The BLAST Premier Spring Showdown kicks off on June 1 in the form of two online Counter-Strike: Global Offensive tournaments – one for European teams and the other for those based in North America. The 18 teams in attendance will be competing for their share of a $325,000 (£263,890) prize pool.
Read on to find out more about our top predictions, but keep in mind that the tournament will feature a best-of-one group stage so there is a considerable chance of upset results.
In the European division of BLAST Premier’s Spring Showdown, Astralis look like clear favourites to take the top spot. Not only are Astralis the current HLTV world number one team, prior to their recent loss to G2 Esports, the Danes were on a 10-game winning streak against world-class opposition such as Team Vitality, FaZe Clan, and G2 Esports themselves.
One intriguing aspect for Astralis will be the performance of recent addition of Jakob “JUGi” Hansen. JUGi replaces former in-game leader Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander who helped them win all four of their Major championships. Without his leadership, Astralis may find themselves coming under more pressure than they’re used to, so practice and perseverance with JUGi on the team will be essential to the squad’s success.
Alongside Astralis, Fnatic could place highly next week at BLAST Premier’s European Spring Showdown. Whilst they had a rough showing at ESL One: Road to Rio, they finished first in ESL Pro League Season 11 less than two weeks beforehand. In that competition, the Swedes surpassed Astralis, Natus Vincere, and mousesports – three top teams.
Fnatic have a blend of storied players and fresh, young talent on their roster, so there is serious potential that they’ll place highly in the upcoming competition.
Last time at @BLASTPremier we saw some clean shots from @dupreeh.
Can we see them again on Monday? #ToTheStars pic.twitter.com/lacB7M66vO
— Astralis (@astralisgg) May 27, 2020
FURIA are looking to be in serious contention to win the American division of BLAST Premier’s Spring Showdown. In amazing form, Furia have beaten both MIBR and Team Liquid in their last three matchups, and the roster finished second at the North American division of ESL One: Road to Rio. Slightly more recently, the Brazilian side won every group stage game at DreamHack Masters Spring 2020, and so the squad have a solid chance of finishing first next week at BLAST Premier’s Spring Showdown.
Next to FURIA, one team that we tip to place highly at BLAST Premier’s Spring Showdown is Gen.G Esports. After a disappointing finish to Flashpoint 1, Damian “daps” Steele and co. topped the North American division of ESL One: Road to Rio. Along the way, Gen.G Esports beat Evil Geniuses, 100 Thieves, and even FURIA – three teams ranked above the side in HLTV’s world rankings.
With this in mind, we have every reason to suspect that Gen.G Esports can place well at BLAST Premier’s Spring Showdown, especially with the volatile best-of-one format that can assist upset results.
Esports fans can watch the action unfold live on Unibet TV, and catch highlights on their social media pages too. Betting on all BLAST Premier Spring Showdown matches will be available on Unibet.
