DreamHack ASTRO Open Leipzig 2017: FlipSid3 Triumph

From 13 to 15 January 2017, the whole cybersport world was chained to Leipzig, where DreamHack ASTRO Open Leipzig 2017 took place. I remember how we were all looking forward to this tournament, discussing on social media the chances of the teams and the upcoming matches. It was a time when every game seemed important and the atmosphere of the tournament was exciting from the first minutes.

Tournament format and participants

DreamHack ASTRO Open Leipzig 2017 brought together eight teams from all over the world who competed for a prize pool of $100,000. The participants were divided into two groups of four teams each. The double-elimination format in the group stage and the play-offs ensured that every match was entertaining and unpredictable. Heroic, BIG and Cloud9 were among the favourites for the tournament, but fate decided otherwise - this was the tournament where FlipSid3 made their mark on history.

FlipSid3's path to victory

FlipSid3 Tactics, representing the CIS region, started their journey in Group B, where they had to face such teams as Vega Squadron, BIG and LDLC. To be honest, a lot of people didn't believe they could make it this far. I remember watching their first match and thinking, ‘Well, if they at least put up a fight, that's already a success.’ But FlipSid3 didn't just put up a fight - they confidently made it out of the group, showing that they are ready to fight for the title.

The semi-final against Cloud9 was something to behold. The atmosphere on the stream was boiling, and every round seemed to be decisive. Especially memorable was the game of Andrey ‘B1ad3’ Gordetsky. His tactical sense and ability to manage the team were at the highest level. Heroic, who were considered favourites, were waiting for them in the final. But FlipSid3 proved again that character and team spirit can outweigh even the strongest opponents. The final was incredibly tense, and I still remember how my heart sank in the last rounds of the Mirage map when they finally put a stop to this match.

Historical significance of the victory

FlipSid3 Tactics' victory at DreamHack ASTRO Open Leipzig 2017 was an important event for the entire CIS region. It was a proud moment that inspired a lot of young players and showed that our scene is capable of competing with world grandees. For Andrey ‘B1ad3’ Gordetsky, this tournament was a real pinnacle, confirming his status as one of the best strategists in CS:GO. I remember how social networks literally exploded with congratulations, and the feeling of pride for the guys was overwhelming.

Highlights of the tournament

• Game of the Year from WorldEdit - Vladislav ‘WorldEdit’ Shchipelev in the final against Heroic made key phrases with AWP, which literally turned the game around. This moment still remains in my memory as one of the most vivid.
• Vega Squadron sensation - another CIS team surprised the audience by beating BIG in the group stage. It was a real sensation, and their success was an additional reason for joy.
• Emotional final - the tense struggle on Overpass, Train and Mirage made us all sit on the edge of our chair. I remember my friends and I discussing every round, arguing and shouting with joy when FlipSid3 finally won.

DreamHack ASTRO Open Leipzig 2017 is not just a tournament, it's a part of history that you and I experienced together. FlipSid3's victory was a symbol that even in the most difficult conditions you can succeed if you believe in yourself and work for results.