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hands, legs up, he's just an animal!
A weapon that unites many of Counter-Strike's holiest names.
But only granting the scepter to those who can withstand the pressure.
This is no imitation game.
Aggression paramounts.
He doesn't make mistakes, he buries them.
straight through the fires of hell to ignite again, and again, and again.
He proves that age is no limit.
Not a factor to whether you sink or swim when the river rises, no matter how rapidly they
shift you move faster. Going against the brains, catch your enemies off guard. Tracing new angles,
forging new dimensions.
Distinct in his nature and always one step ahead.
The librarian silences those in his path.
Preparation and calculations clearly pay off.
But for the select few, making the unfathomable look like second nature.
It comes with ease.
Never breaking a sweat.
There's a reason why he's the chosen one.
Others let the action come to them.
Sure, perhaps more passive, but certainly not submissive.
Exacting efficiency comes with the territory.
Play the odds in your favor and pounce precisely when the time is right.
Call, calm, collected, and clutch as far as you can.
From 10 down to 5 bullets in the chamber, precision even more crucial for those hungry
to make magic.
If patience is a virtue, then he is a god.
If the Lord could look upon his babies and try to put some pressure, he's looking for
it!
Oh no!
Up on his road!
Hey!
Are you kidding me?!
Oh no!
Up on his road!
Hey!
Are you kidding me?!
Oh, the devil.
The great pilgrimage to worship the deities leads us to our cathedral.
The trigger pulls and led roaring from the earth to the heavens.
One final tribute to Global Offensive's monumental marksman.
No, I can't say it.
Let's go for a little ride.
I'm believing.
You're not a bit of a believer.
When you cast your own.
OK, tags up one.
He's going to get...
Oh!
I'm starting to believe as well, Henry,
because he's going to take it for me.
Oh!
Fall in!
Stop blowing my mind!
Oh, and another one!
Oh, the sign!
It happens!
Oh, my God!
He can get three to four!
Oh, my God!
Because I don't believe it!
But Stax is walking around and just walking in a stack toward the land.
He gets a kill and after the frags...
Let's just pro the first team in history to beat NIP on land.
Nitro does have a lot of smoke, so it could be really rough for Symbols to actually get through this.
He's gotta throw the AWP.
Oh my god!
Symbols, what is happening?
I don't know.
I'm feeling thank you.
Put your cans in the air.
Put your cans in the air.
GG!
Hey!
Say something for yourself, pal.
I don't need you.
Ha ha ha ha ha!
Where's the box?
Where's the box?
Come on, Catlo.
Come on.
Hey!
Hey!
Hey!
Hey!
It's a 1 versus 4 AWP.
Push out, good shot, JDM.
Looks for another, he's got this down to a 1 versus 2.
Oh!
Another is getting it taken down by the box.
What is that from JDM?
Good luck, and we'll see you on the other side.
What?
We'll see you on the other side, no worries.
But back to you, Alex.
Beautiful stuff.
Just a few seconds left here.
Seven, six, let's go.
He's going to win. There's no time.
Oh, my God.
Are you kidding me?
I like that.
It was a good feeling for us.
I would like to dance.
They're going to be fine.
Oh my god, he's gonna go over the seaside sprays here system trap in the corner now
Get the spray shot anyway
Is he gonna try and go huge here
I'm french flushing the back lines
Oh my goodness, how did he do this? How does he do it again?
What? Human reactions.
Of course, Lusha.
Now it's going to come down to Shotzi, he's going to get caught in the corner.
Get the running shot on the deal, get the second one.
Shotzi's making it happen, a third one.
Shotzi, go for it!
Fantastic.
What?
Two!
You are not my friend.
You are my brother's friend.
Oh my god!
Oh my god!
Four seconds!
So, bitch.
Oh my god!
Two minutes?
Oh, welcome back.
Oh, welcome back.
Oh, check it with your ...
Oh, gosh!
Oh, gosh!
Unbelievable scenes!
The impression just trickles, isn't it?
What's your role?
The partner men have made it in the building.
It's like, it's like what's your name?
That is the...
AHHHHH!
I'm happy.
Do you hear that cracking open a cold one?
Duncan, you got it wrong?
Do you like the test of that black monster?
Let's just go to the game.
This is getting out of control.
Oh, this is a replay.
Well, hey, you guys cool over here?
Oh, yeah, yeah, we're just looking for Team Liquid.
I still favor Liquid, even though they have those issues.
Why not?
Come on.
Of course not.
16-5.
I have to get some words for you about this young player.
He is a monster.
Yeah.
Oh my god, he gets another kill.
He now cops running out.
Seven seconds, all of much looking for the kill.
Five seconds, he goes to a second headshot.
There's going to be a follow on that show for first time!
There you are.
Oh! He lost a claw!
He's going to have two right there. Can they line up for him?
What is he doing?
What is this ad that I get? Why do I get this ad?
Did the meteor just get back on?
What?
How do you like that?
Is there anything?
No.
Crisp, clean lock boys.
Wait! Clear up!
Oh
No
How did I not know how poetic and it's simple and big
I'm simple as it is to go to the finish line!
I don't think that's the answer!
You can say that all the way around.
You can go hard tonight, guys.
All down.
Just cross the wall and out of the corner.
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!
All the players here, they committed their entire lives to be here this week and be the
best version of themselves because this is a feeling that nobody can give you.
You have to fight for it, you have to earn it and you have to make sacrifices.
This was probably my biggest wish I've ever had to make my father proud, my family but
I'm also all of my fans and everyone in eSports, it's just unreal that we're going to do this, it's just been a dream and it's just unreal, thank you so much.
Guys, please respect, second finalist, please, respect them!
Amazing words, Intas, amazing words, that's what makes this sport great.
And right now I stay with my friends, we win together and we lose together.
And we all need to stay humans first.
Are you serious, did you guys manage that?
Oh my god, they're down. I'll have to pull that one off.
This is the selling point, this is why you have to go to esports events in the future,
is why you've got a common experience, the energy that's in this stadium, it's electrifying.
And look at the guns for AWP.
And Apex, not in this lifetime.
Your ESL World Cavalry Touch Champion, not pathetic!
Our third major championship in global offensive.
IEM champion, back to back, and canvads up!
Oh, not only does he spot him, thank you very much!
and that smoke is tantalizing!
What?!
Oh my god!
That's fantastic!
Complete the system on its own!
You're not even believing!
He doesn't get this!
That's incredible!
That's one!
Dance has delivered him from the home ground!
The big apple and snacks is hungry.
He's trying to beat them up,
trying to get them into one of the loans
as he dances back and forth between the box.
What a shot on Zippo!
Oh, Guardian! Bye-bye!
He's Captain Clayme, he's got a bill!
What in God's name is that from Skirtx?
Friberg does return, picks off Fronax, he's still here though, and he's going for more.
Two big pranks, but Friberg somehow opens it up.
Friberg comes in, he's praised, Friberg misses, and it's the easy friction of single handedly.
NIP have won Gamescom 2014, ladies and gentlemen, it finally happens!
1v2, running up here, P250 out, jumping and shooting, he gets one more kill.
Looking for it, he's got him 100 down, time is up!
Oh my god, Gary gonna be kidding me! He gets the last kill in one second left!
Hell, DLC, they've picked it up, winning their first major championship title.
A fantastic victory for NDS as they claim their first.
Here it comes once again, the first place is Adren, he's gonna hit the ground, there's Paul
Oh ho ho! It's Roman Otsuki winning the first major championship in SK Gaming
Second major championship in a row, they are your winners
Looking for a second to connect, oh he gets a third as well, surely he's not gonna pull as well
Oh cold terror, the man, the mist, the beast, what a play
I just say, all the players there, I love you.
Second, Rob, help me, and I won the measure.
Woo!
Cloud9 are your season 4 ESL Pro League champions.
Boston, it's time!
But look at the time!
Look at the time this time and second!
They're trying to go through it, but it's no more playing.
Stewart, we're going for it!
They've done that! They've done it!
How have they done that?
They came back all the way!
All the way!
I don't really have much words to say, as you know.
I'm not crying, you're crying, stop.
And astronomers, they were the first major championship!
Unbelievable!
The division of limited weapons doesn't even matter to me!
All of the fourth is well!
You'll face it, London Major Champions!
It's a great slam, it destroys.
One goal, that's it, that's all they wanted, back to back.
Devices need to be here to help out, and that all,
while it is good for one, they give it the respect
to get back to the call, that might be their undoing.
The short play now from Twist.
Oh, Device reads it in with a flick,
firing a lie on the collateral in the flames.
The ace for Device.
You're starting out a major champion,
and strong in this.
And twist in the corner, there should be no way out. My god! How has he done it? Picking up a quick triple, absolutely grand like.
Unbelievable seats here ladies and gentlemen, Team Liquid, Intelman's win! Team Liquid!
See a couple smokes in the same place there, simple just jumping, casually to the side, he goes full down to get a down!
Why is this left from simple? Why are you serious? What is that? You can't do that simple! That's not allowed! This is not a PL! This is a major!
He needs a multi-gilt, first found, twist-aggressing.
They have to double peek, he's getting a shot!
We're taking a little one!
Simple!
Our simple is unbelievable!
You're on your end!
Get a visa, 20, 20 champions!
Back-to-back land wins for Nartis Vincen.
So much hard work pumped into this one.
Intel Grand Slam in the bag.
This is it!
Norby!
We're taking the major!
To try and hold off the rotation to Oscar's goal,
and Chris is an obstacle in this picture,
Still very much in the realm
Oh, no, he slaps it down!
I give a skull to that slugger!
Blitz, no, he's flexed!
Oh my god, 15!
The job is done, you're major champions!
I am real, outsiders!
Oh my god, he's nice, and he's gotten away with the all-pump style to get nervous!
There's no way, there's no way, Katie, you can't win pro league like this!
You can't win pro league like this!
He just has to hit this shot and he's done it for Heroic.
Oh my God!
You're an animal!
Heroic have done it and I just can't believe it!
40% of their team!
Give it up for your fourth finals,
champion,
Heroic!
Electronic, looking for the cleanest finish
she's been turned on.
Zyber, no health really, but he's still hitting shots.
He's already got three and four and five.
Oh my God!
Zywoo!
You're champions in I am real.
I don't want to give it one-by-ones.
Krimz with that jiggle has given Zaynul a chance.
My God, it's a five-one!
You're a blast, TV Ferris Major champion!
Team Vitality!
The policy is an alarm of trouble.
He no-scopes one of them.
He keeps going.
10 seconds he takes the bomb, spins around, takes down Woody, and now he's running on close and personal.
Oh, what a flick!
Your kind of pizza, champions! It's G2!
The double for G2! I am kind of good, sir! I am Cologne!
G2!
Ah, you're I am Cologne, champion!
No light for the camera.
The first bus just came to me.
And the second bus.
The bus won't stop at my place.
My heart is holding.
How do I get it back?
How do I stop falling?
The bus?
I'm right here.
Execution.
1,2,3...
And as he taps that bomb search he's going to have to come out through the windows, oh he nails it!
Time is beautiful here.
10 seconds though that's a long defuse so it's still caught in the wire.
What?
No kids!
What a scrambled round!
Not once close but thrice!
Nice sequence from Robs to hold this off and he finds the head of Sorte first.
First, trying to get another, he has.
Second, explains he's got one.
Well, I guess they can win two on fours as well.
Vitality on their game.
Time for that warp to deliver.
Sunpire's his first connection, and it's an important one onto Nysim.
Arcade awareness, but there's Sunpire's picking up his second.
He can close it all down, he's found three.
That's the impact, that's the trust he to show in their sniper.
Another push of the tunnel is along the side of the window.
One, two, just doesn't have the one need to fight on multiple fronts,
but maybe his skills will help them.
No! No way!
That's unreal!
That is unbelievable from Woxic!
Seekers are the ones who want to tax a free kill, why not make it the double?
Nothing!
Why are the ones here in spite of all these opening skis?
Tess says, is lifting heads up!
Oh, it's Kim Zubbs!
Oh, it's Kim Zubbs!
He's closing it down!
No way!
Real close!
Come on!
That's not fair!
Get it!
This year, Maus is flying, does not fly in the cathedral!
We're out of the measure now, and yeah, that's it.
And it goes, make it through to the final day of play.
And it is heartbreaking for Monty, they will exit.
I think there's a way to play the Major now,
or maybe there's nothing else.
And if you go
The youngest team at the Major
keep their foot in the door.
Now he will turn back to the leg set
as Major champions, trying to stick the landing
on a double whammy.
Carrigan joins his roster
and they go the distance here in the load.
Why are you broken?
the playoffs of the Cologne Major in 2026. Can Betboom and the big boomage
himself press forward all the way from stage one back into the Lenses? All eyes
in the prize for team like 9Z who today will make their third attempt at
playoffs. Can I do it? No time for a case of the Mondays. These questions and many
many more on the other side of this. It's the Intellect Stream Masters. Last day
Okay, let's get it.
To the final day of the group stage at IEM Cologne 2026, we're talking stage 3 and we're talking a day
where every single team will be fighting to secure and guarantee themselves a spot in the playoff.
We have three games on the cards today, we have six teams in contention still and safe to say
Martin, that it's been a wonderful, wonderful week of Counter-Strike and it's only gonna
amp it up to be even more wonderful today.
We've got it all, didn't we? We've had incredible comebacks, incredible blowouts.
You had incredible matchups yesterday with the over times.
A lot of heartbreaks, a lot of the joy coming through
and going to the Cathedral of Counter-Strike.
I am excited what today brings because all the matchups seem kind of spicy.
Yeah, I feel like there's a story behind all of them
and we'll definitely dive into that later today.
I just have to ask you, Peter, as the most recent competitor on the disc,
experiencing days like yesterday, experiencing days like today,
does it take all the right places?
Oh yeah, definitely.
And I thought there was like a little bit of extra atmosphere today when I when I walk in here
Also at the hotel it reminded me a little bit of the first days when the majors about to start
You know like a lot of teams have made it through now
There's still still three spots left now
You have the three teams coming in and I got that feeling when I was playing myself that you woke up in your whole
Dream of thinking today is you know today's a big day
I have a big day in front of me
There's gonna be a big game coming up and you don't know how it's gonna end up right you do all your
Preparations and you get into the zone and everything but in the end, you know
It is in your hands, but you don't really know the outcome, right?
So it's a lot of emotions today, and I can just feel that happening right now.
Who doesn't love a big day?
Who doesn't love a big day?
Yesterday we also had a big day of Counter-Strike.
We had teams advancing into the playoff.
And I think we'll start with the first one, the most convincing one as of yesterday,
Aurora making it to the playoff.
I'll be honest, the way they did it yesterday,
the way they absolutely dismantled MindSea and booked another spot into the playoff,
that was impressive from Aurora.
and something I personally did not see coming.
I had them on the cusp of maybe making it,
maybe not, or leaning towards not,
but they've been impressive so far.
Very impressive, Ron, especially yesterday's game.
I think Soulfly really deserves a shout out here.
As a major rookie, he carried himself
into the play of that game.
He had the best, absolute best map
in Aurora Jersey so far on that nuke,
and he's been feeling it.
I had an interview after the game with him,
and he said, this was a pure life game from me.
I really like what he was showing, how the vibes are in general in Aurora camp.
As I said, there's going to be a lot of Turkish fans showing up in the Laxis for them.
There's always a lot of support for the Turkish fans. I'll let you know on Twitter.
In particular, they're very loud in there.
It's a tough fight and you can win it, so stay away from it.
However, someone who can win their games has been Vitality.
It's been a little bit of a shaky major for them so far, but they made it yesterday.
And maybe yesterday, Peter, they booked a spot into the playoff and I think what goes
without saying is that Vitality in group stage versus Vitality in playoff usually is two
different beasts.
So, with the way they've been playing so far, should we be worried or should we be happy
that they're part of the playoff?
I think it's a bit of a mix, right?
They've been mid throughout this entire tournament.
I think there's been a little bit of exposure on some of their maps and I also think that
some of the mistakes that they don't usually make, that seems to be piling up.
I think that it's a team that they're very hungry to go and get this trophy.
Obviously they have history on the making, right?
Both for Apex, but also for the team in general, getting that back-to-back major title.
And I think, you know, them making it through, that's all that matters to them,
because they will level up once they get to the playoffs,
once they get to get in front of the crowd and play in the stadium.
That's why they play their best arena of Counter-Strike.
And I think it's definitely a team now that needs to go and react to what has happened
throughout the group stage and think accordingly, what can we actually and what do we have to improve?
because if they continue playing now that they've done in the group,
I think they will lose to a team like Spirit or potentially even Falcons of Curia.
But obviously there's a couple of days before they get to play in the arena
and they have time to get back in shape but are not too worried
and still think that Vitality is a bit of a contender to go for.
It wouldn't be at this segment with you if we didn't ask you about your gut feeling
in terms of Vitality.
So obviously do you share the sentiment from Peter that we shouldn't be worried,
you know, that playoff Vitality is going to hopefully be a different beast?
It's just funny whenever Peter talks about Vitality when we have Apex on the screen because I hear the shaking as in this guy is coming for you.
How can I not mention it at this point? That's what makes me special. Leave me alone.
I also have a lot of things that make me special. That's just one of them.
Well, my gut feeling. I do think that they're going to ramp it up. Obviously Rob said, even mentioned it yesterday in the interview and I love it.
He feels nervous whenever he plays Majors. He's won a couple of them. He's been on the greatest team of all time for my money, so Peter.
And he still feels their nervousness and it's completely normal.
It's a human emotion and whenever something matters to you, their nervousness comes along with it.
