User blog comment:B214/Shin DxD 1 discussion/@comment-85.210.90.245-20180909181230/@comment-31137559-20180910181224

Well the thing is that I really don't see both Issei and Vali making it into the Final 4. One of them, but not both of them.

Then for the Azazel Cup, I see the one winning it being neither Issei or Vali, but the one who defeats them.

And neither do I see Indra or the Black Satan Team winning. This arc's theme is basically challenging the gods so the one who wins will overcome the various gpds and god-class beings in this tournament. While being one of the young members of DxD.

So really the only options I see as winning are Rias and Vali. I woupd have said Issei before but since this is a Rating Game tournament it's very far-fetched for his team to win. Considering his vast inexperience as a king and now he won't be facing vastly less powerful teams like Barakiel's or Sona's. Or a team with a bad king like Team Pleasure of Kings.

So Rias is who I think will win the Azazel Cup. And I believe she'll be facing Vali for the finals.

Well in my view Shooting Star could be a dark horse candidate for winning the tournament.

It's almost an absolute certainty that Hades won't interrupt the tournament. Considering that he has the four strongest devils he crested by using Lilith's power competing, it's very unlikely to happen.