Bet highlight:

1. B8 went through Stage 1 with a perfect 3-0 record.
2. Falcons tend to let rounds slip, even when dominating.
3. Map pool looks promising for B8.

Full analysis:

The first match I’ll analyze at the BLAST Austin Major is Falcons vs B8. Falcons are entering the Major in strong form, widely considered the second-best team after Vitality. While their recent head-to-heads with Vitality suggest a close gap, I believe the difference is still significant. Vitality plays a much more methodical and structured game, whereas Falcons rely heavily on the firepower of NiKo and m0nesy, with kyxsan stepping up in tight spots to lead with some solid IGLing. It’s effective - but not always stable.

Falcons have shown a recurring issue: letting rounds slip away even when they’re in full control. This can lead to close finishes or even overtimes that shouldn't happen. B8’s map pool, while built mostly against Tier 2 opposition, is still fairly well-rounded and mature. They’ll likely be able to pick a map that challenges Falcons.

I don’t expect B8 to win here, but with this being a BO1, the upset potential is always there. More realistically, I see this being a close match. For that reason, I’m going with a handicap B8 +4.5 rounds.

Good luck and have fun!