Let's start by looking at DRX's map preference.

Maps that DRX like: Breeze > Haven > Fracture > Ascent

Maps that DRX are okay with: Bind > Icebox

Maps that DRX hate: Pearl

I'm not sure about LOUD so I won't comment on their map pool, but here are the key points I have gathered:

1. Pearl is BOTH DRX and LOUD's PERMABAN

2. Breeze is 100% going to be played, and we are very likely to see Ascent and/or Fracture

3. LOUD much prefers Icebox

4. DRX much prefers Haven, Fracture

5. Bind is a bad map for BOTH teams

There are 2 likely scenarios that are being played in my head. Both teams ban Pearl first to eliminate the risk of the other team picking it as a trump card. Or, both teams float Pearl knowing this fact and bans the other team's best map instead.

Final Map Pool Predictions

Scenario 1

LOUD ban Haven; DRX ban Icebox; LOUD pick Ascent; DRX pick Fracture; LOUD ban Bind/Pearl; DRX ban Bind/Pearl; Breeze remains

Scenario 2

LOUD ban Pearl; DRX ban Icebox; LOUD pick Ascent; DRX pick Haven; LOUD ban Fracture; DRX ban Bind; Breeze remains

or if DRX starts to ban

DRX ban Pearl; LOUD ban Haven; DRX pick Fracture; LOUD pick Icebox; DRX ban Ascent; LOUD ban Bind; Breeze remains

TLDR: The 3 Maps Shall Be:

Ascent, Fracture, Breeze;

Ascent, Haven, Breeze;

Fracture, Icebox, Breeze

Notice that a gameplan from DRX could be formed in scenario 2 if they prep super hard for Icebox and let it go through. DRX haven't played icebox yet while LOUD has therefore DRX could heavily anti-strat the map. But I really doubt they will resort to this option because DRX generally don't like Icebox.

i think drx have something cooked up for icebox cuz they let it through against fpx

thatpower [#2]

i think drx have something cooked up for icebox cuz they let it through against fpx

thats the hopium :)

thatpower [#2]

i think drx have something cooked up for icebox cuz they let it through against fpx

Drx icebox really fun to watch. They are one of the few teams that have innovations on that map

I dont think bind is bad for loud but big W post

Nice analysis

yaiima0 [#6]

Nice analysis

thanks

I think DRX have a decent advantage when it comes to map pool since they're yet to even reveal their Icebox, Bind, or Pearl this event. Even if their Pearl and Icebox are dogwater, it's the lingering thought that they might be prepared on those maps that could mess with Loud's decisions.

LLL ban Haven
DRX ban Ascent
LLL pick Breeze
DRX pick Bind
LLL ban Pearl
DRX ban Icebox
Fracture remains

Sprouts [#8]

I think DRX have a decent advantage when it comes to map pool since they're yet to even reveal their Icebox, Bind, or Pearl this event. Even if their Pearl and Icebox are dogwater, it's the lingering thought that they might be prepared on those maps that could mess with Loud's decisions.

What I'm worried about, is that they come prepared but since they never played it yet they realize their prep was shit on stage

I think DRX are wary of this too, which is why they haven't played bind or icebox yet

Noyn [#9]

LLL ban Haven
DRX ban Ascent
LLL pick Breeze
DRX pick Bind
LLL ban Pearl
DRX ban Icebox
Fracture remains

I doubt DRX will pick bind as their first map unless it's some crazy termi big brain move

they havent played it yet on stage so they dont know if its actually good (last time I saw their bind it wasnt that good), and fracture aka their 2nd or 3rd best map is open

I think the 3rd one shall be played today

KoreanOverlord [#11]

I doubt DRX will pick bind as their first map unless it's some crazy termi big brain move

they havent played it yet on stage so they dont know if its actually good (last time I saw their bind it wasnt that good), and fracture aka their 2nd or 3rd best map is open

LOUD's bind seemed a little confused in the attack and they took time to adapt, I think DRX can surprise with this pick

korean overlord, are you really korean? how is your english so good?

Noyn [#13]

LOUD's bind seemed a little confused in the attack and they took time to adapt, I think DRX can surprise with this pick

yeah if DRX pick bind, it's gonna be a surprise pick

personally, I dont think DRX will risk this in semi finals when their fracture looks S tier

Raftlot [#5]

I dont think bind is bad for loud but big W post

its probs their 3rd "worst" map, after pearl and fracture

Delusional_SA_fan [#14]

korean overlord, are you really korean? how is your english so good?

I'm korean american

KoreanOverlord [#17]

I'm korean american

are you also fluent in korean?

kshah [#18]

are you also fluent in korean?

well I moved when I was around 10 so its not as good as before

but its better than most korean americans, I would say fluent with 10 year old vocabulary

Delusional_SA_fan [#14]

korean overlord, are you really korean? how is your english so good?

Bruh. Even if he was fully from Korea, you would be surprised how good the English of some Foreigners are.

Not even that KoreanOverlord wrote an excellent paragraph with headings and stuff. Proper spacing also. That's why it looks even better. Props.

LOUD owns DRX tho... xD

drx are not bad at bind, going 11-13 against optic with buzz having the worst game of his life is respectable

I hope DRX lose

jimjam789 [#21]

drx are not bad at bind, going 11-13 against optic with buzz having the worst game of his life is respectable

Maybe buzz was having the worst game of his life because the setups werent good tho

I still have ptsd from his chamber

Noyn [#9]

LLL ban Haven
DRX ban Ascent
LLL pick Breeze
DRX pick Bind
LLL ban Pearl
DRX ban Icebox
Fracture remains

W Noyn

wrong

wrong xD
breeze haven icebox

Lmao loud is trolling

question: why would loud ban pearl first if they know drx dont wanna play it either? shouldnt they ban something else

pig7128423 [#28]

question: why would loud ban pearl first if they know drx dont wanna play it either? shouldnt they ban something else

Because pearl is loud's only bad map, all others are playable, so they preferred to play whatever map DRX chooses, but avoid a surprise choice of pearl by DRX...

aTastyCook1e [#29]

Because pearl is loud's only bad map, all others are playable, so they preferred to play whatever map DRX chooses, but avoid a surprise choice of pearl by DRX...

ah ok gotchu