The official ESL Counter-Strike account has published the pre–Stage 1 Power Rankings for ESL Pro League Season 23, adding intrigue with the caption: “One of these is not like the others.” Judging by the community reaction, that team is NRG.
How the teams ranked each other
According to the graphic, almost every Stage 1 participant placed PARIVISION in first place. In most lists, they are followed by G2 Esports, FUT Esports, and Astralis, forming a clear consensus top four heading into the tournament.
However, in NRG’s column the picture looks noticeably different. The North American squad ranked G2 Esports first, with PARIVISION only second. Their mid-table placements also differ, particularly regarding Heroic, Legacy, and Monte. This “outlier” ranking is what prompted ESL’s playful caption.
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Community reaction
The post quickly sparked discussion on X (Twitter). NRG’s official account replied with a simple 👀 emoji, further fueling speculation.
Fans added their thoughts:
- “interesting ranking @semperfiESC”
- “semperfi and m80 know ball, putting monte at 8”
- “G2 over PARA”
Some supported NRG’s bold take, while others argued that PARIVISION currently look like the most consistent team based on recent form.
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What it means ahead of Stage 1
Power Rankings are mostly a psychological element and a way to build hype before the matches begin. Still, they reveal how teams internally perceive their competition. If nearly everyone places PARIVISION at No.1, it reflects strong respect for their current form. By naming G2 Esports as favorites, however, NRG signal that they may fear the European giant’s structure and experience more than the current frontrunners.
Stage 1 of ESL Pro League Season 23 kicks off in the coming days — and now the teams will have their chance to prove who truly is “not like the others.”