And that's a good thing. I think that feels them forward instead of hindering them backward.
Speaking of being nervous, I feel like we had a nervous game yesterday between Falcons and Navi.
Falcons ended up winning. They booked a spot into the playoff, but I was watching that game.
I was watching Anubis going into one overtime, going into two overtimes.
I was watching Blade a lot, his body language in that game and the Falcons players.
Peter, for my money, you know, together with the Spirit 9C game and now Falcons vs Navi,
accurately a game of the tournament, but also a statement from Falcons that they've
took down a team of the Calibur like Navi.
Yeah, and I think it's a statement from Kerrigan as well.
I'm going to completely honest, I think they would have lost the World of Kicks in leading
them.
I think Kerrigan played a very important role in Anubis and I think his abilities of making
routes out of thin air and being able to have such good mid-rounding, that also what helped
Felgans get all the hum, but I think he's a great leader and I think it's that type
of leader that Felgans has maybe been lacking a little bit.
And I think it's good to see that regardless of his individual level, he still brings something
to a team, right?
And I think he had a very interesting point saying yes, and we talked about that Felgans
winning games is, you want to have a better outcome and more firepower out of Kerrigan,
right?
So if he doesn't have Minus C and Kizuka and Niko playing well, they were going to lose
to a guy like...
If Kerrigan has a bad game, that's not going to be the reason why they're losing.
That's because the rest of the team is having a bad win.
That makes sense to you, right?
He needs to have his stars winning, right?
Of course, he can be targeted, but I still think that Kerrigan brings so much more to
this team to elevate the rest of the squad.
And I still think we're in a place where things can go wrong for them, playoffs, but it was
a great step.
And it's usually these type of games that Falcons will not be winning.
I think it's a very interesting discussion and hopefully something with time to discuss
even more further down the line with Kerrigan, his lack of fracking.
I heard the interview you did with him as well on the desk and he's the first to admit
it himself, that he also feels like it is a...
I also did see, I think it was Stryker who put out a bit of a treat saying that no player
has ever fracked as little as Kerrigan and won a tournament before, so in terms of saying
there's no conversation to be had about it, I think that would be disingenuous, but something
to look out for for Falcons, right?
Because if Kerrigan playing well, wouldn't that just make them even better?
Wonders I mean it makes you wonder yeah where the skill ceiling is right when Kerrigan actually picks up the fragging power
But yeah, so far this the so far this event zero firepower coming from them
Or he's not there to do that obviously
But it would help tremendously and make them contender for the trophy if he picks it up just by five percent
I just
Don't want that don't do carrying a dirty right, but I know Finn and I know what he can bring in terms of his mechanics
You will not see a carrying out with like 110 rating on the one oh
That's not good about but being below like 180 that that's that's too bad
Right you want to be like hovering around like the 90s like 95 if we can go around 95
I think that would be like the best outcome for that team
I think that's fair something to look out for something to discuss when we head into the playoff where Falcons natural will be part of it
Now having three winners also means we had three losers yesterday and just quickly to walk through them
We had mouse leaving the tournament legacy leaving the tournament and Monty leaving the tournament Martin
I know you interviewed a couple of those teams yesterday as well your all reaction to to the eliminated teams
Was it expected was it fair enough? Yeah, I can start with legacy and I've had I've been in theory with
With the Dumau after and he was completely deflated
He was not just having fun obviously with with the with the loss and how it came he was
Just completely out of it and also with the recent news about about their coach being barred from the event
You know, it's it didn't help the whole
situation, it was just too much for them to handle, they didn't play that well.
HeroMolta gives me, actually he told me he's proud of the team, obviously how far
they made it through, but it also leaves like a bittersweet taste in the mouth
because, well, they could have easily done more, even though they already
surpassed expectations of many people. With Maus, it's a little bit different,
obviously, we expect them or team like them in the playoffs, but with the
recent roster changes and roster moves and coming into the major without the full
line up with a new IGL. It only makes sense that they're going to be struggling a little
bit and unfortunately they've had not a favorable draw I would say in terms of who they play
and yeah it makes complete sense that these three teams are out and they didn't deserve
to be in the playoffs.
We'll touch on it more on Montelade on here but for Maus I find that the most interesting
storyline right here to be completely honest Peter, we knew that was coming probably with
all the roster changes but in terms of the future what are you thinking for Maus? Is
Is it going to be a good thing with Exersion moving into the in-game leading role?
JL maybe not coming in, maybe coming in, who knows?
But are you still optimistic on behalf of Maus despite a shaky period?
There's a lot of questions regarding that roster, right?
I think the one thing that stands out to me is Saikour saying that he obviously wants to move on with Exersion.
And I think rightfully so.
I think Exersion has stepped up to this role with...
At least you know, in terms of his firepower, that's been really good, you know,
and obviously I can only have my guess of how he's been leading the troops.
but I don't think it was necessarily because of the in-game leading that was the issue for Maus this tournament.
I think there was just like too many things happening on too much disturbance around the team.
Am I in? Am I out? They bring problem back because of the rustle lock and everything.
And what is the rustle going to be looking like? You know, it's always very tough when you go into a tournament.
I guess knowing that I might, you know, one thing is that it can, you know,
spiral your players into a position where they're going to be fighting for the life.
They want to be showing their best kind of form, but they're going to also have the opposite one,
where they are so much in doubt that they will start playing worse.
they'll be thinking too much about themselves and that just spirals things out of control.
Regardless of the draws for Maus, this tournament just hasn't really been their thing.
It was a very shaky performance overall.
I didn't have them going through and rightfully so, that's also how it ended, but it's a
big question right now, but there's definitely things to work with in the lineup.
That's a good thing about having the Major as being the last tournament before the break.
Naturally we look forward to the playoffs, we look forward to today, but as soon as the
playoff is over as soon as the grand final is over there's going to be all
these roster changes happening and the silly season begins. Now one thing that
we need to pay attention to as well because it's very important for everyone
watching out there seemingly is the pickings because I want to do a bit of a
check-in how it's going. Personally I just need foot to win today that I'm
through and then I'm still in contention for the Diamond Grand. I think
that's not too bad. Peter for you are you still with us or what's going on? I
think I need a couple of good outcomes today. I mean I both have Navi G2 going
forward so and also foot so I mean if the all three of them win today then then
I'll be obviously Naby and then G2O playing shells so they can't do that but
if you just get like one of them I think I'll be fine no I had two there looks
a five that's right but it's possible it's possible if I was well for you to
come I mean I'm in the exact same boat I have both Naby and G2O going through so
I am guaranteed one point there I already have three secured so I need just foot
or Mongols winning and I'm through but I feel the stage too so who am I who am I
Well, it's not about how you fail, it's about how you stand up after you've failed.
Okay.
That's motivation problem.
Wow, thank you.
For now though, let's check in, because it's been a couple of weeks now of Garneswijk,
and what was stage one, you know, a week and a half ago seems like it was forever ago,
but I think it's only fair that we do a bit of recapping coming into stage three here
and the final day of it all to the viewers who made out and watched the entire thing.
And I'll start off with stage one.
The main storyline for me was Liquid dying, you know, completely just falling flat and dying.
And I thought, you know, coming into this tournament that we've already seen Liquid hit an all-time low,
and it was like, okay, it can't get any worse, so starting in stage one may be a good thing,
then they'll make it to stage two, they'll probably get a bit of confidence, we'll get to see Lee's playing well, etc., etc.
But I was left flabbergasted, to be completely honest.
There was Liquid hitting a new all-time low, and surely Martin, the death of the squad you see in your screen right here,
they will make changes, no matter what.
Yeah, it's been on the downfall since you left the team as well.
So, definitely what you're seeing on the screen right now is probably the last time that you see them together.
But we've been saying that also last player break, when we expected them to make a lot of changes.
There were rumors about Na'Vi not sticking around, but he's here now.
Obviously, mobs and nerds trade came into the season.
Definitely, something needs to change and it's not one player issue in my opinion.
it might be multiple changes, it might even make them go back to Europe.
There's a lot of decisions to be made, and I do not envy the management of Team Liquid
to figure this one out. And even then, maybe management is the problem. You never know.
You never know. I don't envy them either. However, I do envy the Australians in this tournament,
Martin, because they were doing well in Stage 1 better than expected.
That is my highlight of Stage 1. I want to remain positive, right? So,
So, Australian CS came into this completely, you know, as a question mark, you'd never
expected anything from them.
A lot of players and people had them as their 0-3 pickups for the pick-ups.
But I actually think Thunderdown Under as a team without an organization, only 4th team
to ever make it into the Major without an organization.
They showed emotions, they showed soul, they showed fun.
They clearly came here to enjoy it.
Every single player on this team kind of showed their persona, so to speak.
They showed themselves to the world, they managed to win a game.
All the games that they've been playing were entertaining, they were rather close, they
could have pulled a couple of more upsets.
The way they played overall, I'm pretty surprised.
And with the FlyQuest, it was very similar as well because a lot of players and people,
The reason why they were put 0-3 is because the lack of matches they've played so far
this season, the lack of preparation, the poor results, they've been losing left to
right to pretty much everyone until this major.
It's all started with the overtime win over Sinners, then a close loss against both game
religion and NRG, but then they managed to beat their counter-bars down under and put
that liquid to bed, which we just spoke about.
So pretty good recovery, advancing to the stage 2.
I think from FlyQuest, really, really good storyline to build upon.
We will see how this one goes because we never know in this kind of part of the world these
isolated regions how they are managing with the financials and the roaster moves and all
the contractual things.
We will see if they continue to be a part of FlyQuest in this kind of lineup.
But yeah, for me, Australian CS surpassed expectations of mine this major.
I think that's fair to say.
They brought a lot of life to the tournament and if anything, Flyquist did us all a favor
by killing Liquid.
So, moving on to a more positive experience in Stage 1, Peter, Bedboom is your highlight
from that one.
Yes, I brought Bedboom in Stage 1 because I think there's a lot of interesting storylines
in this one.
The fact that they started in Stage 1 and now they're all the way here playing for a spot
in the playoffs and they've been up 2-0.
I think they broke everyone's reputation even though they're themselves and I think it's
a team that has so many interesting players in this world.
the whole resurgence of boomers coming back, leaving a squad of Russians to go this far.
And also, I think Flammeus is also interesting to talk about.
He's really had a... ever since he got out of Gamble Legion and then tried to get into
Virtus.Pro, been in OG, and now the fact that he's trying to prove to everyone else that
he can still play at a very high level and he's trying to build himself more confidence.
And I think even the way that they advanced through Stage 2 kind of surprised everyone.
I mean, we just talked about how League could look flat, but I think that the win against
That was the one that stood out to me in that one stage.
That was a good game from their side.
It's just a team that with all the issues that they've had
has just surpassed my expectations and probably everyone else
because they play some pretty good accounts,
like taking into consideration what are the issues they've had for the tournament.
And the fact that they're playing today, that also just speaks for the results.
I was just about to say, right, they still have that one more opportunity
to make it into the playoff.
Now, looking at stage two, Peter, speaking of highlights from that one,
you single out Monty as one of your ones to look out for.
I was one of the guys that decided to put Monty as my 0-3 and that happened because Monty
came on stage 2 and a lot of people were looking at the line-up thinking why are they even in
stage 2? They should probably be in stage 1 from the get-go. But you know what Schohl's hard work is
them starting in stage 2 and a team that surprised me in so many ways. They actually have some
really good individuals. I think the whole BMS conversation is an interesting one with
his kind of researchers back into tier 1. I think this surprised me a lot with how
He has been doing a lot of the mid rounds, some of the voice calls that we got from that camp has been impressive and I think, you know,
maybe this is even a time where looking at these players, I don't think Kavik would have said that yesterday.
Like, what happens today that happens today, tomorrow we will see.
You know, I think that he knows that there is probably a case that his players might get approached by, you know, some of the other teams out there.
I think a guy like Gizby could actually be looked out for other teams because, you know, you don't have good in-game leaders hanging on the tree.
Like, you have to be looking out for them.
I think Gizby proved this time around.
and it's just so important to just emphasize that if you go to a major as a rookie as they've been
and you perform and you have a good outcome then that can really you know spark your aim like your
career in such a positive way you can get picked up and that could be your rocket to the near future.
I very much share that sentiment that Monty was doing a great great job and even yesterday when
they exited the tournament it was with great honor to be completely honest that brings me to my
point which is the rookies and how well they did in stage two. I feel like we live in a day and age
now where we have to acknowledge the fact that rookies and new players are just doing
so so well even when they're getting through into the deep end and naturally I'm following
a lot of sports outside of Counter-Strike as well, I'm watching football, I'm watching
cycling and I do feel like it's following the same tendency, right? You're watching a
guy like Lameen Yamal running around from Spain playing football carrying the national
team at the age of 16-17. You have cyclists now peaking and competing with the best in
the world when they're 18-19 years of age, which two or three years ago was unheard of.
I think the same thing is happening in Counter-Strike.
You look at foot, coming in a team almost full of rookies,
they find themselves in a day with just one game away from making it into the playoffs.
So in terms of having all these rookies doing so, so well and showing that experience,
it may not be overrated, but it may not be needed necessarily in order to do well
in this day and age of Counter-Strike.
To me, that's super, super cool and something I want to see if can be followed up the coming years.
That's just a byproduct of so many Academy teams that we've had in a couple of years
and it's just beautiful to see because it makes the game grow,
but also the players are coming way more complete into the lineups of tier one teams
or creating those tier one teams like Foot did.
So whatever we've just seen, the highlights of all these players,
most of them are rising through Academy and they're being taught good Counter Strike from the get go.
Speaking of incomplete, Martin Astralis.
Yes, my positive point from Stage 1 goes into the negative one into Stage 2, and that is Astralis.
Nice, you're right.
We've already heard rumors yesterday and the day before that Hooksie and Ruga might be
pinched after the elimination of the Astralis at this major, and it leaves you wonder why
is that, what are the thought process behind it, we've had arguably the worst T-sides.
Whenever we were watching Astralis, it was even worse than Gaming Gladiators in Stage 1.
And yes, the IGL and Coach combo is so detrimental to the structure of the team that maybe Astralis felt the need to pull the trigger.
Obviously, this is still unconfirmed. I want to make it sure that these are still just the rumors.
But I do agree that something is not working in Astralis. Even in that exit interview, we've had a couple of hints that things are just not looking well in this camp.
And going international allows you to go for the more pickups from anywhere in the world,
anywhere in the Europe.
And this opens a lot of the doors for Astralis, which they can go to.
And there are some ideals on the market for Templecake Sun that could be, potentially,
Gizmy could be another one that we just literally spoke about.
When you were talking about it, I was actually thinking, yeah, Astralis, pretty good.
However, they want to spin in Astralis this lineup.
going to be really interesting thing to follow because a lot of the times we just wait until
the end of the major for these for these roster moves but now it's just literally two days after
they've been eliminated and we already talk about it. Our men who appreciate consistency and one
thing that will consistently proven to be affect every single tournament more or less is that
Astralis will find a way to to disappoint you so I'm curious to see if they can break that trend
you know it's been many years Peter for you and I following that team and it hasn't been the same
same since you left, you know, so a rest in peace for that one.
State three, my highlight, I guess, or one of the lowlights would that be, is Paravision,
you know, they were such an interesting team, you know, blew into the scene in the beginning,
blast bounty, first tournament of the year, they go in and they do so, so well, Grand
Finalists, etc., etc., winning a trophy, you fly high, you fall deep, and I think that's
the story for Paravision.
It's been a weird season for them, but it's unfortunately for them ending on a low, you
know, losing to Legacy 02 in that third game.
I'll be honest, I didn't have that on my bingo card, they also lost to Monty, so you can't even argue that they had the toughest way in this Major.
They faced unlucky opponents and didn't have the luck of the draw.
I think this team you see here on your screen is also done for, to be completely honest, there will be a rush to change.
And to me, it's just interesting to see a team flying so, so high in the beginning of the season, and then unfortunately for them finishing very low.
Speaking of finishing low, Martin, for the first time ever, State 3 at a Major, there wasn't a single NA player nor team in it.
It's really bad. It's really bad for the scene, for the ecosystem of Counter-Strike to not have a single NA team advancing to the stage 3.
We're losing slots again to Europe, which I'm happy about obviously, because I don't think there's enough teams in NA right now to even fill those slots to fight for.
And we have seen Liquid right now on the screen as well. We've talked about that in Stage 1 Exit, this is just not the performance that you are really looking for.
you're looking at a team and organizations like Lay Liquid, MAT, another thing, at least
they made some highlights throughout the major, but I was not impressed by pretty much any
team energy with that blowout comeback to BIG, it's just not looking good.
And it's really bad for the whole scene because as we said, we've been losing players left
and right to Valorant in NA scene.
We'll lose more even more now.
Now we will lose even more, there's simply not enough IGLs, there's been so many imports
from Europe to NA teams and that's still not enough.
So the amount of talent is worrisome and that is why this is my ugly point for stage 3.
I was surprised Peter that they've fallen so low because I feel like we've seen this
happening over the years that there's no inspiration, there's no new players coming
up, speak of lack of talent and everyone says it's impossible to practice in NA so
isn't this just a result of what's been going on the last couple of years?
It really feels like the ecosystem in the North American scene has just taken an all-time
low dip.
And I think you talk about practice, that could also be one thing.
But then when you have these type of results, I don't think that's not going to spiral players
in to think that, hey, I want to be chasing dreams in North American Counter-Strike.
Even the ones that think they can do to North America, they probably will try to go to Europe
if they can if they're good enough.
