- C9 secures a spot at the event after defeating VOYVODA 2-0
- It was not an easy match with C9’s Bulgarian opponents stretching out both maps
- C9 will now participate in a BLAST event for the first time in over a year
The list of teams qualified for the BLAST Premier Spring Showdown Europe grows with one more after Cloud9 won the RES Eastern European Masters Spring.
Cloud9 Emerges Victorious
Vladislav “nafany” Gorshkov's squad becomes the seventh one to claim a spot for the upcoming BLAST Premier Spring Showdown Europe after defeating Bulgarian team VOYVODA 2-0. The victory did not come easy for the Russian side as their opponents managed to stretch out both maps played to a too-close-for-comfort 16-14.
It was a valiant attempt from VOYVODA who had to go up against the tenth best team in the world. Despite the loss, the Bulgarians did not let their Russian opponents have much breathing room on Inferno and Overpass. Perhaps with a bit more luck, VOYVODA might have been at C9’s spot in the BLAST Premier Spring Showdown Europe.Cloud9’s victory comes well for their morale after the team suffered a humiliating elimination from IEM Katowice at the hands of IHC a month ago.
C9 began their qualification campaign in the GSL group stage with two easy best-of-one wins over Aurora and DomiNation. The Russians then advanced to the four-team, single-elimination playoff bracket where they met their first real difficulties in the face of Bad News Eagles. The Kosovar team held their ground, not letting C9 get easy domination on Mirage and Vertigo. Despite that, the Russians came out victorious after a difficult struggle and advanced to the finals to face VOYVODA.
How Did the Match Go?
RES Eastern European Masters Spring’s final match saw a similar scenario unfold with Valentin “poizon” Vasilev’s men putting up a strong resistance on both Inferno and Overpass. However, the Bulgarians were not able to overcome C9’s MVP for this game, Dmitry “sh1ro” Sokolov, who scored 1.58 and 1.41 ratings, on both maps respectively.
Cloud9’s victory is crucial for the Russian team’s BLAST Premier journey, as the squad is not partnered with the tournament organizer. C9 did not participate in any BLAST events last year which cost them ranking points and reduced the overall sample size of statistics. By qualifying for the Spring Showdown Europe, Cloud9 will have to face the likes of OG, BIG, and Ninjas in Pyjamas for a chance to win a spot at the Spring Finals.
The BLAST Premier Spring Showdown Europe will begin on March 29 and the final eight team to participate will be decided this weekend at the Pelaajat Nordic Masters Spring.
