Ten world-class Dota 2 teams are set to brawl it out in a fanatical showdown live at Copenhagen, Denmark – That’s what the Blast Slam 1 brings to the table when it comes to hosting its million-dollar tournament, where competition is intense.
Blast Slam 1 (Image credit: BLAST)
Blast Slam 1 Group Stage Recap
Blast Slam 1 featured best-of-one matches throughout the group stage. Each team played four opponents in their respective group.
Team OG fumbled hard on their opening matches with a full losing streak. While fans didn’t have high hopes for OG going into the tournament, it’s important to note that their losses were against formidable opponents, such as Team Liquid, Gaimin Gladiators, and Tundra Esports.
Another team that struggled was HEROIC. This came after their recent drama, which saw HEROIC kicking their star player, David “Parker” Nicho Flores, after an internal feud.
Winners in Blast Slam 1 Group Stage
On the positive side of things, BetBoom Team, Team Liquid, Tundra Esports, and Xtreme Gaming all performed as expected from powerhouse organizatgions.
Liquid got an easy sweep versus Team Spirit and OG, and it’s evident that they have improved since their post-TI13 roster shuffle occurred.
Yet, the most decorated team at Blast Slam 1, Team Falcons, is somehow struggling. The team needs no introduction, having won DreamLeague S24 and BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024. But at this event, they’ve struggled thus far. Nevertheless, their match versus PARIVISION proves that Falcons still has what it takes to deliver when pushed – just not against top opponents.
Playoffs Match-up at Blast Slam 1 (Image credit: BLAST)
Blast Slam 1 Playoffs Predictions
Despite the clear favorites after the group stage Blast Slam 1, it’s technically not over yet for any team. Even teams with the worst placements in group stage, namely OG and HEROIC, still have a shot at advancing further into Playoffs. Albeit, they are starting at round 1.
Nevertheless, there are some very promising teams that we predict will win Blast Slam 1. Between the top seeds of BetBoom Team, Tundra Esports, Xtreme Gaming and Team Liquid, it has to be Tundra Esports.
Ever since two-time TI Champion, Neta “33” Shapira returned to Tundra, we have seen immense improvements to the team under his leadership. As a teammate, 33 is renowned for not only his drafts but high mechanical skills in the offlane role. Creating the perfect space for his team to execute the best drafts guarantees their victory. If we were going to bet on Dota 2, our money would be on Tundra.
However, if there’s one team that could give Tundra a run for their money, it’s Team Falcons. Sure, they aren’t in the best situation right now, starting at round 1 of the Playoffs. But, if Falcons does somehow manage to make it to the semi-finals, where Tundra currently awaits for their opponent, then it’s going to be mayhem in the playoffs.