As you probably know, it’s been a few crazy weeks. CEVO’s in full swing. The Pro-Am playoffs started, came to an exciting conclusion, and swiftly disappeared off the radar as its parent league followed it out the door, forever changing the eSports landscape. That large sucking sound you heard on Tuesday was probably created by the vortex from its departure.

In retrospect, this was probably not the ideal time for both writers on this site to need time off to attend to real-life issues like work and, in my case, losing one’s job.

But all things good and bad shall pass, and it’s time to get back on the horse. Despite the CGS folding, eSports is not dead. Source is not dead. And I’m also pleased to report (and I hope you’re pleased to hear) that I am not dead. Therefore, the show must go on.

In the coming days we’ll get back to Source coverage, and we’ll be checking in with the people that are trying to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of the CGS. There’s been a lot of fallout, both in terms of the ramification on eSports as a whole and what it means for specific people like the former CGS players and GMs. And from what I’ve seen, there’s been a lot of crazy ideas floating around. There’s so much to talk about I can’t say where I’ll start, or when I’ll stop. But I feel like I’ve had a unique perspective being on the outside for the first CGS season, then working in the offices for the second season, and I’ll share as much of that perspective as I can in the coming days and possibly weeks.

And here’s hoping the next few days aren’t as crazy as the last few.

This was originally written for CarolinaCore.com but due to recent circumstances with the CGS league, I will now be finishing up my Pro-AM predictions here at LANDodger.

Written by Heather "sapphiRe" Mumm

Well, it is a gloomy day here in the e-Sports world with the recent news announcing the end of the Championship Gaming Series after two years.

But there is still one last night of CGS Counter-Strike: Source action before the doors close...

After eight weeks of regular season play and nine days of playoffs, the first CGS Pro-AM Championship match has arrived. Tonight the upper bracket winners and only undefeated Pro-AM team, the San Francisco Optx, will take on the lower bracket winners, the New York 3D to determine who be crowned Pro-AM Champions and take home the $5,000 grand prize.

The finals will be played in a best of three format, with de_dust2 being used for match one, de_inferno for match two, and if necessary, de_nuke for match three.

Throughout the past nine rounds, my predictions have sometimes been spot on and at other times, couldn't have been more wrong. My current record stands at 29-9, and I'm shooting for a 3-bomb tonight (Yes, it's 3, not 30).

For guest predictions tonight, I'm taking you on a little trip around the globe to see what three Source players from various regions around the world think of tonight's match-up. Tonight's guest predictors include:

- Fifflaren - Berlin Allianz (CGS)
- Nord - Dubai Mirage (CGS)
- sauce - '94 Knicks (CEVO-P)

Good luck to the Optx and 3D tonight in what could be the last time we ever are able to see these two line-ups compete. Read on for the last CGS Pro-AM Championship predictions...

sapphiRe's prediction record: 29 - 9

» Click To View The Bracket Here

Grand Finals

(2) San Francisco Optx vs. (13) New York 3D

The San Francisco Optx are the only team to go undefeated throughout the CGS Pro-AM regular season and playoffs. With a 12-0 record, the Optx will meet up with the New York 3D who are 11-3 throughout the Pro-AM.

The last time these two teams faced off was in the Upper Bracket Finals on de_nuke. The Optx started out strong on CT side with a 7-2 half score. 3D attempted to rally back but fell just short, making the final score 10-8 and pushing 3D to the lower bracket. There, New York eventually met up with the LA Complexity on de_season, where 3D advanced after winning 10-7.

The first match will be played on de_dust2, where I think the Optx will take control right off the bat. The Optx have avoided any challenges on dust2 so far in the playoffs, with their only dust2 win coming against Veritas with a smashing 10-1 score. New York on the other hand demolished FEVER 10-4 in their dust2 match. I've always felt the Optx are quite strong on this map while 3D's dust2 performances seem to be shaky, such as their 10-2 dust2 loss to Venom in the regular season. Optx should take the dust2 match to start off with the 1-0 lead in the best of three.

Next up is de_inferno, a map both teams have avoided thus far in the playoffs. In the regular season, 3D defeated the '94 Knicks 10-5 on the same map, using an awp-heavy CT set-up. I think the same will hold true tonight, with 3D generally running 3 awps weilded by Ksharp, n0it and Volcano. New York will be able to push the Championship into a much needed third map.

