So much for predictions - the team we had pitched as making up the numbers has only gone and topped the group of death, beating favourites fnatic along the way to the top spot.

I guess that is the benefit of a lengthy bootcamp in Berlin, but still, did anyone see that coming? The capacity for surprise is one of the great things about top level Counter-Strike.

Anyway, Evil Geniuses powered through the group, only losing to the Germans of mousesports who themselves looked a safe bet for the top spot at one point. Sure, maybe the network problems that caused lag for mTw and fnatic earlier in the day played in the Americans favour for that one game, but in truth they are worthy qualifiers and have played exceptionally well.

No surprises to see fnatic bounce back after losing their first game. They are second in the group, level on points with the Geniuses, after showing mousesports that it takes more than one win to be the best in Europe and ending mTw's dream of qualifying at all. Had they not been lagged to death at 12 - 12 and surrender a 3v1 situation, to then go eco, things could have been very different. Same old, same old - the Swedes are looking strong.

Mouseports get through in third place after losing to Frag eXecutors who couldn't qualify. Some are saying they were saving their tactics, but with a potentially higher finish in the group still up for grabs it seems unlikely. Regardless until that close defeat against fnatic they looked in fine form and will definitely be ones to watch in the knockouts.

oXmoze managed to avoid the wooden spoon with an upset against Frag eXecutors, effectively ending the chance for the Polish to placate their seemingly endless legion of fans. In truth, as the weakest team in the group, coming away with anything is a credit to the side and ultimately they contributed to some fantastic matches.

As you will know by now the Polish veterans - here only on a wildcard - fail to qualify and perhaps the inquiry as to whether their new addition makes the grade or not will begin. Certainly the fans have a suggestion as to who they'd like to see back in the team, but such ruminations rarely have an impact. They finish a respectable fourth.

The real shock - the mTw situation. Having faced technical problems in two of their games, allegedly inconsistent admin decisions and two defeats by the narrowest of margins, it is no wonder minet snapped. Certainly they can feel aggrieved, even if they didn't look anywhere near their best. The real question as they move forward is do they have the mental resolve to keep things going after two disappointing events back to back? Expect to hear more about their thoughts over the next few days.

So all in all a real shame that a good day was marred by some technical problems and long delays, but the action on the servers more than makes up for it. Check back with Cadred on day 2 for more coverage, when Group B will be played out - delays permitting - in full.