But it's like the lack of excitement in the North American Counter-Strike scene over
the years it's just like taking a dip that now I think it's going to be very
hard for them to recover and I'm and also the fact that they lose even more
spots for the major right it just seems to be going in one direction and this
needs to be going downwards and to be honest I don't even know how to fix it
at this point you you wonder like what happened to all the big stars in America
right did they change for Valorant or did they retire or did you just drop off
right you know it's been good to see Nitro coming back but seemingly it's
not good enough for the scene. I feel like fixing that is way above my
pay grade to be completely honest but enough looking back at what happened in
Stage 1, 2 and 3. Now we look forward to what's on the cards today because in just roughly 15 minutes
We're gonna have 90 taking on the Mongols on the server. 90 who were 2-0 at one point in this tournament
Now find themselves backs against the wall, have to win this game if they want to make the playoff
Against a team like Mongols who slowly but surely have been warming up into the tournament
They're not always the most impressive
But they do have a habit of finding themselves in the playoff as a matter of fact
They made it the last three majors that we have had so it's gonna be a good game and a cool game
We have trace catching up with Lutrof and MC Leo so you can listen to their thoughts after the break
Oh, wait, my bad.
You suck!
Settle your debates, search your profile on CS stats, and turn on tracking to see all
your games.
And absolutely ginormous matchup for 9Z today. They are looking to lock themselves into the
playoffs and of course we have to talk a little about some of the matches that you guys have
had recently. You played spirit, it took forever. How was the match for you? I don't know, it was
amazing. I think that's the word that I'll describe the match for us was amazing. A bit sad
because we think that we let the game escape from us, but we went to sleep with good emotions.
I think the next day, we had a bit sad about that and we couldn't concentrate on the match,
but I think for today we reset a lot.
Yeah, you guys won in map 1 over time, or excuse me, overpass, then you get over time on Mirage and Dust2, map 2s.
You're the only team to press spirit like that. Does it feel good?
Yeah, I think every team on the tournament see that, and I think that's important for other matches.
So I think it's very important for us on the tournament.
And so today, in what is a do or die match versus the Mongols, what do you think of them?
What do you think of their play style and what do you think will happen today?
I think they are really good and they play aggressive.
So I think we need to start very focused on the first round, every round.
So that's the way we are taking this match.
Anything you want to say Espanola?
What? Espanola?
Espanola? Well, nothing. I hope it's very exciting for us.
We're going to have a good day. I'm sure of that and I know we're not going to try it.
Gracias, my friend. Good luck.
Thank you.
It's in Xenia time over here and right before we get done with this day, I have to ask in Xenia, how do you feel bud?
I'm feeling good. Just had my lunch.
What did you have for lunch?
Chicken thighs.
Good choice. Great choice.
And so you're ready to play today versus 9-Z in a very, very important match.
How much does this match mean to you in Xenia?
Oh, this is the, like, 2-2 match, the last chance of players, so it's more important, like, last chance of major players, so yeah.
Tell me a little about, you know, you win versus Monti and then you find struggles versus Navi on Ancient and Mirage. What happened versus Navi?
I guess now I don't know some chalk points, like 11-5 we lost because we didn't shake
one corner.
So yeah, that's just a suck.
Like miscommunication kind of, yeah, like we have cave control and I just walk through
it then I died.
So yeah.
When some lose others, anything you want to say to the Mongolians watching today, watching
you, Mzinho, they want to hear from you.
Oh, we'll just start to do our best.
And that's easy.
That's so easy.
Thank you so much, Mzinho.
Good luck.
Thank you.
The Intel Extreme Masters Clone Major 2026 is brought to you by ESL and
partnership with Intel.
Acer Predator DHL.
Jax.
And so...
And there we have it guys. As said, this is the last chance for both Nynzee and the Mongols to make space into the playoff at IAM Cologne 2026.
Peter described it pretty well coming into the day saying that sometimes you wake up at the hotel and you just know it's a big day.
You know everything is at stake right here. You know, as a matter of fact, that maybe you go home tomorrow or maybe you stay in Cologne for another five or six days, depending on how you do at the playoff.
There's always that bit of uncertainty to it all, which is why it makes for such a good game of Counter-Strike, which is why I think this is going to be an exciting one as well.
Now, let's start off with 9C. I feel like they have the most interesting story of the two teams,
because first and foremost, I don't think a lot of people expected them to be here, Peter,
and the way they've been playing so far as well, apart from the last two games, have been highly surprising, I'd say.
It's been absolutely insane. I don't think that anyone saw it coming, that they would, first of all, take down vitality,
and then second of all, be that close. I think they had like seven opportunities or so to actually make it to the playoffs against Spirit.
That game was absolutely out of this world and that is to me the beauty of contract that even though that you have such a massive
Skill gap from the teams you get to know that down to if you have momentum and if you're playing with belief
I think that can spiral you into becoming a better better team and that the things what I'm see a show
They surely they they probably overformed a little bit in those series
And they also were really good at abusing the mistakes that both these teams were doing
I mean like looking like looking at this round
This is one of the round that they should definitely been closing out right and it's it's just it comes down to a little
experience but overall Martin what's your thought coming into this one I mean
it's it's just pure chaos honestly and with the team spirit getting this
close and finally like putting a nail in the coffin here and kind of like
retaking this 2v3 situation it's it's just it's just not supposed to happen
in the round 24 if you were to stop the clip right there right you have the
bomb down on the B bomb side Mirage you have two players out of position you
had Shirro smoked off Molotov off somehow some way Tindia finds a way into
into this round and does the dirty stuff.
Shiro comes in with a P250, gets the final kill.
I was watching this game and the second the Molotov went in
towards Mark, towards Shiro, I was like, that's it, game over.
There's no way you lose this round.
Yet they did.
I think personally Martin,
that this could be the mental point, right?
The breaking for Nincy, they went on to lose this game.
They went on to lose the following day
against Aurora yesterday in a very convincing fashion.
How hard is it to bounce back from being so, so close
to do the unthinkable?
Go 3-0, beating Vitality, beating Spirit,
to now be in a position where you're about to exit the tournament if you don't turn it around.
To complete the full picture, this game ended at 1am, then you have to go back to the hotel,
rest, somehow fall asleep, prepare for the next day against Aurora, and that Aurora game was a
blowout and I will take it with a grain of salt, because 9z, I saw them completely deflated,
like the emotions were not there, with the amount of adrenaline after losing a map like this,
or match like this against Spirit, it's impossible to fall asleep back and guarantee you as a player,
It's impossible to fall asleep for the next 2-3 hours with the amount of emotions going.
You're replaying this very retake we just saw.
You're replaying that in your head probably hundreds of times.
What a fool.
And how did you manage to lose it?
And then you have to wake up, prepare, and I spoke with Bit,
coach of 9Z before the game.
It was not easy to reset and it kind of showed on the server.
So coming into this 2-2 matchup, I actually have higher hopes than what we've seen yesterday.
I think it serves as a great reminder as well,
how quickly a storyline can change, right? It went from them beating Vitality and them almost beating Spirit 2.0.
We'd be like, okay, can they win the Major? Part of the player is going 3.0.
So now they find themselves here today, where they have to beat the Markers to still be alive in the tournament.
Now, Martin, it's been great to see 9C play for the vast majority of the time.
The CT sides have been great, but you've noticed something under the T-Sides
that has started to lack a little bit in the 9C camp.
Yeah, there's been noticeable drop-over on T-Sides.
pretty much only Luchov is kind of finding any success and we have a couple of, we have example
actually here against Vitality that was the match that is super important, super interesting.
Klaus Opiek actually decides to go for like a quick long play. This is confidence by the way,
taking himself alone while the rest of the team is towards being there trying to pressure that
part of the map. He parks himself in a really good spot. Ninzey decides to go for a pretty simple
call which is long, sorry, A split, but on long somehow who also peek dies to this simplest
flash pick, he just doesn't start a step at all, he doesn't react to it, and this forces
9Z to somehow go A, and notice that Zybu is actually a guy getting flashes, he's on that
first kill, so they craft a pretty decent execute on the spot by closing the distance,
jumping down to CT and managing to convert these rounds, and this is one of the breaking
because yes, they won the round, but they allow themselves to be in such bad positions from A-split to basically just
snowballing themselves out of short and you know, it's kind of feeling a little bit flat and those CD sides
They have to carry them today in this matchup. Another thing that has to happen is Lutrov playing well
I think that he's been the breakout player in the 9c camp. We see him go nuclear at times, Peter as well
He's naturally slowed down a little bit with the two losses coming in
But how important would you say this for Lutrov and 9c to get him reactivated again?
I think this is going to be the X Factor for the team, you know. I think he's by far the most skilled one in there
It's also alongside the GTT
But what he has showed me throughout the two stages now that has been very impressive
And it's always always nice to see that that a player you've you've mostly been like seeing playing his like regional opposition
Then go in play like more international teams and still pop off
I think he's been very
Instrumental in a lot of their victories and I think he's like mechanical skills just looks so good and he's very aggressive
You know that that's what I really like about it
He doesn't seem to be combed by pressure in the same way that a lot of other young players
seems to be going, he's not that young, but in terms of experience, that's what I really
like to see that he stays true to what his strength is.
Instead of, you know, maybe he goes from aggressively, he gets shut down, he does it for the next
round as well, you know, finding those openings and that's what I really like to see.
Yeah, he's a player definitely to the guard for Sharp Ape on the server.
Another one who has a bit more experience being in this position is DGT, I feel like
he's had an interesting history as a player, you know, going from 90, then he was part
of the pain line-up that was very successful at the Austin Major, made it all the way to
the semi-final by beating Theria in the quarter-final and now is back to 9C. How important is to
have just a little bit of experience when it comes to games like these, Martin, what
in your squad?
It's absolutely essential. You have to have some kind of a person in the team that is
okay with dealing with pressure and then also not only okay with dealing with it but also
sharing it amongst other teammates to calm them down to make them realize and obviously
coach is able to help with it but only a couple of times per half, right? He's not going to
to interact, unless you're a legacy coach, he's not going to interact with the players
too much and I think DGT is taking his flowers. I think the amount of times we don't talk
about this guy when we shoot is kind of crazy because he's been really good in pair with
Lucho. I think that's a fair point. I think we should
speak about the Mongols as well. Has there used to be in this position? I said they've
been in the major playoffs three times in a row, they're looking to do it for the fourth
time, Peter. It's been very much up and down. I don't know where you placed them. You look
the results right here. They're not great, they're not bad, and here they are.
Yeah, I think it's a little bit typical of the Monks. They're here. Right, I don't think we've been
paying too much attention to them, mainly because they haven't really played. They played Navi,
which is obviously the one standing up, where they do have a loss. But even against Bade,
they lose the map. They lose the map against Monty. I still think it's a team that is having
their issues, but at least they get the job done. And I think the finding that they're in a 2-2
game now is also the various like, like, staying very true to where the Monks is right now. I think
I think though that it's going to be, and Morgz is going to be showing off today, as we know the Morgz, Stone Cold, they want to go for this brawly type of counter strike, they just, you know, they do their thing, they don't care too much about their opponent, they stay true to what they're good at, and I think that's actually a very important trait to have coming into this game, you know.
Don't overthink too much, they've been in this situation before and they know how it is to make it to playoffs as well.
it's gonna play in that if Nancy cannot find momentum against Morgans, which is hard to find momentum when they really want to be fighting for all this map control, then it's going to be a tough one for Nancy.
But I think that Morgans is still a team that is still in the developing process of finding themselves in this whole mix of not having sense to Cobra, Serra and everything.
So a lot of questions still to be asked.
There's definitely a couple of players who need to settle up. Senior has been missing, Nynxen has been doing well, so there's both good and positive.
Now, in order for us to have a game of Counter-Strike first and foremost, Martin, we need to look at the maps.
Is there anything in particular you think that could be interesting in this video coming up, or is it going to be straightforward?
I think there's an interesting thing with Anubis especially, because it's like a perma-band for one team,
but the other team is not banning it when it comes to playing against the team that perma-bans it, so they're able to play it.
Mongols therefore are forced to ban the Danumbis and that allows 9z to ban the best map of Mongols or potentially their worst map, their second worst map.
So with the pick of inferno, it's pretty good. I mean, we've talked about city sides and we want to have these kind of city-sided maps into the pool, overpass, another one, one city-side map in the pool.
So it makes complete sense that we are seeing these and probably the fifth one is going to be as a city-side, I like that.
In 9-Z we broke down those rounds against Vitality, they had a good success against them.
It was not necessary, them playing too well, but it was Vitality fumbling a lot of the rounds,
but I think it's a fair, fair decider for both of the teams.
Brigadier Pita, I hear you saying that you think the Mongols are going to show up today and be stone cold,
does that also mean that you think the Mongols are going to take this one and make it to the fourth playoff in a row?
I really think that if Nancy can't find the momentum and some of that you'll believe that they hadn't,
they're serious against Vitality in spirit, they will not be able to have a chance against the Mongols, unfortunately.
Whereas if they do get the Monkelin, I think they couldn't take out the Braulikens' Mongols,
but I had to go with the Mongols 2-1.
The scene has been set, we know it's gonna be Inferno, Overpass and Dust 2,
should we need it, we're just about ready to get this game going between Mongols and 9C.
Winner makes it to the play-off, the loser will go home.
So, Nynzee has burned brightly here in Cologne, but it could very well end today.
Sure, you're taking down some big names, but you're up against Mongols,
and Aurora made light work of them yesterday.
Lot of uncertainty, desk siding with the Mongols, looks like the bookies are too.
Got Chowdy B next to me for this one.
Interesting investments here, and I think they might just want to charge down Banana Nynzee.
Four sets of Kev, they're going to take the fight, they want to bring some energy into this.
As the momentum perhaps, you know, you're going to start with some fights,
build some confidence, and they're waiting for them, tucked on Broom.
So we'll have our first headshot, okay, now the fight is on.
Easy for Blitz, Max over-extending, no trade potential on that.
Mets has actually found a second as well.
Warped word, okay, well, the opposite of momentum,
because you've just been flattened by the Mongols in the pistol.
For every then, you do hardly any damage.
They didn't even need to use the U-Tool.
The Flash was just a way to guarantee it.
A spot sound will take down Blitz.
The bomb will be planted, but this is a 1v5.
Oh, 1v3.
And Xinyo's coming around to cut him off at the pass.
The bomb has just gone down.
Remember they went five sets of Kev so you'll have to find these next three very quickly if he wants to win this one Hwasal
Looks like the senior will have done enough
Yeah
This is the best pistol team in the major 77% win rate 17 and 5 before that one right there
So we'll make it 18 at top of the charts. That's all three stages combined
This second round conversion they didn't have to do anything whatever that game plan was blitz
probably just said let's wait and see and they get four fights on their turn.
And the dust was talking about momentum I think today is all gonna be about the
intangibles for 9C. They've played some good counter shot they've turned heads
here in Cologne but it's the emotional hangover and they're still
ruminating on what could have been. Match points on two maps to close things
down against spirit and that's still gonna be rattling around your brain.
I mean just seeing you pre-immediate you cut a chuckle and agree when Stika said
they're still thinking about it a hundred times after a game like that.
Going into this mid stack right now. All players for 9Z on the 4, so this is going to be a blender top middle
Who's going to come out on top of the trades?
Let's find out
Teknoe on his target, first patch BMP7, over only the 1, back was turned, but kept level, thanks to Mazenia on to wassail
But his main, ooooh, caught out, was worried about Boiler
Mazenia has removed him, so now they can scoop up that bomb
Blitz, it's crazy
No quark, yay, just gives it away
Anticipated them to have reacted to the action on A
Max stuck to his guns and now it's a two-on-two.
Not where you want to be for a fight with a 5-7.
Luchov stands his ground.
It's Mazziniou that has to run him down.
He knows he's low. One bullet would have done it.
Luchov gets the info.
Except Mazziniou's going to prioritize drawing it into the fire.
Max last seen on B.
Alright, birthday boy. What do you got?
This would be one hell of a fire starter.
No pistol, no problem.
If Max could have avoided that!
Beautiful from Mazziniou.
Leaves with a quad kill to save Mondals from that second round slip up.
Bowls them out there and now we're going into the Eco for 9-Z.
So this is a tough way to start and if they were looking to brush away what was a landslide loss yesterday
and that what was a very, I would say was the best series of the major so far,
they really brought in punch and aggression within the early stages.
So not getting what they're looking for.
This Cobra lets out a little chirp there.
First major for him in the Mongols jersey, last time around he was with the Huns.
Now he gets to play with the household names of his country.
And 9-10, he's been the best play out for the Mongols in this major campaign if he gets go and he's hard to stop.
Until we swap sides, we've seen some capitulations for the Mongols up until this point.
They've been in the driver's seat in a few of their games, they've had opportunities against the likes of Bat-Bum and Na'vi, but their wins have come against Monti and Bay.
That's not a very convincing resume, whereas 9-Z's...
Oh, dear. Oh, a flood smoke just needs to be exposed in 9-10 will find himself another one.
I think this is the tough part, right, because everyone's just going to look at the results of the Major so far,
and they're going to come into this and say, oh, 9-Z should be the favourites.
They beat my Talody, and they're close to beating Spirit, but...
You've got a bunch of Major rookies in the server.
And Mongols are looking for their fourth consecutive Major playoff.
That's it, right? So, Ice Cold, and I think the test sentiment about Mongols taking this,
it's 9-Z who has to keep convincing.
And I think there's error as well. Let's not forget that they're doing it without sensing here.
Yeah, that is a big change.
And he's not just a one-for-one replacement round.
If people take a look at the Mongols and the maps that they're playing with positions,
they've kind of shared the responsibility that Senzu once had across some of the more experienced names.
