IHC vs paiN Prediction: Can't the Mongols handle the pressure?

IHC and paiN will play in the IEM Katowice 2023 Play-In tournament on February 2. IHC are rarely good on the world stage, but will they do anything this time?

In principle, IHC are similar to Grayhound in many ways. The team is also the best in its region but is extremely weak compared to other strong competitors on the world stage.

The Mongolians have had great success in the IEM Brazil 2023 Asia Closed Qualifier, beating almost all their opponents without any problems, but in the IEM Katowice 2023 Play-In they were defeated in the first game by Cloud9. paiN is not as strong as Cloud9, but even here IHC will have a tough time.

paiN have not played in North America since ESEA Autumn 2022 Cash Cup 7 for about forty days. This long break could be good for them, they have a decent squad here, so if the Brazilians have spent all this time preparing for the tournament in Katowice, they will be able to show good results.

True, in the first game against ENCE, the Brazilians were crushed; they could win only seven rounds. But to judge paiN by one BO1 match makes no sense. After all, during the last months, the team showed a good level of play.

Again the case when the team dominates in their region, but is unlikely to show anything on the world stage. Yes, IHC are extremely strong in Asia, and one can't argue with that. But then again, it's all just a matter of lack of competition. paiN doesn't always play consistently, but its players look great on an individual level. It's likely that the Brazilians will be able to pull off an extremely confident win.