In the 0-2 pool at ESL Pro League Season 22, M80 and Rooster will face off in a decisive match. For both teams, this clash is crucial: a loss means elimination from the tournament, while the winner keeps their hopes alive for advancing to the next stage. The pressure is immense, as there is no more room for mistakes.
How Bookmakers See It: M80 as Favorites
Bookmakers clearly favor M80, considering their international experience and deeper map pool. Despite a streak of disappointing results, the American squad is seen as stronger and more stable, while Rooster are regarded more as underdogs who can only make an impact on their own map pick.
Current Form of M80: What to Expect
M80 enter ESL Pro League Season 22 in mixed form. Over the past three months, they played 85 maps and won 62 — a result that points to long-term consistency. However, their recent runs at big events were less impressive: 5-6th place at BLAST Open London 2025 Finals and only 9-16th place at the Thunderpick World Championship 2025 Closed Qualifier.
- M80 roster: Swisher, slaxz-, s1n, Lake, HexT
In their last five matches, M80 managed to win only once — against fnatic, while losses to HEROIC, ENCE, OG, and MOUZ highlighted their struggles against tier-one opposition. This may be a worrying sign ahead of the league start.
Current Form of Rooster: What to Expect
Rooster show decent progress on the regional stage. In the last three months, the team played 57 maps, winning 36. They performed well in regional tournaments: 2nd place at CCT Season 3 Oceania Series 2, victory at eXTREMESLAND 2025 Oceania Closed Qualifier, and another 2nd place at ESL Challenger League Season 50 Oceania Cup 2.
- Rooster roster: asap, chelleos, TjP, sliimey, Terryyy
On the international stage, however, their results have been modest. In their last five matches, Rooster secured two wins (both against SemperFi), but defeats to SemperFi, G2, and 3DMAX showed their struggles against stronger opponents.
M80 Map Pool
M80 almost always start with a Nuke ban, making it very unlikely to see this map in the series. For their pick, the team most often chooses Overpass (19 times, 79% win rate) or Ancient (18 times, 78% win rate). Given their remarkable 89% win rate on Overpass, this looks like their most probable choice.
Their further bans could include Dust2, where their win rate is only 47%, to eliminate a weak spot, and also Train, to avoid giving Rooster a dangerous option.
Rooster Map Pool
Rooster consistently ban Ancient, while their most common picks are Nuke (14 times, 71% win rate) and Overpass (12 times, 67% win rate). Since Overpass is one of M80’s strongest maps, the logical choice for Rooster would be Nuke, where they feel confident.
In the second ban phase, Rooster are likely to remove Train, avoiding a map where M80 are extremely strong. As a result, the decider will most likely be Mirage, where both teams have solid records and a fair chance to fight for the win.
Head-to-Head Record
In the past six months, M80 and Rooster have not faced each other. This match will therefore be their first encounter on the big stage.
Prediction for M80 vs Rooster: Battle for Survival at ESL Pro League Season 22
Based on the stats and map pool, M80 look like the favorites in this series. Even though they have struggled recently against top-tier opponents, Rooster’s current level does not yet match the European and North American elite. M80’s strong Overpass and stability on Mirage give them a solid edge.
Rooster may find success on their Nuke pick, but overall, their chances of winning a bo3 look slim. The expected outcome is an M80 victory with a scoreline of 2:0 or 2:1.
Prediction: M80 to win 2:1
