Xaxas
12.03.2026
The online chaos of ESL Pro League Season 23 is over. Twenty four teams entered the Swiss stages and only eight remain. Now the action moves to the LAN finals at Annexet in Stockholm where the bracket is single elimination and every decision in Pick'ems matters.
For Pick'ems players this is where strategy becomes critical. Every correct call earns a point and every miss costs one, which means safe picks and calculated risks both play an important role. The playoffs feature four quarterfinals on Friday, two semifinals on Saturday, and a best of five grand final on Sunday.
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Gocore publishes daily match tips throughout the tournament to help you stay ahead of every series. Whether you are tracking quarterfinal results or refining your Pick'ems strategy, the tips section covers every match as it happens.
Let's break down the bracket and identify where you should choose battles wisely and where you might want to separate from the pack.
The bracket places the two undefeated Stage 2 teams on opposite sides. MOUZ and Spirit both finished 3-0 and enter the LAN stage as the clear favorites.
Quarterfinal 1: The MongolZ vs Natus Vincere
This matchup has revenge written all over it. The MongolZ already defeated NAVI earlier in the season and their aggressive T side style can overwhelm teams that struggle with early map control.
However NAVI looked much more stable by the final Swiss round. Their 2-1 victory over 3DMAX featured strong CT side setups on Ancient and improved mid round coordination from makazze and w0nderful.
Map vetoes will likely decide this series. The MongolZ thrive on aggressive maps like Mirage and Inferno where their fast entries create chaos. NAVI will want to steer the veto toward slower tactical maps where their structure can shine.
Pick'ems call: NAVI win 2-1
Quarterfinal 2: Legacy vs Aurora
This matchup already delivered fireworks in Stage 2. Aurora barely survived their first meeting after a quadruple overtime Inferno and a double overtime decider on Dust2.
Aurora's strength comes from explosive T sides led by XANTARES and woxic. When their entry success is high they can snowball rounds quickly. Legacy counter with strong individual rifling from dumau and saadzin, which makes them dangerous in clutch situations.
Given the previous series, this matchup feels extremely volatile. If you want a safer Pick'ems path Aurora have slightly higher firepower, but Legacy are one of the few teams that already proved they can match them tactically.
Pick'ems call: Aurora win 2-1
Quarterfinal 3: MOUZ vs FUT
MOUZ arrive as one of the most convincing teams in the entire tournament. Their 13-1 destruction of The MongolZ on Ancient showed how disciplined their map control and rotations have become.
Spinx has been the standout performer so far with one of the highest ratings of Stage 2. Combined with strong calling and solid CT side setups, MOUZ rarely lose control once they gain a lead.
FUT on the other hand are the underdog story of the event. Their comeback victory against G2 in the final Swiss round proved they can handle pressure. Players like dziugss and cmtry delivered multi kill rounds that constantly broke G2's setups.
The problem is consistency. Against a structured team like MOUZ, FUT will need perfect momentum rounds to stay competitive.
Pick'ems call: MOUZ win 2-0
Quarterfinal 4: Astralis vs Spirit
Spirit enter this matchup as one of the most dangerous teams in the world right now. Donk continues to dominate rifling duels and sh1ro provides stability in late round situations.
The teams already met earlier this year when Spirit defeated Astralis 2-0 during IEM Krakow group stage play. That result alone will make Spirit a popular Pick'ems selection.
Astralis still have the tactical discipline to push this series deeper than expected. Their structured CT setups helped eliminate FaZe in the Swiss stage and Staehr has been one of their most reliable performers.
If Astralis can steer the veto toward Nuke or Inferno they have upset potential. Still, Spirit's firepower advantage remains significant.
Pick'ems call: Spirit win 2-1
If the quarterfinal predictions hold, the semifinals will look like this.
Semifinal 1: NAVI vs Aurora
Aurora's explosive style can punish teams that struggle with mid round adaptation. NAVI have improved significantly since their early Swiss stage loss, but Aurora's momentum on T sides may tilt the series.
Pick'ems call: Aurora win 2-1
Semifinal 2: MOUZ vs Spirit
This would be the dream semifinal of the event. Two teams that dominated the Swiss stage and two star players performing at elite levels.
Donk's aggressive rifling versus Spinx's consistency would be the defining duel. Spirit's explosive entry power makes them extremely dangerous, but MOUZ's teamplay and map structure might be better suited for a deep playoff run.
Pick'ems call: MOUZ win 2-1
If the bracket develops this way the grand final becomes MOUZ versus Aurora.
Aurora have proven they can win chaotic games, but best of five series reward structure and map pool depth. MOUZ currently look like the most complete team in the tournament.
Their ability to control tempo on both CT and T sides makes them extremely difficult to break across multiple maps.
Pick'ems call: MOUZ win the grand final 3-1
Pick'ems strategy for the playoffs
For most Pick'ems players, the safest path is backing MOUZ and Spirit to reach the semifinals. Both teams dominated the Swiss stage and have the most consistent individual ratings across the roster.
The biggest opportunity to separate from the pack lies in the Aurora versus Legacy match and the potential NAVI versus MongolZ upset. Those are the series where riskier predictions could gain leaderboard points.
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If you want a conservative strategy, pick MOUZ as your champion. If you want to gamble on momentum, Aurora's explosive style gives them real upset potential in a single elimination bracket.
Stockholm is ready for three days of elite Counter Strike. Now it is your turn to lock in predictions and see if your reads on map vetoes, clutch situations, and team form can climb the Pick'ems leaderboard.
Xaxas
12.03.2026
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