HOTU sensationally defeated ENCE (2:0), while Inner Circle overcame Gentle Mates (2:1). Both teams advanced to the next stage of ESL Pro League Season 22 and will face each other in the battle for leadership.
ESL Pro League S22 — Tournament Context
ESL Pro League is one of the most prestigious regular championships in CS2. Advancing to the next stage of the group phase not only guarantees valuable points in the ESL ranking but also brings teams closer to the playoffs, where one of the biggest prize pools of the season is at stake.
HOTU vs ENCE — 2:0
- Dust2 (HOTU pick) — 13:4. Complete domination: mizu and frontales shut down ENCE’s attack in the first half.
- Ancient (ENCE pick) — 13:8. The Finns tried to mount a comeback, but an incredible streak from kade0 and the consistency of duke fissura left no chance for the opponent.
Player of the match — Dmitry “mizu” Kondratev
- K-D: 36–21
- ADR: 99.9
- Rating 3.0: 1.85
Impact: key clutches and the highest rating among all players in the match.
Inner Circle vs Gentle Mates — 2:1
- Nuke (Gentle Mates pick) — 13:8. The Spaniards took the lead thanks to sausoL.
- Mirage (Inner Circle pick) — 13:10. The Ukrainian roster equalized the score despite heavy resistance.
- Ancient (decider) — 13:11 for Inner Circle. Davy and Flierax delivered crucial rounds, closing the series by the narrowest margin.
Player of the match — David “Dawy” Bibik
- K-D: 54–43
- ADR: 84.6
- Rating 3.0: 1.39
Impact: stability across three maps, a series of important entries, and saves in the closing rounds.
Analysis: What’s Next for the Teams
- HOTU. For the roster, this is a historic achievement — the team ranked #34 in the world defeated the experienced ENCE and now has the chance to solidify its status as the tournament’s breakthrough. Their upcoming clash with Inner Circle will be a test of character.
- Inner Circle. No one expected this roster to make a breakthrough, yet they already hold a 3:0 streak and are confidently moving forward. The match against HOTU will be an opportunity to prove that the team is ready to compete not only with similarly ranked squads but also with lineups carrying serious international experience.
- ENCE. The loss was a major blow for the Finns. The team looked unconvincing and failed to impose their playstyle on either map. Ahead lies a survival match, where anything but victory will end their ambitions.
- Gentle Mates. The Spaniards lost their first chance to advance but continue their fight. Their next match will determine whether they remain in contention at ESL Pro League S22.
Head-to-Head Clash Ahead
HOTU and Inner Circle will meet in the next round of ESL Pro League S22. It will be a clash of the surprises, where it will be decided who becomes the group’s main revelation and secures the status of a true playoff contender.
