by G2 Esports kicked off their BLAST Premier Spring Groups campaign with a decisive 2-0 victory over Ninjas in Pyjamas, securing wins on Vertigo (13-7) and Anubis (13-2).
Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov, the fourth-best Counter-Strike player of 2023 showcased exceptional form with a 1.88 rating.
However, NiP’s lackluster performance, aside from flashes of brilliance from Fredrik “REZ” Sterner, made it an easier contest for G2.
G2 advances to the upper final against Natus Vincere, while Ninjas in Pyjamas faces a lower final battle to stay alive in the tournament.
In the Vertigo match, NiP initially led 3-0 on the T side, but G2 took control with six consecutive rounds.
Despite NiP’s efforts, G2 secured a 7-5 halftime lead.
G2 dominated the second half, particularly with m0NESY’s outstanding plays, closing the map 13-7.
The Anubis map was completely one-sided, with G2 overpowering NiP.
NiP struggled on their T side, facing challenges from deep flanks by Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen.
G2 secured a convincing 13-2 victory, sealing the series 2-0.
A gold star performance from @G2CSGO, picking up their first W at the Spring Groups ?? #BLASTPremier pic.twitter.com/ttT0VbmUoq
— BLAST Premier ?? (@BLASTPremier) January 22, 2024
Natus Vincere also started strong, defeating Complexity 2-0 (16-14 on Overpass, 13-8 on Anubis).
Despite Complexity’s initial 5-0 lead on Overpass, Natus Vincere mounted a comeback, forcing the match to overtime and ultimately winning 16-14.
Natus Vincere faces G2 in the upper bracket, while Complexity aims to avoid elimination against Ninjas in Pyjamas.
A PERFECT T-side from @natusvincere sees them stroll past @Complexity in their opening series ??#BLASTPremier pic.twitter.com/ZpHybXFIYj
— BLAST Premier ?? (@BLASTPremier) January 22, 2024
Vitality continued their dominating form, dismantling OG 2-0 (Mirage 13-0, Inferno 13-7).
Vitality has now won nine consecutive series and twelve maps, carrying the momentum from their success in 2023 into the new season.
Mirage saw Vitality secure a swift 13-0 lead on the CT side, showcasing a dominant performance.
Inferno continued the trend, with Vitality maintaining control and closing out the series 2-0.
A much better showing from @OGcsgo on Inferno, but still not enough to take down @TeamVitality ??#BLASTPremier pic.twitter.com/nwRqqrMe5P
— BLAST Premier ?? (@BLASTPremier) January 22, 2024
Astralis showcased their prowess, defeating Falcons 2-0 (13-8 on Vertigo, 13-3 on Ancient).
The new Falcons line-up, featuring three former ENCE members, struggled against Astralis’ masterful T side on Vertigo.
Astralis dominated the series, with Nicolai “device” Reedtz and the riflers leading the charge.
Astralis faces Vitality in the upper bracket final, while Falcons look to bounce back against OG to avoid early elimination.
.@AstralisCS feeling it on home turf, taking the quick 2-0 tonight! ????#BLASTPremier pic.twitter.com/ysMQaotgOD
— BLAST Premier ?? (@BLASTPremier) January 22, 2024
Tuesday’s Spring Groups matches
- Natus Vincere (+137) vs G2 Esports (-188.68) @ 12pm CET
- Ninjas in Pyjamas (+162) vs Complexity (-227.27) @ 2:30pm CET
- Team Vitality (-250) vs Astralis (+175) @ 5pm CET
- Falcons (-277.78) vs OG (+200) @ 7:30pm CET
