The first stage of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 has concluded — and among 16 teams and dozens of players, one name stood out brighter than the rest. Danish AWPer Nico “nicoodoz” Tamjidi, playing for OG, didn’t just dominate — he dismantled opponents with surgical precision. His statistics, impact, and highlight moments left no doubt: he deserved the MVP award of Stage 1.
A Start No One Expected
OG’s opening match was against Complexity — a team with ambition and experience. But within just a few rounds, it became clear: this game would be all about nicoodoz. With the AK-47 and AWP, he delivered one of the most dominant individual performances in Major history.
33 kills, 175 ADR, a 3.08 HLTV rating — all on a single map (Ancient). In every round, he was one step ahead: sharp game sense, perfect spacing, and a masterful ability to close out tight situations. He practically won the game on his own — prompting analysts to label the performance a “one-man show.”
Numbers That Speak for Themselves
During Stage 1, nicoodoz played four matches — against Complexity, B8, TYLOO, and NRG. The only loss came against B8, while the other matches saw OG shine with convincing victories. Across all appearances, nicoodoz’s stats were staggering:
- Rating 2.1: 1.70
- K-D Difference: +58
- K/D ratio: 2.26
- 5 maps played
By the end of Stage 1, no other player came close to his level of consistency and impact. This wasn’t just a “hot match” — it was a signal to the entire tournament: OG has a world-class AWPer in its ranks.
Strategic Role and Mental Composure
Another key factor was nicoodoz’s role within OG’s structure. The team played with an aggressive yet disciplined style, and thanks to nicoodoz’s reliability, they were able to take early control, pressure map areas, and execute confidently. He didn’t just bring firepower — he brought calm under pressure, winning clutches, securing trades, and anchoring sites when needed. His performance in high-stakes moments showed a level of maturity that goes beyond mechanics — it showed pure game intelligence.
What It Meant for OG
Heading into the tournament, expectations for OG were low. Following a shaky first half of the season and recent roster changes, they needed a strong start — and nicoodoz became the driving force behind it. He didn’t just bring hope — he dragged OG into Stage 2.
I play a bit differently on the T-side compared to other AWPers, so it was a bit hard for [Chr1zn and spooke] to adapt to it, nicoodoz said in an HLTV interview. But they’re doing a great job, and we’re all happy with how the team is playing right now.
His impact wasn’t just in stats — he lifted the team’s spirit, changed their rhythm, and forced analysts to take OG seriously again.
Can He Repeat It in Stage 2?
That’s the big question going forward. Stage 2 will bring tougher opponents: FaZe, Falcons, Virtus.pro, HEROIC, and paiN — all seasoned squads with structure and firepower. But if nicoodoz maintains this form, OG won’t just survive — they could aim for a top-8 finish or more.
The first stage of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 has already given us a breakout star — and his name is nicoodoz. His dominance, composure, and raw skill remind us that at Majors, there’s always room for a new name to explode onto the scene. He didn’t just perform — he created a moment that will be remembered.
