EStar Pro vs EDward Gaming on January 20
On January 20, a highly anticipated battle will unfold in the Pro League Bo3 tournament as EStar Pro faces off against EDward Gaming. Both teams are on a quest for dominance, and this clash promises to be a thrilling spectacle filled with tactical depth, individual brilliance, and high-stakes drama. The Pro League Bo3 format adds an extra layer of tension, with both teams needing to secure two out of three victories to advance. With both sides boasting incredible rosters and differing playstyles, this encounter will have serious implications for the tournament standings, making it an absolute must-watch for fans.
EStar Pro: Tactical Approach and Current Form
EStar Pro enters this match with a formidable reputation and a solid record in the Pro League. Their recent form has been impressive, having won four out of their last five matches. EStar Pro’s tactical approach is rooted in aggressive early-game skirmishing and a relentless pace, with a particular emphasis on map control and objective prioritization. Their composition often centers around highly mobile champions that can dictate the tempo, particularly in the early stages of the game, leading to an overall high kill participation rate (KP%) in their recent matches.
In terms of statistics, EStar Pro’s average gold difference at 10 minutes stands at +300, demonstrating their ability to gain leads in the early game. Their dragon control is also a highlight, with an impressive 80% dragon objective contest win rate in the past month. This speaks volumes about their team’s cohesion and ability to dictate map objectives, which is vital in the Pro League’s competitive landscape.
Looking at key players, it’s clear that EStar Pro's star carries, especially their mid-laner and ADC, are the engines of their offense. Their mid-laner, often playing meta-defining mages or assassins, excels at creating pressure in lane and in skirmishes. This player has posted a KDA of 4.7 in recent matches, which highlights their efficiency in teamfights and individual duels. However, the key question for EStar Pro in this matchup will be whether they can adapt to EDward Gaming’s more controlled and methodical playstyle. EStar Pro’s tendency to sometimes over-extend in fights could be exploited if they lose map control early in the series.
EDward Gaming: Tactical Approach and Current Form
EDward Gaming, on the other hand, approaches the game with a more methodical and strategic outlook. Their recent form has seen mixed results, but their experience and adaptability make them a formidable opponent. With three wins and two losses in their last five games, they’ve shown resilience under pressure, but they will need to refine their decision-making and teamwork to overcome EStar Pro’s explosive early-game play.
EDward Gaming’s tactical setup revolves around a more controlled, macro-focused approach. They prioritize late-game scaling, with a strong emphasis on wave management and neutral objective control. Their gold difference at 10 minutes averages around +120, suggesting that they’re more cautious in the early stages, preferring to wait for mid-lane teamfights or pivotal dragon and Baron encounters to accelerate their game tempo.
Key to EDward Gaming’s success will be the performance of their jungler and top-laner. The jungler’s pathing is crucial for establishing vision and preparing for key objectives. EDward Gaming’s top-laner has been known to be versatile, playing both tanks and carries, but they are particularly effective on champions that can split-push and create pressure in side lanes. Statistically, EDward Gaming excels in turret damage, often outpacing their opponents in objectives like turrets and dragons. Their team’s gold advantage is typically built on their controlled scaling and unrelenting map pressure, which wears down opponents over time.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The head-to-head between EStar Pro and EDward Gaming has been a fascinating one in recent times, with each team taking turns asserting dominance. In their last encounter, EDward Gaming came out on top, but the game was a drawn-out affair that hinged on a series of key teamfights. Historically, these teams have had evenly matched results, but EStar Pro's aggressive style often gives them the upper hand in early-game skirmishes. EDward Gaming’s ability to outscale their opponents and make decisive mid- to late-game plays has been their hallmark.
In terms of psychological warfare, EStar Pro’s brash, high-energy playstyle can sometimes result in mistakes during high-stakes moments. EDward Gaming, with their more patient approach, often capitalizes on these opportunities, making them dangerous in the later stages of a match. This matchup could very well come down to whether EStar Pro can maintain their tempo throughout the series or whether EDward Gaming can absorb the pressure and impose their strategic late-game plan.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The key battle to watch will be the jungle skirmishes. EStar Pro’s jungler is known for their early-game aggression, and if they can gain an early advantage through deep jungle invades or successful counter-ganks, it could snowball into a dominant early game. EDward Gaming’s jungler, however, will need to focus on neutralizing this aggression, securing early objectives, and setting up for controlled late-game fights around dragons and Barons. This battle will be crucial in determining the tempo of the game and the ability of each team to dictate the flow of the match.
Another crucial area will be the bot lane, where both teams feature highly talented ADCs and support duos. EDward Gaming’s bot lane is known for their defensive and measured approach, often playing the scaling game until the mid-late game, while EStar Pro’s bot lane is aggressive and excels in early pressure. The ADCs will be central to each team’s ability to secure early objectives, such as dragon control and turret pressure, which can give their team a strategic edge.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Based on the analysis of both teams' styles and current form, the most likely scenario for this match will see EStar Pro trying to establish an early lead with aggressive teamfighting and lane pressure, while EDward Gaming will focus on mitigating this aggression and scaling into the late game. EStar Pro’s ability to snowball early-game advantages will be key, but if EDward Gaming can weather the storm, they have the tools to take over the mid- and late-game.
Considering the strengths and weaknesses of each team, I predict that EDward Gaming will ultimately prevail in this series. Their disciplined, macro-focused playstyle and ability to execute in the mid-to-late game will be decisive. EStar Pro’s early aggression may give them a game, but EDward Gaming’s patience and teamfighting prowess will secure them the series in a 2-1 victory.
Final Thoughts
This match will provide an intriguing contrast of playstyles. EStar Pro’s fiery aggression and early-game dominance against EDward Gaming’s calculated approach to scaling and late-game execution. Will EStar Pro’s high-tempo play be enough to break through EDward Gaming’s defense, or will the latter’s patience and strategic prowess prove to be the deciding factor? This encounter will answer that question, making it a series no Esports fan should miss.
