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G2 Esports vs BIG Tips – BIG Chase Another Upset at EWC 2026

tit-krajnik
Editor
Last updated: Wed 12 Aug 2026 17:53
G2 Esports and BIG face off in the CS2 Esports World Cup 2026, and while G2 are favored based on past achievements, their shaky first-round performance suggests vulnerability. BIG, fresh from a surprise win over Aurora Gaming and on a six-match winning streak, look poised to challenge G2, especially if G2’s key players don’t step up. Fans can expect a closely contested match, viewable via popular streaming platforms and bookmakers with live betting options.
Tit Krajnik 1 hour ago
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  • G2 Esports vs BIG Counter-Strike 2 betting preview and tips for Thursday, August 13, in the second round of Group A at Esports World Cup 2026 (13:00 CEST)
  • G2 Esports are expected to win
  • BIG are coming off a big upset in the first round
G2 Esports fans
G2 Esports fans (Getty Images)
brand G2 Esports v BIG Live StreamWatch live online at bet365 > Esports > Counter-Strike 2 Esports World Cup 2026. T&Cs apply. Watch and bet Geo-restrictions apply. You must have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. Over 18s only. T&Cs apply.

G2 Esports vs BIG Betting Predictions


G2 Esports and BIG are set to face off on Thursday, August 13, in the second round of Group A at the Counter-Strike 2 Esports World Cup 2026, in what should be an entertaining affair.

BIG enter the match off a huge upset victory against Aurora Gaming, which could be viewed as proof that they can handle teams of G2’s calibre.

On the other hand, G2 Esports did not look too convincing in their win over M80, suggesting they will not have an easy time against BIG either.

While it is not fair to judge the teams based on one best-of-one performance, BIG have indeed looked better than anticipated while G2 have not played as well as they should’ve.

  • G2 Esports have underperformed in the first round
  • BIG look potent
  • A closer match is not out of the question

G2 Esports Have Handled BIG during the Cologne Major


G2 Esports and BIG have clashed once before this season, during the Intel Extreme Masters Cologne Major, when G2 won 2-0.

Date
Event
Winner
Result
June 8IEM Cologne Major 2026G2 Esports2-0

Where to Watch G2 Esports vs BIG Live?


Broadcasts of the clash between G2 Esports and BIG at the Esports World Cup are available on all popular esports streaming sites. Alternatively, esports fans can access free live streaming of the game via Stake and other prominent bookmakers with free streaming and in-play betting options.

  1. Visit Stake
  2. Register on Stake with promo code NEWBONUS or log in
  3. Navigate to the Esports World Cup markets under the CS2 tab
  4. Enjoy the live stream and explore in-play markets

G2 Esports Have to Step Up


G2 Esports kicked off their Esports World Cup campaign with a win over M80, but it was not a convincing display.

Despite entering the match as heavy favourites, G2 Esports nearly lost, trailing 10-11 after 22 rounds of play. They edged out a win by winning two of the final three maps, closing out Mirage 13-11.

The newest signing, r1nkle, had a strong showing on the day, posting the server’s highest 1.48 rating. Meanwhile, MATYS and huNter- struggled, with 0.74 and 0.78 performance ratings respectively.

In G2’s defence, it was their first match after a long break and a best-of-one. However, if MATYS and huNter- do not improve, G2 could struggle again this Thursday.

Date
Event
Opponent
Result
August 12Esports World Cup 2026M8013-11 (W)
July 25BLAST Bounty Summer 2026Team Liquid0-2 (L)
July 22BLAST Bounty Summer 2026Nemiga Gaming2-1 (W)
June 19IEM Cologne Major 2026Team Spirit1-2 (L)
June 15IEM Cologne Major 2026Natus Vincere2-0 (W)


G2 Esports Squad & Team News


G2 Esports haven’t made any roster changes.

  • Nemanja "huNter-" Kovač
  • Nikita "HeavyGod" Martynenko
  • Matúš "matys" Šimko
  • Guy "NertZ" Iluz
  • Artem "r1nkle" Moroz

BIG Are Holding on Well


BIG started their Esports World Cup campaign with a very promising victory against Aurora Gaming, beating the Turkish squad 13-9 on Cache.

They defied the odds, but deserved the victory, having proven they can challenge tier-1 teams. JDC had an outstanding performance, posting a 1.37, ahead of faveN, who ended the map with 1.36.

The victory over Aurora Gaming marked BIG’s sixth straight win, and while they’ve faced mainly weaker teams over that stretch, BIG are still in good shape, and apparently more than capable of causing upsets.

Date
Event
Opponent
Result
August 12Esports World Cup 2026Aurora Gaming13-9 (W)
August 9EWC 2026 Last Chance QualifierSashi Esports2-1 (W)
August 9EWC 2026 Last Chance QualifierGOne2-0 (W)
August 9EWC 2026 Last Chance QualifierEternal Fire2-0 (W)
August 7EWC 2026 Last Chance QualifierFluxo W7M2-0 (W)

BIG Squad & Team News


BIG have not made any changes.

  • Johannes "tabseN" Wodarz
  • Jon "JDC" de Castro
  • Gleb "gr1ks" Gazin
  • Benjamin "blameF" Bremer
  • Josef "faveN" Baumann

Verdict

BIG are viewed as underdogs for Thursday’s game, which does not sound wrong, considering G2 Esports have accomplished a lot more this season and are more battle-hardened. However, G2 did not impress in the first round of the Esports World Cup, and they did so against a team weaker than BIG.

Meanwhile, BIG showed they can challenge tier-1 teams with their victory over Aurora Gaming, making it easy to believe that they can take a bite out of G2 Esports as well.

This is G2’s game to lose, but BIG can leave a dent.

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tit-krajnik
Tit Krajnik

Sports Editor • 20+ years betting experience

Kicking off his writing career way back in high school, Tit Krajnik is an avid fan of the betting/gambling industry with a particular interest in esports. He covers various esports titles, including, but not limited to CS:GO and League of Legends, sharing the knowledge he has accumulated while being involved in the betting industry for the last ten years.

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