Back in May, a new format was introduced into the CDL during Major 2 called “Bounty Week” and it was brought back for New York’s Major 4.
It’s a simple concept. Win your scheduled “Bounty Match” and you and your team win some money. $10,000 to be exact.
With the first two matches already played, it’s time to break down and predict the rest of the Major 4 bounty matches.
Related: [Paris Legion: The Punching Bag of the CDL]
First Two Matches
The first Bounty match on the schedule was the Florida Mutineers vs New York Subliners.
After thinking they were done, NYSL surprised not only me but everyone in the community with how well they continue to bounce back.
After basically being out of contention for Champs, they remain undefeated in four matches and are currently on top of the standings for Major 4.
You didn’t miss anything with this one.
LA Thieves made quick work of Boston winning in a clean 3-0 sweep. Getting heavily outslayed, the Breach wasn’t able to make even one map close and continue their struggles this season.
Weekend Matches
Minnesota Rokkr vs. Paris Legion
Prediction: Minnesota Rokkr
I don’t think I need to explain my reasoning behind this pick.
Although Minnesota hasn’t looked great in their past two matches, dropping easily to the Florida Mutineers and London Royal Ravens.
I still have to pick them to win because Paris is just that bad.
If Minnesota can just play to their level of COD, there should be no reason they don’t leave $10k richer.
Atlanta FaZe vs. Seattle Surge
Prediction: Atlanta FaZe
This is a tough one to predict
Although the Seattle Surge came in as the reigning Major 3 champs, they haven’t looked like the same team.
After getting a lucky break and having a scheduled match and victory against Paris, they would follow up by losing their next matches to the Boston Breach and the New York Subliners, unable to win even one map.
However they always seem to perform well against FaZe.
That probably won’t happen this time.
During this qualifying stage, FaZe has gained victories over top-tier teams in the Toronto Ultra and the LA Thieves.
Besides suffering a fluke loss to LAG, Atlanta look as good as usual and have a good chance of taking home that $10,000.
Los Angeles Guerillas vs. London Royal Ravens
Prediction: London Royal Ravens
The Guerillas have recently gone through some roster changes looking to compete again and keep their spot for Champs next month.
However, they’ve done the complete opposite.
LAG’s record so far in Major 4 qualifying is 1-3, dropping matches to Toronto and NYSL before pulling off an impressive win over Atlanta FaZe. Hoping it would spark some momentum, it ultimately lead to another loss against Boston the next day.
London on the other hand has looked the complete opposite.
Like NYSL they are currently undefeated and made it look easy. The Royal Ravens defeated Toronto, Minnesota, and Florida in no more than four games.
And I don’t see this going any differently.
OpTic Texas vs. Toronto Ultra
Honestly, both teams have been playing well below their standards.
Both teams are currently at the bottom of the qualifier standings with only 10 points, so they could each use a win heading to the Major 4 tournament.
In their past couple of games, especially their matches against London and FaZe, Toronto’s SMGs have been heavily outslayed.
And with the talent on OpTic, they can easily take advantage of a poor performance from opposing SMGs.
OpTic should end up taking this one.
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