The opening match of BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 Stage 1 will bring together two ambitious teams from different continents — China’s TYLOO and North America’s NRG. It’s a clash of styles, regions, and momentum that will set the tone for both teams in this first stage of the Major. The format is Best-of-1, meaning a single mistake could cost the entire game.
Road to the Tournament
TYLOO – The team qualified through the Chinese Regional Qualifier, and while their start was shaky, TYLOO managed to pull themselves together when it mattered most. They opened with a win over DogEvil (1:0), then lost to Lynn Vision (1:2), but bounced back with a dominant 2:0 victory over Rare Atom. Their performance improved thanks to individual growth from Mercury and JamYoung. TYLOO is a team gradually finding its structure.
NRG – The Americans made it through the North American qualifier, showing resilience despite some inconsistent series. They convincingly beat Nouns (2:0), and then overcame Getting Info (2:1) in a key match. A loss to Wildcard (1:2) left them in 3rd place — still a respectable result. Their core consists of Jeorge, HexT, and br0, with oSee handling AWP duties. NRG is a mixed squad of American, Canadian, and Danish players — experienced, but still lacking a defined identity.
I like NRG, I like their players — they’re easy to root for. But TYLOO just shoot really hard. They play simple Counter-Strike, nothing crazy in terms of tactics. But then again, NRG don’t do anything too special either. — Tedd
Current Form and Playstyle
TYLOO – known for their explosive aggression and fast site hits. In qualifiers, they played at a high pace, especially on Mirage and Inferno, but sometimes struggled with mid-round decision-making. Their biggest strength is momentum: once they seize it, they’re hard to stop.
NRG – prefers a slower, more controlled style. On CT sides, they use layered setups, and on T sides they emphasize map control. Their strength lies in clutch consistency and experience — but they can be vulnerable against chaotic, high-tempo opponents.
I know a lot of people think NRG are favorites. I don’t. I just think TYLOO will come in and outshoot them. It’s one of those matches I’m almost certain TYLOO will win. — Tedd
Map Pool
TYLOO
- Strong: Mirage, Inferno
- Neutral: Nuke, Anubis, Train
- Weak: Dust2, Ancient
NRG
- Strong: Dust2, Train, Anubis
- Neutral: Inferno, Mirage
- Weak: Nuke, Ancient
Likely veto:
- TYLOO bans Dust2
- NRG bans Mirage
Both teams agree on Inferno — one of TYLOO’s most comfortable maps and a relatively stable choice for NRG.
Key Matchups
- JamYoung vs oSee – The AWP duel that could define the match’s pace. If JamYoung locks down his positions early, TYLOO might take control.
- Mercury vs Jeorge – Dynamic riflers who often initiate rounds. Mercury is in top form, but Jeorge has the game sense to slow the aggression.
- Attacker vs br0 – Clutch and support battle — whoever manages the flanks better will relieve pressure on key zones.
br0 is a solid player, but not someone who’s going to win you matches — that’s just not his role. If you’re thinking of upgrades, I’d look at Jeorge, oSee, and next, and think who could be swapped for a stronger European. — Tedd
Mental Game and Motivation
TYLOO – They come into the match with steady results and minimal pressure. They play with freedom and energy, especially if they win the opening rounds. Their mentality: “Strike first.”
NRG – By contrast, NRG face higher expectations as a top American contender. Losing pistols can shake them, but they tend to stabilize quickly.
Match Prediction
Favorite: TYLOO
Despite NRG’s experience and structured approach, in a Bo1 format the edge goes to the team that can impose its pace and leverage raw skill. Given TYLOO’s aggressive nature, Mercury and JamYoung’s firepower, and high confidence from analysts like Tedd, the Chinese squad appears better positioned.
I just know TYLOO will most likely outshoot them. — Tedd
Expected Score: 13–10 in favor of TYLOO
NRG can put up a fight with their experience, but in a single-match scenario with no room for error, TYLOO’s momentum and aggression may be the deciding factor.
