A new year is upon us and that means a fresh calendar packed with esports excitement to look forward to.
Which events are creating the biggest buzz and what can we expect to see from players and teams in the new year?
We asked friends of Luckbox, including members of our community, writers and, of course, Paul "Redeye" Chaloner to share their predictions and hopes for 2020 in esports.
Paul "Redeye" Chaloner
Legendary broadcaster and esports evangelist
Twitter: @PaulChaloner
Which event of 2020 are you most hyped about and why?
The International as it will be in Europe for only the second time and for the first time since it began.
Which team(s) will dominate in 2020 and why?
Team Liquid, because they have done everything the right way from the management team to the player pickups to the games they support and the community.
Which player(s) do you think fans should look out for in 2020?
I think Jame (now at Virtus Pro) will be super exciting to watch in 2020 as he fully flourishes. Also Ropz will be huge in CS:GO in 2020.
What is your big hope for esports in 2020?
That we continue moving forward, creating great events, producing incredible experiences for the fans and carry on gaining momentum in the mainstream.
Did you know you can make your predictions on all the latest upcoming and live esports matches at Luckbox and every new account starts with $5? Get started here
Picture: Copyright ESL / Adela Sznajder
Sujoy Roy
The UK's first pro gamer and Dota 2 fan
Twitter: @sujoy_r
Which event of 2020 are you most hyped about and why?
I'm looking forward to TI10 most. It's been nine years since the Dota 2 finale was held in Europe and I cant wait to have it in the right timezone again.
Which team(s) will dominate in 2020 and why?
Team Secret will finally get a decent performance in 2020. It's about time.
Which player(s) do you think fans should look out for in 2020?
The revenge of MATUMBAMAN! He seems like a mild-mannered Finn but he will have his vengeance.
What is your big hope for esports in 2020?
I'm hoping both the CS:GO and Dota 2 scenes solve their schedule conflicts so we get back to talking gameplay instead of arguing about the setup.
Boukev
Esports enthusiast and Luckbox tipster
Twitter: @Boukev1
Which event of 2020 are you most hyped about and why?
ESL One Cologne - CS:GO. For me the events in the Cathedral of Counter-Strike always bring that special feeling of authenticity and spectacle that I am looking for in an esports event.
An entire venue packed with atmosphere and genuine love for the game generates a moment to visit, watch and enjoy. Being from the Netherlands, this event is also close enough to visit.
Which team(s) will dominate in 2020 and why?
In Counter-strike I have high hopes and expectations for the mousesports squad to continue their recent performances and upward trend to become a top three team.
In LoL, it is time to finally put the nail in the coffin for the supposed Curse of Worlds Winning teams that would fail to qualify for next years Worlds. Funplus Phoenix has had an impressive Worlds and their domination in the finals should give ground for continuation in the next season.
Which player(s) do you think fans should look out for in 2020 and why?
In CS:GO, Ludvig Brolin - aka Brollan of Fnatic. He is young enough to keep improving next year and is supported by plenty of experience.
Volamel
Esports journalist, specialising in Overwatch
Twitter: @Volamel
Which event of 2020 are you most hyped about and why?
Seeing exactly how the Overwatch League is going to work on the road is my most hyped event going into 2020.
Which team(s) will dominate in 2020 and why?
I doubt Astralis is going anywhere. San Francisco Shock will do well in 2020. And I'll say G2 still claps the LEC.
Which player(s) do you think fans should look out for in 2020?
Leave, Gumayushi and Glister.
What is your big hope for esports in 2020?
Teams begin to better understand marketing and monetisation and can start to gather revenue.
Picture: Copyright ESL / Bart Oerbekke
TeaTime
Esports broadcaster and journalist
Twitter: @GGTeaTime
Which event of 2020 are you most hyped about and why?
LEC Spring Split 2020, to see how all the EU teams shape out.
Which team(s) will dominate in 2020 and why?
Mousesports CS:GO, since Karrigan; G2 Esports LoL, since Perkz and OG Dota, since OG.
Which player(s) do you think fans should look out for in 2020?
Keep an eye out on Carzy in MAD Lions (LEC) - crazy rookie laner.
What is your big hope for esports in 2020?
I hope to get hired at events!
KarY
Esports journalist and Dota 2 fanatic
Twitter: @KarYb4u
Which event of 2020 are you most hyped about?
DreamLeague Leipzig Major.
Which team(s) will dominate in 2020?
Secret, TNC and Liquid.
Which player(s) do you think fans should look out for in 2020?
MATUMBAMAN.
What is your big hope for esports in 2020?
Tier 2 scenes develop for all esports so as to make it sustainable.
Waldo
Luckbox CS:GO Contributor
Twitter: @RoadtoDrWalDO
Which event of 2020 are you most hyped about and why?
