Forming a Russian mix team for the World Cyber Games proved to be a successful formula in Seattle, where KPOBb finished 5th-8th. PUTb is composed of just two players that represented the Eastern European country last year, but experience and talent are things this team isn't lacking. Although initial reports suggested that PUTb would have to use Virtus.pro manager Konstantin "groove" Pikiner in Cologne, it seems that the Russian representative will play with former EYESports Alexey "Flatra" Zlobich after all. In a group with no major opposition, PUTb is a strong contender to sit top of the group.

Many expected emuLate to have a chance to defend its crown but last year's WCG champion surprisingly crashed out of the qualifier at the group stage. This will be the second international event for eSport-Eu after participating in GameGune 2008 under the name dRu. In Bilbao, the French squad placed 9th-12th, and is now eager to advance from Group G and repeat some of the good performances showed in Spain. eSport-Eu will take optimism from the fact that most of its group opponents aren't as prepared as it is.

The absence of in-form Jean "wasi" García from x6tence's WCG line-up certainly came as a major blow to the Spanish giant - who was hoping to take this opportunity to return to the European elite after a long period where good results seemed almost impossible to come by. García - who had to make way for David "DeyF" Arroyo - had been one of x6tence's most important members in recent events and his game will surely be missed in Cologne. His replacement is no newcomer, though, as Arroyo enjoyed a long spell at x6tence before becoming inactive in July 2007. It remains to be seen whether his longtime absence will have an impact on x6tence's WCG form but the Spanish squad has already shown some fragilities as it slumped to a disappointing 2-0 defeat to hoorai for Extreme Masters III last week.

Swiss side ARTLEZ is probably the team that has the biggest chances of upsetting x6tence and eSport-Eu. Last year, Switzerland had a forgettable WCG record overall, producing four defeats, but this year's representative has in its ranks several local veterans that will not want to leave Cologne empty-handed.

Austria was drawn in Seattle's Group of Death in 2007 and managed to claim just three points from its five group encounters. Now, despite being in an easier group, the Austrians are still rated as underdogs and its chances of progressing to the next stages look very slim.

This is Azerbaijan's first Counter-Strike appearance in World Cyber Games events and F.azer.Z will surely not want to disappoint its fans. However, that should prove to be little or nothing in Germany as it will take on teams that possess much better international records.

GotFrag.com's Top 6 Prediction:

1. PUTb
2. eSport-Eu
3. x6tence e-Sports Club
4. ARTLEZ
5. Ultima Ratio
6. F.azer.Z






WCG 2008 CS Melee

bit: "We want to win Group C"
PUTb's Flatra in doubt for WCG
wNv to miss WCG

WCG CS Group Previews
   - Group A
   - Group B
   - Group C
   - Group D
   - Group E
   - Group F
   - Group G
   - Group H

Galleries
GotFrag goes on an adventure in Cologne!
Kolnmesse venue gallery
Rock stars, half-pipe bmx, and oprah. Just part of the Opening Ceremonies.