The playoffs at the BLAST.tv Austin Major are here! To help you make the best Pick’Em choices, we’ve analyzed each matchup, breaking down recent team form, key players, strengths, weaknesses, and maps.
Quick Picks Summary
Quarterfinal Winners:
- FURIA (vs paiN Gaming)
- Team Spirit (vs MOUZ)
- FaZe Clan (vs The MongolZ)
- Team Vitality (vs Natus Vincere)
Semifinal Winners:
- FaZe Clan (vs FURIA)
- Team Vitality (vs Team Spirit)
Grand Final Winner:
- Team Vitality
Detailed Match Breakdown
FURIA vs paiN Gaming
- Pick: FURIA
- Despite losing to paiN earlier, FURIA has dominated since, topping Stage 3 with a flawless 3-0.
- Key players like KSCERATO, yuurih, and YEKINDAR provide unmatched firepower and experience compared to paiN.
- paiN’s Cinderella story and dgt’s individual skill could challenge, but their lack of playoff experience might be decisive.
Team Spirit vs MOUZ
- Pick: Team Spirit
- Spirit is the reigning Major champion and hasn’t lost a match this tournament.
- Spirit’s superstar donk, supported by consistent play from sh1ro and magixx, makes them heavy favorites.
- MOUZ, despite being resilient, struggled significantly during Swiss stages, raising questions about their consistency.
FaZe Clan vs The MongolZ
- Pick: FaZe Clan
- FaZe boasts star power with s1mple, frozen, and rain, combined with strategic leadership from karrigan.
- The MongolZ have proven unpredictable and dangerous (Senzu’s outstanding performance), but FaZe’s experience and individual skill should secure them a comfortable win.
Natus Vincere vs Team Vitality
- Pick: Team Vitality
- Vitality, despite an early hiccup, bounced back impressively with ZywOo’s MVP-level form.
- NAVI’s rebuilt lineup under Aleksib is strong tactically but lacks the sheer firepower and playoff experience Vitality brings.
- ZywOo, ropz, and flameZ provide multiple win conditions that NAVI will struggle to counter consistently.
Semifinals
FURIA vs FaZe Clan
- Pick: FaZe Clan
- FaZe’s depth, experience, and versatility in pressure moments will likely overpower FURIA’s aggressive playstyle. Expect close games but a FaZe victory.
Team Spirit vs Team Vitality
- Pick: Team Vitality
- Spirit’s form and young talent (donk, sh1ro) are formidable, but Vitality’s roster depth and big-stage experience give them a slight edge. Anticipate a tight three-map thriller with Vitality narrowly prevailing.
Grand Final
FaZe Clan vs Team Vitality
- Champion: Team Vitality
- The ultimate showdown between s1mple-led FaZe and ZywOo-led Vitality.
- Vitality’s superior current form, more cohesive lineup, and ability to consistently close out crucial rounds should secure them the Major title.
Good luck with your Pick’Ems, and enjoy the thrilling conclusion to the BLAST.tv Austin Major!
You can see how other content creators have made their Pick’Ems in the videos below.
