Rocket League EWC betting tips & upper bracket semifinals preview
Thursday’s Rocket League Esports World Cup schedule sees the tournament move into the upper bracket semifinals, with eight teams remaining unbeaten after convincing opening victories in Paris.
Four blockbuster best-of-five clashes will determine which teams move one step closer to the playoffs, while defeat will send sides into Friday’s lower bracket, where the elimination matches begin.
Team Vitality, Karmine Corp, Twisted Minds and Team Falcons all produced dominant displays in their opening series, but Thursday presents a much sterner examination against fellow contenders chasing a share of the US$1.025 million prize pool.
Below we have previewed all four Rocket League Esports World Cup upper bracket matches taking place on Thursday. Lower bracket elimination matches will be played on Friday.
Twisted Minds vs NIP.eStar
Odds: Twisted Minds 1.24 | NIP.eStar 3.70
Twisted Minds advanced after a convincing 3-1 victory over FUT Esports and continue to reinforce their reputation as one of the strongest teams outside Europe. NIP.eStar also impressed in dispatching Shopify Rebellion 3-1, but they now face a side that has consistently challenged the world’s elite throughout the 2026 RLCS campaign. Twisted Minds deserve favouritism, although NIP.eStar possess enough attacking quality to make this a competitive series against the Saudi Arabian outfit. We’re looking forward to this Group A contest.
Recommended bet: Twisted Minds to win 3-1 (Correct map score).
TSM vs Team Vitality
Odds: TSM 8.00 | Team Vitality 1.05
Team Vitality, via Group A, looked every bit the championship contender in their 3-1 win over FURIA and remain among the favourites to lift the Esports World Cup trophy in Paris. TSM earned an impressive victory over NRG to reach the upper bracket, but this represents a significant jump in class against one of Europe’s premier organisations. Vitality have the experience, mechanics and depth to control the pace from the opening kickoff. We just can’t see Team Vitality, as their exceptionally short odds of 1.05 suggest, challenging in this clash and there is not much value to be found.
Recommended bet: Team Vitality to win 3-0 at 1.88 with betway.com. (Correct map score).
Karmine Corp vs Spacestation Gaming
Odds: Karmine Corp 1.24 | Spacestation Gaming 3.75
Arguably the match of the day pits reigning Esports World Cup champions Karmine Corp against North American powerhouse Spacestation Gaming in Group B action. Karmine cruised past Wildcard 3-0 in the opening round, while Spacestation edged MIBR.LOS after another composed international performance. Although the North Americans are more than capable of pushing the series deep, Karmine’s consistency on LAN events gives them a deserved edge. There is every chance Spacestation can send this match into a fifth and deciding rubber, with the over 4.5 total maps at a lucrative 2.90.
Recommended bet: Over 4.5 total maps.
Team Falcons vs Gentle Mates
Odds: Team Falcons 2.05 | Gentle Mates 1.70
The day’s closest betting and second Group B contest sees MENA giants Team Falcons meet reigning RLCS Boston Major champions Gentle Mates. Falcons comfortably defeated R8 Esports in the opening round, while Gentle Mates produced a clinical sweep of Five Fears to book their place. With both teams sitting comfortably among the world’s top contenders, this shapes as a genuine coin-flip that could easily require all five maps to separate them.
WGL’s best bet: Gentle Mates to win at 1.70