You take notes in the Emsenios getting more responsibility on other maps.
It's been curious to see what Mongols wanted to come in with a pick today.
And four best of three so far, they've picked a different map every single time.
So now for number five, it's the only time we've seen them pick the same map twice.
And that being Inferno, Fnanzi, it was always going to be Overpass or Nuke.
Picked Overpass three times. This is the fourth.
We did see Mongols play a game against Bait on that very map a little bit earlier in the tournament,
and it was a 13 to 3 only.
But that's a weakness for Bait.
DGT looking at himself for kill. It's all the consolation.
It's 3-0 start for the Mongols.
So right now, as far as map control is concerned, you are going to see Max and Luchov over to what's banana having to deal with the likes of Blitz and Techno 910.
Man on your screen, the AWPer will be helping set those two up. Second mid, that'll be the combination.
Alright, Max trying to remind them what they've achieved in recent history.
towards Boilup in combination with Mzinha, but they've got the banana control still,
a great sacrifice. They've got the U2 to set up for an execute, and currently nobody
playing side-side for 9z.
So is that CT smoke?
I might catch the rotation, it coffins.
Yeah, Max's gotta be careful.
It's a hard shot, but this is not re-aiming this. Not anticipating it.
You've actually got jumped. Just as he hit the scroll wheel, Max emerges, and oh my god,
No scope straight through the smoke through the wall DGT's going down takes one from the grave though with the same cheese
To left his hands have to be converting this one now 9z and I think what's ours peak? Oh, yeah, he is lost. This is it
Yeah, this is
Really only one way forward for Mongols
So Mayen Luchov and Max can batten down the hatches on beat what so has the way back and a 2v4 this a must convert
Max, let's get forced to wide.
New box Molotov has plenty of support though.
This is supposed to be Nizey's first round.
10 seconds, they can just run him when the bomb's getting planted.
Yeah, he'd have to provide immaculate cover.
Oh, they're giving him space.
They're bringing him the plant.
This gets weird now.
You get your AWPer set up in the dark position.
You don't have Util to flush him out.
He's pre-aiming for Hwaso's walk on banana.
This could be a 2v2 real quick. Just looked away.
Hwaso! Nails the headshot and that is Nizey on the board.
Oh, fuck, that could have been a continuation of that sunk cost to spare right there if you lose that.
So the fact they hold on massive work.
I didn't want to play through the smokes, didn't want to give them a chance.
The time was against the Mongols, they'll be happy that they salvaged the bomb going down under that
and you'll see the buys coming in once more.
And they're just chasing down Blitz at 9-10.
A premonition.
A good shooting and a stabilizing round now for 9-Z.
consecutive rounds is what they're looking for to start slathering on a few of their own to see if they can time this up 3-3
Just gonna chip away at mongol's slight lead
Man over towards B to help assist max and luchov with the control
We stop luchov get him on the half
And with the deep banana smoke it's a choice to be made there for a smoke break
So that forces the CTs into a more defensive stance, they've won out the initial battle.
They're going to have to work on Boiler and Hall's control now, the combination of Cobra and Emsinho, he's already up on his own.
So they've got that space, next will need to be brackets.
Once you understand there's three fighting for Banana, you know that you have a little bit of wiggle room.
UTT and Max will be smoked off on the outside, Lutro has come over as well.
There's a conversation being had, but they are in the right place.
Max cheats into the site to assist Alif Wasell with this crossfire, but this doesn't have
to be the finish.
You might get a little bit of vision as the smoke's depleting, but he's actually just
going to elect a jump, spot nothing.
That information relayed Mayen primed and ready to pick up.
One doesn't hit it.
Spots the numbers of two and draws the rotation back of Luchov.
That made her sleep some mark on Mayen.
He's being very stubborn with this, but maintaining a lot of information.
Will he be able to find that opening kill?
Sticking around!
He really needed that one!
Are they erupts?
Starting to accelerate.
Mayn needs help.
Luchov will be there in time.
Crossfire established for fragile.
Not anymore!
It's not.
Copers are down to Luchov.
He gets proactive.
They've got to hurry this up.
25 seconds.
The Mongols on the back foot now.
Mayn, this time, has to hit.
Has to hit!
Mazzinios found him.
Luchov at the edge of the smoke.
Does control the spray for one.
goes on the smoke break, still to the site is Night-Tek, bombs made it across in time,
Blitz pass with the plant, cover's required, Guastow spotted up by the AWPer, he's playing
with his food, distracted enough, the ruins player as well, puts him in a box.
It's tough.
Super uncomfortable with Blitz, pull, it's up to Tecno to win this duel cleanly versus
DGT.
And he hasn't been able to do it, good find from DGT, this is that two consecutive we
were talking about just to want to get past Blitz.
Intensity round, the good stabilizer for 9Z.
These are the signs you want to see early for a competitive series today.
It's not easy rounds to win and you're shoving a lot going into that.
We know how tough it could be on Inferno with these retakes.
Just 9-10 being stuck between a rock and a hard place.
This Ogniluchov in just before the smoke flume ships away one.
And Zinia with some solid shots early in this map.
The trade's back.
There's this one right here that makes it feel possible.
So, Kwasa, in combination with DGT.
They pull off the retake, they humble the finances of the Mongols, and they put themselves in a strong position now to tie things up 3-3.
Mongols with a couple of rounds where they've had good opportunities, they've kept the threat level high.
Now they're just looking to make it dent.
Starting strong banana this time.
More focus from 90 towards 8.
And AWP Long, joined by DGT in Trash.
Swassau anchoring as usual.
Xenia and Cobra have been able to get the holes and boiler control with the digs,
but they're going to have to hit scorches if they want to make this possible.
Unforced arrow on the incendiary.
That's going to be a lot of conversation about pressure today, especially in our next game coming up.
Boom taking on foot. A lot of major rookies in the server there and a bunch in the server today with this one as well.
9-10 could lose it all if he goes too wide on this. These flashes are meant to help his teammates set up a middle spot at the half wall boost.
I want to try to clamp down on this. Max, who's out of smoke with a 50 second mark.
9-10's across, so they know that there's two banana. They can try and pints into, counts into a favorable fight on A.
Yeah, nothing brackets. They're keeping them arms length here with the rifle advantage and Jiggle made the off shot.
Fortunately, DGT is there to pick up the loose slack.
Bucks a 9-10.
Jocke's good.
Barber takes one with him.
That is their most comfy round so far and important to keep so many bodies alive.
So they're working on a bit of a cash-a-cash right now is 9-8.
Mongols will be able to buy back in.
And Mara Stone face, whether that's the rules or that's the man.
No cause for concern just yet in a both a bit with a reported sleep this night the other night
I'd say that would have gone for the entire team. That's why we're talking about are they able to reset yesterday
Aurora they got steamrolled
Yeah, what 9s here just hoping to wipe that away forget about it
I remember the highlights of their campaign in Cologne so far. That's what max was doing on the listening
You know just kind of reminding them that it's only a couple of days ago. They were taking on the big weeks
Now where Mzinho and Halls? I'm curious do they continue to push or do they just set up the boiler and Halls?
Looks like the setup is what's in place. They're gonna have the information short.
At a certain point you'll understand that Mzinho is not defaulting through so that might free up the rotation of Mayan.
He's gonna get smoked off long side, but it's Max and Luchov to be tested. Nice from Luchov.
He's really delivering. He's got another one that potentially softens up, lets down to 28, but now Max is in trouble.
He's got a lot of work to do and Mayan smoked off
Hide now behind the new box. Let's look over that head-to-head duel
Oh, he doesn't flash him out, but you can't control the spray onto Mazziglio. Poolside missed. Miss. End for Mayan
He's looking like the pressure
Being felt by the AWPer. What's so fun? It's nothing they have to say. He goes looking
Flash again, another try. Cobra's error uses that CT smoke. It won't last for much longer though
probably they go on for this giving it another go so far it's worked out for
these retakes but not today not in round seven well the all-purs have been lost
there Cobra will pick it up as mentioned they do have enough money to go for
another buy into the next but I'm surprised in the early stages of Inferno
to see them go for that maybe emboldened by the retakes in previous rounds but the
game plan is quite clear early one goes really want to harass this B site looking
at max the in-game leader is a little bit of a weakness alongside a lucho who is
their high flyer with DGT. Similar problem that Ninesi have on their Dust2 with their B site.
Some of the Spirit exploited to great success.
So there's just a one round gap, but Ninesi need to hold on here or they will lose the bank balance
with it. Luchov Grey on the opener, but he's been ruined and I'm expecting a timing and tempo on this.
We'll just trade out officially into the site. So casual stuff from the Mongols.
1900 loss either way into the next so an important one for 9z more so than the
mongols they've got a bit more residual cash to work with it all starts
towards a this time and they press up into what's halls again banana control
being taken once more
but this is where that forward setup is nice right it gives you a bit of a buffer
You're not too concerned with scampering back because you have this front-liner made it this time. It's the shot another opening kill
Now the choice of blitz can be put it back to be tested on a start a minute and ten on the clock
But looks like they want to stick to their guns and banana dgt and Lutrof rotating away
Lutrof just juggling some nades so he is hanging out
So still too strong on B
sound cute oh swinging max can't believe it just okay just the one for
lucha B's I open for business once more obvious native double high cheese spotted
it the bomb will be committed by cobra can you reposition and avoid the
follow-up looks good for it postplot now do you want to throw with the pennies
into this retake got good you to to give this a go I intended a power position
towards new box. Spotted, removed, Mayan is counter-part, taken down by 9-10.
Spotsman both as well, that's how hand DGT looks like they're trying to back away now.
Just play the bomb at this point, Mongols know they haven't, Ninesi need a back up, that's Mongols finding 5.
And again another round where they give up the opening pick, this time the trade potential was not there.
Just a response and saying stubborn with B. They're getting caught off with these timings 9-Z.
So two round gap manifest the save was mandatory and we need to take stock to discuss the buy
Plus out he can drop the AWP to Mayant by an M4 is his own
Luchov can buy a rifle as well when it's getting on the mic to have that conversation give them the 30 seconds arrest by just to
See what comes next and my question is about this B site
You know it does seem like a clear game plan from Mongols is to just keep abusing max's bomb site
He's having a tough game and this one was another example blitz they hear him coming the incendiaries there
He hears the sound cues gets caught in the open by a wide swing and mongols
What we know this team for is shooting hard right if the mantra was ever to get translated into English
You take the dossier from Mara and his coaching career. It's shoot. That's it. Right. It can just be down to one worse. Yes
This they got a level of polish to compete with the world's best, but they put their individual prowess on display
And it can be quite stunning when they do land some of those bangers without sight crumbles.
And the 30 seconds done, we're back into play.
Maxibon and MP9, that's the low end of the buy.
They have been able to get rifles for the rest, so they're safe paying off.
Lucho has been pre-consistently able to generate opening kills for the CT side.
Looks like he's got Techno Debtor right on Smokewalk.
This time he's able to get away with his life.
That's the difference maker for that hit-off this time.
The opening kills have not correlated to rounds for 9z in the last few.
You do want to cheat over towards this side of the map, understandably,
but essentially it's a game of bluff.
Do you think they're going to continue or has the conditioning set in?
Right now it's a 2v4 on this side of the map again,
and Max is just giving up a massive sound cue. They're just gonna contact him.
Oh, Luchov's tagged! Where's that follow-up? Can't find him through the boards.
Luchov was scuttled one away, avoids the main damage for the kill,
and B9 doesn't do anything!
Finally, DGT removing Mazzinho, finishes off the jump,
gets Cobra into an uncomfortable one versus three,
and he's baited to try and catch DGT on that corner.
The jump back does damage.
Kappawaya who asks how, but not far off.
Pushing, oh gets denied and destroyed, Mayans next up, he's actually making this look winnable.
He's got 30 seconds, he's not in a hurry.
The DGT at 7 HP, this could be the Cobra clutch.
20 seconds, hoping to try and isolate the Alton Mayan, that's why they've grouped up
room inside.
He gets himself a smoke grenade.
GT, the challenge! Suddenly a 1v1!
Can Cobra pull this one off?
Nine and the clock as man catches his back turn, saving 9z from what would be quite the condemnation.
Skittish there from Cobra, a lot of damage done. Mara takes the time out off the back of that.
He had a good crack at it, but you can see he was never really confident.
It was always sketchy in the fights.
And then loses track of what could have been.
9z continue to keep this one close.
This is breakpoint of the half essentially with both teams being able to accrue massive loss
bonuses because of the back and forth nature. This is what you want to see. You don't want to see
streaky counter-track with six or seven straight. This is the natural attrition between the both
of them and just holding on to tight scenarios like this.
Incredible output from Loochoff. Still got close.
I have to see his hard work converted upon.
Well, he's got something he can't do.
People might remember Austin.
Hard to not feel for players when situations like that are out of their control.
You do the hard part, you qualify and then it gets taken away because of easier issues.
Yeah.
Second wave of utile for this banana control looks lined up.
Oh, a chance for 9-10.
Bam!
Now Spam could have bought Max, so he gets proactive, starts licking, quickly, gets really weird.
Molotov, look at the health on Longos.
He dwebs the smoke, you're in such a horrible state of limbo, and if you swing now a half, well it feels like a death sentence, with Max up close on the MP9.
Man spots the info, off the Xenios toes, poking out a boiler.
So not only are you beaten, health low, you've conceded another opening.
And money for Mongols is going to be tough down the stretch.
Glassa was a pro activity as well.
I guess she's just considering all these bead plays.
No misogyny is dead.
Oh, there's the bomb. Spotted.
Spotted the bomb. That's a lot of info.
DGT will borrow forward.
Glassa is going to be active as well.
Tracking him down here.
Well, if you got DGT,
three-quarter smokies ahead of you.
That's the Glassa flag! Beautiful!
Causing trouble in the back lines.
catch his cobra swing as well.
That's what you want to see from Wassau Peak.
Round ending from him.
30 seconds. Techno might just have to hold on to this.
Again, reminder about the loss bonus.
It's like 1900 for them going into the next.
So if he can hold on to this and find the opener
into the next, at least it can give them something
to have a conversation about.
Sketchy spam at range.
So Techno gives up his position and 9-Z led off the leash.
They all just started to pivot off of that info.
Looks like they're going to think better
pressing the issue. This is good stuff. The South Americans, they've definitely done enough
now to humble the Mongols on their map choice. We'll tie things up five apiece.
This is a really good sign that we're going to have a competitive series here, as you'd
hope. One it is, you know, playoffs or part break. Those are your two options today.
Okay, I don't know about this call from Blitz. It's classically Mongols as we see the wreckage that was out leaves in the middle
That just fills me with such confidence to see him taking these kind of moves with the stakes and the pressure this high
More of that now the mouse right there from DGT, but I can't believe they've shoved
Techno's giving the AK to the boss man. Oh
He kills a few and far between for Mongols in this half so far again
It hasn't cost them in every case, but they've only got two they would love one
In a round with a broken and battered by
The next will resemble something a whole lot like this if they can't convert with four pistols and a save day k-47
They've shoved for this
It's a pretty ballsy call. Yeah, you'd love to get the bomb down at a minimum
We haven't really seen them try and finish on a
As if done well with the standing the storm
They're out on top of the opening kills, and Longols have the pistol.
That's how we find ourselves in the land right now, but the setup...
Looks like they've...
...read the scenario correctly.
Tecno just selling a bit of a fake on B.
He'll now hedge back to join the boys.
Spot atop mid, DGT under pressure.
U2's in the air, the fight's on the way.
Gonna be the short side, class start throwing out an incendiary.
It's very well timed, he's even got some info as well on his little jump spot.
Flash from DGT, could be well timed.
When you open, blocked by DGT, dips back into site, maintains that crossfire, trying to apply pressure as Cobra gets up by Bay by the Flames.
It's DGT for number two, all this investment and you get absolutely nothing.
That hero rifle, the only man standing, and he's soon to leave as well, backing away, caught by Basel Peak 9-Z with five alive Mongols getting nothing.
And they've taken the lead here as well.
This is good stuff from 9-Z.
This is class Counter-Strike on display.
They handled that one.
No over-peaks. Nobody trying to be the hero.
Playing as a unit, playing the crossfires.
The fundamentals of Inferno's A-Site on display.
And just harassing constantly as DGT.
He looks very active.
This boy, he knows what it's like to get to the major playoffs.
Did that with Paine.
9-Z to Paine, and then back to 9-Z and look into...
I'll tell you, four other gentlemen with him to the lancest.
So here it is again, another more of the same from the Mongols.
Oil and progression has been stalled down by that incendiary.
I'll take those spots on the barrel side, DGT's got a lot of work to do in the middle of it.
Hard Cleared!
Hard Cleared him!
That's a stunning start to the round, maybe they can make it work with the pistols after
all.
So go swing into the eagle of 910 gonna do with the old now. Okay, man swinging sweeping
Spotted misses his shorthouse did it on the 5-7 getting very hectic
Stands his ground but stabilizing for just the one different blitz and all around the smoke fade lucho was not prepared for
Coppers forward position
Mongols rectifying their mistakes in the previous a clutch available for max, but he's got to do things quickly
Feels like there's no way you break 9-10's AWP as well, he's set up to collect and if
your back's turned it's an easy pick for Cobra's error.
Flushes him out with the incendiary, does manage to make it a 1v2, got to move quickly
here smoking a kit, bait the AWP shot, it's taking over the insurance policy, hanging out
towards the balcony, clears him out, forcing fights, 6-6, dead even in this door, die of
9Z fighting strong on the CT side.