It's no secret 3D has been struggling on de_nuke as of late, the third map that will be used. In the Upper Bracket Championship, the Optx were vitorious against 3D on nuke, but I think 3D is finally starting to pick it up on nuke. Last night in CEVO-P, 3D took the usually strong de_nuke team, the Dallas Venom, into double overtime on the map. New York looked like a much improved team and I think if they can play how they did last night, they should be able to take the Championship tonight.

Scoreboard sapphiRe's prediction (de_dust2) San Francisco Optx 10 New York 3D 6

Scoreboard sapphiRe's prediction (de_inferno) New York 3D 10 San Francisco Optx 7

Scoreboard sapphiRe's prediction (de_nuke) New York 3D 10 San Francisco Optx 8

Scoreboard sapphiRe's prediction (Best of 3 Total) New York 3D 2 San Francisco Optx 1

Fifflaren's Predictions (Berlin Allianz)

Scoreboard Fifflaren's prediction (de_dust2) San Francisco Optx 10 New York 3D 8

Scoreboard Fifflaren's prediction (de_inferno) New York 3D 10 San Francisco Optx 7

Scoreboard Fifflaren's prediction (de_nuke) New York 3D 10 San Francisco Optx 5

Scoreboard Fifflaren's prediction (Best of 3 Total) New York 3D 2 San Francisco Optx 1

Nord's Predictions (Dubai Mirage)

Scoreboard Nord's prediction (de_dust2) San Francisco Optx 10 New York 3D 8

Scoreboard Nord's prediction (de_inferno) New York 3D 10 San Francisco Optx 7

Scoreboard Nord's prediction (de_nuke) San Francisco Optx 10 New York 3D 8

Scoreboard Nord's prediction (Best of 3 Total) San Francisco Optx 2 New York 3D 1

sauce's Predictions ('94 Knicks)

Scoreboard sauce's prediction (de_dust2) San Francisco Optx 10 New York 3D 7

Scoreboard sauce's prediction (de_inferno) New York 3D 10 San Francisco Optx 5

Scoreboard sauce's prediction (de_nuke) New York 3D 10 San Francisco Optx 6

Scoreboard sauce's prediction (Best of 3 Total) New York 3D 2 San Francisco Optx 1

Upper Bracket

Lower Bracket

The CGS Pro-AM Source playoffs kick off tonight with $16,500 in prize money up for grabs.

Head on over to CarolinaCore.com to read my Pro-AM playoff preview article!

We have finally arrived at the official start of CEVO-P week 3.1 after three early matches were played last night. You can view those results here.

Tonight we have the last two undefeated teams in action. The LA compLexity is 4-0 going into tonight and in first place according to CPI, while the Dallas Venom is breathing down their necks in a close second place, and also at 4-0. Who will come out of the week still undefeated? Only time will tell, but here's how we see the action playing out.

The LA compLexity have shown few signs of weakness thus far, winning every match by at least a 5 point margin, and they're currently in first.

x3o, on the other hand, has had mixed results. They're 2-2 with big wins over the '94 Knicks and the Carolina Core and losses to 3D and the Chicago Chimera.

I think x3o has the talent to defeat coL, but having to play them on russka and most likely start T side (compLexity is the home team and selects their side of choice) will make this rather difficult. The forum-goers were ecstatic last week when fans found out pham joined the x3o lineup. While it's obviously a great pick-up in the long run, for this map I think the inexperience as a team will hurt x3o's chances.

LA should take this one with a lot of room to spare, but I don't feel that the score necessarily reflects x3o's talent. They are shaping up to be a great team this season, but russka may be a difficult map for them.

sapphiRe's prediction: LA compLexity > x3o 13-6

Cyber Revolution is arguably the most surprising team to be in the top half of the standings. With a 3-1 record and a sixth place standing going into tonight's match, Cyber Rev is well above teams like the Optx, Devastation and the '94 Knicks. Then again, their wins have come against Hyper, iNet and Mug 'n Mouse which means the bulk of top tier teams are yet to come.

