BLAST Bounty Finals: First Round Predictions

The BLAST Bounty 2025 Season 1 Finals is about to kick off today, and the excitement is off the charts. It’s dawned on me that, unlike other formats, the Bounty format becomes infinitely more exciting in the playoffs, and it only gets better with every passing match. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in and see who’s got their feet to the fire:

G2 vs BetBoom

We’re witnessing quite a poetic clash here. On one hand is G2, who’s had some shaky moments in the group stage, and on the other BetBoom, who have blown expectations out of the water during the same time. But there are two key differences in the Finals that could tip the scales in G2’s favor. First and foremost, this is a LAN, and G2 has always been a different animal in this environment.

We did see m0NESY dip below his usual level, but as the saying goes, cometh the hour, cometh the man. To make things easier for him, both zorte and boombl4 won’t be in attendance. It should be smooth 2-0 sailing for G2. But remember, don’t count your chickens before they hatch, never, and I mean NEVER, underestimate G2’s ability to drop a map for absolutely no reason at all.

NAVI vs paiN

Buckle up, because this one’s going to be a real rollercoaster. NAVI, who were carried on b1t’s shoulders in the Group Stage, face off against paiN, who’ve stormed onto the scene after adding dav1deus. For those with a foggy memory, let me remind you, paiN are on a hot streak after taking down both FaZe and GamerLegion in the groups.

But this is NAVI we’re talking about, who already have a CS2 Major title to their name. This match is shaping up to be the toughest to call, and despite the odds, I’m leaning toward paiN here. Sure, NAVI is the higher-seeded team, but wouldn’t it be exciting to witness a new Brazilian sensation rise to the occasion in 2025?

Vitality vs Eternal Fire

Well, well, well, the Bounty Finals are just getting warmed up. Another heavyweight clash as Eternal Fire takes on Vitality. Now, I know Eternal Fire had their moments in the group stage, but facing ZywOo and ropz on LAN? That’s a whole different kettle of fish.

I do agree that Vitality has had a few close calls on some maps, and we might see that here too. There is hope for Eternal Fire if they can capitalize on those tight scorelines and make something out of them. But in the end, I’ve got Vitality taking this one 2-0, unless a miracle happens.

Spirit vs HEROIC

Oh boy, HEROIC, your ride ends here. Spirit has started 2025 with a bang, and they’re not planning on slowing down anytime soon. donk is here to put a stop to your dreams. The 17-year-old has shown no intention of easing off the gas after winning a Major. In fact, he’s gone above and beyond, posting a 1.88 rating in the Group Stage, something almost unheard of. Sorry HEROIC, but I think this is where the road runs out for you.

A Litmus Test for Roster Changes

The first tournament of the year after the rostermania is always the most exciting. You get to see loads of ideas flowing around, players making plays they generally wouldn’t after settling down, but most of all because there are always a few upsets on the cards. In the Finals currently, Spirit and NAVI are the only teams to have a roster that stuck together through the roster-mania. Both Major winners unironically. The finals will serve as a great litmus test to see who made the right changes, and who will roll with the punches rightaway.