BLAST Premier Global Finals 2020: A power ranking

It is time to look ahead to the first major competition of 2021, the BLAST Premier Global Finals 2020. Due to the last related competition BLAST Premier Fall 2020 finishing its run relatively late in December, the finals take place in January of 2021.

On that note, in this article we are taking a look at the competitors. A power ranking of the teams participating to see who really has the best shot at winning here, and taking home the biggest chunk of that one million dollar prize pool. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly who to be rooting for.

1. Astralis

Yep, this one is not a surprise. Whilst Astralis holds a touchy number one spot, only very recently recaptured from Vitality, they are the most likely to win the event. They have an amazing BLAST track record, although they did not manage to win the last played BLAST event as Vitality snooped away the title from them there. A more redeeming factor for Astralis is the fact that they did win the BLAST Global Finals in 2019 and of course in recent times beat Vitality at the IEM Global Challenge 2020.

2. Vitality

Second place is held by Vitality: representing France with a bit of Belgium sprinkled in by Nivera, who will undoubtedly show up when a player switch comes up during a match. Currently nipping at Astralis for that number one ranking as previously said; they could just as much share the #1 place in this power ranking with them. Astralis barely wins out with sheer statistics, and the better track record in Global Finals and recent competitions. Nevertheless, do not underestimate this French Powerhouse.

3. NAVI

CIS representation is also important. Although this is NAVI’s first time participating in a global final for BLAST, they do have a history with previous BLAST events. Their performance in both 2019 and 2020 has been lacking however. Everytime they scuttle around that fourth place position on average, which does not bode all too well for them. Yet, we are dealing with NAVI which features the amazing s1mple, the best player in the world in the eyes of many. He will be the key factor for Natus Vincere to have a shot at first place.

4. Liquid

A contentious fourth place. The North American scene has been struggling and severely so. Liquid is a good example of this. They recently showed potential as they dipped their toes back in hostile waters (the EU scene), operating from their impressive Alienware Training Facility, located in Utrecht. They had their moment at the top. They made it all the way to the Grand final of the IEM Global Challenge 2020 – but this is where they got so harshly shot down by Astralis. Their position in this ranking is also riding on that performance. Liquid will have to prove however that it was not just some one time trick, and that they can propel themselves back upwards.

5. G2

One could question why this spot is not in the hands of FURIA. Take a look at the track record of G2 in recent times. They have managed to beat out FURIA with a 2-1 score. A challenge, no doubt, but a challenge G2 rose towards and succeeded at. They do however struggle more against teams like Astralis, and the diverse international line-up with the famed Kovač duo will have to pull some class tactics out of their high hat to contend with the top teams in this event.

6. FURIA

Towards the end of 2020, the FURIA line-up really started shining. Representing the pride of Brazil, which understandably lost faith in MIBR after their poor performance in recent times, they have been doing admirably. In the IEM Global Challenge 2020 they could even contend with a team like Heroic, which shows how much potential FURIA carries within itself to go for greatness. Right now they are rocking that number six HLTV ranking. A great place to be in, but with room for improvement. This event could be a chance for them to ascend past teams like Heroic and BIG in the global ranking, but maybe even touch base with any of the top three teams.

7. Complexity

Complexity is a difficult case in this competition. Mediocre showings have been the general trend and it hurts to say. Complexity is another team with a very diverse line-up, with players from all around the globe: from Australia, to Europe, to the United States. Sadly, the globally-sourced line-up is not working as optimally as one would hope. In the recent IEM Global Challenge they were swiftly shot down by Astralis and Vitality. Ever since the departure of oBo in September 2020, there haven’t really been wins against any of the teams featured in the tournament.

8. Evil Geniuses

Another North American tale gone awry, which leaves EG with the last place in this power ranking. As the HLTV ranking indicates, they have taken a straight dive ever since peaking at the end of September. Their performance even in the NA scene has been underwhelming and they have not managed to book a win against any of the teams in this competition since that aforementioned peak. At that time they managed to 2-0 Liquid, but right now even that seems unlikely with a refreshed Liquid ready to take them on.

Looking ahead

With this power ranking you’re prepared to tackle the finals when they start off on the January 19. Be sure to cheer for your favorite team, but secretly also cross your fingers for a little upset; we all know how exciting those can be. It will be interesting to see if the status quo by Astralis is maintained or if the French, or perhaps even the CIS region take back control.

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