Day one of the BLAST Premier World Final was defined by three shocking results, both finalists of the brilliant Rio Major 2022, Outsiders and Heroic facing early exits in elimination matches. Meanwhile, NAVI were also shocked, losing 2-0 to Team Vitality.
Day 1 featured two important debuts. We saw the debut of Anubis, which featured twice and provided a refreshing change of scenery to the server. Also making their debut was NAVI’s 17-year old Andrii ‘npl‘ Kukharskyi, who was promoted from NAVI Junior to substitute for loanee Viktor ‘sdy‘ Orudzhev in an experimental six-player roster. After their initial loss on Inferno, sdy returned to the starting line-up for Nuke as NAVI fell to Team Vitality.
Heroic energy!
Heroic vs NAVI fight to stay in contention
Heroic have been on the ascendency in 2022, culminating in an impressive victory at last month’s BLAST Fall Finals. It’d be extremely surprising to see them fall at the first hurdle after their recent great form. This competition is a brilliant opportunity for Heroic to cement their place amongst the game’s elite, and it’d be a shame to see it squandered ahead of 2023.
Facing Heroic is NAVI, who have desperately struggled for consistency in 2022. Roster uncertainty has meant they’ve been restricted to just a single competition win this year. Low on confidence and in poor form, don’t be surprised to see NAVI leave Abu Dhabi early. However, this is still a team of superstars, and on their day are capable of beating any team on the planet.
This was supposed to be the competion where we decide the best CSGO teams in 2022. With Outsiders out early this morning, and potentially either Heroic or NAVI departing, we will resolve the ranking positions of our trio fairly early. Expect three maps or more being played across all matches moving forward.
The BLAST World Final has already provided so much surprise and entertainment from the off. It speaks to the extremely high level of CS:GO that we’re seeing at the moment, that so many of the favourites are already at risk of going home. Long may it continue.
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