win in their last five matches raises concerns about consistency. Meanwhile, B8 are showing gradual improvement, with solid performances in mid-tier tournaments and strong showings on Mirage and Dust2. This gives the Ukrainian side a slight edge in the map pool and a chance to push Legacy.
However, Legacy’s broader experience against elite opposition and strength on maps like Overpass and Inferno may prove decisive in a bo3 series. Taking everything into account, this tough match is expected to end in a Legacy 2:1 victory, though B8 will certainly have opportunities to test their opponents.
Prediction: Legacy to win 2:1
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