IEM Rio 2023 Virtus.pro Withdraw – Replaced by Imperial Esports

With excitement growing for the upcoming CS:GO event, IEM Rio, the best CSGO teams in the world are preparing to compete. Accordingly, breaking news has the likes of Virtus.pro not attending the event – read on to learn more about IEM Rio 2023 Virtus.pro below!

IEM Rio 2023 Virtus.pro Withdraw – Unclear Reasons

Indeed, the news hit the public earlier today thanks to a Twitter post. Specifically, Virtus.pro had the following to say in a post where they described the fact that they would be withdrawing from IEM Rio 2023:

We believe that in the current shape, participation in the tournament will not bring satisfaction to either the teams or the fans. Therefore, we are committing to enhanced training – VP on Twitter

Accordingly, the interpretation of the CSGO community is that there are internal and perhaps external issues in the team to the extent where they do not feel comfortable enough to compete against the best CSGO teams in the world.

Specifically, their recent failure to seed to the BLAST.tv Paris Major after placing 12-14th at the regional RMR was a massive blow to their confidence.

In response, Intel made the decision to opt for the next team in line from the local region of the event – Imperial Esports from South America. While facilitating travel, everyone is happy with this quick and efficient change which shouldn’t effect how to bet on CSGO at this event.

IEM Rio 2023 Betting Odds – Small Shake-Up

So, how does this change alter the esports betting experience of this event?

Prior to this event, Virtus.pro were predicted to be a top 6 team as backed by the outright CSGO odds. Specifically, they ranked between the likes of Natus Vincere and Team Vitality as another European heavyweight.

While Virtus.pro are currently ranked eight on the ESL World Ranking, Imperial Esports are rank eighteen – ten ranks lower.

Bearing this in mind, the odds will now likely change to the extent that teams which ranked below Virtus.pro are more favoured to win the entire event.

However, Imperial Esports are no pushover, especially considering their recent win at the BLAST Premier Spring American Showdown 2023, thanks to leadership provided by veterans such as Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo.

For more tips, feel free to read our IEM Rio betting guide!