Day 1 of the BLAST Slam II group stage wrapped up with some exciting surprises and standout performances. In Group A, Yakult Brothers were arguably the biggest surprise, finishing the day with an impressive 3-1 record. While many saw them as underdogs, their strong showing against BetBoom, Team Liquid, and Talon Esports proved they’re a serious contender. Tundra Esports also lived up to expectations, tying Yakult at 3-1, while Liquid had an inconsistent 2-2 day. Talon and BetBoom struggled, finishing at 1-3. Meanwhile, Group B had a thrilling narrative with fan-favorites Nigma Galaxy defying expectations. Despite playing with a stand-in, they managed to top the group at 3-1, securing wins against Xtreme Gaming, PARIVISION, and Team Falcons. Their only loss came against Gaimin Gladiators, another strong team also sitting at 3-1. Falcons and PARIVISION kept things competitive at 2-2, while Xtreme Gaming had a disastrous start, going 0-4. Tundra Esports and Yakult Brothers both finished 3-1 in Group A, just like Gaimin Gladiators and Nigma Galaxy in Group B. However, Tundra and Gaimin were seeded higher due to tiebreaker rules used in the BLAST Slam II format. The seeding is likely determined by one or a combination of the following factors: a) Neustadtl Score – This is a strength-of-opposition tiebreaker. Teams that won against stronger opponents (those who finished higher in the group) get a better ranking. b) Head-to-Head Result – If two teams have the same record, the team that won the direct matchup between them gets the higher seed. 1. Tundra beat Yakult Brothers in the group stage, so they placed 1st. 2. Gaimin Gladiators beat Nigma Galaxy, giving them the higher spot. Seeing Nigma Galaxy thrive despite their roster changes is exciting for fans, and Yakult Brothers' performance proves they’re not just here to fill numbers. As we head into Day 2, all eyes are on whether they can maintain this momentum. The group stage's outcomes are pivotal, as they determine playoff seedings in the single-elimination bracket. Teams aim to capitalize on their early momentum as the tournament progresses.