The Star Ladder i-League series is back with bigger prize money, a $100,000 bigger than the last season. This time 16 teams will be taken on to the finals, 8 out of which were direct invites and the other eight will climb up through the Chinese, European and North American qualifiers. With $300,000 on the board, teams will be looking into a tough competition ahead. As with the sponsors and broadcasters, the stage is bigger this time. Ninjas in Pyjamas came out champions from Dreamhack Masters Malmo in April while Natus Vincere, Virtus pro and Mousesports sit firm on the semi-final berths in E-League.

As we go down to the tournament talks lets first look at the potential setback which would more or less affect the viewership of Counter Strike: Global Offensive.

Effects of skin betting controversy on viewership

The crackdown on skin betting sites was a major blow to many who made money by betting skins via steam account. CS: GO never had the best public reputation. From under age gambling to crimes, CS: GO came under the scanner for varied reasons, and potential fallout is significant. The recent issue has also affected the number of players and viewers of the greatest FPS. The players have fallen down from 640,000 to 480,000 and the viewership by 37%. We will have to wait to see how this will carry on to the tournaments.

People’s favorites

Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP): Having tasted success only twice in their last 10 games in ELeague, ESL One Cologne and ECS combined, the champions of 2016 Dreamhack Masters Malmo looks down but not out. The inhumane 87-0 win streak back in 2013 and ending every tournament in top fours is what’s gripping the audience to the best team CS: GO ever had. f0rest sniping double kills from sleekest corners and GeT_RiGhT finishing off in style still remains the best combination.

Natus Vincere: Natus Vincere proves their mettle in the FPS when it comes to consistent performance and regular appearances in the quarters and semis. With 7 wins in their last 10 games and a K/D ratio of 1.07 makes them a team to reckon with. Edward and Zeus stay hot favorites with 732 and 799 maps each. NaVi’s new toy Overwatch’s roster is on the floor and ready to go.

Will Natus Vincere continue their fine run or will NiP gaming forget their ghost of Christmas past and finally rise from the ashes? Finals will be held in Nanjing, China from September 7-11.