Yeah, do the other things that I'll back, but you don't know me like that.
You don't even feel another word of that, but you don't know me like that.
But you better wouldn't write that, if you don't know me like that.
If you think I'm wrong, blame your own past, and you really don't know me like that.
It's all that you want, my enemy, but you're messed out every time.
I'm in the decline to the armor
What's left of home is new fraud
You must take my land, don't make me
You must take my condors here
I'm the storm you keep from bumping
And the moment you stand in here
In Canada we catch my scum boys
Keep the record of every fall
Turn my doubts into a headline
Help my name up on the wall
Instead of breaking through the pressure
Instead of flow before the fight
With the darkest where I shall be
You won't catch me in the dark
Shopping you won't catch me in the light
Every whisper gets louder
Every doubt I'm complete
Every time you say I'm finished
There's just a word you leave
Don't see what's underneath it
You don't see the cracks
You keep pushing at the surface
And I'm bound to attack
Tell me all the things that I lack
But you don't know me like that
Tell me feeling under-rejected
But you don't know me like that
Every label that you threw in me was fuel inside the flame
What the pain he has of feeling just to justify it out
Every time you try to bury me I'm always coming out
You won't ask me if I got mistakes like I've heard it in the past
But your turns are just a dozen times and I was built to last
To keep swinging at a shell, thinking that you'll crack my back
But the version next you'll find is the one I out-confessed
Stage 3 coming to a close, but it's still all die today
Both teams with two wins, two losses and the first half under RL on Inferno, 9-Z taking on at the Mongols.
Swap side is going to be up to 9-Z on the T side now and Mongols already picked up a pistol found
themselves six on their attack. A reminder of the Mongols, they still start so far the best in the
major. Okay. Four today, 77% win rate, 17 and five, we'll now 18 and five. Let's see if they can find
lucky number 19. If those strong starts. That's a lot of info.
Oh, wasn't ready for the off angle Max has adopted early and he's left to get away with
his life as Techno. Alright, that Goose should be called and that will
likely help the finish for this round. You can see the quick retooling from the Mongols
just off that small exchange of formation and damage and people being too mid.
He has to use his head to guess the fight from 9-10. Now the road now to the tally.
He's anticipating Cobra. This is brilliant.
Such good awareness already on this T-Pistol.
Haven't even had to use your nades yet.
Blitz still has full banana control.
He can't get pushy because they're down the man. Just needs to hold onto the line.
Still no clear finish for 9-Z, even with the gouge and the opening kill.
With the smoke, the Molly, the flashes, they could just smoke off Moto.
Molly back pit, team some flashes in and have these glocks jump into the A site.
DGT with a fake sound, they're going back to B.
At least Blitz will be that early warning system, the trip wire at the top of the banana.
Oh no, he starts to walk in.
Had to get that, but had to get out, man.
Very important.
Got the engine set up, there's nothing that the Cobra can do about this, we smoked off.
Turns tail, has he been called off?
What was that?
Again, make it across.
String bullet through the smoke, but yeah, you're right.
The bomb will go down uncontestable.
Techno and Abzinnia are very late to this.
Techno doesn't have Kev.
Cobra and Abzinnia could hold onto theirs.
Abzinnia, now he cheats over.
They're so worried about a late lurk.
Cobra looking for a fight.
It's so hard to envision a world where Cobra can break this.
Time's the biggest issue.
He's taking away.
He's not getting any of the fights he hoped for.
Not one overstep, this is restraint from 9Z, ensuring that this pistol goes their way, we can split the pistols down the middle.
DGT on to Tecno, finishes one max, started to start this round, Cobra on the way out.
He's not getting away with his carry.
I don't think so, neither does Wasso.
It's a great stuff from the engine room of 9Z and this one, four opening kills for Lucho, four for DGT.
Those are the heaviest hitters in their major campaign and they're continuing to deliver right now.
now. It was reminiscent of the first pistol where you know the fight just
happened on banana and Mongols just killed four people as they were trying
to push down banana on the CT side. This time they hold their crosses and they
get the fights. It was a nice shot if you get away. Yeah. Different
conversation. Ninzeep take the lead and aggressive move on the force. These can
be those pesky second round conversions where that pistol was all for naught. Look
Look at the room, right? The T stairs players are so passive, they're expecting this. Max is going to sweep and deal with the push easily.
9-10 is not going to get anything. Okay, looking good. Ah, Kwaasau and Max.
Tecno winning out onto DGT something, but with Cobra's error just crouch committing to that clear.
Max has managed to string together the double, the should signal the end of the round.
A Xenia, long range burst to their head and Kwaasau, Luchov had the bomb get spotted and dinked down to 4 HP, but Tecno,
He's got four of his own and he's not interested.
I can't see if he can find himself an upgrade,
but Mayen is actually staying to contain this with the AK.
So unlikely that Tecno is able to get the jump on him whatsoever.
Tecno is loud about this, so that information will be relayed.
He's about to get blindsided, and this is the start that 9-0 were open for.
Two round gaps soon to become three, and it feels like they know exactly
the way that Mongols want to approach these rounds.
They want to bludgeon you to death.
They want to take the peeks when you're least expecting when you're pulling out your nades when you're setting up for fights
They're the ones who want to spring the trap will right there playing heads-up counter strike 9-0 ready
It's gonna tough way back in this game for the Montvalls now
9-10 AWP is gonna be distant memory
We'll see how long it takes before he can get out on the CT side.
He's been the most impressive member for me in this major campaign.
He's probably in some of these games, he's doing it all, at least in the first halves.
He's not nuclear right now.
Overpass on the next CT side, he'll have an opportunity to do so.
The 9Z are handling the pressure.
The USP is going to try and creep in after this.
TGT aware of the possibility. He's gonna throw an aid and at that point if you don't swing, you feel like you lose your chance very well.
And TGT now looking to make a 10. And there's Eco.
One split across the map, but the face of two is enough to draw the rotation and it's a freebie bomb site.
That smoke, the penny will drop and I feel like they can't really make the right play at the moment.
Mongol's the next round with the guns out. That's where they'll have to.
especially considering this is that pick they've got to defend their honor on
over past next seeing them pick four different maps of the four different
series now inferno being twice it tells you the Mongols don't even really know
what the strength is in their map or what was traditionally a mirage in an
ancient heavy team has been changing over the tail end of the season not
finding the results they've been looking for so in search of a home map
and Nancy banning it because both teams don't really play anew but it's just as
9Z had something on record and Mongols didn't want to take the risk.
I highly doubt 9Z would have picked it.
That would have meant that they would have had to have had the balls to go,
oh, okay, final chance.
We'll pick Anubis, not knowing if Mongols have been working on it.
Making a gamble like that with such high stakes is, it's hard to do.
And it's easy to say on this side because the inverse of that is Mongols do leave it for 9Z,
pick it, well, we didn't actually crack it, and you get wrecked.
Yeah
So at least this way you're going out on maps
You've at least got some officials
Yeah, you buy and doubt your fundamentals and your procedures
Oh my gosh, you gotta stand up right now and be accounted for on this CT side
We're gonna have to turn towards Blitz alongside a Techno
Krober will be that rotating rifle up 910.
It's also a rotating piece named Xenia, the A-ank up.
It's a setting up for a heavy- how do I control that? How do I get up at 910AWP, so excuse me.
Oof.
Just loves this name, they're a little techno.
And they've done significant damage to 910 on the oil.
DGT departments,
Plays pressure to Mazzinho
I intend just being left on the line
Yeah, they spotted him on the half wall. He's not a cheeky one. That is lovely
Knows the information being relayed by Max and as he lines up the Molotov he gets caught by the opposition
The upper class outpid versus play and that's a big headshot back
Cobra trying to pick up the slack swings on him catches him jumping
Pressure on Mazzinho
Absolutely right. He's got a lot of work to do on this balcony
drop down throw out a flash feels that pressure being amplified has the support of Techno and
Cobra and that HE already has their ears ringing. Swinging is DGT, Mazzinho set up to succeed and
he defends his side valiantly. Three from Mazzinho, Mongols a must win round converted. You see the
thought process there in a great shot from Wastau. AWP identified over towards B okay let's try and
take some space over towards long those sight lines we can actually take favourable jewels and
he smashes with an opening shot but they fact that they were playing four heavy three players able
able to deal with this after Blitz goes down and the cavalry, what they gallivant in, they
make mint meat of their short pouts. That was a bonus. Guns back here, 9-10, is he going
to keep swinging for picks? Take him over man on the enemy every day of the week, we'll
see. Power gaseous the man wants to be. Have you been on an investment from 9-Z? They've
They've been able to get the control of half-walk-max.
And Luchov have the tail. It's all five here in 9-10.
Sweeping back over, is it just going to be a nade dump?
Or do they really feel the commitment on this side of the map so early?
Top mid-block smoke gives DGT a little bit of room to work in the corridor.
So they are going to try and put a bit of pressure on the aid-offence.
Demzina and Kovra are not playing for brackets control.
So they don't actually have the information, they're making some assumptions.
And at the minute mark, let's hope Molly combo to take back Car.
Research forward.
This time a little bit more controlled with the base 9C.
DGT set up in brackets, whilst I'm within max.
They're trying to set up a B-split split possibility here.
Every smoke I think I'm gonna go through the archsberg into a B split
Techno's gonna be the one that gets him in for the flash stuff
I think that's too much on his screen DGT removes it all good nine-tenths down to
Nine Z gun in for the double digits now. They're headed on into that B site just splits
Pincet in from CT saves himself from the angle needs to find out but gets absolutely nothing
nine Z up to ten
immediately returning to their winning ways off of that one CT round from the Mongols.
Just has to be better from everybody there. The fact that 9-10 was even committed to Sandbag with the AWP.
When you see the Arch Smoke, Library Smoke, you're assuming an A-Rap.
They did have three players over there to deal with it, but
9-10 wanted to put himself in the play against Core, Blitz gets nothing, Dantechno the same, so a clean sheet.
Nanten will be able to buy himself an AWP again.
Max on his hunt, can he take away the rifle from Cobra?
This will actually be a big steal.
Cobra just did his knife, I'm not expecting to be hunted,
so that could have actually been a lesson for him.
He will get to retain it, it does mean now he can drop an M4.
And Nanten can buy himself, Cobra drops one, Blitz is gonna operate on an MP9.
Now recalls his second tactical timeout.
Now do we see them go back to similar motions from the force buy and the ekrack where they
want to catch you as you're setting up?
I think your learnings from there was that 9Z are ready, they are focused on the cross
there and if we do peek just dry, these kids can shoot.
I say kids, they're average age, not as young as you might expect, there's not household
names for 9Z but they're playing like it throughout the campaign.
Yeah, Max, a franchise player with over six years with the 9Z organization.
And it's his birthday.
Well, that's not gonna make us happy, one.
Yeah.
Okay, Techno will actually be the man to stomach the MP9. Blitz will get the rifle.
This is where the half has to begin for the Mongols, or 9Z will just roll over them.
And now Blink will be on overpass.
You'll be one map away from elimination. You will not make four consecutive mages.
As far as the playoffs are concerned, 9-10 starts to awp Shortside.
Again, Blitz is just constantly copping early damage from these HEs.
Very stubborn in his forward position.
Again, that same arch smoke thrown out from way downtown.
9-10 has control from Shortside with the Ops, they still have the information.
It's going in cheeky. If they try this, he's in a position to do some damage, a flying MP9,
but Max gets his finger on the trigger in time for an opening. Get all of it, lost 9-10 again.
Just a rapid one from DGT down the staircase into the AWP's face.
He's been great. Huge output impact throughout for DGT, but it's been a team effort so far.
Mongols, the players aren't hitting.
So uncomfortable for you now. It's just blitz.
It's going to be traded.
hanging out in this half angle yeah you you're expecting one a maximum
hoping to flush them into his crosshair has to do it all there's just no way
still holding on to his smoke which is admirable
I'll throw it out with a HE in combination ouch
I've seen enough, HE's back now towards a cobra
just went to rotate an app smoker the perfect time and Zeno in pit literally
has to do it all there is no support it's a 1v5 on a okay Mazzino you're
used to these situations pressure on bodies on your screen multiple bodies
charging in Mazzino's gonna do it all and they line up for him he can't spray him
down now what that means you know exactly what that means 9z you're gonna
take up to 11 and Mongols chances of running thin. TGT pick on to 9-10 he's
had some rough deaths as 9-10. These last couple of rounds just getting caught
and that was similar as to how 9-Z lost a couple of rounds on their CT side as
well right it was just that press up through banana subverting the
expectation taking timings that they weren't ready for you get caught with
nades in your hand you get caught repositioning and Mongols are gonna
taste their own medicine right now. So returning two guns again Max it's keeping
on a tight leash, they're not hunting this aggressively at all.
More than happy to leave with an 11th round on your opponent's pick.
You've got a really tough choice right now, a few mongols.
And the way that their bi-pattern was on the T side, they might just shove.
You get 3400 into the next round.
So the 2900 cash injection for Cobra and Blitz does allow them to drop two guns.
But, we see a lot of teams in this type of situation who will just go with the two saved rifles,
They have some light upgrades on everybody else, and then they'll fall by into the next. They want to shove on this one.
And this is essentially for the map. If they don't win this, sure they'll get the lost one. Sure we might see a couple of saves, but...
When I'm really in the game right now, this is a one round CT hold.
And most of the rounds converted for 9Z have not been close at all. We're talking one or two casualties.
So 9Z continuing that class.
I'll let them the occasion get the better of them today, at least so far.
Just the timings, the output.
It's not there for Mongols right now.
Yeah, the trades are happening so consistently as well.
It's hard to see Mongols, you know, providing a multi-kill.
which after conceding these opening deaths is a necessity.
They extremely light on in our department, the multi-killed department.
Handful of players with two.
Techno yet to get one.
Ooh, an opening!
Let's just remove Max from the pack immediately.
Throw his bullets down, Banana.
Oh, they needed that to alleviate a bit of pressure.
That's far from a guarantee, though.
Techno's been having a tough go in that department,
he's zero and seven with the opening, so...
maybe he can avoid giving away any more for this map.
Assuming they can convert this number advantage situation, there might be a chance.
910 and it's in your pitside.
Four up the Mouth and relatively unannounced, it's a long smoke, but they're not making steps, they're not throwing flashes, they're lining up a second wave of utility now.
Moto smoke, but they are going long.
Test for Cobra's error.
He's been called out sometimes.
This is a big fight, he gets caught by a man on the jiggles.
Equalizing frag provided.
Library now smoked off, there's so much uncertainty in the ranks of the Mongols.
Let's tend to CT.
We're gonna exit from the long side into the A site.
19 and Mazenya need to step up.
Oh my god, he's been Molly Minipet. Super uncomfortable for Mazenya.
He has to stand around, the flames tap ahead. Can't do it.
Wasso's removed him.
19, the dead man just starts shooting at the boards.
Helpless.
This is beautiful, procedural round. Take shape.
Doesn't matter if Blitz provides an opening.
9z looking like a better team and no doubt about that. This is class and they're looking comfortable
They're looking poised and bit happy with that. They're moving up the gun
Which means they're moving another threat for what will be the final round to play coming up next
I'm gonna add another big scouts to their tally you get power vision in the opening game
Look at the draw there as far as the seeding is concerned. We know that they've been having a tough time
But still nice and I'd see being able to take down power vision, right? You think maybe that's a 50-50 of a game
They're upset by telling them to have the bomb burner against Spirit.
We'll forget about the Aurora again.
They played 14 hours after they finished that match.
You got to sleep, you got to prep, you got to emotionally dump the baggage.
But they've been able to do that today.
And this is comfy.
This is class.
This is confidence building as well for 90s.
to prove to themselves that they can shake off that blip.
That bit in form of aura made light work of them.
Into five round-run Mongols, all this one's done.
That's what you're up against. Your map choice.
I'm not seeing any signs of that, a reality that Mongols live in right now.
And no one is hitting.
They're 12 kills and it's half in total.
It's so light on that supposed to be the experienced ones
It's 9z. Do you expect the press to be getting to the fact that they're handling this today?
Deep made nice chunk of damage, but
Counts for nothing if not converted upon
Storch mid set up
It hasn't even been their openings that have been concerning. It's the fact that they are not shooting hard enough.
And some jewels are imminent. Pressure applied towards brackets. You've got that library-side smoke.
Mayhem is hoping to punish if anyone dares to jiggle our CTB.
You have to play for me if I top mid. I understand you have the brackets controlled, but if you just get executed on the other side of the map, then you're retaking.
He's taking.
Come on Sal.
It's past the leg.
Oh he has the information.
The senior has been spotted compromised now.
They're set up.
It's a fake.
It's a fake.
It's a fake.
It's a fake.
It's a fake.
You're not seeing Kerber make too many moves.
It's why Sal is having to drop it from there.
It's Kerber.
What is that?
A full commit.
Mag dump.
And now it's easier still there on his roost.
Has to find a multiple output.
9-10 good for one back.
They're leaving B.
They have to go A.
The bomb's down top mid.
You have to go A.
Have to show that into 9-10 Mayan, making a round out of it after all.
Alright, open.
You can get this bomb planted.
Blitz, or we can run him down.
Mayans is going to have to commit to this.
The MP9 running out, he should be able to get this frag.
Does so now, Luchov.
I don't know where Luchov is though.
You don't know, but it's not planted for him.
Then maybe you can get the eliminations.
They have no idea.
Baxa turn, an opportunity for Luchov.
He just doesn't have the bullet.
Blitz picks up the AWP, can't hit the shot.
He's got the kit.
He picks up the kit now. 5 second defuse.
