The Swiss round opener between Astralis and Monte brings together a team searching for consistency and a lineup that can be dangerous in Bo3 thanks to a clearly defined map pool. Astralis enter the series as favorites, but their recent form still leaves room for potential surprises. At the start of the tournament, discipline, economy control, and a well-executed veto are likely to be decisive.
Road to the Match
Astralis’ recent results show an inconsistent trajectory:
- 0–2 vs Aurora — issues with initiative and tempo.
- 2–0 vs FaZe — one of the team’s strongest series in recent weeks.
- 0–2 vs FUT — mid-map collapses proved costly.
- 2–0 vs 3DMAX — confident execution against weaker opposition.
- 0–2 vs Natus Vincere — lack of aggression and map control.
HooXi continues to shape the team’s structure, Staehr remains the most statistically consistent player, jabbi adds pressure on entries, and ryu is still integrating into the system. Astralis look strongest when they control the pace and avoid chaotic scenarios.
Monte arrive with a more balanced recent run:
- 0–2 vs fnatic — struggled against a structured opponent.
- 2–1 vs Ninjas in Pyjamas — held their nerve in decisive rounds.
- 13–8 vs BESTIA — confident control throughout the map.
- 2–1 vs Illuminar — strong mid-round decision-making.
- 2–0 vs ECSTATIC — clean execution of their map pool.
afro provides stability with the AWP, Bymas contributes in clutch situations, while Gizmy and AZUWU excel in positional play. Monte are at their best when the series slows down into a controlled, methodical pace.
Current Form & Context
Astralis show strong numbers on Overpass (73%) and Ancient (75%), giving them a solid foundation in the veto. However, Dust2 (20%) and Mirage (22%) remain clear weaknesses that opponents often try to exploit.
Monte, by contrast, are very confident on Dust2 (80%) and Mirage (71%), but lack overall map depth. Their strength lies in well-prepared comfort picks, while flexibility remains their main limitation.
Map Pool & Veto Analysis (Bo3, last 3 months)
- Dust2: Astralis 20% | Monte 80%
- Mirage: Astralis 22% | Monte 71%
- Inferno: Astralis — | Monte —
- Nuke: Astralis 33% | Monte 40%
- Overpass: Astralis 73% | Monte —
- Ancient: Astralis 75% | Monte —
- Anubis: —
Likely bans:
- Astralis remove Dust2 (80% for Monte).
- Monte remove Overpass (73% for Astralis).
Likely picks:
- Astralis: Ancient.
- Monte: Mirage.
Decider: Nuke — a map where clutches and economy management often decide the outcome.
VRS & Tournament Context
Astralis (#11, 1595 pts)
- +11 pts for a win
- –22 pts for a loss
Monte (#19, 1438 pts)
- +26 pts for a win
- –9 pts for a loss
For Astralis, this is an important opportunity to secure a strong start in the Swiss stage. For Monte, it’s a chance to make an early statement and gain valuable ranking points.
Prediction
Monte are capable of contesting their map pick, especially if Mirage is played without early pressure. However, across a full Bo3 series, Astralis’ deeper map pool and greater experience should make the difference.
Expected score: Astralis 2–1 Monte
The series should be competitive, but if Astralis maintain control of the tempo, they have all the tools to open their ESL Pro League campaign with a win.
