Heroic's opponent in the quarterfinals of the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023 will be FaZe Clan. The match is scheduled for May 18, 4:00 PM Moscow time. In an exclusive comment for Cover.gg, Olexander Shoker Osheka was assessed about the form of both teams and predicted the match’s results.

Form

For a long time, Heroic has shown an incredibly stable playing form. Kasper cadiaN Moler's team is constantly considered one of the favorites of various tournaments, and the major in Paris is no exception. Heroic took second place at BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023: European RMR B went straight to the Legends stage, where they easily beat FaZe, Apeks, and Team Liquid. All three teams also made it to the playoffs, which only confirms that the Danish team is one of the leading contenders for the trophy.

The Danes are now unconditional favorites or, rather, one of the favorites. Because there is still Vitality that is in excellent shape. They seem to be on a completely different level. They only had problems with Liquid. But historically, the Danes have almost always passed the group stage without particular problems. Let's see how they can handle themselves in the playoffs. Their first opponent is not simple. In the arena, a completely different game begins, and the "magic" of the major takes effect.

Olexander Shoker Osheka

As for FaZe, everything is not so clear. After winning the Intel Grand Slam, the team seemed to run out of steam. There is practically nothing left of the stable and self-confident FaZe. Finn karrigan Andersen's team barely made it to BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023, through the last-chance grid, passed the Challengers stage with problems, and only in the last round of the Legends stage were they able to secure a ticket to the playoffs.

FaZe relies in its matches not on tactics but on the moral and willpower qualities of the roster. From a competitive favorite, FaZe has become a team that constantly counts on comebacks. Will it be enough in the Major playoffs?

To be honest, FaZe has come an incredible way. Twice they could have been eliminated from the last major in the history of CS:GO. At least it's inspiring when a team is on the verge of failure and miraculously moves on. After such difficult matches, the team may get a second wind and play in a completely different way. There are still questions about Twistzz. His form this season leaves a lot of questions.

Olexander Shoker Osheka

RELATED: Top 5 of Legend Stage Players at BLAST.tv Major Paris 2023

Maps' selection

If you compare the statistics of the maps of both teams, you can find that the win rate of the location is divided almost 50% by 50%. FaZe will definitely block Vertigo, and Heroic will block Anubis. But further picks and bans are more like a mystery. Danes look better on Overpass and Mirage. FaZe, in turn, has a higher percentage of victories on Inferno, Nuke, and Ancient.

Previous games

Over the past six months, Heroic has faced FaZe three times. The first two matches were held as part of BLAST Premier: Fall Finals 2022. At first, the karrigan’s team proved to be stronger in the fight for first place in Group A, but later, in the tournament finals, Heroic took revenge. The third match took place in the Legends stage at BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023, and here, as we told earlier, the cadiaN’s team won confidently.

RELATED: Ukraine and Denmark are countries whose representatives were in the playoffs of every CS:GO major

Shoker’s prediction

It will not be an easy game for the Danes at all. This major has already shown that there are no easy victories or easy opponents. Karrigan and cadiaN can motivate their teams. The battle will be fundamental as cadiaN wants to be the best captain. This match certainly doesn’t determine the best captain because karrigan has much more merits.
Now the question is for FaZe, will they be able to counter the Heroic style? They play almost in FaZe-style CS and have yet to play against them like that. It can be hard to control yourself. I think it will be a Heroic victory. Individually and tactically, they look much better than their opponent, but it will take work.

Olexander Shoker Osheka

BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023 takes place from May 8 to 21 in France. The teams are vying for a prize pool of $1.25 million. The champion will also receive slots at IEM Cologne 2023 and BLAST Premier: World Final 2023. You can follow the schedule and results of the major here.