Can anyone move past the "Big 8" in Group B?

The long-awaited qualifier for the IEM Rio Major is ready to be kicked off in Malta tomorrow, where both European RMR groups are set to begin.

In this article, we take a look at all the teams in Group B, and we try to predict who will make it to the Legends Stage and Challengers Stage.

Group B

1. Vitality

2. NAVI

3. Heroic

The newly crowned champions of ESL Pro League Season 16 are obviously also among the favorites to go 3-0 in the group stage and secure a Legend spot at the Major. Team Vitality looks like a team, who has finally cracked the code and should be named among the title contenders in Rio next month. We have picked NAVI to also go through without any problems. Heroic should be a solid contender for the last spot in the legends stage with cadiaN in excellent shape.

4. Outsiders

5. MOUZ

6. ENCE

7. BIG

8. OG

Outsiders look like a rock-solid team, and could easily also belong in the top three of the group. The next four teams all have the capability to make it far, but their consistency is an issue. ENCE got off to a shaky start with their new roster at ESL Pro League, but we imagine, that they will be among the best eight in the group.

Missing out:

Falcons, K23, Monte, Sangal, FANTASY, SAW, HEET, Illuminar

Group B is the weaker of the two groups. In reality, it should be only Falcons, Sangal, and HEET who should be considered potential threats against the “Big 8” of the group. Sangal has a 12-match winning streak going into the event, while the French rosters of Sangal and HEET could do damage in Group B.

The first round of Group B tomorrow: (CEST)

16.00: Vitality - FANTASY
16.00: Outsiders - Monte
17.15: Heroic - SAW
17.15: Falcons - K23
18.30: MOUZ - OG
19.45: NAVI - Illuminar
19.45: BIG - Sangal