Followers anticipated Natus Vincere and Group Spirit to breeze by way of the qualifiers for BLAST Bounty Fall, however each groups confirmed indicators of weak point early within the bracket.
Regardless of each getting into as strong favorites, Na’Vi and Spirit each dropped maps to a lot lower-ranked groups on their approach to the $500,000 LAN. On August 6, 2025, Na’Vi dropped a shock map to Group Subsequent Stage to start out its event run. In the meantime, Spirit misplaced its personal signature map decide to Ardour UA. Each groups come contemporary off large finishes at IEM Cologne, with Spirit profitable the distinguished trophy and the $400,000 grand prize. The net qualifiers proceed to rage, with three extra days of competitors figuring out the roster for the primary occasion beginning on August 14.
Ardour UA and TNL declare large underdog map wins
Na’Vi drew its match in opposition to TNL for the primary spherical, and followers anticipated a blowout. HLTV ranks Na’Vi the fifth greatest CS2 staff on this planet. TNL falls a lot decrease at rank 31, slightly below BIG and M80. Nonetheless, map one on Historic instantly went awry with a pistol win for TNL and an ensuing 3-0 rating. The underdog earned 5 T rounds earlier than the change. The second half featured a large rally for TNL because it scored 5 CT wins in a row, ultimately forcing time beyond regulation. Stellar play by rifling duo Davyd “Dawy” Bibik and Artem “cairne” Mushynskyi secured the upset.
Picture Credit score: Group Subsequent Stage
The analyst desk instantly dissected a sound clip of Na’Vi’s gamers arguing over utility plans throughout the heated match. Regardless of communication points, the staff proved that Historic was a fluke and soundly gained the subsequent two maps, quelling the nerves of Na’Vi followers in all places.
Group Spirit’s map drop was much more surprising, because the IEM Cologne champion matched up with Ardour UA, rank 33. This time, Ardour served Spirit the dishonor of dropping by itself map decide. Beginning CT on Mud, the all-Ukrainian facet earned solely 4 rounds as anticipated. Dmitriy “sh1ro” Sokolov even picked up a good looking one-on-three clutch for the spotlight reel.
Nonetheless, Volodymyr “Woro2k” Veletniuk exploded on T facet with 14 kills and 156.4 harm per spherical. HLTV rated his T facet efficiency on Mud 2 at a mind-boggling 2.41. Ardour would finish the half 9-2 to ensure a full sequence. Spirit handily took the remainder of the match 13-3 on Mirage and 13-4 on Historic.
Picture Credit score: Ardour UA
Whereas neither favourite misplaced their sequence, each Na’Vi and Spirit dropping maps early on is a worrying signal. It’s doable that its associated to the web nature of the event, as lower-ranked groups get extra on-line occasion apply whereas top-tiers spend extra time on LAN. There’s additionally the Cologne stoop, as Na’Vi comes straight off a deep run whereas Spirit is the defending champion. Assuming each groups win their qualifying matches, they’ll have till the primary occasion begins on August 14, 2025, to shake out their nerves.