He can just sit up.
That's going to buy time.
He's going to have to run with his knife, he's going to round this corner, he's flapping around with his knees, not enough second guessing.
We see another round of playing with one HP on Blitz, he brings us going through.
Not by any stretch of the imagination, a confidence building round for Mongols, that simply maybe extends the pain.
19-0, they should have had it right there and then. Tricky round to finish, thinking the moment he's going to get the better of the Mongols and over rotate.
Rotate the moment is getting the better of Cobra his aim in these last few it's gone missing
Not just to isolate him, but the Mongols in general mechanical failure
And just you know committing to that fight not necessity either
That jewel is his full nerves right now you can see it
Because I've been doing it the hard way throughout their major run
They're coming to stage 3 and the only scouts they take are Monty and Fanny.
Some mirrors went to the season.
I fall from the team that was in a major final this time last year.
I'm sure the bracket helped out in that department.
But they went on to win EWC and be a constant threat.
Yeah, mainstay.
And they've lost their X-Factor and try to get it back.
Don't know if I can get you to spot a top banana luchoff. Perfect little info plaque.
Arming his in-game leader.
Brackets control you till lobbed in.
DGT with the space. This one keeps hitting.
Oh, that's a fire. I believe DGT could have definitely found the headshot.
Nazinio given a second lease of life.
I waste so much room to set up these executes.
Now, Cobra, you got a chance right now on this A setup to-
in the sky. Otosmo, block on DGT, it's Max on the wall, parking away by the incendiary.
Has he on the low HP, doesn't want to swing, he just wants to have them look in the other
way onto Cobra or 910. Here we go, that's the fight. No, they're collapsing, 910, only
the two of them. It looks like 9Z are taking Mongols picked folks with Blitz and Techno.
They're way back in maybe was so goes down to the incendiary. He's got a safe haven now
You're staring at a smoke grenade and 90 a blade these post plans by the book consistently
Very rare to see them make a misstep once that bomb is ticking in their favor
It's gonna have to be perfect from techno a quiet inferno from him
Flash and go chaos hope for some misses for these kids ain't missing and that's nice
90 taking map 1, Mongols territory, and 90 find their form.
Their cousins may have waved, but they found it when they needed it.
Overpass, they're map choice coming up next.
And Mongols mechanical failure throughout this team needs to find their aim.
Because right now they look to be getting sent home one step away from the playoffs.
90 finding their footing in the moment.
They needed the most backs against the walls.
as they have lost two games in a row at IAM Cologne.
They pick up the map pick of the Mongols
to put themselves up 1-0 in this series.
Martin, that was a game that had a,
I would say different faces.
The off to a good start is 90.
Mongols come back and then we switch sides.
And it feels like 90 is in control.
But then again, you had this feeling
that if Mongols is just standing up a little bit,
it could get close again.
I guess the best way to describe it is
it felt a bit nervous.
It felt much nervous.
it felt a little bit too uncomfortable for both of the teams.
Actually, first half, I think Mundo's won the 6-6,
and in my opinion, they should be happy with the half how it went.
They had a clear game plan, which you're going to be discussing a little bit later on,
but I do think that this game was a pure skirmish, pure brawl,
and this is the best way out to describe these two teams going ahead to it.
How did you see it, Pino, and how did you find it?
Was it exciting or was it too nervous for your taste?
No, I think it was exciting because it is just this very brawly style
where they all want to be fighting.
They don't want to give each other too much space,
So they do really fight for the map because of every single inch.
And we know how Banana always works in every guard.
That's where you really want to be fighting.
But it was, I think that the T side, that's what stood out to me as we've talked about coming into the game.
That is where both teams have their weaknesses.
And the Mongols needing six rounds on their T side.
I think that was enough to close it out.
But once they turn to CT side, you can see the flaws in their individual performance just not showing up.
And I think 9-10 to me spoke with a little bit of a guy that went missing.
And he's been very important for the Mongols throughout this major so far.
So him not hitting his shots, being caught off a couple of times, that was the big up for me.
Martin tried to reframe the first half for me, because I said, you know, 90 off to a good start,
Mongols, T-Sat, they come alive. What exactly went down that made it a 6-6 half?
It was just a pure game plan towards Banana, towards B.
We've had so many kills in this part of the map, in this single map,
that I don't even think we can count it easily.
And we have right now all the B-rolls in the background for you guys to enjoy,
And look at the amount of kills that just happened towards this part of the map.
It starts in the pistol round.
Whenever they get a chance to go B, they will be.
And whenever even Mongols were reading it, and they were actually, you know, ready to be, you know,
in the stack of three CTs, they were still going B.
They were still happy to do it, and they were really taking these rounds.
And actually, Nines pulled off a couple of really nice retakes in my opinion.
And there's just clear game plan tendency that, yes, we want to go B.
This is where the weakness is.
And it was so easy to spot for us after four hours.
Imagine how easy it is to spot for Nainzi if they're getting constantly pressured on banana with an 8.
Peter, do you think that's the result of the Marguers feeling more comfortable working on the B bomb side than on the A bomb side?
Or do you think it's more so a preparation thing where they localize the weakness within Nainzi on the B bomb side?
They could definitely come down to the fight of preparation, but I think it's also just Marguers trying to keep it a little bit more basic.
I think that's why they play the best.
I think the Morgul is uninfernal, you know, it's not about wanting to be brawler, but
the thing is like, they go a lot towards Pardana, and then they will have a miscineum trying
to work his way somewhere around apartments, trying to get a peek out of Boiler, and trying
to see some of the mid control vote.
But if he doesn't have that much access to him, they just turn their attention to go
a little bit more like, as a pack they lose that first skill on the opposite side of the
map, they turn their attention to B. And that's why they just want to go with their aim style.
I guess Morgul has never really been the most tactical team.
They just want to swing off things and just go in and just play what is their strength.
That has always been their aim.
But this time around, even if they got six rounds, it just wasn't enough this time around.
It wasn't enough.
The B round, similarly, maybe in the beginning, worked out, but at some point it felt like
Nancy had a counter for it.
They were facing them, hits on, as you can see, aggressive on banana, placing it all
up in a good position as well, and just making sure that if the Morgans wanted that B-bomb
side-match, they really had to fight for it.
Absolutely.
One thing we didn't speak about when the sides actually switched was that we spoke about Mongols having really really strong CT side,
but we didn't touch on the fact how they get there usually, and that is those pistol rounds that they're getting out of 11 pistol rounds so far in stage 3.
They won 10 of them on CT side.
So this is kind of like interesting topic to talk about that always they get a head start, they get a good economy rolling, right?
This time it didn't happen and look what happened in the server.
9Z actually were able to read the game really well on their T-side and Mongols were just always like kind of one second away from good rotation
Alright, so Mongols winning pistol converting 9Z coming back in the first half. We finished 6-6. We think okay
We have a competitive game. It's a close game a bit nervous game as well
Round 17 was maybe the round watching where you felt the game change character a little bit
Yeah, I think this is where I don't want to say it was final nail in the coffin
By the way, these rounds are structured, it's actually showing pretty good signs for 9-Z that they come with a clear plan.
This is an attempted B split with an easy kill on Techno 4K, he actually got a good swing along with a flash.
9-10 being called off guard around the Sandbag, Top Banana area, and again we're gleaning into this B hit.
I think Blitz here was actually spotted by the CD players, so this makes a very easy entry for Mayer to come into the side.
This was one of the easy rounds on the paper, right? Not much is happening, but the preparation for it,
and the fact that they're choosing to do B-splits on the infernal T-side
in such a tense game, when their T-sides haven't been looking too good,
is kind of a good sign.
I think this is good calls and kind of energetic to see from Nainzee.
For you, Peter, was this the wake-up call we needed from Nainzee?
You know, as we're already established, they were so close against Spirit, making it 3-0.
They were blown out of the survey yesterday against Aurora.
Now they come in, they win Muggle's map pick in map 1 right here.
They look like a team with a bit of confidence again.
Could this be another turning point for Nainzee in the good direction?
I should hope so for them right because you know now that they turn attention to all parts
That's that's their favorite map
That's the one they pay against the best teams in the world and that's the one they always turn to so I mean now
It's back in back in their hands
But I think they they look way more comfortable today than the day against Aurora yesterday
Yesterday they just they hadn't really shook that that disappointment off that they didn't make it in the first place against spirit
And now I think they they look way more locked in they seem to be working way better off each other
And I just also just think that individually wise they've just shown up against the most and that's what you have to do
Like when you play the Mongols, if you're not on point individually, you're just not going to be winning.
And I think we've seen great things from Squash of Peek.
I think he's definitely one of the guys that stood out in this game.
Did you see we highlighted coming into the game being this Lurker and also the anger of the team being very proactive in that regard.
They dared to play.
That's what I think that stood out to me in that city side.
You know, they dared to go out and try and find the opening.
Try to go out and you'll really be broadly because if you sit back and just allow the Mongols to roll with their game plan
and go to play their strings, then you're going to have a hard time.
And whenever you have to go out and be cautious about the duels you're taking,
but they took a very good duels, they did it together, and also Lutjo von Banner,
I think he did a phenomenal job on the T side, you know, fighting for that control time and time again,
even though it was a brawl, round after round, they just stood up to it.
And that's what speaks to me, that they have the confidence to go up against the Mongols.
Now that brings us to Overpass. I want to give us a bit of time to talk about Overpass,
because it could potentially be the last map we see from the Mongols at this tournament.
9C brought it to the table and 9C so far in this tournament at the Major have played it three times and then won it three times
Taking down Spirit on the map taking down Paravish in 13 to 1 on the map. Martin, what makes 9C a great all-posting?
It always comes from these kind of city sides. We're talking about it a lot of times
I actually went in those three games and looked at their key sets how they win it and it's usually like these kind of like four spice
you know like these tech nerds like this kind of a
dead round so so to speak where where
Something might happen, something might not happen, and they eventually get into good position and they close it out.
CT side is where it's being carried throughout their overpass, and honestly, you're right that the 9Z is yet to lose it, but so is Mungos.
They played it only once against B8, and it was a stomp. It was, I believe, 13-2 or 13-3 finish, so both of these things are actually undefeated, and this will change within upcoming 45 minutes.
You had a feeling that the Mongols were going to come in cold-blooded, you know,
and ready to get this game going for them and ready to win.
Now obviously what we saw in Inferno wasn't the best version of Mongols,
but I have also seen a Mongols that has the ability to shake that off,
come into the second map and play well.
Do you still have confidence that's going to be the case there?
Do you think Mongols still have a chance to win this series and win this map and push it to a third?
I do, I do. I know Opaz is 9C's strongest map,
and that's where they're turning their teams to now,
And I'm a little bit worried for the likes of 9-10 now that he's been so important for the team and and his showing today has
Just been has been pretty pretty rough, right?
And the most is is to me when I when I've always played against someone we see them play
You know, they they just always want to pick the fight right and it's more about picking the right fight now for them
I think it's it's I don't think it was it would be a disaster for them
If they go out and just think that they can just win by no swinging off the time because
Nancy has just showed us showed up way in a way better from the day have right?
So I would love the monks to get a bit of momentum if they can pick up that pizzerana
That's that's what they're gonna go off and that's what they really
They really are good at converting
But you also got to have like a plan B if you don't actually get that pizzerana
You don't get the ball rolling what is your plan B?
And that's why I think sometimes the muggles are having a little bit of an issue because they always turn to their firepower
but if they can't find that firepower then where are they gonna be turned to and
Specifically now they do get to start on the city side if they don't get the ball rolling on that city side
I think it's gonna be difficult for them to actually even be able to turn around you heard it from Peter first
They have to make sure plane a works out. They had to make sure they win the pistol as a matter of fact
They have to make sure they win this map
Overpass is coming up between models and 90 90 in a position now where they're one map away from qualifying to the playoff
Models backs against the wall. They have to win now. Otherwise, it's GG for them at I am cologne
I had so many trades trading in each of your miles away, carry Jewel.
Tell me one round.
Hold on.
Let me pull up CS stats.
Oh wait, my bad.
You suck.
Settle your debates, search your profile on CS stats, and turn on tracking to see all
your games.
The founding hallowees for each round are here to come of each other.
Now you double peaked against each other!
Unbelievable!
Something special to tell you that this game is over.
It's not over yet.
It's over.
It's kind of a mix-up.
We are back!
I'm very grateful to be here, to have the team I have.
I'm very happy with the guys, the coach, the analyst, the CEO who is here with us.
So yeah, a lot of people from Argentina, it's cheering for us and waiting this moment for
four years because our last major was in 2022.
So, yeah, I'm very excited to be here.
The best moment in my career, it was definitely my qualification to the Antwerp Major.
That was a legendary for the South America team because it never, besides us,
a team from South America, not Brazil one, like Uruguay, Argentina, Chile,
and the rest of South America, qualified for the Major.
So, yeah, it was historic for all directions.
direction so yeah that will be with me all my life I think the person who
inspires me more I will say fallen and there is the obviously one but I want to
say another one and he's with me in the team right now who is beat with a
legendary player from from Brazil and now is our coach again so yeah I'm very
happy to work with him. I want to achieve a lot of more majors but I will say a
playoff of a major. Yeah that's my goal, my real goal because yeah I want to win a
major but I want to be realistic at the same time so I will say yeah playoff of a major.
for me, Shree.
I want to ask as well, Ancient and Mirage, whenever you do the Vita, you usually pick
one of those two maps, right?
Recently, they've not been as good.
Do you have any feelings about why this is?
On Mirage, I think we just changed our positions, tried some new things.
position has changed like for what is this is a secret information maybe I'm
like Anna Stena, Cobra and I are changed like from T side I'm going to meet and
Cobra's going perhaps and like I was the star writer role is kind of changed on
Mirage and that'll suck then we love yeah so you swapped it back again
Oh, it's on the back, yeah.
So what were you saying?
So, Baraj is kind of, you've changed in positions on...
And yeah, yeah, that's because of the changing position
on the ancient, I think it's lack of practice, maybe.
Yeah.
And every other team's adapting and...
They're focusing on you as well,
because I know that you're paying for it.
Because like our playstyle is very easy to read.
Okay, they just do the same things.
So they adapted it.
So, yeah, we're trying to figure out and change your styles.
Yeah. I know in the past from experience, like sometimes like you have a map
you're struggling on, right?
And you focus a lot on the weaker map and then your good maps.
You don't put focus and then become weaker.
Do you think that maybe happened a little bit as well?
Yeah, like sometimes we, okay, Nuke was kind of our bad map,
but we focus on Nuke for a long time.
and Nuke is kind of great for us, but at that time we didn't practice ancient or mirage,
so we had some kind of moment of loss, so yeah.
Our picking map has become Nuke.
It's weird how that changes, right?
The worst of it comes from the best of it, just like that.
It's time to find out if this fairytale has got a happy ending, or if the Mongolian Horde are not done.
It was the opposite of convincing from the Mongols in the first.
Ninesie absolutely demonstrating their prowess.
They've shaken off the wobbles, and they've looked like the more confident, the more...
Playoff bound team.
They've got a B-pop on their hands here, man, lining up a Heaven smoke.
Backs to block short, and all pressure on Cobra.
Yeah, he's got a lot of work to do and he's got a flash in his face, spotted out in the barrels as he fell run.
Needed that from Mazzinho.
He's removed, Guasso peek.
Lucho, gonna be looking to pull one pack, but it's Mazzinho with a double on the output.
Is that enough though? Is that enough?
Where DGT's in the server?
Finds three in response.
Hectic 9-10.
Stroll!
DGT in it to win it!
Looking for the A, she takes it!
Crushes Mongol, spirits and takes 9-Z.
A leap towards the playoffs.
Did you to the digits he just gave them the finger right there that is one way to kick off your map choice
T side overpass you got the pistol and you just keep compounding that pain
Blitz techno they didn't leave their chairs
Off to map number one. They stayed put this practicing nades on this very map techno was shooting some bottoms in your state as well
Cobra 910 and the coach went outside, but
What's up? This one's going to get away from you damn quick, CT side of Mirage, and if you can't bounce back with the force, you're going to be in a hole.
We just went from the most played map of the major so far to the second least.
And this has been one of nine of these picks.
DGT. Looking ready to rip off Moorhead's 9-10. Can he catch the timing?
Showing good restraint here. They're rotating back to A.
It falls away. He does very well to find anything.
10. Down to DGT and a spot to the toes of Techno.
Restraint on the smoke right now doesn't know what lies on the other side. It's one thrown by his teammate jump spot from blitz
Spots out just the one
replenish off their monster smoke available as well max puppet master
Maybe it'll get to work from the grave after conceding an opening kill
Okay powerful position with the best gun they've got
If they try and pivot back to a machine you's got them dead. Oh the composure of 9z is something I've
They're very impressed with how they're not just running around the map like headless
chokes, they're staying to their guns on B.
This is our problem.
You've got 20 seconds though.
You aren't going to have to run into this stacked site.
No other options.
It has to be brute force.
All up short.
Nobody's your monster.
Short centric.
Cobra's there.
I can't find the lethality the Blitz can.
Need another.
Cross the peak down after one.
Techno needed that.
Eight seconds.
Just enough time.
And DGT's found the necessary fragments.
Just enough time, and DGT's found due necessary.
Frag, Mazzini is going to be the hero of a DGT once more.
Up to eight frags in the first two rounds, saving them from red faces.
Desperation there for Mazzini, thinking if I can just deny that plan, I'm going to win the round, but covering fire.
Denied once more.
This is class.
Kovrak not up for the task, is he?
Hard to feel the void that sends her left.
It's so impressive that they handled that with such poise.
