NAVI and Vitality Cruise to Playoffs
Heading into this CS2 tournament, NAVI and Vitality were widely regarded as frontrunners for the title. Both teams have now secured their Playoffs positions with minimal difficulty, reinforcing their dominance. Given their consistency and high skill ceiling, at least one of these squads is expected to remain in contention all the way to the Grand Final.
The MongolZ have also earned a Playoffs spot, which may come as a surprise to some, but their strong performances in late 2024 tournaments suggested they were capable of achieving this milestone. Their ability to maintain form into the new year has been impressive.
FaZe and Eternal Fire Face Elimination Showdown
One of the biggest talking points in Group A is the upcoming elimination match between FaZe Clan and Eternal Fire. Only one of these teams will move forward, while the other will face an early exit.
Eternal Fire has been steadily improving over the past six months, and their recent roster change, bringing in jottAAA for Calyx, has seemingly elevated their level. Their runner-up finish at the BLAST Bounty Final hinted at their upward trajectory. On the other hand, FaZe’s acquisition of EliGE has strengthened their lineup, though role adjustments are still in progress. Both teams have Playoff-worthy potential, but only one can advance.
In Group B, Team Spirit is also at risk of elimination. Following their BLAST Bounty Season 1 victory, they entered this event as one of the favorites. However, an early clash with NAVI in the group stage forced them into the Lower Bracket, where they must now battle GamerLegion for the final Playoffs spot. Given their recent form, Spirit still has a strong chance of progressing.
Virtus.pro’s Unexpected Playoffs Run
Among the teams that have already secured a Playoffs berth, Virtus.pro stands out as the biggest surprise. Many had doubts about their potential, especially with electroNic stepping into the in-game leader role once again. Yet, against the odds, they have locked in a minimum top-six finish.
The addition of young talents FL4MUS and ICY has given Virtus.pro a much-needed boost, with both players delivering impactful performances. Their revitalized lineup has exceeded expectations, making them one of the most intriguing teams to watch in the upcoming Playoffs.
