Another BLAST Premier Season comes to a close with the Spring Finals going underway in just a couple of weeks. A single spot at the Global Finals and 225,000 dollars are up for grabs with only eight star-studded teams having the opportunity to claim glory.
The CIS region cheer on Natus Vincere and Gambit, as the representatives look to solidify their region as the most dominant force 2021 has to offer. With three titles and two finalist placings between the teams, Gambit and Natus Vincere have shown that they remain favorites to the crown of the Spring Finals. Can anyone stop the onslaught that these CIS titans have left upon the Counter-Strike scene?
The three contenders who could slay these goliaths remain to be G2, Ninjas in Pyjamas and BIG. G2, the most prominent figure of the three, have shown consistent dominance in the European region and hope to springboard that momentum straight to the BLAST Global Finals, all spearheaded through Nikola “NiKo” Kovac. NIP remain reinvigorated by the signing of superstar Nicolai “device” Reedtz and will continue the attempt to break through the top ten barrier that have continuously eluded them. Promising showings at Flashpoint keep Sweden’s best in talks to upset against both Na’Vi and Gambit. Finally, BIG look to foster a deep run after crashing out of many recent tournaments. As a former world number one team, the Germans have the experience and grit to stick it to the international gauntlet that lie before them.
Hovering around the fringes of these contenders, Complexity, FaZe and Evil Geniuses have become shadows of their former selves and wish to return to stardom with a blazing campaign at the Spring Finals. A sudden slew of poor results for the Complexity lineup have brought forth questions regarding strategic depth and the recent performances of Justin “JKS” Savage. Having already won the Spring Finals of the 2020 BLAST Premier season, the defending champions will certainly look to bounce back in the 2021 edition.
FaZe have every making of a world-class team, housing multiple major winners and former champions that their middling form continue to shock the world. Finn “karrigan” Andersen and his crew of veterans will stop at nothing to produce outstanding results at the Spring Finals. Lastly, Evil Geniuses show signs of life heading into BLAST’s prestigious tournament. Crashing out of the North American RMR and locking a playoff spot at IEM Summer, the up and down nature of the squad could be entertaining to spectate to say the least. Look to Owen “oBo” Schlatter to break his team back into contention and reclaim the region’s lost glory.
The BLAST Premier circuit teems with opportunity as the Spring Finals go underway. Will the CIS domination continue? Will the international rosters finally have their potential realized? Or will the Europeans ascend the throne once more? Watch the storylines of the 2021 season come to a deafening crescendo and one final team hoist the coveted trophy on June 15th.
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