The competitive landscape of Dota 2`s European scene has been nothing short of electrifying, and the BLAST Slam V closed qualifiers are proving no exception. In a high-stakes upper bracket semi-final clash, MOUZ demonstrated their prowess by securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Aurora Gaming, advancing to the winner`s final and moving one step closer to the coveted main stage.
The series, a best-of-three affair, saw both teams trade blows, reflecting the intense competition characteristic of top-tier Dota 2. Aurora Gaming, known for their strategic depth, put up a formidable challenge. However, it was MOUZ, spearheaded by the skilled carry Remco “Crystallis” Arets, who managed to seize control when it mattered most, ultimately closing out the series with a decisive third game win. The global online viewership surely appreciated the display of strategic execution and mechanical skill from both sides. For Aurora Gaming, this defeat means a descent into the perilous lower bracket, where every subsequent match becomes an elimination bout – a truly unforgiving path in the hunt for a tournament slot.
MOUZ now finds themselves in an enviable position, awaiting their next opponent in the winner`s final. This crucial match will determine who claims one of the two available slots for the BLAST Slam V main event. Their challenger will emerge from another highly anticipated showdown: a clash between esports giants Natus Vincere and Nigma Galaxy. The victor of that duel will face MOUZ in what promises to be a thrilling contest for direct qualification. This winner`s final is currently slated for October 11th, promising another evening of high-octane Dota 2 action.
The European closed qualifiers for BLAST Slam V, running online from October 10th to 12th, are a pressure cooker for aspiring teams. Only two squads will navigate this gauntlet to reach the main stage, where the true battle for supremacy begins. As the days unfold, the narrative of who rises and who falls becomes increasingly clear, crafting stories of triumph and heartbreak that define esports. The path to glory is rarely straightforward, and for those who stumble in the upper echelons, the lower bracket offers a second, albeit far more treacherous, chance at redemption. May the best teams prevail.
Finley Holt 
Oliver Brampton