] Eximius
Andy “icy” Keefe
Chad “momper” Momper
Jon “broodex” Gibbons
Kyle “kth” Holloway
Aaron “deacon” Armijo

Eximus came from absolutely no where, and dominated the placement tournament along their way into CEVO Pro. They haven't stopped there, continuing on to become one of the top teams in the league. Eventually they ended the regular season with the third seed and a 10 - 6 record.

They enter this event with a bit of a bad reputation. As the newest team with great results, they have received the "online" badge. Had this event been set on LAN, there would be a ton of added pressure for them to perform. However, with it being over the wires, Eximus should not experience any additional pressure heading in.

Strengths:

For a team comprised of some relatively unknown players, Eximus truly understands the team aspect of the game. They play very unselfishly and aren't easily intimidated by other bigger-named teams.

Weaknesses:

Eximus has been known to be one of the more inactive teams around. This inactivity might be the difference between doing well and being knocked out early.

Prediction:

They have shown the ability to hang with the best, and a top four placing shouldn't be completely out of the question for them.



MoB
Kris "kris" Romillo
Paul "Adrenaline" Baker
Thomas "thomz" Garcia
Noah "StrikeR" Alvarado
Shaun "hostile" Catron

x3o might be the top dog in the region, but the West Coast has a new upstart team nipping at their heels. MoB came together roughly before the start of the CEVO season and features some of the best players the region has to offer. They have lived up to their potential, taking the second seed in the CEVO Pro playoffs with an 11 - 5 record.

While they have had some early success, they have only recently solidified their lineup. Both hostile and thomz have been added to the team, and having recent experience of being on top US teams, should add to the team.

Strengths:

MoB has some of the most individually talented players available after the CGS split. They rely on their aim to out play their opponents.

Weaknesses:

This team like many others in the event, is newly formed, and they just do not have the same experience and teamwork as EG.usa or x3o. They need to put the pieces together, and fast, to have any hope of taking down either of those teams.

Prediction:

Top three. There is no reason why MoB can't place in the top three if not win this whole thing.

Selected Teams



Stacked Like Pancakes
Zach "sunjo" Ganey
Mike "fluaxoN" Kirkham
Joey "pondfiller" Marotta
Derek "weym0" Weymouth

SLP has found themselves in a bit of a rut lately. After placing fourth in CEVO Pro last season, they have had the wind removed from their sails. Now they are missing out on CEVO Pro playoffs following a sub .500 record, and the team is having issues with their roster and inactivity. As of now, their fifth is unknown, as is their participation in the event.

The team received a sponsorship earlier in the year, and was finally able to attend a LAN. While they placed second at that event, it was a small local tournament, and they lost to a well prepared pug of upper tiered players in the Finals. It is easy for forum trolls to ride them about this seemingly poor performance, it speaks more to their inconsistency than their being "online."

Strengths:

This team places a ton of emphasis on their individual talent. Their players are capable of hitting some of the most incredible shots you will see.

Weaknesses:

This team suffers from having a pug mentality in that they are not organized and haven't put in enough time ironing out a game plan. Their inconsistency on pistol rounds has been another thorn in their side, preventing them from getting off to strong starts in matches. Also, recently they have been very inactive, and are unsure what fifth they will have for this event.

Prediction:

Roster issues and inactivity might keep SLP from even participating, let alone having success at the event. Even with a ringer they probably have enough talent to beat half the teams playing, but the upper half of the teams will be nearly impossible for them to overcome.