Top CS:GO teams to look out for in 2020

Esports has a lot to look forward to in 2020 with some top CS:GO, teams. The scene is constantly developing and this year brings new and high potential teams. They may not be world-beaters, yet, but the potential is there for these teams to reach greatness in 2020.

FaZe Clan

Whilst they looked troubled for the majority of 2019, FaZe already started off 2020 with a bang, winning their group in the first week of the Blast Premier Spring Series. The European mix led by Nikola “NiKo” Kovač defeated once-dominant Team Liquid 2-0 in two different best-of-three series’.

Excitement builds around the roster as Brazilian star Marcelo “coldzera” David finally returned to the form he held under SK Gaming. The concept of both Niko and Coldzera popping off at the same time looks like it will finally occur. FaZe will gain some of the greatest firepower in CS:GO right now. While it’s still early days for FaZe this year, it’s definitely worth watching to see if they live up to their promised potential when the ‘super team’ was first created. Can FaZe be the next top CS:GO team?

6-0 on the weekend
10-1 in 2020

?????#FaZeUp pic.twitter.com/ywydFYoUJX

— FaZe Clan (@FaZeClan) February 2, 2020

Natus Vincere

For years, Natus Vincere, also known as NaVi, boasted the possession of one of CS:GO’s best, Aleksander “s1mple” Kostyliev. However, the side struggles to attain success with s1mple on the roster. This was due in large part form older players on the roster unable to perform effectively in-game. But things are looking up for NaVi as a fading Ladislav “GuardiaN” Kovács was replaced by young rifler Ilya “Perfecto” Zalutsky in late 2019.

Now, with an average player age of just over 21, NaVi is poised to be a lethal force in competitive counterstrike. Analysts stated repeatedly that all s1mple needs to succeed is competent players around him in the server. 2020 looks like the year he finally has them. The main question will be how the team’s leadership manages some of the larger personalities on the roster. If internal conflicts aren’t properly managed, it could lead to the implosion of the NaVi side. And without the more experienced players in the roster, a conflict could be hard to manage.

Enjoy the new episode from the #ICEChallenge2020 in London! A quick hotel & practice place tour, talked over in-game roles and interesting moments from the group stage matches.

?️: https://t.co/VNWLZZSE11#navination #csgo pic.twitter.com/9xdlVCVY5r

— Natus Vincere (@natusvincere) February 5, 2020

Mad Lions

Mad Lions are currently ranked 16 in the world and the third-best Danish side in CS:GO, following Astralis and Heroic. Their captain Nicolai “HUNDEN” Petersen recently led this side, under the Tricked banner, to victory. Mad Lions took the V4 Future Sports festival last year, even defeating MIBR in the process. Now they carry this moment forward into 2020. In the semi-finals of the ICE Challenge in London, they defeated the newly formed OG roster and barely lost to mousesports. Industry figure Duncan “Thorin” Shields believes the roster holds potential. He drew comparisons between Mad Lions now and ENCE in early 2019, saying, “Don’t sleep on this team.”

MAD Lions now look like ENCE did in early 2019. Don’t sleep on this team. Once they overcome a bit of the nerves they’re ready to jump a whole tier.

— Thorin (@Thorin) February 5, 2020

While the Mad Lions side certainly has potential, they may need more firepower to reach the next level. Hunden certainly seems tactically proficient and skilled at developing young talent, but in-game his statistics are lackluster, even for an In-Game-Leader. As such, perhaps a move for Hunden into a coaching role would allow his skillsets to benefit the team without hindering performance. Mad Lions’ underdog journey to becoming a top CS:GO team will be this year.

We take Train and advance 2-0 to the Semi Finals of the #ICEChallenge2020!

GGWP @OGesportsCSGO, we now face @mousesports in a rematch tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/SCYc3KJeC2

— MAD Lions CS:GO English (@MADLions_CSEN) February 4, 2020

Written by Benjamin Hodge