DreamHack Masters: Las Vegas 2017 - SK Gaming push past Na'Vi to semis

The Brazilians of SK Gaming defeated Na’Vi, taking the series 2-0 and moving on to the semi-finals of DreamHack Master: Las Vegas 2017.

The champions of 2016 show once again that they are capable of great things, even after making a roster move. In the first event with their new addition, SK Gaming have made the semi-finals, and will look to make the finals. In the quarters, they defeated Na’Vi, 2-0, with a thrilling first map.

Below is a recap of the series:

SK Gaming vs. Natus Vincere (2-0)

de_Mirage - (5:10, 10:5); (10:7) 25:22

Map one kicked on onf Mirage, with Natus Vincere on the T side, where they took an advantageous start, taking the first pistol round and reaching a score line of 3-0. Once the first rifle round took place, SK retaliated, rocking the confidence of the CIS team, but it would appear to be fruitless, as Oleksandr “S1mple” Kostyliev’s team took the next five rounds, taking a massive lead of 8-1. Despite the run of rounds and momentum, the Brazilians, led by Fernando “fer” Alvarenga, who’s major form continued, responded back, taking two, losing two, and taking the final two rounds of the half. The teams switched sides, with a score of 10-5, Na’Vi in the lead. The next half of play kicked off with Brazilian domination, winning the first five rounds of the half, equalizing the score. After the initial streak of rounds, the rest of the half would show parity between the two teams, trading rounds, Na’Vi saving themselves with more than one eco wins. The trading of rounds led to a score of 15-15, leading the teams into overtime.

The first round of overtime saw more parity, with neither team able to close out a perfect half. The success of Na’Vi was predicated on a rise in play from Denis “seized” Kostin, who pulled over several multi-kills to keep them competitive. The first round ended up leading into another round of overtime, where similar trends followed from the first. It was not until the third overtime decided the fate of map one, as SK managed to secure the win, finally tearing down the resilience of the CIS team, stealing map one, 25-22.

de_Train - (13:2, 3:5) 16:7

Map two would prove to be less exciting than the first, being played on de_Train. Na’Vi kicked off the first pistol round with a B play, swiftly taking it from the Brazilian’s hand. This, however, would mean nothing, as SK won the second round, and went on a tear, completely dominating the first half of play, holding of the CIS side, winning the half 13-2. The second half began again with a Natus Vincere pistol win, followed by two more, but only lightening the load slightly. After those first three rounds, SK once again retaliated, winning two more, reaching map point, taking away what little hope the CIS team had left. Despite winning two more, Na’Vi was not capable of mounting a comeback, and would relinquish the second map, 16-7, and the series, 2-0. With that victory, the Brazilians take their seat in the semi-finals, where they will take on the Danes of North.

Image: DreamHackCSGO Twitter

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