Because they got rumbled and then blocked multiple times,
it's easy to just start running back,
you know, we're gonna take some space elsewhere.
They just went, okay, has anyone pushed con?
That means we still have the option someone has to save a little day.
It's just gonna throw bodies at the problem now is Blitz.
This man tends to throw his frustrations in the server with aggression.
But they haven't been sticking the landing on these players trying to catch 9-Z on timings.
And these guys are dialed in.
Mongols might be going out with a wimper here in Cologne.
And 9C, you're going to be going through a roar.
And the way that...
I was discussing this team on day one when we got to sit and take to the server.
Okay.
Cobra, a chance, but with the way the aim's been, I'm not...
Eco.
...too much confidence. So that's a kill back, but it's still essentially the eco with these light upgrades.
Cobra will have to do more with the AK.
Man, Sweep, he should catch him.
Yeah, looks good for it.
It's exposed easy pickings Cobra's error just booked by man
And now you know that a case no longer a threat so whatever site you've got a huge advantage
The Deagle's are gonna have to sing
The senior boys didn't ready and unable to hit that bus bullet DGT's been hitting everything is a monster right now
He is yes, seven and one opening jewels
On that first map and he's going nine and zero to start off proceedings in this do or die affair on overpass
For the Mongols, it's the opposite of what you just talked about, what you wanted.
Again, this is a team, right? When we had our first series of them in the servo,
I was discussing it as an enigma. We never really know if they're practicing, how they're practicing,
if there's any value in the practice.
Cologne last year, they came into the event, they didn't practice.
They still made it to the playoffs, but they were like, no.
Oh, okay, it's just one of the most prestigious events in literally chemistry history,
but I guess the Mongols didn't care.
And there's a major now, as well, for this year.
come back to back them this time round. Take now a 9-10 to lock down. Now you've got the
Emsenia Cobra, two-man setup on P and then Blitz is the rotating piece between the sights.
The individual ability in this series has left a lot to be desired, Mongols.
Copping an absolute paddling right now and Z look calm.
A parallel between these two is that they're from underrepresented counter-strike regions.
You know, I've seen the clips both in Mongolia and in Latin America, watching as 9-Z are going
on this major journey. They're getting a lot of support from home. The regional revelations.
They're taking base level map control over towards 8. They feel that they've done enough to
keep 9-10 and take no plan to. They're full rotated now back towards T spawn to start setting up for
a B plate. And I'd continue to hit Cobra site as well. Both Mzinha and Cobra still have smokes at
the 52nd mark. Point taken those into the next round. When will they block? To smoke lands,
and they're going to play through this. Max to erupt on the flash.
Flash missed.
It's it. Perfect. Turns it.
Needs a double.
Find DGT for his first death.
But Lucho through the smoke.
Does a Venge.
Well, so flashed forward.
It's a test for Cobra.
Serra, you have to get that.
Guess the in-form Lucho of Shoreside.
Missed shot from the orb.
Bust wings on into his demise.
Nearly losing out to the double.
OK. Mongols are on the board.
Well, Minesi have already set the table on the T side.
They're ready for dinner, right?
the three rounds anything they can out on top of this is just going to be an
extra course of the meal.
There's been some huge comebacks in Cologne. Pressure playing a big part of
that. Virginia does exactly what he has to do. Rotation of three was jaunting over
so Cobra didn't put up any resistance. There was a world. Only a little bit
for 9Z in this one.
Flash, Ryan Techno's face, that's a full duration white screen.
Think twice about the impressions, and now think twice about boosting ever again.
Significant damage inflicted to the B defense, look at the poor basketball wear.
Battered by the initial barrage.
That's enough to maybe tether Blitz to this site for longer than he'd like to be.
9-10, the only warning system with the AWP over towards Long.
Take no jiggling divider. So at least they have info. Nobody's crawled up
con just yet. They need to worry about the slit potentially in the bathrooms.
There's a flash to announce the presence. 9-10 rattles off the shot.
Max continues to path the way forward, starting to look like a setup into an A execute now.
out. But it's still over towards B.
Techno plays full wood.
And I didn't get nothing on his smoke breaking.
He's on higher level at second break.
There you go, my god, okay, AWP fires off a shot.
Now you should rotate.
You're gonna need some support here.
20 seconds, they are rotting that clock, it's gonna have to go.
Luchov lingers, taking it more likely to overlook a blitz.
Well positioned, and with 9-10s help, Luchov however,
just the one back, Wastow's on site, needed that for 9-10, can't hit the no scope,
but can they get the bomb down in time?
Looks like they can.
Picked up and scavenged by Luchov.
They might find him, does avoid it.
Just the two of them, CobraZera and Mazzinho to try and find a way back in.
I
Kid on these two times against them a loot shop playing the round perfectly you can toy with them from bathrooms is default plan
They're in so much trouble class so big such a powerful angle seems guaranteed to get a back turn to the top to the head
Look at this angle. They lately lined up for him. The old missus is shot
But time take it away a 10 second defuse Cobra's got no hope and now he's got no head
Luchoves off sees it done
Glasso with three kills, huge contributions.
They run the clock down again, Chad, and they pull it off.
Yeah, it's that late piece that deals with Tecno, right?
So you understand the CT set up with the double rifle bathrooms.
They're trying to stuff Divider,
and then the bathroom entrance towards the site.
But they get out long, nine-tanker,
and they hold him in the base for so long,
and it felt like he was heating up to hit everything.
But the elevation of Glasso, that's the difference maker.
And then the move into bank is the guarantee insurance policy
taken out by Luchov, ready to play the clock.
And Max lets out a roar.
They know that they're doing it now and three T-side round they add is going to be so much closer to this victory.
On T-side overpass.
Yeah, you win this. There's no money for Mongols and they're already in strife.
So heavy B-Lean highlighted by the OBS team.
DGT ready for this?
Pick at your own risk.
Oh, Jast, he thought he was caught out.
You're wrong.
He's playing lights out counter strike at the moment.
He's playing like a man determined.
Man possessed.
To return to the playoffs for DGT.
You liked how it felt?
They're in.
I can't believe it.
Techno's just completely life out.
Not ready at all, and that's just the story of this game.
game over it looks like he's out of his death set senior one on the way back in
so lost out fun lads it's a save the old save the senior half-heartedly trying to
put up a fight does get a couple of kills on the way out but that bomb will
be going down luchov makes it so
12 days a group play and all boils down to this mongols have not arrived in
I'm 90 right now, but you're not seeing any mistakes on this.
I'm maybe a little bit of fumble due to some of these early stages.
Maybe some retakes on Inferno.
You could have said, OK, do you really want to give that a go?
But all in all, I'm looking like a better team by levels today.
He even had to adjust into that.
He's ready for it.
Then he pivots the short push.
Then still ready for the boost.
DGT hammers home the fifth rounds.
diligence as we've grown to expect from 90. Could it be in trouble behind the tree?
Mayhem, an awp peeking off the flash.
Good luck, Lids. Good luck, Lids. Just finds the head. Always found a second
ought to Mayhem. That's big output. The trade is still coming though. Luchov, good
for it. Put some into a four on three, but don't forget about the compromise on
the weaponry. Oh, good timing. Mazinho knows it's another. Knows Luchov was nearby,
starts the back pedal, and again, Luchov, these belated trades, so composed, so calm
with it. 9-10, are you crazy? He's a crazy person. He's just going walking with his eye to the scope.
Luchov's behind the rock. He spots the backpack, needs to hit it! 9-10!
A necessary contribution at this stage in the game.
You might catch Cobra with back turned again, right? They know that DGT anchoring outside B, he's pivoted into this encrover.
Your chance to silence this info's there. The frag is not...
He's terrified. Absolutely terrified. You can see him just backpedaling, wiggling, and jiggling.
Just doesn't want to go down, doesn't want to give up DGT away back in.
The Mongols will post their second, and you need a whole lot more of that before any confidence grows in
The Mongols and seeing a third map
Yeah, this is about recovery of the half here. The fact you've already given over five
Likely should have been six. So that's one of the type around that Mongols need to start converting you have
Humbled the money of 9z. They've decided to take the eco even though Litchov has 4.9
I'm sure on the 1900 loss we'll get everybody in the range, but how much damage can you do?
It's just five glocks, but the way the Mongols have been looking, maybe they'll concede a
kill or two, maybe even the plant.
They've got an eight rifle heavy set up.
I don't think they would be expecting the eco just considering the flow of the round,
so it doesn't mean they shouldn't just farm them up.
There's one.
They're still looking labored.
No brah, a chance to build confidence there.
have got two kills on the full eco. Yeah, now you put the M4 into DGT in Mayan's hands.
That's DGT. Okay, Laan, no hands. Glitz makes it so. Still no. I mean, even that one is
not going to fill you with confidence. Just a couple of glock headshots. Luchov has enough
money here to drop the AWP for Mayan, so they will have the full buy to get their map control.
man will be very happy to get that into his hands.
How many consecutive rounds can be posted on this CT side is their same opening, the
He says block smoke, playground molly.
This time they go walk through monster.
Opportunity for the senior.
There it is, solid as a rock.
Prepels the walk through the smoke.
You're going to need a whole lot more of that.
It looks a little bit foolish, but I
do like the chances being taken from Nyanzee
in a round like that because you already have five to your name.
But if you just wanted to default every round
and you're just getting silenced, this
is a play that can be made.
the way that they'd be hitting understandable for Max to back that. Now it's about putting
as much damage as possible for 9z up against the 5 Mongolians.
In the absence of DGT, all eyes are on Luchov. This guy can crack open sights, make no mistake.
He's using a cache of nades underneath Mayan, so it does seem like he's going to be responsible
for setting Max and Luchov off into somewhat of a winnable scenario. Smoke fades, Cobra
needs to remain tucked, and she replenishes.
That's the last smoke gone now.
That will fade out the 30 second mark.
So they will be able to turn brute force into this.
The rotation from 9-10 will be the closest.
Techno will not be able to assist.
So essentially a 3v3 on B for the round.
Super necessary.
They have some city handy.
If these flashes are well timed, Cobra's going to be blind.
He is completely booked.
Oh, still gets it, though. Important from Cobra.
They're gonna call it off now and hope for the save.
Next round, they only get a 2400 loss.
So these guns are gonna be the spearhead round number 10.
So Mongols do withstand.
They make it three consecutive.
Looks like Luchov and Man should be able
to get away with their lives here.
This is the temperature that you traditionally get
on an overpass.
Slow and steady is a bit, I'll take the time out.
Brazilian flair to this Latin American squad. Look at the history today. Brazil's had a monopoly on major playoffs and major trophies. As far as we're talking about the continent, look at the history today.
Unless Mongols can pull off a crazy comeback. That's for the series, not just for the map. Sure, they're down now just by one.
one. It does look like they are shoving behind the saved AWP and the AK. Max is in with a
MAK 10. They're not using all the nades at the disposal right there but still trying to
set up for this entry. You could look...comic AWP.
It sounded like it was vulnerable. It's a good attempt considering they lost those
two OBs immediately. So it's going to be a TEC-9 MAK 10 and a Galil to complement the
saved AK and the orb. A bit more punch, a bit more pace needed in this as the orb
trundles quickly through connected door not blown off. I think he's actually
giving them the comfort of that cover.
Powerful vantage point in the map for connect to control for the T-Cycobra
swings through short water with nothing to report but now the door swings open
and you've got to be careful on that jib because it's not looking for you Cobra does beat the shot
I do like the fact that they are allowing the orbs who look for pics right this is nice
You're not just having the gun throw the nades you're allowing him to search
So they just lead out calm they need to get bathrooms control next and that's if they want the a finish blitz on the boost
Does get spotted out by the jump
I'd love to tap there from Cobra onto the boss-mound of Blitz.
Do they have their finger on the pulse of where that bomb is going?
Ah, Blitz has just rotated back towards A, just leaving Cobra and Emsinho over towards B on their own here.
They're looking susceptible to this, what could be five-man commitment into the B site.
Yeah, the rifles on A are actually playing forward, so this is all on Cobra and Emsinho. They have to shut this down.
He misread.
It's going to have to be another one of these on the B site.
The whole lot harder now with a lot more room.
Wow, Mazzinho on the opening straight into the head of Waasau.
Mazzinho starts to unload, does very, very well.
And now with the cavalry arriving, Blitz and Tecno ensure it.
Over takes the last one.
Very important moment for Mazzinho on the CT side towards B so far.
He's at the top of the table right now for the Mongols, 11 kills.
I mean, he's playing. He's absolutely, even on furlough, he was doing his very best.
Hasn't had much in the way of support, though.
And a reminder to everybody that five rounds on the T side, 19-0,
that is enough to confirm the map and get this done in a 2-0 fashion.
I think for them it was...
Not gonna be the intangibles of that pressure that we've discussed multiple times,
starting to mount on the CT side.
That's where you might start seeing some mistakes and frustrations start to form.
So a partial bite
Another play likely mounting over towards B
Plus our DDT will play monster late Max and Luchov get connecting control man is the late piece on the fate of the smoke
Cobra starting to search
So man selling something on this side of the map just to give some room
It's a lurk smoke not nine ten is ahead of this so maintains the line
Blitz actually rotating up to A, Cobra in such a susceptible position.
Support position does well for the first, he's got a lot more than he bargained for.
Got too much on his plate, he can't handle it.
Gets overwhelmed, concedes an M4.
Equalising, fucking now on Xenio, he's working with just half health.
Haven't smoked off.
I'm feeling the pressure now, yeah, Blitz is going to scarper over to lend a hand.
910, see it too.
50 seconds, still plenty of time for this.
Another Heaven smoke.
...thing and Sendiery to block for another couple of seconds.
These technines are gonna flood in.
Max with that recovered M4, he's got Cobra's weapon, he's gonna try and use it against them.
Mazzinho continuing to defend his sight.
He's doing so admirably. There's the entry from Max.
9-10 fighting Lunch on shore, but there's Max using Cobra's M4 against them.
And it's getting scary, it's getting sketchy. Max 3 kills deep into the round.
That bomb ticking 5 already felt quite condemning, a 6th on the menu.
Techno in 9-10 trying to find a way back in, that smoke on site's gonna really get that clock low.
Man's just hiding in the smoke, Max trying to play time around the monster pipe.
That's the fight you needed. 9-10 removes the low HP, but Mayhem did a smoke and you needed that from Tecnoe.
Stressful, this Counter-Strike game. Mongols, they are on the brink just fighting to have something into the next half of play.
They're going to need the lead and show us the smallest available on the half, but if they can grab this seventh right now,
that's going to mean a sixth round run to close the half.
That could be the shift in momentum. DGT.
He clocked in early, and I don't think he's going to clock out with the CT side around
the corner, but he got the hard work done before lunchtime.
Double orbs, no, attempting to spam here.
Late to that, I think we'll be found, and I think we'll trade that out for a rifle.
More conditioning.
The senior keeps catching those with his face.
9-10, very risky up close towards Connector, long control conceded.
Kwasao is quite quick on this timing.
This is madness.
And Techno needs to support the back line.
Max is wrapping around that corner now, Techno has to hit the shot and 9-10 goes down.
It's a party.
It's going to have to be an adjustment of that Insta headshot if Max goes swinging.
And Max will.
9-10, ducks into Connector, commits to the forward position.
Luchov's got the scope, he knows he's in contact.
What's up?
Nine-tenths not ready for this.
Luchov booked it, still finds the output onto Max.
Into the four on four.
Territory being gained.
Wasso into techno.
An important duel and he nails it.
Now they've got the leg up.
Gonna have to go for a gamble right now if you're the Mongols.
Do you believe it's gonna be a late B or do you try and help Blitz on A?
The bomb is long, the commitment feels certain.
And it won't be Mazzinho. He saved you time off the time on that B-side. He asked someone
else, Blitz and Cobra. Hearing the steps on Long from Mayan informs his teammate. Mazzinho's
coming over now. Oh, and an instant headshot. These guys are so sharp. 9z shooting. And they've
got a point to prove and a date with the playoffs. Cobra's got two on the double spray. There's
Mazzinho as well. Lucho is not going to the time to win a 1v2 unless he finds the headshot Mazzinho.
That's a lie. He still manages to find contributions.
Go Brazzero right there. Find in a little bit of form at the tail end of the first half to second map. Do or die.
One single half of Counter-Strike is all that stands between 9z and making history.
history for their region. For Mongols, consecutive major playoff runs. My end in sync with the
departure of their superstar Senzu. They're in trouble. Already five rounds on the T side
of Overpass, starting 9Z up to collect that spot in the playoffs and to make that history
for Latin America. We've got Argentina, Chile and Uruguay represented and taking a look
Look at some of the comms from 9Z.
Coach Bitt just affirming, that's a pretty good T-haul.
It is indeed, so they did the hard work early.
Nazinja trying to do his best DGT impression applying.
A bit of pressure over towards B.
It's a 2-3 split of the defense right now,
and 910 combing up Longman will take contact towards Divider.
It's a tough clear, 4-910 onto Luchov.
They got caught off by the Gilberetas.
He was jump-spotting, last time in the meantime, Gouche.
A midshot hit by the lock of Mazzinho.
Directing a boost.
Mazzinho.
Spotted the shoulder.
They get the improv, that's all they wanted.
Gouche at range, trying to take fights with his USPs.
Luchov's reposition since his first frag.
And Tecno, he's been struggling.
He has a Luchov. He acts so quick.
That's his first bullet.
He's going to force you into a B-play now for short, Cobra.
I think he's tasked with trying to kick up a fuss on A and then hopefully Blitz and Amzino can just salvage a plant.
It's a retake set up on this side now with DGT on the top of the boost.
