KODE5 is an event stacked with elite performers from all over the world. Even as the groups were drawn based off seeds it created uproar among fans that want to see their favorite team progress.

The chance of making it into the knock out phase is very limited - for all the five man line-ups flown into Moscow. The format ensures that only the best make it into the quarter finals at the end of Saturday.

Now - the group play will see some phenomenal matches – MYM (ex-PGS) will duke it out with MTW (formerly known as NoA) and Fnatic will take on a Virtus.Pro fighting for the pride of their mother Russia. The most interesting part of the event though, is the potential for fans to relive great moments of the past seen through today’s eyes. There is nothing that defines a professional sport like rivalries.

These are three rematches everyone should be dying to see at the KODE5 Global Final (note that a young and recently successful Mousesports, line-up has yet to establish a close rivalry with anyone attending KODE5 – as Alternate did not qualify).

SK – MIBR

Significant run ins:

Despite MIBR’s controversies with Team 3D (WCG 2003) – and the undeniable international breakthrough later that year as they beat the American powerhouse during CPL Winter – Brazilian, and in its extension South American Counter-Strike, was inspired by Shroet Kommando’s phenomenal display of electronic sport skills as they visited the country way back in 2001.

When Shroet Kommando took on a Swedish team, and turned into SK-Gaming, they visited Brazil again – to practice against MIBR. It would take several years until the Brazilians could be considered a full-fledged competitor – the fact that they finally became one, and an ESWC world champion at that, is a testimony to the determination of Brazilian players and their supporters. MIBR’s ascension came at a time when SK faltered but during late 2007 both teams were back on their feet.

Thus far, SK has had the upper hand – when it really matters. Early on at Extreme Masters in Los Angeles, MIBR would squeak out a 16-14 victory – to the delight of the South-American community. But when push came to shove and the “big game” arrived - SK won by 16-4.

KODE5 implications:

For KODE5, MIBR’s line-up bears a close resemblance to the 2006 ESWC championship team. As “cogu”, “nak” and “Bruno” are back from the CGS to join “fnx” and ”bit.” The question remains as SK has had time to build chemistry, despite “Spawn’s” short hiatus – is this too much too soon for the talented Brazilians?

Fans from South America will find out during the group phase of the KODE5 Global Final. The most interesting aspect of this rivalry might not be revealed until it really, really counts – should both teams make it through their respective quarter and semi finals.

Fnatic – MYM (formerly known as PGS)

Significant run ins:

Where to begin? These teams have some serious history, and even though both will deny they hold grudges, their matches almost always start a riot with their inherent excitement, passion and fantastic outcome. Past encounters go back as far as Winter CPL 2006 when a red hot Fnatic derailed a PGS team looking to sweep their third consecutive tournament (after WSVG London and WCG Monza) in a 2-0 victory. The Polish team did not get angry – they got even by edging the Swedes out of the single biggest match of CS: 1.6 history: the ESWC 2007 final. After losing the first map, PGS rallied and came back, winning two straight to earn their spot in a romanticized final they wound up winning.

Despite suffering a tough defeat, Fnatic was not deterred. The Swedish team rallied and claimed the throne of best team in the world in late 2007.

When 2008 rolled around, the stage was set for new run ins as they went toe to toe with PGS at the Samsung Euro Championships. In a sport where the smallest margins determine the outcome of high level matches, Fnatic seemed that much faster, smarter and more accurate.

Two separate games saw the Swedes victorious – by a 16-9 - and ultimately, a 16-4 blowout in the final of the prestigious country versus country tournament. This illustrious history is something the fans and both teams are extremely aware of.

KODE5 implications:

Another clash in Moscow will have MYM drooling with excitement – to have a Fnatic scalp under their belt would be the perfect way to fight their way out of their current slump and prove MYM’s investment in their Polish talent is not unsubstantiated. Fnatic will be looking to bury their rivals once and for all, and with a streak lining up – in their favor – a KODE5 defeat of Meet Your Makers might do that.

Fnatic – SK

Significant run ins:

For Swedish fans – this is the jackpot. SK was the early years of Counter-Strike: 1.6 while Fnatic has staked their claim in the later years.

After several mediocre seasons, the proud, originally German organization has bounced back – they should again be considered as one of the four-five best teams on the planet.

Fnatic’s second, and in “Archi” and “ins’” case – third generation upstarts, grew up as fans desperately wanting to dethrone SK’s “Heaton”, “Potti” and “Spawn.” It took some time, but in the end they finally accomplished just that as SK encountered the same problem that all revered all-star line-ups in mainstream sports do when their stars burn out – replacements are hard to come by.

Fnatic’s players swept the throne and have been reigning as the top Swedish dog since January 2006. As of late, SK has been on a forward surge – except when it comes to beating their rivals.

Fnatic claimed the big V at the NGL-Finals, at the KODE5 qualifiers in Sweden and at Extreme Masters in LA. SK finally broke Fnatic’s streak at Dreamhack.

KODE5 implications:

Fnatic holds the stronger seed in group A and on the other end of the bracket looms SK in group D. Potentially these two teams can come across each other – as early as the quarter finals – if one of the two fail to play to their aspirations of being the first out of their group.

Their KODE5 future could be interlaced in what would undoubtedly be the most dramatic quarter final conceivable – one that you can watch LIVE on Gotfrag TV with Trevor “Midway” Schmidt and Alex “Vansilli” Nguyen . Fnatic just got back from a time consuming PR-journey to South-Korea where they had to play a different game – something that is sure to affect their form. SK seems to have found a solution to their mediocre form through Dennis “walle” Wallenberg’s leadership – however the whole debacle over sixth player turned starter turned orphan “Get_Right” might have hurt their preparation.

Even when his replacement bears the hallowed eSport name “Spawn.”