BLAST Paris Major Challengers Stage day one recap
Three Americas representatives entered day one of the Challengers Stage for BLAST's Paris Major, all carrying different expectations for how their first and second games would go. To the shock of many, it was Liquid that fell into the most troubles despite having plenty of time off for preparation compared to their Americas counterparts. For the other two teams, things went about as expected.
Complexity started their day off on Inferno versus GamerLegion, where the Dallas-based team was able to show off their near-unbeatable CT-side through the first fifteen rounds. A dominant 13-2 half set them up for an easy win, but GamerLegion fought hard to prevent that. After a valiant comeback effort was thwarted, Complexity closed the map 16-11 to go up 1-0. Following the win, they were pitted against the Major-favorites, G2.
The two teams went toe-to-toe in the first half of their Inferno game, with Complexity edging out the extra round on their T-side to win the first half 8-7. After the half-switch, it was all G2. A 9-1 showing on their defense gave Complexity their first loss in the event, 16-9. After day one, Complexity has a record of 1-1 and will face domestic rival paiN tomorrow.
As for paiN, they were able to beat up on little brother Fluxo to kick off their event. An easy 16-2 got them warmed up in a big way, but they were abruptly cooled off by FaZe. When the two entered Nuke for the 1-0 match, a 2-6 deficit on CT-side meant for a massive uphill battle for paiN, one they ultimately couldn't clime. After going down 12-16, they exited day one with a 1-1 record and will face Complexity tomorrow.
Lastly, Liquid is making waves for their back-to-back losses to start the Major, something many experts and fans alike could not have anticipated. Their day started off against Apeks, a match that quickly fell out of their favor after winning the pistol. The 1-7 deficit would become 5-10, something that Liquid would be unable to overcome on Ancient despite their best efforts. After the 12-16 loss to Apeks, they were given a rebound opportunity against FORZE.
On Nuke, things were looking rather optimistic for Liquid after starting their T-side out 3-1. Once both sides were on full buys, however, FORZE were able to gather their bearings, winning six straight. Liquid responded with three of their own to earn seven before the half ended in favor of FORZE.
Down 7-8, it was up to Liquid to earn their first win with strong defense. This came to fruition initially, with the team winning six straight rounds after losing the first three. Up 13-11, everything crumbled for Liquid as they lost five of the last six rounds to lose Nuke 14-16 and go down 0-2. Facing elimination, Liquid's journey to the next stage begins tomorrow in a BO3 against Fluxo.
