With the BLAST Premier Spring Showdown on the horizon, excitement bubbles for an event showcasing the crème de la crème of CS2.
The stage is set for intense battles and landmark debuts, including Donk's first BLAST appearance and s1mple's exciting venture back to CS(2).
It's difficult to pick, but we asked CS2 caster and expert Harry "JustHarry" Russell about 5 teams he looks forward to seeing in the BLAST Premier Spring Showdown.
His analysis sets the stage for potential game-changing performances and signals the rich narratives - especially with a spot at the BLAST Premier Fall Final in London on the line.
A team I and many others cannot wait to see. After lacklustre results at the RMR, dashing the dreams of a squad that just made a run in Katowice, changes were on the horizon.
Counter Strike legend, the best to ever do it, s1mple is back in the server after an extended break.
It's going to feel weird not seeing him in a Navi jersey and not AWPing, but seeing him play under the coach king Zonic and IGL Snappi will be a treat for us all. Although hearing sunpayus ask s1mple to "drop AWP" will be absolutely WILD.
Seeing NiP forced to fold their roster after what feels like an eternity of bad results would almost lead you to believe there's no talent left in Sweden, but that's where Metizport come in.
There's a bunch of interesting characters here, most anticipated would surely be nilo. This young star was a player on the Young Ninjas roster, and has been touted as one to watch by many top pros, so seeing him square off versus top-tier competition will be sick.
ZTR (former NiP IGL and IGL to nilo in Young Ninjas) also makes a triumphant return here.
Alongside them, a name that fell from grace in the T1 scene in Jackinho, who feels like he has unfinished business at the top level and has been GRINDING these last few years (Since Fnatic really - that was like 3 years ago!!!)
What's not to love? Bit of old, bit of new, all I know is I'm very interested to see how they fare.
Donk. Zontix. Sh1ro. In that order. Enough said.
It feels like an eternity since we've even said the orgs name. They underwent significant changes with the move to an international squad, and I think events like this are where Captain Cadian does his best work.
He's already got a Blast finals trophy in his personal cabinet. Can he bring that same glory to this Liquid squad?
Additionally a chance to see NAF and Twistzz, reunited and fragging together again? Damn colour me blue I'm a liquid fan.
If I asked you to close your eyes and think of a Rare Atom roster, there's zero chance you ever would've envisioned Phzy and Kory but here we are in 2024 and wouldn't you know it, they're donning the Rare Atom garb and ready to go.
Phzy has been putting up crazy numbers in this team (seriously look at the run they had to qualify for Showdown), and with chances a plenty for him to play versus old friends from NiP and Young Ninjas, I'm very excited to see how he gets on here.
There's sure to be a grudge match down the line at some point.
BLAST Premier Spring Showdown begins on March 6th and the final match is on March 10th. 16 teams battle for two spots at the BLAST Premier Spring Final.
BLAST ApS., Hauser Plads 1, 3., 1127 Copenhagen