BLAST R6 Atlanta Major Finals Preview: Schedule, Format and Matchups

Rainbow Six Siege

9 Nov

Kaustavmani Choudhury

The BLAST Rainbow Six Siege Atlanta Major has been nothing short of thrilling so far. With intense clashes, unexpected victories, and moments that have kept us on the edge of our seats, it's been a rollercoaster ride for Rainbow Six Siege enthusiasts. As we transition into the Finals stage, let's take a closer look at the teams and matchups that will define this exciting phase of the tournament.

The Playoffs:

Asserting Dominance: Faze Clan and G2 Esports

In the Playoff stage, two teams, Faze Clan and G2 Esports, emerged as clear frontrunners, each securing a flawless 3-0 record. Faze Clan faced a formidable challenge against DarkZero but then breezed past Ninjas in Pyjamas and Bleed. G2, on the other hand, made their journey seem effortless, defeating Scarz, DK, and Geekay with relative ease.

Overcoming Early Stumbles: W7m, DZ, and LOS

While W7m, DarkZero, and LOS initially stumbled in the tournament's opening round, they quickly recovered and secured their spots in the Finals with 3-1 records. These teams displayed resilience and adaptability, proving that it's not how you start but how you finish that truly matters in esports.

Geekay's Grit and BDS's Redemption

Geekay, the first Emirati squad to reach the Finals stage of a Major, had an up-and-down journey. They won their first two matches, faced setbacks in Rounds 3 and 4, but rallied in Round 5 to qualify with a 3-2 record. Their story is a testament to their determination and growth throughout the tournament.

BDS, after a shaky start with losses in Rounds 2 and 3, shone in the elimination matches, defeating Soniqs and Virtus.Pro with 2-1 and 2-0 victories, respectively. This experience in best-of-three matchups has honed their skills and sets the stage for an exciting showdown in the Finals.

SSG's Rollercoaster Ride

Spacestation Gaming faced adversity early in the tournament, losing to BDS and w7m in Rounds 1 and 2. However, they displayed remarkable resilience and adaptability, surging through the elimination matches by defeating Scarz, NIP, and Bleed. Their path to the Finals may not have been smooth, but it shows that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Farewell to the Fallen

Bleed, Virtus.Pro, Wolves, NIP, Dplus, Soniqs, Scarz, and M80 will bid farewell to the tournament. While they may not have made it to the Finals, they have contributed to the fierce competition and excitement that has defined the BLAST R6 Atlanta Major.

The Finals Stage:

Format and Schedule

The Finals stage, scheduled from November 10 to 12, 2023, will follow a single-elimination bracket format.

The quarter- and semifinals will be intense best-of-three matchups, testing each team's endurance and adaptability.

The Grand Final, which is set to be the climax of the tournament, will be a grueling best-of-five contest with no map advantage.

Marquee Matchups

Faze Clan vs SSG

The clash between Faze Clan and SSG promises to be a riveting encounter. On paper, Faze Clan appears to have the upper hand, given their perfect run in the playoffs. However, SSG has demonstrated their ability to thrive in best-of-three matches, leaving room for an upset. This matchup will undoubtedly be a test of strength and strategy.

DarkZero vs LOS

Both DZ and LOS had a hiccup in the opening match but rebounded strongly. Neither team has yet played in a best-of-three scenario, and the Finals stage will reveal the tactics and surprises they have in store.

G2 vs BDS: A Historic Rivalry

The matchup between G2 and BDS is a historic rivalry that has evolved over the years. G2's unblemished record in the Playoffs might indicate they have yet to face a "tough opponent." However, BDS's resilience in the later rounds has given them valuable best-of-three experience. This contest is set to be one of the most intriguing in the Finals stage.

W7m vs Geekay Esports

W7m, as former Major winners, have a lot to prove in this competition. Despite losing their opening game against Geekay, they quickly showcased their determination and skill to qualify ahead of the Emirati team. Geekay, the first Emirati squad in a Major Finals, aims to create a lasting legacy in Rainbow Six Siege.

Blast R6 Atlanta Major Finals Bracket
Image Source: Rainbow 6 Siege Esports / Ubisoft

Conclusion

As we enter the Finals stage of the BLAST R6 Atlanta Major, the excitement and competition reach new heights. Teams have shown their mettle, adaptability, and the ability to bounce back from early setbacks. The stage is set for thrilling matchups, fierce rivalries, and moments of pure esports brilliance. Who will emerge as the champion of Atlanta? Only time will tell.

Featured Image Source: @ItsKirillVision on X (formerly Twitter) / Ubisoft