The CS:GO Major in Rio in May has the potential to be completely insane. The Brazilian fanbase is so passionate, it will make for an amazing atmosphere, exciting broadcasts and, of course, some of the best CS:GO the world has to offer.
Which team(s) will dominate in 2020 and why?
I think that 2020 will be the year of variety in CS:GO. The end of 2019 set the scene for some new serious contenders (or the resurgence of old ones) and I think the days of one team being lightyears ahead of the rest are coming to a close.
Perhaps NA gets their second major from Liquid or EG. Or maybe Fnatic will draw even with Astralis for most majors won once again. Or s1mple will finally get the stars to align for Na'Vi.
But one thing is for certain, the guard is changing in CS:GO. The legends of old are making way for the next generation, something that is truly amazing to watch.
Which player(s) do you think fans should look out for?
In EU: watch out for woxic. I think he's going to be the #1 AWP in the world by the end of 2020. Brollan should continue to wreak havoc on the set pieces and gameplans of his enemies.
In NA: keep an eye on how oBo develops under the leadership of blameF and floppy's journey with an ATK squad that is quickly climbing the ladder.
What is your big hope for esports in 2020?
My big hope is that franchised leagues can figure out the optimal way to function. I love the idea, but I think that the current implementation is far from perfect.
Maybe the CDL can iron out some of the issues that the OWL had since they're starting from scratch. I agree that not all esports will benefit from franchising, but I hope for the success of those that decide that that route is best.
Riley
Dota 2 fan and Luckbox contributor
Twitter: riley_dota2
Which event of 2020 are you most hyped about and why?
The International 2020, because it's the crown of Dota 2 events in 2020.
Which team(s) will dominate in 2020 and why?
Based on roster power alone, Team Secret, but it's too early to tell since most of the best teams are still dormant.
Which player(s) do you think fans should look out for in 2020?
Invictus Gaming's players. For a team filled with mostly upcoming players, the growth in performance and success they've experienced is tremendously fast. For more established names - Nikobaby, Nisha and Gabbi.
What is your big hope for esports in 2020?
Better storylines, better support and sustainability for tier 2 players and talent, a Major in SEA, and definitely better Dota.
Jack Stewart
Esports journalist, specialising in League of Legends
Twitter: @Ginjured
Which event of 2020 are you most hyped about and why?
Worlds.
Which team(s) will dominate in 2020 and why?
G2 are still easily the strongest team in Europe and the roaming ability of their laners will help them massively in the new meta.
Which player(s) do you think fans should look out for in 2020?
Destiny is a very interesting pick-up by Origen, the first Australian to play in Europe. I'm excited to see what he can do with Upset.
What is your big hope for esports in 2020?
A European team win Worlds or at least take a game in the final this time.
Did you know? Every Luckbox account starts with $5, so you can start making your esports predictions straight away. Luckbox has streams, stats and odds on all major esports, including CS:GO, Dota 2, League of Legends, Overwatch and more. Create your account, find your favourite game and make your predictions now.
Karl Bray
Head of UX Design / "that Overwatch guy" at Luckbox
Twitter: @karlbray
Which event of 2020 are you most hyped about and why?
For me, it's all about Overwatch League Season 3. This is the vision of OWL that we were promised at the start - with teams playing home and away in cities all over the world. The roster shakeups have been crazy and we'll finally see the full effects of role-lock on team structures and on the OWL meta.
It's make or break time for Overwatch League.
Which team(s) will dominate in 2020 and why?
Honestly, in Overwatch League, who can even guess right now? The roster changes are basically a league reboot. The heart says LA Gladiators.
The head says San Francisco Shock. Somewhere between the head and the heart says NYXL. I would even throw a sneaky glance over at Philadelphia Fusion. What if the Outlaws are actually good?
Which player(s) do you think fans should look out for in 2020?
At some point we all seemed to decide that Profit is the greatest to ever play Overwatch. Let's see what he can do at Dynasty. Watch for Sinatraa and see if he ever hits his skill ceiling. Watch Haksal in a new meta. Watch out for Glister and Sp9rk1e coming up from tier 2. Watch Saebyeolbe doing Saebyeolbe things.
Just know that all the smart people are watching ChoiHyoBin mastering the subtle art of the off-tank.
What is your big hope for esports in 2020?
This is make or break for Overwatch League, so hopefully a good meta, some proper competition, glitch-free events in amazing locations and replica jerseys that don't fall apart.
For esports in general, just a toxic-free scene with the best players in the world given the chance to showcase their talent. Hopefully the buzz we've seen around Battle Royale games might feed into the esports scene in 2020 with an increase in interest from a wider audience.
Now play: Big Fat Esports Quiz of the Year
