Team Spirit has outlasted a new-look Astralis as they book a spot in the grand finals against a scary-looking G2 who previously bested them in this tournament. Not only does this presets a chance for revenge but Spirit would like to announce that they are title contenders once again after a notable drop in form mid-season.
VETO
- Spirit removed Inferno
- Astralis removed Anubis
- Spirit picked Dust2
- Astralis picked Vertigo
- Spirit removed Nuke
- Astralis removed Mirage
- Ancient was left over
Map 1: Dust 2; Pick: Spirit; Winner: Spirit
Spirit got off to a strong start thanks to an in-form donk whose exceptional rifling put the Danish side on the backfoot right from the get-go. Astralis managed to put together a few rounds later in the half that made the scoreline a bit more competitive. The first half concluded 7-5 with 5 being all the rounds they managed in the half. chopper called a fantastic T side that made the CIS roster cruise past Astralis to win the map 13-5. donk with 21 kills found himself to be the best player on the server.
Map 2: Vertigo; Pick: Astralis; Winner: Astralis
Astralis were able to wash off the earlier defeat and posted a statement first half, winning 9 rounds while Spirit managed to get only 3. Stavn became the spearhead of their offense as Spirit failed to find an answer to a well-drilled T side from Astralis. The 9-3 showcased their dominance early on in the map eventually led to a streak of rounds in the second half to close the map with a 13-3.
Map 3: Ancient; Decider; Winner: Spirit
Astralis got off to a poor start on the defense on a CT-sided map. Winning only 3 rounds in the first half was tough enough for them to post a comeback in the second half. sh1ro was leading the charge for Team Spirit which continued into the second half and despite Astralis pulling in a few rounds, Spirit was able to reach the finish line before them. With 19 kills, sh1ro’s AWP was instrumental in Spirit reaching the finals.
Astralis’s run in the tournament has come to an end but it is clear that cadiaN leadership has invigorated new life in them and they are building upto be a force to be reckoned with. Spirit on the other hand are also on an ascent in form but their true test will be against G2 in the Grand Finals tomorrow.
