X
nav logo

Hit enter to search or ESC to close

There is a reason why many experts and fans consider Astralis the best CS:GO team in the world. They are so meticulous and precise with every play they make, and their individual skill is almost unmatched. The Danish superteam would show again why it is the Astralis era, by dominating Team Liquid to become the 2018 ELEAGUE Premier champions.

Team Liquid were looking so strong coming into the ELEAGUE Premier Finals. They just played Natus Vincere, who were the big favorites going into their semifinals matchup. Na’Vi were the recent ESL One champions, and they had just came off a convincing win against Fnatic. However, behind some great play from young star Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken and Nick “nitr0” Cannella, Team Liquid would be able to surprise Natus Vincere and the fans by sweeping the series, 2-0.

Astralis heads into the Finals looking like a juggernaut. They had not dropped a single series in the ELEAGUE Premier yet. In fact, they did not even drop a single map this entire tournament. They would run right through Cloud9, Team Liquid and Mousesports to get to this point. Their star AWPer Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz was brilliant up to the Finals, making incredible shots and clutch plays for his team. Astralis’ in-game leader Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander would also make some great calls for his team, while also playing at the highest level.

Let’s look at how the ELEAGUE Premier Finals would shape for Team Liquid and Astralis.

A Dominant First Map, Astralis-Style

Team Liquid would choose Inferno for the first map of the ELEAGUE Premier Finals. However, it was not even close. Astralis would absolutely run over Team Liquid, utilizing perfect teamwork and individual skill to snuff out anything from the North American squad. In contrast, Team Liquid was playing scared the whole time, lacking the aggressiveness that won them their game against Na’Vi. None of the firepower on TL would show up at all. Astralis’ Emil “Magisk” Reif leads the team with 25 kills, and they would hit the half way mark leading 15-1.

Although Team Liquid would show some life at the end of the first map, it was too little, too late. Astralis would clean up any loose ends and finish the map off in convincing fashion, 16-5. It would seem like this was going to be a quick Finals appearance for North America.

Team Liquid: So Close, Yet So Far

Astralis had not lost Nuke on LAN ever in their history. However, Team Liquid would make a game of map two by taking an early lead. Team Liquid is looking much better on the second map. The team is playing very controlled and calm compared to Inferno. They are very mobile on their defensive hold, and are incredibly aggressive. Elige and NAF are playing well, but their over-aggression costs them a round and their momentum. Astralis would go on a winning streak, and they’d hit the half 8-7, with Team Liquid barely in the lead.

The second half goes back and forth, with Nitro, EligE and the rest of Team Liquid hitting some great shots to take rounds away. They have to put a great deal of effort in ruining Astralis’ economy. It is so hard to slow down Astralis when they find any kind of momentum. Unfortunately, Team Liquid isn’t able to take away Dev1ce’s AWP. The Danish superstar is making key picks to slow any attacks and he shuts down every advance. Astralis, behind Dev1ce’s stellar play, would roll on and win the map, 16-12.

If you want to check out the highlights from today’s ELEAGUE Premier Finals, check them out here:


What are your thoughts on Astralis winning the ELEAGUE Premier title? Let’s discuss in the comments below! If you want more CS:GO content, check us out here.