This will be Cyber Rev's first shot at a big name team as they take on the San Francisco Optx. The Optx are looking to mount a much needed comeback after a rough two weeks and Cyber Rev is their first target.

Looking at San Fran's 1-3 record, a win for Cyber Rev wouldn't statistically be an upset. But the Optx still have five amazing players. Any win over this team is huge and would be a huge boost to Cyber Rev's morale and record. If the Optx can pull together as a team, they should be able to take down Cyber Rev. As the home team, the Optx need to take an early lead on CT side if they select it, and hold on to that lead for dear life.

sapphiRe's prediction: San Francisco Optx > Cyber Revolution 13-9

Let me start off with pointing out...the Dallas Venom are NOT in first place (technically)! A bit of a shocker, wouldn't you say?

But they are in second place with a 4-0 record and only behind compLexity because of CPI. If you're looking for the last time the Venom lost, you'd have to go back to the middle of July. I don't know how much longer they'll be able to keep up the win streak, but I don't see it ending tonight.

Mug 'n Mouse is 1-3 and in tenth place. Out of sixteen teams, that is a respectable showing for MnM so far. Keep in mind their one win was over the Chicago Chimera which came as a big surprise to many. So we know that MnM can beat a CGS team, but it's a new day and a new map...Oh and it's the Dallas Venom.

Despite the odds against MnM, I have a feeling they might surprise the Venom and put up a good fight. But the Venom should move to 5-0 after tonight.

sapphiRe's prediction: Dallas Venom > Mug 'n Mouse 13-8

This probably isn't an official change, but on mIRC Devastation changed their name to the Kansas City Chiefs. Now why in the world would they do that? Why would they want to associate themselves with a pitiful 1-7 team? I just can't seem to figure that out.

Then again, Devastation's CEVO-P record isn't looking much better. At 1-3, Dev has a lot of catching up to do if they want a shot at the playoffs.

iNet hasn't had anything to brag about so far. As the statistically worst team in the league at 0-4, including a forfeit loss last week, the future is looking bleak. Considering Devastation seems to be one of the weaker teams so far, this is a good opportunity for iNet to pick up their first W.

This one should be extremely close, but I think Devastation's chemistry on this map from past CEVO seasons will play to their advantage.

sapphiRe's prediction: Devastation > iNet 13-11

This is going to be my only prediction this week. I’ve had a bit of a crazy schedule lately, and as you can see, sapphiRe manned (womanned?)  up and did the rest.

But you know what else that means? Pressure. Lots and lots of pressure.

Normally if one of my predictions heads south, which they are wont to do, I can point to some successes as well. Helps sooth the sting a bit. With only one prediction, you’re stuck with whatever you get. We’ve heard the phrase “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Unfortunately, the phrase doesn’t offer any contingency plans for when you only have one egg.

Getting to the match, I’ve chosen to put my egg in the KEYBOARD SMASHERS’ basket (and I hope they’re more gentile with eggs than KEYBOARDS). They’ve got a win against Devastation and an OT victory over Cyber Revolution, while taking two losses from Dallas and Los Angeles. Those matches weren’t close, but they weren’t total skunkers either. They’ve surpassed my expectations so far this season, and I'm definitely warming to them as a middle-of-the-pack team.

Dynamic, on the other hand, has been doing alright, but not that great. They’ve got wins over two teams that are absolutely struggling (the ’94 Knicks and Hyper, combined 1-9), and two losses against good teams in Devastation and Zomblerz.

In the end, I think it’ll be a close match. I don't think there's a clear favorite, and playing on Russka doesn't help. If one team puts in a little extra practice and is really prepared, they could easily take the match. But for now I'm rolling with the smashers of keyboards.

Mike's prediction: KBS > Dynamic 13-11

Previous LANDodger eSports Blog Entries:
CEVO-P Week 3-1 Results - Part I
CEVO-P Week 3-1 Preds - Part I
Late CEVO-P 2-1 Results
CEVO-P Week 2-2 Results
New York 3D - 13 | '94 Knicks - 3
CEVO-P Week 2-2 Preds
CEVO-P Week 2-1 Results
CEVO-P Week 2-1 Preds
CEVO-P Preview: Dallas Venom
CEVO-P Preview: New York 3D