BLAST Slam III: Format, Schedule, Fixtures and More

We are on the verge of the beginning of BLAST Slam III, and the teams are itching to fight. As usual, let’s take a look at the invited teams and how the tournament is organized. This is the first major Dota 2 event of May 2025 and the final BLAST event before The International.

As TI 2025 approaches, tournaments like BLAST Slam offer a valuable glimpse into the current competitive landscape. Unfortunately, this time around, the event features no teams from Southeast Asia or the Americas.

Ten teams will battle it out for the top prize. – Credit: Twitter (@BLASTDota)

BLAST Slam III: Organization

Firstly, here’s the list of invited teams as shown in the graphic above. While it may seem unfair to exclude SEA and American teams, this was a pragmatic decision—as we previously discussed [in this article].

Now let’s briefly cover how the tournament works. For newcomers, the Group Stage follows an unorthodox "King of the Hill" format.

Teams are seeded into the playoffs based on their Group Stage performance. – Credit: Liquipedia

In short, the better a team performs in the Group Stage, the fewer matches they need to play in the playoffs. Group Stage matches are best-of-one and all take place on May 6th.

Here’s how the seeding breaks down:

• 1st place → Semifinals
• 2nd place → Quarterfinals
• 3rd place → Round 2
• 4th and 5th place → Round 1

Despite being originally scheduled for May 5th, the tournament was delayed by one day. Accordingly, BLAST announced the change via Twitter along with a short recap video from the previous event.

BLAST Slam III: Talent

The talent lineup features many familiar faces, with Nattea hosting and TeaGuvnor, Misery, and Ephey joining as analysts. In the same fashion, the broadcast team includes four local casters in Copenhagen and two remote casters, as shown below.

No way that secret guest isn't Synderen when the event is in Denmark. – Credit: Twitter (@BLASTDota)

Finally, rounding out the team is Pyrion, who will handle interviews, and a mystery special guest likely to be revealed on the first day. Synderen seems like the obvious pick, considering he's Danish and the event is being held in Copenhagen.

BLAST Slam III: Group Stage Schedule

As mentioned, all Group Stage matches will be held on May 6th, starting at 10:00 AM CEST (08:00 GMT). Matches are planned to run hourly, though longer games may cause delays.

Group A

• 08:00 GMT – Team Spirit x Gaimin Gladiators
• 09:00 GMT – PARIVISION x Aurora
• 10:00 GMT – Team Falcons x Gaimin Gladiators
• 11:00 GMT – Team Spirit x Aurora
• 12:00 GMT – PARIVISION x Team Falcons
• 13:00 GMT – Aurora x Gaimin Gladiators
• 14:00 GMT – Team Spirit x Team Falcons
• 15:00 GMT – Gaimin Gladiators x PARIVISION
• 16:00 GMT – Team Falcons x Aurora
• 17:00 GMT – PARIVISION x Team Spirit

Group B

• 08:00 GMT – Tundra Esports x Xtreme Gaming
• 09:00 GMT – Team Liquid x Team Tidebound
• 10:00 GMT – BetBoom Team x Xtreme Gaming
• 11:00 GMT – Tundra Esports x Team Tidebound
• 12:00 GMT – Team Liquid x BetBoom Team
• 13:00 GMT – Team Tidebound x Xtreme Gaming
• 14:00 GMT – Tundra Esports x BetBoom Team
• 15:00 GMT – Xtreme Gaming x Team Liquid
• 16:00 GMT – BetBoom Team x Team Tidebound
• 17:00 GMT – Team Liquid x Tundra Esports

Beast Matches to Watch in the Group Stage

Now that the schedule is set, let’s highlight the most exciting matchups. BLAST’s scheduling is clever — both groups feature their best matchups in the final round of the day.

In the first place we have Group A where PARIVISION will clash with Team Spiritin a rekindling of Eastern Europe’s recent rivalry. Both teams are strong, but PARIVISION has had the upper hand so far in 2025.

Afterwards, on Group B, we’ll see Tundra Esports face off against Team Liquid at 17:00 GMT. Tundra has had a rocky year following dyrachyo's departure, but a win here could be the boost they need. On the other hand, Team Liquid is riding high after defending their title at PGL Wallachia. Will history repeat itself?

Considerations for the Playoffs

Finally, once the Group Stage concludes, we’ll provide a full recap and preview of the playoffs. From then on, matches will shift to best-of-three, with two matches played daily at 14:00 and 17:00 GMT.

If everything runs smoothly, the Grand Finals are scheduled for May 11th at 14:30 GMT. In the same way as every Dota tournament, the Grand Final will be a best-of-five series.

We’ll be back with a full playoff breakdown once the Group Stage is done. – Credit: Liquipedia

If you want to stay updated on all things Dota 2—from tournaments and players to teams and drama — check out our news page on the Strafe website!

Featured Image Source: Twitter (@BlastDota)