We’ve just made it through a hectic day of Dota action, as the entire Group Stage of BLAST Slam 3 was played on a single day. Here are the results and some key takeaways coming into the King of the Hill Playoffs format.
Group A Results
Here are the results for Group A:
| Standing | Team | Final Score |
| 1 | Team Falcons | 3-1 |
| 2 | Gaimin Gladiators | 3-1 |
| 3 | PARIVISION | 2-2 |
| 4 | Team Spirit | 1-3 |
| 5 | Aurora | 1-3 |
Resurgence For The Falcons
Considering their recent performances at past events, I didn’t have high expectations for Team Falcons coming into this event in my power rankings. However, I’m happy to be proven wrong. They’re finally back to playing their original style of picking three strong melee cores – a strategy that has taken them to the top of the Dota world.
Sneyking and Cr1t are also playing exceptionally well. Their positioning in fights becomes much easier when three bulky blokes stand in front of them. Overall, the Falcons are returning to their identity and playing a great macro game. If they keep this up, we might see them lifting trophies once again.
Staying At The Top Is Harder Than Getting There
We’re in one of the most competitive eras in Dota. If you’ve just won an event, you can bet there are targets on your back. PARIVISION have been very dominant and Team Liquid are hot off a PGL Wallachia Season 4 win. They came into the event as the two strongest teams that have just claimed their respective titles. However, both had a rough Group Stage since teams study them more than other competitors.
Still, it’s too early to come to conclusions considering all matches are Best of 1s. These two teams adapt very quickly, especially in drafts, and we should see them perform better in Best of 3s. However, the absence of coach Astini could impact PARIVISION through the remainder of this event.
Group B Results
Here are the results for Group B:
| Standing | Team | Final Score |
| 1 | Tundra Esports | 3-1 |
| 2 | Team Tidebound | 3-1 |
| 3 | Xtreme Gaming | 2-2 |
| 4 | Team Liquid | 1-3 |
| 5 | BetBoom Team | 1-3 |
Any Crystallis Doubters?
Tundra threw their first match at the event against Xtreme Gaming, but since then, they have been on a tear. The Western European squad topped Group B with a 3-1 record and will start their Playoff run in the Semi Final.
Across three wins in a row, Crystallis mounted a combined KDA of 36/3/29, only averaging one death per game. Whether it’s Underlord or his signature Razor, Crystallis has looked much better than his previous events with the Tundra squad. We might see this team back in top form if he keeps this up.
China Is Back, But Are They Here To Stay?
A decade ago, China was considered the strongest region in Dota, but since then, they have been on a steady decline with no signs of a regeneration of new talents. However, the veterans have still got it in them.
Team Tidebound and Xtreme Gaming had respective finishes to their Group Stage campaigns, but the Playoffs will be a different beast, especially with a single-elimination format on the cards. Will we see a Chinese team lift an international trophy for the first time in what feels like forever?
The Playoffs Bracket Is Set
With these Group Stage results, the Playoffs bracket has developed into:
The Playoffs of BLAST Slam 3 will immediately begin tomorrow. The tournament format features a single-elimination bracket, meaning one loss and you’re out.
