Falcons, Tundra Advance To Semifinals
The opening day of BLAST Slam III served as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of competitive Dota 2, delivering a series of upsets that have set the stage for a dramatic playoff bracket in Copenhagen. With a prize pool of US$1 million and a single-elimination format ahead, the initial group stage redefined expectations and narratives within the tournament.
Group A: Falcons Soar, Spirit Stumble
Team Falcons emerged as the standout performers in Group A, finishing at the top with a record of 3-1. Their impressive victories included a dominant display against PARIVISION, Gaimin Gladiators, and an essential win over Team Spirit in a high-stakes tie-breaker, securing a direct path to the semifinals.
Gaimin Gladiators showcased resilience, sharing the second slot with a commendable 3-1 performance, their sole defeat occurring against Falcons. PARIVISION finished third with a balanced 2-2 record, while Team Spirit, despite being favored by many esports betting platforms prior to the tournament, underwhelmed with a disappointing 1-3 finish. Aurora Gaming also ended the group with a 1-3 record but celebrated a surprising victory over Falcons, joining Team Spirit in the first round of the playoffs.
Group B: Tidebound and Tundra Reign, Liquid Falters
Mirroring the unpredictability of Group A, Group B saw Team Tidebound rise to prominence, achieving victories against Team Liquid, Xtreme Gaming, and BetBoom to end with a 3-1 record. They were joined at the top by Tundra Esports, who rebounded from an early loss to Xtreme Gaming to clinch crucial wins against Liquid, BetBoom, and Tidebound. Tundra’s victory over Tidebound in a tie-breaker series secured their semifinal spot.
Xtreme Gaming managed a respectable 2-2 finish to take third place, while both Team Liquid and BetBoom faced early exits with a challenging 1-3 record, now gearing up for a do-or-die playoff confrontation.
Playoff Landscape and Essential Match-Ups
As we approach the playoffs commencing on Wednesday, May 8, anticipation builds for two high-stakes best-of-three encounters. Key match details, along with betting odds provided by Betway, are as follows:
- Team Liquid ($1.83) vs Team Spirit ($1.83) @ 4 PM CEST
- Aurora Gaming ($2.10) vs BetBoom Team ($1.66) @ 7 PM CEST
In the wings, Team Falcons and Tundra Esports remain well-rested, eager to harness the momentum from their impressive group stage performances as they await their semifinal opponents.
Meanwhile, PARIVISION and Tidebound are fortified in the quarterfinals, with the likes of PARIVISION and Xtreme Gaming set to clash in the second round against the winners of Wednesday’s matches.
The playoff structure will unfold through Sunday, featuring best-of-three matchups, culminating in a grand final that promises to be a best-of-five spectacle. With only one team able to hoist the coveted BLAST Slam III trophy, the journey ahead brims with potential for dramatic twists and elite Dota 2 showdowns, captivating audiences and players alike.
