Trent Reinsmith
- What: Intel Extreme Masters Rio Major 2022
- Date: Monday, October 31 – Sunday, November 13, 2022
- Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The 2022 Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Rio Major is set to kick off on October 31 at Riocentro Arena Rio de Janeiro before moving to Jeunesse Arena for the Champions stage of the event between November 10 and 13.
The group stage of the Intel Extreme Masters Rio Major 2022 will begin with 24 of the world’s best teams. The goal of those teams is to win the event and claim the lion’s share of the $1,250,000 prize pool. The championship team takes home $500,000, while the runner-up earns $170,000. The third and fourth-place teams pocket $80,000. All teams who participate will earn some of that prize pool, with the 17th through 24th place teams taking home $10,000 each.
The 24 teams participating in Rio made their way to the event through the Regional Major Rankings. Those events were held for Europe, the Americas and Asia. Sixteen of the teams will come from Europe, six from the Americas and two from Asia.
The tournament begins with three groups – Legends, Challengers and Contenders. The best teams from the Contenders and Challengers stage will move to the Legends stage. From there, the best teams compete to head to the Champions Stage.
Before we dive into the betting picks for the Intel Extreme Masters Rio Major 2022, check out the best esports betting sites to get started on making the best Esports bets, and while you’re at it, take a look at the best sports betting apps and mobile options.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Rio Major 2022 picks
FaZe
FaZe Clan is the No. 1 ranked CS:GO team in the world. The team won the Antwerp Major in May and took home the $500,000 prize for that victory. FaZe followed that with a win at the IEM Cologne Masters, adding $400,000 in prize money for their effort.
Natus Vincere
Despite FaZe Clan’s recent wins, they are not the favorites to win in Rio. That honor goes to Natus Vincere, who finished second to FaZe in Cologne and Antwerp. During the Rio Major, Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev will look to hold onto his reputation as the best CS:GO player in the world.
Vitality
Team Vitality made the list of teams heading to Rio earlier this month with a first-place finish at the ESL Pro League Season 16 event. That should give them so momentum heading into the event in Rio. They will be a part of the Challengers stage, while FaZe and Natus Vincere are in the Legends group.
Our pick
We’re going with the No. 1 team in the world to win and that is FaZe Clan.
Pick: FaZe Clan to win the 2022 Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Rio Major.
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