ESL One Cologne 2016 stands as one of the most contested Major tournaments in CS:GO history, with no clear favorite emerging among the top teams. Here's why each contender has a realistic chance at claiming the $500,000 prize.

Fnatic

• Only team to win multiple Majors (3 out of 8)
• Featured in 50% of all Major Grand Finals
• Robin "flusha" Rönnquist leads Major tournament statistics
• Recent form has been mixed, but showed promise in ELEAGUE Season 1
• olofmeister's return from injury brought renewed strength

SK Gaming

• Current Major champions (MLG Columbus)
• First non-European team to win a Major
• Recent victories include ESL Pro League Season 3 Finals and Dreamhack Austin
• Slight dip in form shown at ECS Season 1 Finals (2nd place)

G2 Esports

• Currently showing strongest form among contenders
• Defeated SK Gaming 2-0 at ECS Season 1 Finals
• Roster change (bodyy replacing Ex6TenZ) proved successful
• Notable wins against NiP, Fnatic, and SK Gaming
• Challenging group stage draw could impact performance

Na`Vi

• Runners-up in last two Major tournaments
• Limited recent competitive play creates uncertainty
• Mixed performances in ELEAGUE
• Strong roster but struggling to close out major events

NiP

• Veteran duo of GeT_RiGhT and f0rest provides experience
• Favorable group stage draw
• Recent results show inconsistency
• THREAT's strategic input could prove valuable
• Potential for deep playoff run

This Major's unique characteristic is its unprecedented level of competition, with each team having legitimate championship potential despite varying recent performances.

[Additional images retained as per original]

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