Team Yandex defeated PARIVISION 2-1 in the upper-bracket semifinals of Dota 2 BLAST Slam 8, sending the International 2026 finalists into the lower bracket. The victory on October 8 marked another strong playoff performance from the reigning BLAST Slam champions, who recovered after losing the opening game.
PARIVISION Takes the Early Lead
PARIVISION started the best-of-three series strongly, winning Game 1 after a lengthy 55-minute contest. The result put Team Yandex under pressure, leaving the team needing consecutive victories to remain on the upper-bracket route.
However, Team Yandex responded in Game 2, with captain Martin “Saksa” Sazdov making a significant impact on Rubick. Ammar “ATF” Al-Assaf also helped contain PARIVISION carry Alan “Satanic” Gallyamov, limiting his opportunities to influence crucial team fights.
Team Yandex Completes the Comeback
Team Yandex carried its momentum into the deciding game, using its mobile core heroes to punish isolated PARIVISION players across the map. Its ability to control engagements and capitalize on positional mistakes helped secure the series 2-1.
The victory also carried added significance following PARIVISION’s earlier win against Team Yandex in the upper-bracket final of The International 2026. Yandex now has another opportunity to challenge for a major tournament title.
BLAST Slam 8 Playoffs: What Comes Next?
Team Yandex advances to the upper-bracket final, where it will face the winner of the Team Spirit versus Aurora Gaming semifinal. PARIVISION, meanwhile, drops to the lower bracket, where it must win to keep its championship hopes alive.
The tournament features 16 teams competing for a $750,000 prize pool, with $270,000 allocated to the champions. The double-elimination playoffs continue through October 11, with the grand final scheduled as a best-of-five series.
With Team Yandex securing its place in the upper-bracket final, the competition for the BLAST Slam 8 title continues to intensify.