1. Evil Geniuses (4-0-0)

EG has been the most consistent team in ESEA-Invite in the past and nothing has changed this season. With the loss of long time EG member Matt "Warden" Dickens to retirement, EG looked to be on the fence in terms of performance, however they put that notion to rest by winning the Intel Extreme Masters American Championship over compLexity and placing 3rd at Arbalet Cup Europe. EG currently sits undefeated and atop the standings, with none of their opponents being able to produce double digit rounds against them. EG has a tough week in head of them as they face ESEA-Main champions Undertow and ESEA-Invite veterans Excello, making this one of the harder weeks in their schedule.

2. compLexity (2-2-0)

The reigning Season 4 champions have had a lot on their plate lately, shuffling DreamHack and the Intel Extreme Masters American Championship which coincide with their ESEA season, which in my opinion veto's them from their 2-2 record. coL had a very strong showing at DreamHack Winter placing 3rd, as well as a 2nd place showing at the American Championship behind EG. coL has a very important and tough week in ahead of them facing off against Excello and 9StorM, a successful week could easily propel them into the top of the standings.

3. Immortal-7 (3-1-0)

Immortal-7 or as they were previously known, Infamy or DINC, are having a great start to the season sitting at 3-1-0. i7 had a very strong showing last season, including a great run in the LAN Finals, finishing second behind champions coL. This season the team holds the same roster, and is looking just as good if not better than last. i7 had a very tough week 2, losing to Excello and beating coL in a very exciting grudge match ending in a 16-14 victory. i7 has proved that they are not to be taken lightly and pose a real threat to EG and coL in the rankings.

4. Loaded (2-2-0)

Loaded is another team whose record does not do them justice. Loaded, who finished 4th last season, has had a very tough start to the season having to play both EG and coL in the first two weeks, however they only suffered a loss from EG, after beating coL in an impressive win. The team has a few roster changes from last season, picking up David "savi0r" Park and Scott "evolution" Cavallero formerly of coL. Loaded has a pretty mild week ahead of them, playing ESEA-Main move up, Team Dynamic and the newly formed Team Pandemic. Loaded should sit at 4-2 after this week, a record that is more viable to their skill.

5. YummY (Frag Dominant ) (2-2-0)

YummY, or as they are known off ESEA: Frag Dominant, is one of those talented west coast teams that always fly under the radar. YummY has a very proficient roster with three ex-Gravitas members, they are in no shortage of skill. Do not be distraught by their 2-2 record, both loses come from EG and coL. YummY handed out a beating vs. Loaded last week as their second win came against Pandemic in week 1. Currently at only 8th in the standings, look for them to climb in the top 5 at least after this week as they play both Exigent and Blight.

6. 9StorM (4-1-0)

9StorM one of the big surprises this season, I expected them to be battling Dynamic for last place but they made me bite my tongue with their performance. 9StorM has had a few roster changes from their old roster with the acquisition of Bryan "buskey" Buskey from SLP and Thomas "TMO" McEvily from Area51. 9StorM has had some impressive victories, beating Excello last week and blowing out Dynamic and Exigent. 9StorM still has a lot to prove to be considered one of the top teams in the division but they can start by producing a victory against coL this week.

7. Excello US (3-1-0)

Excello has had a great start to the season so far. They managed to beat Immortal-7 however suffered a loss from 9StorM last week. Excello has yet to really prove themselves with their new roster, as their only other wins come from Undertow and Dynamic. Excello probably has the hardest week you can have playing both EG and coL, it will be interesting to see how they fare as their teamwork and strategies will all be put to the test.

8. Blight Gaming Canada (3-1-0)

Blight, who is coming off a disappointing last season, as well as losing Garett "Grt" Bambrough, things looked grim for them at the start of the season. However things were not as they seemed as Blight strolled out to a 3-1 start to the season. Blight secured an impressive win against 9StorM, however have yet to solidify themselves higher in the rankings. This week is a great test for Blight as they face Immortal-7 and YummY (FragDominant) which will really determine if their 3-1 record is a fluke or not.

9. Pandemic (1-3-0)

Pandemic has a roster that looks as if it was created using a dartboard. They feature very skilled players however have yet to secure any significant wins. They have suffered losses from 9StorM, YummY and EG which are very talented teams, however their only win comes against Dynamic who are one of the weakest teams in the division. Pandemic is still a new roster and has to work out the kinks and get their chemistry down, but once that happens they will be a force to be reckoned with. They face off against Loaded and Undertow this week and the outcome will either make or break them in both the standings and power rankings.

10. Undertow (1-3-0)

Undertow, who basically turned ESEA-Main into their personal punching bag last season, has had a rocky start. Undertow does not have the same roster as last season as they picked up Canadian all-stars; Philippe "kuby" Auclair and Ronnie "ronieh" B. Undertow is still one of those teams that can pull a win out against any team, and can definitely make some noise in the rankings. With their losses coming from EG, Immortal-7 and Excello, there is no question they have played the top tier of teams so far. Utow faces off against Pandemic and Loaded which are perfect challenges for them to prove themselves as an "Invite" team and not just the "Main Champions" anymore.

11. Exigent (0-5-0)

Exigent has long been an Invite team and usually do pretty well, however this season they have yet to get a win under their belt. Although in their defense they have played most of the top tier teams in the division, however losing to both Blight and 9StorM has caused them to drop to 11th place in the standing as well as the rankings. Exigent can still pull out a decent season, they have the skill and the experience to do so, and definitely have the power to pull some tricks out of their sleeves. After losing to Immortal-7 already this week they play YummY next, where if they can pull out a win will prove they've still got it.

12. Dynamic (0-4-0)

Dynamic was pulled up from ESEA-Main in a very questionable move by ESEA and one frowned upon by many in the community. After a very impressive showing at WCG US Finals, their flame seemed to die as they entered the season losing their first four matches. They have however been making some moves, by picking up veteran Dan "mehLer" Mehler from x3o, however it has made no significant change to their play as they are still without a win. Dynamic started out the season as the underdogs and will continue to be unless they can prove that they deserve their spot on pull out some wins. They will have that chance this week by playing Loaded and Blight, a very important week for them.