The BLAST Open Spring 2025 has wrapped up its Group Stage, and we are excited to see which elite teams are moving on to the Playoffs in Lisbon. The tournament kicked off in Copenhagen, Denmark, featuring 16 teams split into two groups of eight. Each group followed a double-elimination GSL format, wherein teams vied to remain in the upper bracket for as long as possible. The top seeds from each group directly qualified for the semifinals, while the second and third seeds from each group will begin their Playoff run in the quarterfinals.
Group A: A Clash of Champions
Group A witnessed an extraordinary level of play from the get-go. Team Vitality, still riding high after their recent win at ESL Pro League Season 21, had little trouble slicing through the opposition. They began with commanding victories over Astralis (13-6 on Anubis, 13-5 on Inferno) and Virtus.pro (13-6 on Anubis, 13-5 on Inferno). Astralis, once considered unbeatable, continued their recent slump, evidencing that their dominance of the past is not guaranteed in this new era. Meanwhile, VP’s attempt at a comeback never quite materialized, as Vitality’s strategic play across maps kept them on the back foot from start to finish.
MOUZ entered the Group A upper bracket final on the heels of two significant wins:
- A swift 2-0 sweep over Team Falcons (13-11 on Train, 13-10 on Ancient)
- A tense 2-1 victory against Team Spirit (3-13 on Dust 2, 16-13 on Nuke, 25-22 on Ancient)
In the final, MOUZ aimed to avenge their loss to Vitality at ESL Pro League Season 21, but the storyline repeated itself. Vitality managed a 2-0 sweep (13-11 on Mirage, 13-11 on Dust 2) that proved once again why they are considered the best CS2 team in the world. The synergy between Vitality’s individuals and a well-honed map pool gave them the upper hand in both maps, granting them the first direct semifinal berth from Group A.
The Lower Bracket Race
After MOUZ inflicted a loss on Team Spirit in the upper bracket semifinal, Spirit had no choice but to fight their way out of the lower bracket. They bounced back with back-to-back sweeps:
- FaZe Clan (13-8 on Anubis, 13-9 on Nuke)
- Virtus.pro (13-9 on Ancient and Anubis)
These consecutive victories showcased the relentless determination of Spirit’s core. Their disciplined rotations, quick trades, and well-timed utility gave them an edge in crucial moments. This run secured them the 3-rd and final Playoff spot from Group A, meaning Spirit will now start from the quarterfinals in Lisbon.
Group B: Shifting Power Dynamics
Group B’s competition saw Eternal Fire, the rising Turkish team, continue their impressive run this season. Coming into this tournament, they were widely recognized for having promising talent but still lagging behind more decorated teams such as Natus Vincere and G2. However, Eternal Fire proved their doubters wrong by sweeping:
- Team Liquid (13-7 on Dust 2 and Anubis)
- G2 Esports (13-10 on Anubis and Inferno)
Their next hurdle came in the form of NAVI, a squad that had historically been a thorn in the side of Eternal Fire, sporting a 5-0 record over them since September 2023. But in a remarkable twist, the Turkish side emerged victorious with a 2-0 sweep (13-9 on Inferno, 13-5 on Dust 2). Key players Ali “Wicadia” Haydar Yalçın and Ismailcan “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş displayed outstanding fragging power, game sense, and nerve under pressure, propelling Eternal Fire directly to a semifinals berth in Lisbon.
Despite the stinging loss to Eternal Fire, NAVI had strong moments in Group B. They initially swept FURIA Esports (16-12 on Anubis, 13-8 on Mirage) and overcame a stiff challenge from The MongolZ (13-7 on Dust 2, 1-13 on Inferno, 16-13 on Mirage). Although NAVI’s momentum halted in the upper bracket final, the caliber of their gameplay suggested that they can still be unstoppable when they click. NAVI’s star-studded roster led by Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen will now look to make a statement in the quarterfinals.
Once G2 were sent down to the lower bracket by Eternal Fire, many questioned if they would recover from such a decisive loss. However, G2 quickly put those doubts to rest with impressive sweeps over:
- M80 (13-9 on Ancient, 13-11 on Inferno)
- The MongolZ (13-11 on Ancient, 13-4 on Dust 2)
With those victories, G2 secured the last Playoff seat from Group B. Their ability to refocus and adapt in the face of adversity underscored why they remain one of the top CS2 teams in the world. Although the defeat at the hands of Eternal Fire denied them a direct route to the semifinals, G2’s roster carries considerable experience, making them a formidable contender heading into Lisbon.
The Playoff Bracket in Lisbon
Following the Group Stage, 6 teams head to the MEO Arena in Lisbon, Portugal. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown as the likes of Vitality, Eternal Fire, MOUZ, NAVI, Spirit, and G2 clash for the $330,000 portion of the prize pool that remains up for grabs. Here is how the main event bracket shapes up:
- Semifinal Qualifiers:
- Team Vitality (Group A first seed)
- Eternal Fire (Group B first seed)
- Team Vitality (Group A first seed)
- Quarterfinal Matchups:
- NAVI vs. Spirit
- G2 vs. MOUZ
- NAVI vs. Spirit
Each quarterfinal winner will go on to face either Vitality or Eternal Fire in the semifinals, culminating in a best-of-five grand final on the tournament’s last day.
