Gambit secure DreamHack Masters Spring grand final spot over G2

The Russian team's dominance continues as they reach their third consecutive big-event title decider.

Gambit have advanced to the DreamHack Masters Spring grand final following a convincing 2-0 victory over G2 (Inferno 16-6, Vertigo 16-9). Vladislav "⁠nafany⁠" Gorshkov's squad will take on the winner of the second semi-final between HEROIC and Natus Vincere in the best-of-five title decider on Sunday.

When asked about his preferred grand final opponent in the post-match interview, nafany admitted HEROIC have been a tough nut to crack in their recent encounters in ESL Pro League and BLAST Premier Showdown. "I don't like to play versus Heroic, to be honest," nafany said, laughing. "They prepare really well for us, that's why."

Unlike in the first encounter between the two in the group stage of the tournament, G2 picked Inferno on the back of a solid record on the map in the past two months, but like many others ended up finding themselves a step behind Gambit after a slow start on the offense.

With Dmitry "⁠sh1ro⁠" Sokolov consistent as ever and Abay "⁠HObbit⁠" Khassenov in tandem, the Russian side maintained control in the first half on the way to a clean victory on the opener. Nemanja "⁠nexa⁠" Isaković & co. struggled for momentum and only put together four rounds as Terrorists, and there was little they could do when HObbit denied them a second pistol round win with a 1v2 clutch.

The action shifted over to Vertigo, where G2 were able to put up a better fight after they didn't let Gambit run away with another strong start featuring a 1v3 clutch from Sergey "⁠Ax1Le⁠" Rykhtorov. The first gunrounds went the nexa-led team's way after Audric "⁠JACKZ⁠" Jug found consecutive openings on A ramp, and despite Gambit's powerful reply the French-Balkan side stayed in contention going into the second half with six to their name.

Forcebuy battles ensued and that spelled trouble for G2, who couldn't capitalize on their economic advantage and Gambit took over, with sh1ro's last-second 1v3 clutch on A putting one of the final nails in their opponents' coffin before his team closed the series at 16-9, 2-0.