WePlay AniMajor 2021 Wild Card Match Predictions and Odds

Dota 2
June 1, 2021
Marcus Wong

WePlay Animajor 2021, it’s finally happening in Kyiv, Ukraine. Wild Card matches will kick off the competition tomorrow. While Dota 2 fans won’t be able to visit the major physically, participating teams have already arrived, and are preparing for the opening games. Let it be known that the Wild Card seeds are certainly no pushovers, as we got heavy favorites stuck in this bracket.

Let’s analyze three key matches that will set the tone for the entire opening portion of the event.

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Team Secret vs AS Monaco Gambit

“Out of the frying pan into the fire” is what’s best describing AS Monaco Gambit’s situation. Gambit is kicking off their major debut with a match vs Team Secret. Days ago, Gambit suffered a massive blow in their Dota 2 line-up after two players left the team. Both Vladimir “No[o]ne” Minenko and Akbar “SoNNeikO” Butaev decided that they can’t find success playing for Gambit, hence left for Natus Vincere.

While Gambit managed to find replacements in the nick of time, we aren’t too optimistic that Gambit can hold up. As for Team Secret, playing in the Wild Cards isn’t exactly the best look for a European powerhouse. Regardless, there’s no denying that they are still the massive favorites heading into the Wild Card.

Of course, the Dota 2 odds are heavily favoring Team Secret at x1.17 versus Gambit at x13.48 return. The match is scheduled for June 2, 13:00 CEST if you’re eager to witness this beatdown. The rest of the matches will follow as soon as this first match ends.

Execration vs Invictus Gaming

Over at the battle among Asian squadrons, Execration finds itself in a rather sticky situation. Considering their opponent on the first day is the Singapore Major 2021 champions, Invictus Gaming.

Now, Execration had a pretty exciting run back in the Dota 2 DPC SEA S2. Having clutched the third-place tiebreaker versus Fnatic to secure their tickets to the WePlay Animajor. Unfortunately, the Wild Cards competition in the second major is much deadlier than the previous. With IG and Team Secret, to name a few, Execration falls off in terms of experience and reputation.

This match definitely belongs to IG, with high regards for their recent performance. The odds for IG to win is at x1.45 against Execration at x10.13 odds. Talk about a one-sided fight to kick off the Wild Cards!

Nigma vs Invictus Gaming

Well, there are good reasons why IG got into the picture once again. They are, of course, the spotlight in the Wild Card games and potentially the entire WePlay AniMajor. However, one of their opponents is the infamous Team Nigma. The International 7 champion, aka ex-Team Liquid roster, was renowned for being underdogs in every tournament they appear.

This is essentially what this match between Nigma and IG feels like right now. Despite Nigma being the weaker opponent, there is still so much faith in Kuro “KuroKy” Salehi Takhasomi to lead his team to glory. Furthermore, Nigma didn’t come empty-handed into this fight, as they have Igor “iLTW” Filatov on their side.

As far as synergy and performance in the DreamLeague S15 go, Nigma is certainly a decent competitor. The Dota 2 odds also reflect similarly, with both teams sharing relatively even odds. IG is on an x2.92 return versus Nigma at x3.37 return.

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iG heading to WePlay Animajor

Vici Gaming vs Nigma

Vici Gaming has had a rather unfortunate shortcoming in the DPC China S2, losing their match versus PSG.LGD in the second-place tiebreaker. The fact that VG already defeated PSG.LGD before the tiebreakers just rubs salt on the injury as well.

In hindsight, VG is commendably one of the stronger opponents in the Wild Cards. So much that they could possibly rival IG and Team Secret if the opportunity strikes. VG has a very balanced line-up and played under strict objective-based goals. Hence, it’s rare to ever see VG players go on a rampage, hunting down enemies, but they had rather take the wiser path, objectives.

As they gain momentum, they ensure not to give any chance of redemption that their opponent could use. On the other hand, Nigma is one of those contradicting teams when it comes to regaining control after a poor early game. Sure, if they give Amer “Miracle-” Al-Barkawi all the space in the world, then there’s potential. But, it’s a no-brainer that Miracle- is Nigma’s golden boy, so opponents would make him their primary target to inhibit.

The odds side with VG at x2.43 against Nigma’s x4.48 return. A considerably high odds on Nigma, considering what they can put on the table.

These are several high-stake games for the competing teams. Well, perhaps this applies to you as well if you are keen on Dota 2 betting. Don’t worry, we got you covered on curated Esports bookmakers you can trust, just like the odds shared here from GG.bet.