BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 - Stage 2 Preview
The Challengers have earned their stripes, the heavyweights are stepping in, and Austin is about to host one of the most competitive Stage 2 lineups we’ve seen at a Major. Eight teams survived a brutal Stage 1, but now they’ll have to go through the likes of FaZe (with s1mple), Falcons, FURIA and more just to make playoffs.
Let’s break down how each qualified team got here, what the new challengers bring, and the top storylines as Stage 2 kicks off.
✅ Stage 1 Survivors: Round 1 Highlights
Heroic (3-0)
- Opened with a clean 13-7 win over Chinggis Warriors on Anubis.
- Dominant across the board: xfl0ud and tN1R led the charge.
B8 (3-0)
- Shocked Imperial 13-11 to start their run.
- Headtr1ck and npl looked locked in from day one.
OG (3-1)
- Made a statement with a 13-3 demolition of Complexity.
- Nicoodoz posted a godlike 3.08 rating — arguably the best individual map of the Major so far.
BetBoom (3-1)
- Kicked things off with a solid 13-7 win over Nemiga.
- Boombl4 and S1ren showed early composure and structure.
Nemiga (3-1)
- Started slow with a 7-13 loss to BetBoom.
- Rebounded to qualify with strong teamplay and consistent fragging.
Legacy (3-2)
- Dropped their opener to Lynn Vision.
- Closed out strong with a dominant 2-0 over Wildcard.
Lynn Vision (3-2)
- Beat Legacy 13-7 to start, then suffered back-to-back heartbreakers.
- Clutched out back-to-back do-or-die wins to become the first Chinese team to qualify for Stage 2 since TyLoo in 2018.
TYLOO (3-2)
- Lost their opener to NRG 5-13.
- Showed resilience, eliminating FlyQuest in a 2-1 battle for the final spot.
⚡ Challengers Joining the Battle in Stage 2
FaZe Clan
Entering with the biggest storyline of the tournament: s1mple on loan. It’s a high-risk, high-reward play for a team already stacked with ropz and broky. If the chemistry clicks, they’re title favorites.
Falcons
One of the highest-rated teams in the world right now. With NiKo, Magisk, m0NESY and TeSeS all firing, they’re the most complete roster in the field.
Virtus.pro
Classic CIS Counter-Strike: slow defaults, late hits, and expert utility. They don’t overwhelm you - they outlast you. Expect long games and clutch moments.
FURIA
FalleN and KSCERATO headline a revamped lineup. Aggressive, emotional, and dangerous - the Brazilian crowd-favourite has something to prove.
MIBR
Solid Americas form, but they’ll need a level-up to hang here. Insani and brnz4n are their X-factors.
paiN Gaming
Brazil’s most consistent lineup this year. Disciplined executes, confident aimers, and strong chemistry make them a legitimate playoff threat.
3DMAX
French underdogs who stunned in EU qualifiers. Structured play and clean executes got them here - now they’ll need to scale that to top-tier opponents.
M80
North America’s last hope. A mix of NA riflers and EU structure. If slaxz- and Swisher show up, they could pull a 3-2 run.
📊 Storylines to Watch
The s1mple Show - The GOAT is back and playing for FaZe. Will it be a last dance or a redemption arc?
Falcons' Flight - Can the highest-rated team on paper dominate in practice?
Brazil x3 - FURIA, paiN, and MIBR all made it. Expect huge crowd energy and even bigger plays.
Asian Resurgence - TYLOO and Lynn Vision are here. Can either crack playoffs for the first time in years?
Underdogs on the Prowl - Legacy, 3DMAX, B8 - these teams have already slain bigger names. Don’t be shocked if one makes a deep run.
Tom's Tips
With a silver coin already locked in, we're making a run for an early gold with the chance of going Diamond!
Falcons and Heroic will both be hard to beat in the BO1 games. FaZe Clan could be a danger to make a 3-0 run, however, historically shaky starts make it more prudent to play them safe with a 3-2/3-1 slot. Furia has the experience edge of the 3x Brazilian teams, so we're backing them to make the next stage.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Stage 2 runs June 7–10. Swiss format, first to 3 wins moves on. First to 3 losses? You're out. Get ready for s1mple clutches, B8 upsets, and Falcons dominance.
Let the real Major begin.
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