NIP secure playoff spot with dominant display against FURIA

The Swedish-majority side became the fourth team locked in for the playoffs with a commanding win against FURIA, limiting them to just 12 rounds in the series.

A 2-0 win over FURIA means that NIP have locked in their top eight place at the PGL Antwerp Major. They started off the series with a near perfect CT side on Nuke, in the end winning 16-2. Inferno proved to be a closer affair, but the Ninjas still ended up comfortable winners.

A loss for FURIA means they will play one more deciding match, where they will have their last chance to advance. The game will be happening tomorrow, with Copenhagen Flames and Vitality already in the 2-2 pool.

The second 2-1 series started off on Nuke, which was the pick of the Brazilians. Their T side left much to be desired, however, as they fell to a 11-0 deficit before getting a round on the board, with the Swedish defense stopping their every move with ease. A 4v5 post-plant situation got FURIA their first round on the board, but their fortunes didn't change much after that, losing the half 2-13.

With NIP winning the second pistol round on the back of Nicolas "⁠Plopski⁠" Gonzalez Zamora's 3K, closing out the map was a mere formality, as they ended the map with a rampant 16-2 win.

Next up was Inferno, the pick of NIP, where it was once again the Swedes that got off to a hot start, feeling confident after the previous map as they quickly got to a 5-1 lead. This time FURIA were able to strike back, evening up the score at 5-5 with a couple of great holds. It was Kaike "⁠KSCERATO⁠" Cerato's 1v2 clutch who got his team into the lead for the first time in the series, who looked revitalized after the first map drubbing. NIP were able to keep it close, with their makeshift AWPer, Patrick "⁠es3tag⁠" Hansen, hitting two no-scopes in a round that tied up the scores at 7-7.

With FURIA ahead at the half, a pistol round win for NIP was crucial for their chances on the map, as they built on their good start, limiting FURIA to just two rounds throughout the second half. Ludvig "⁠Brollan⁠" Brolin justified his addition to the team with several impressive rounds, helping his team come out 16-10 winners on the map and secure their place in the top eight at the Major.