Barstool Gaming League Power Rankings (Week 1)

Alright, I've decided I am ready to break a few hearts and gas a few teams up for tonight's #BGL competition. I am not saying I know how to evaluate talent in Verdansk, but I did go 3/3 in my picks during the #CollegeGamingChampionship during the Final Four and the Grand Finals. However, the MRags Mush is always very real and very alive....

There are a few teams that have special guests that have not been announced, therefore it will be tough to truly know how powerful a team will be until tonight's performance.

The first week of the Barstool Gaming League will be live on YOUTUBE at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOeoIy2r336fB3-ytOL1m4Q from 7pm EST - 10pm EST. It is a 3 hour kill race with placement points. Teams will submit their top 3 scores and placement scoring is as follows:

Win - 25 pts

2nd - 20 pts

3rd - 15 pts

4th - 10 pts

Top 7 - 7 pts

Top 10 - 4 pts

Top 15 - 2 pts

Top 20 - 1 pt

After this week, the bottom 2 teams will be eliminated from the competition. Therefore, everyone must be aiming to maximize their points and secure a top 10 finish at the minimum.

Before we get into the rankings, let me address the fact that I have not seen every player in Verdansk. I know roughly 90% of the competition , but there are a few teams that I will see for the first time tonight. Therefore, be on the lookout for the power rankings in week 2 as they will be more refined.

MRags' Power Rankings (Week 1)

12) Team Foreplay

SO this one kinda hurts to put at #12, but I think it is the right spot. My co-host, Bonzergorgon, has barely stepped foot on Verdansk since the DMR was introduced into Warzone. Bonz will still be good for 12-15 per game, but I am not sure if that will be enough. Broboken is a good gel guy + on point with his graphic designs, but this team needs a little more firepower to move up in my power rankings. Hossr can slay big time, so we will see how this team meshes together. Since I put them at #12, I'm hoping this lights a fire under them and enables them to make the top 10.

11) The Rats

This certainly may be the wrong ranking, but I do not know these 3 players in Verdansk from watching their gameplay. Tonight is going to be a big night for them to showcase their ability. Meph on this team is a former Gears of War National Champion, so I am really curious to see how this team performs.

10) Starting 9

Esquilo, YoungLeg (the youngest leg) and Willrub42 - Absolute goats and good friends of mine. Willrub competed in the College Gaming Championship under Tampa. YoungLeg is a FIFA warrior, but Verdansk isn't the FIFA pitch. Esquilo is the king of the clips, but he's going to have to lead this team to high kill wins. This team has good chemistry as these individuals have played together many times before. Whereas they may be lacking firepower when looking at the competition, they'll make up for it in placement points. It's very important to secure the dubs during these tournaments and that is the Starting 9s key to victory.

9) Pardon My Take

One of the biggest wildcards in the tournament, PMT sits at our #9. Aaron Ripkowski can absolutely fry kids in Verdansk and Hank has improved tremendously from his first Warzone days. This team's success is really going to be dependent on the third player to be named. Regardless of their third teammate, if this team plays together and focuses on wins, they'll be in a great position to finish top 10.

8) Spittin' Chiclets

Whenever the Mop is involved, you know there will be controversy. This team was poised to be a top 3 contender, but Frozone (certified Verdansk slayer) is unable to make the competition during week 1. Now not every player can match Fro's slaying ability, but Kekoa from team XSET is a fantastic pickup for this bunch. My biggest worry with this team is that the Mop could struggle to kill and survive in Diamond Lobbies. If he can play his game and support Gracious and Kekoa, this team should be in good shape.

7) Team Balls

I like this team a lot. They have two of the best snipers in the game with Neonist and Kurt Benkert, while Glenny will move more into a support role. I think people sleep on Glenny too often as in my book he's the #1 slayer on the Hooliganz. Neonist is a former CMC #CHAMP. Not going to lie here, I was a little worried that Kurt has spent too much time on the Fortnite island lately, but he put out a sniper clip yesterday that erased all doubt.

6) Lights Camera Barstool

This team may be one of the biggest wildcards in the game. Helpful is one of the most dominant players in this tournament, Himicane is a good in-game general and Bonsai also knows how to slay. The only reason I have them slightly lower on the rankings is because Helpful and Himi have been grinding games outside of Warzone. Therefore, I think there is the slight possibility for some rust in their game. But watch out, if this team gets hot - Good luck to the competition.

5) Zero Blog Thirty

Slayers. That is simply all you need to know. TouchPapa (former CMC Champ) practically lives in Verdansk and competes (and wins) 2v2 Warzone tournaments constantly. Sahvage is a former CMC champ and will be shifting into the support role here, similar to when he won the CMC duo kill race with Minqe. I have not personally seen Wh2ezy play but his stats are downright insane. Big team to watch out for.

4) Team Barstool Chicago

This team has a lot of firepower so credit to WSD for knowing how to pick em. I ran a few games with Dave yesterday and he truly does play much better than his .5KD. Don't sleep on this team - their biggest threat is to stay together. Galv and Daft are going to have the benefit of also potentially getting easier lobbies - could be a 200 IQ move. However, in my games with Dave last night, we still were getting Diamond lobbies on the reg.

3) Team Spinnin Backfist

CMC REPRESENT - this is a really solid roster. I've had many drops with Justy and Cole to know these guys can bring it big time. We've won a few tournaments together, so I know their chemistry will be there. The biggest question mark here is Dhernandez. We know he can submit anyone in this competition in hand to hand combat, but I don't know if he has a ton of experience playing with Justy or Cole. If this team can work together and not get too aggressive, I see them finishing top 3 for week 1.

2) Team KFC Radio

Ebatez and Sasquatch are leading this squad. Do I need to say any more? Being coupled with Call Me Seeb, fellow College Gaming Championship contender, this team has a ton of kill race experience. Their biggest weakness would be their aggressive gameplay style coming back to bite them. If Sas and Ebatez decide to solo squad, it may put more pressure on Seeb. There's no doubt he can handle it, but it could put the squad at a disadvantage. If this trio can stick together and play fast with vehicles, I think they'll easily finish in the top 3.

1) Team Barstool Gametime

The General knows how to General. It's what he does. The biggest question mark here is the "special guest" that will be their third teammate. Knowing Smitty, I think he's going to be adding some serious firepower onto this roster. I could be wrong, but it's just my gut feeling. On a serious note, Skullface is probably the best Warzone player that I have ever played with and Datboytmatt has gotten tremendously better since my first time playing with him. Matt knows how to slay but also knows how to work with his squad which is why this team is my favorite pick.

See you tonight for the competition!