It's only a retake if he misses.
Yeah, if you guess that one tap, Amzino's round is over.
Wow, Goosh, long range glove.
Kobra's trying to keep the boots planted. Stay alive, lad.
You need to see that plant.
Try and wrestle something out of this pistol round.
Does get the bomb across to Blitz.
Amzino to support.
Max goes swinging.
Amzino can't track the head initially, finding Max is a start.
Needs a whole lot more of that. Don't forget those two gooshes.
Wasso low thanks to Mazziglio, but it's Lee Jop.
Profiting! How's he got the second onto Blitz?
His Gilberetas have got him. Four kills in this pistol.
Now, just Cobra's error.
The rookie on low HP, up against three.
There's almost no chance for him in this one.
Wasso's holding him at range.
Just get him off the defuse, was one bullet would do it.
He's still holding it!
Cobra just sits by idle.
Kept busy by Wasso, big nice.
He will take pistol and see that celebration of night see now
They know the deathknot for Mongols right around the corner and they're gonna take this one in two-oh fashion
The bomb goes down and he's gonna look like a whole juicer of an investment than what could have been this is snappy techno
Absolutely unawares the possibility and Luchov the gunslinger
Yeah, Luchov's moving like a bit of a hwasso right now. Cowboy mode.
Okay, interesting. I like to hear that it is Bit who wanted to take the time out and
understands the importance of this round. He knows with the bomb going down that they
are going to opt for a force. So whether this is just a mental time out to say, boys, lock
him. You've been playing some great Counter Strike up until this point, but this is the
most important round of the series so far. We win this round, we deny them the force
victory we don't have to get in the force by wars. If they drag us down into the mud right now
it's their chance back in but Mara looks anything but impressed.
Such visible signs of discomfort from the Mongols as well.
Again it's this team that we don't understand their approach. Their philosophy to counter strike
but also the way that they opt to practice.
What's on time to know?
That's the boy. Now they just content with being the best team from the region.
They want something great up.
It's a pretty well-placed HE to start you off.
In this anti-force round and into two m4s on long, they're about to get ripped.
That's the plan. You are.
OK, surely you get the info of techno shoulder and they will immediately back up.
Cobra, how's your place?
He's not clearing this.
You know what? This perfect weapon for him. Max does well, removes Cobra Zera and accelerates forward.
I love it. Max.
Beautiful play. You've just shrunk the map.
They feel that they can't go down calm, but they don't realise you're going to be sweeping in behind them.
And Xenia has been trying to put up some resistance, and the flames are heard.
Luchov trying to track this one down.
Oh, the perfect HE as well, thrown out from backside, Mayans making life miserable, just
setting up Luchov to succeed.
Mayans, that's all, a lot of info.
Damage onto Blitz.
Luchov might go overlooked here.
I think you're right, Rosinia is going to operate under the assumption it's clear.
Little does he know, Luchov lies in wait to strike.
Waits for the chaos to occur.
Max is coming on a long, long flank.
Denied.
Denied.
Mungles your second round gets you nowhere.
Beautiful from Nijmz, the setup, impeccable.
Luchov continues to find output with such high stakes,
him and DGT rocking and rolling.
And I'm seeing you're letting out some residual frustrations there,
but that was their chance to get back in this.
Now they have to take the save.
Nijmz, a shoe in for the eight.
That simple start, Luchov.
Beautiful counter strike on display today from 9C.
He's got serious talent.
17 and 9, him and DGT, really giving it to them right now.
Cobra has just messed his movement up, running through the incendiary and lost almost all of his health.
Oh, it gets worse for Mazzinho as well. Just a couple of bullets through the bore.
It's now softened up for the HE Maxka Duncan, the turntail.
Outstanding.
I think this is very nice to see from a counter-strike maths perspective.
My biggest concern today for Nindzie coming into this was the moment being too much for
them.
They played some great CS, they can deny the run that they've had, they've only taken
down big games.
But it was today going up against the Mongols who season vets at being able to make the
majors in the last few outings.
playoffs is something that they've been calling a bit of a home. They made history back at Shanghai
2024. Austin they were in the final. Budapest they made it again. That run looks like it's going to
be coming to its close today. Just tech note to find and that should happen in a moment's time.
Max pressed on the line and he'll make it so all five staying alive.
This one isn't a brawl, it's not a bad ult, sure the scoreline is just one round difference,
but Counter-Strike's a game of halves, right, we're not talking 50-50, especially on a map
like Overpass.
No 9-10 ult, man has his, he's not having the best map, only one kill, but still getting
the job done. Throw in all the nades. It's only gonna matter if you don't win the map.
Cobra has to fight.
As in you tried to.
Now Lucius of Brescia is gonna be punished. Techno, is he ready for more?
Aion catches Cobra again. Just walk in. Look in the wrong way. A crouch commit from DGT.
I hope Blitz might accelerate, but Hwasao, he's taking the push through the smoke, 9-10, and I'm going to look at this, and Hwasao hits hard.
You really have to hit the first bullet up against 9-Z, and you're right, the scalps they've taken along the way.
The CSGO scoreline against Spirit, every map in the three-map series going 16-something.
They could have taken that every day of the week.
Enjoyable for us to watch a nightmare for them to have to deal with.
Did you see Spirit afterwards? They looked exhausted.
Magix was shell-shocked.
50 seconds left on the clock they will sweep down through connect up
Heaps of you till to work with what's out playing a retake position from heaven
So again the bomb could be conceded
But 90 playing by the book and the more max moves the quicker he could be on the tail of this techno and blitz are still clearing out short water
And then they have to worry about all the pokey holes on this B site huge from max
This time he looks almost perfect. It's one second off the trail
They have no idea. He's got heaven occupied by Hwaso as well. Blitz, triangulates their
position now, Max. Surely gonna have their backs turned. Yeah, Blitz was not ready,
gets Tecno off the bar, and it's Max to close it down. You heard him in the interview, his objective
is playoffs and they're getting ever so close now. First Mara time out. It's partial by territory.
Getting a few moments more to understand the reality of this situation.
I've discussed the Mongols proficiency in pistols coming into this series today at the
tippy top of the major so far, while they only got one, kind of with the four played.
This one right here just not ready for the move and I still love the fact that
Ninzee are making the moves in the chaos and then playing the percentages when
they have that man advantage. Back in the day I used to think it was a platitude
you'd hear players say play our game and we are seeing Ninzee truly playing their
game and it looks to take them all the way to the Lanxess Arena.
They're dancing to the beat of 90s drum.
They didn't partial their shoves.
No surprise.
Have to do it with very little util as well.
So I guess brute force.
Hope you can win some jewels.
Mayan is primed and ready if you swing without that flashbang.
Bombs been picked up front.
Senior now.
Cobra has cleared out con.
They're just going to try and execute quickly into A before they could be out rotated.
A test for Mayan.
Quite overpass for him, but now CTO this is where he can start to rack him up jump spotted blitz
Nice on the prize blocked on toilets
What a shot onto Masino just a little pixel
Rotations arrived
910 on the entry parving, Luchavo with a 1, get top wall, Cobra and Blitz have done enough
But now the back is turned on, the flank DGT will activate, and now that bomb will not be planted.
You've got some serious work to do.
You know he's behind you, Hwaso in front. Now it could be his turn, does he dare?
As the bomb go down, looks to catch the back turn, Blitz has no idea Hwaso's right there.
I could catch DGT, but not the headshot he needed.
It all falls onto the shoulders of Tecno, or this is double digits for 9Z.
For Latin America to keep the sheet clean.
on that CT side and they keep racking them up.
Five consecutive, nothing from the Mongols.
They bought themselves another buy with the plan,
but I think the body language is starting to tell the story.
Was a run from Mongols on that CT side
to give them the lion's share of rounds on that first half of plate.
DGT, that one right there is the knife in the back of Cobra.
That bomb loose, you're surrounded.
the smokes up, fading and, I don't know, just peeks on in and gets deleted.
Will you be able to run any resistance to this?
If you're the Mongols.
You just mount all the booze thanks to his in-ears presence on the shore side.
Rebuilding it, reassembling it, and the fashion in his face has been brought to the team play as well!
Subverts the expectation, Mazinho knew they tried it, but a perfect flashbang play to set him up for the double dip.
And if that's your highest flier in Mazzinho gone, someone else has to step up in his place
in his stead if you want to get anything on the ST side here.
So 3 strong on B, it's gonna be hard to break for Mongos.
So in the years, go just to spot it on the sandbags, he goes down, the STGT you've got
to get past, good luck with that.
He's a man determined, he's a man on a mission, and that mission is playoffs of the major
Mayan chips in.
Teklo, last man standing, catching flag,
a bullet, stray bullet on the movement.
And he's dead to Luchov.
It's so close, they could practically taste it.
DGT and Luchov with 41 frags combined.
That's not in the flashy fashion.
It's not in the back and forth affair
that was that spirit series.
That's not against Counter-Strike's best player.
You've got right now the Mongols.
They're looking like a shadow of the team that once were 20-26.
It hasn't brought them the same success as 20-25.
And they are just two rounds away from elimination.
And one team looks like they're in it to win at the others here
just to make up the numbers on the final day of play.
So he feels that way, doesn't it?
You can see that monster smoke.
I feel that's going to cost them at all.
Maybe a little bit more pressure, sure.
Haven't dropped a single round on their CT campaign.
Bit was right, five is enough.
More than enough.
You can see the paranoia in this T-side as well.
Every nook, every cranny could be occupied with a very hard-hitting 9C player.
If anyone could do it, could be Mazenya, a contact playthrough monster.
Man, listen to the coming, here's those boots, stampeding towards him, it's a messy one,
Mazenya gets absolutely nothing and with Wasa 1-9-10 we're looking like 12!
What've you got, Mongols?
No techno to help you out as well, you're surrounded, you need code Rosara to find something,
Chippin doesn't hit the shot.
Looking to rotate back to A, Blitz is going to try it.
OK, with 25 seconds you can pull it off,
but you have to be able to get past EGT.
Oh, the warped by dinged Blitz.
They know what's up. They're ahead of the play.
EGT's on high alert.
He's ready for techno and catches it.
They won't even let you get to the site.
They are doing it so convincing.
A flawless CT side continues for 9Z.
Mongols with empty hands.
And 9-Z just one round away from history for their region.
They are dialed in right now.
They are reading them like an absolute bork.
And any move you try to make, Mongols, it's all in vain.
You know how this one's going to end.
Blitz head-tail is never a good sign in the Mongols' camp.
The captain, the in-game leader,
he took the spot back in the middle of the table.
And 9-Z, an impressive run.
Looks to be capped off right here, right now with a playoff berth.
Three major rookies.
On their first time of asking, the top eight.
For it to be the Lancess Arena of all.
A cologne major.
And no loot shop here.
Right here and now. Molly down from loot shop.
This is gonna get uncomfortable for him. He doesn't even get any output either.
We've grown to expect him to do the impossible, so you've got your pick.
Look at this rotation. Immediately they got an opening kill and they just start to rotate back around the world.
DGT's inserted himself in the middle of the play here and he is hitting absolutely everything right now.
22 and 9. They walk into his domain. I lose it all.
His positioning is so sound. He's going to have the whole squad with their back turned.
DGT could be the one man army they need.
Castoring together the double into the open B site.
Grounds for a little excitement for Mongols to get a round on this T side, but Guastos having none of it
Cracks the scholar 9-10
Damage onto Mazzinho cowering towards the jail
Bomb gets planted, Cobra loses control, can't finish the frag, Max is right above him, come on!
It's all good from Mazzinho
Cobra clearly shaking can't seem to finally fall at E, but that is the first Mongols round
It has to be five consecutive.
A bit on the mic.
Michael Sand, you got it right where you want him, boys.
Just one round required. Don't sweat it.
They had to work hard for that. They had to get fortunate for that.
And they still almost dropped the ball.
And I'm trying to wield them on goals into something to give us a competitive series
to start off the day of it. The riding, it's on the wall.
That boom and foot gagging to get going. The next hit is a plate.
Everything from 9z to shot it down this time.
No issues in the bite of parm and they won't be for this one, they won't be for the next.
Let's smoke B site, ask questions, but if they watch the demo, they know exactly what
mongols get up to with these.
To claw this back to dig this out, it's not impossible, it feels like it might require
a miracle for the Mongols.
And this one default by the Borg.
Silently slinking down through connector.
Oh, the timing! The Engager, and look how much damage DGT has just done through the Borg's Techno.
Hands off the mouse and keyboard. Has to watch through his fingers as his team try and extend play.
Back and forth.
They're pulled.
They're the ones who are meant to be dictating the tone on the T side.
And now, it's no opening pick.
You've stomached the opening disadvantage.
And you have 45 seconds to remedy it.
Starting to feel like a certainty.
Mayen can make it so with a shot like that, removing Blitz.
Now, writhing in agony at the Mongols.
They've lost their captain.
They're losing this round and they will lose their streak.
And the hands of 9Z, Luchov locks it in, and history being written before our eyes.
Just 9, 10 to 4. 9Z are off to the next arena!
History for Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.
Sure, DGT's been there before, but that's a big one for all five.
What a birthday gift for Max.
Look at the celebration there, the emotions, it's the good kind.
Today will not be a summer day for 9Z.
They have put on a show throughout stage three and this one is going to make them feel like they are on top of the world
Don't forget this man in the middle of the screen Luchov denied the opportunity back in Austin
Well, no visa was this time and three major rookies will step on to the Lancaster a few days time
The Mongols did not come today. They were not putting their best full forward
It was not the counter-strike that we know this team for and they have gone out with a whimper
and the Monty and Bay as scalps. It's a resume not to be proud of 90 on the other
hand. Her motions, what a game.
For the first time in four majors the Mongols will not be part of the playoff
and it's at the cost of 90 coming into this game and as Chad said it blowing him
out of the server. Wimper going the way of 9C. I do feel like there was no doubt in this game.
I do feel 9C worked by a far the better team, but I can't help to feel a little bit disappointed
on behalf of the Morgans as well. I thought it was going to be more competitive, but
Martin, let's be honest. 9C tonight, today, they deserve that.
We were painting the picture of a closed game of a head-on-head-to-head duel that is kind of
all about individuals, but there's truly only one team that really showed up today.
And it is a beautiful story on behalf of Nainzee, but also a painful one on behalf of Longos is just, it just wasn't even the big game, I should say, for Longos.
That was a tough one for Longos. On the other hand, Peter, the DGT and the boys from Nainzee, they came to play, Inferno was a bit back and forth, overpass, I think the scoreline was only closed because they had to start on the T side.
Overall, it was a dominant performance.
Yeah, so dominant. I think the better team clearly won.
I think Nancy once again showed what they can bring to the table right and I think the models I wouldn't say they underestimate it
But they surely face a team that are just better than them today. So it was rightfully so that they also clenched the victory
I think it's it's such a fair game
I know and this at this point you'd be wondering like what will Nancy bring to the table when they get to the playoffs
You know they have made really clear three of them and now they make it into the biggest stage and I guess making playoff
It's just you know humongous wall of them. Well, how about we find out we're joined by Max here on the disc first and foremost
congratulations making it to the playoffs and second of all congratulations
with your birthday I believe it is today as well yes yes yes I'm very happy
because today it's my birthday 27 yeah are you getting old time flies for me
it's it's been six years in ANC and it's the first major playoffs so yeah for me
it's a dream coming true as far as they must be the the best day ever birthday
major playoffs you know your team dominates the mongers as well you had
a good showing so far. Try to walk through what you're feeling right now because it must be one of those days that you probably never will forget.
Yes, yes, yes. It's one of the best days of my life. For me, Counter-Strike is my life. I played this game when I was a kid.
My brother showed me the Counter-Strike, the Counter-Strike Online, so yeah, 20 years after I am here playing major play-offs, it's my best day of my life.
In that case, thanks to your brother.
Yeah, it's a story of many pro players that all the brother introduces us to the game.
But I want to scope out a little bit on the journey that you've had this major so far.
far. One week before the Major, losing to Sharks, now you're here in the playoffs, beating
the best team in the world vitality, and then close game against Spirit, now this one against
Mongols. How is the team growing in your opinion? How are you stepping forward with every day
passing by on this Major? How are you evolving?
Yeah, I think this team learned very fast. We have problems during the year, but we talk
a lot, we discuss the things and we learn very fast and that's one important thing in
the team.
So yeah, my guys hear me a lot and that gives me confidence for, yeah, for, told them how
we gonna play and at the same time I am a captain who listen to the guys.
So, yeah, a bit in vitality, it was like a dream again,
because it's not the first time.
And yeah, and then we lost against Spirit.
It was a close match.
We had it in our hands, but we can't finish.
And yesterday, we can't show all CS or BCS
because we were tired and maybe a little bit frustrated.
And yeah, we discussed a lot yesterday
to show up the best counter strike we can today and yeah I think we do.
Now you've shown that you can play against the best teams in the world,
you can even beat the best team in the world and now you make it to top 8,
you have a quarter final coming up.
What are your expectations going to the players now?
Can anything happen if you just show up on the right day?
Yeah, the expectation is to play the best counter strike we can
because when we are playing in that mood we can beat anyone
but when we are not in a good day we can't lost to anyone so yeah we are
looking for consistency in that way and yeah maybe now we can dream. I also want
to just ask you about today's matchup because you know I think there was a
lot of mental thing going on and you guys said that you you had so many
chances of qualifying against Spirits or what was the most important thing do you
think that was talked about coming into this match today what was the most
important thing that your coach may be said to you guys. Yeah I think it's the
energy like yesterday we didn't we don't we didn't have the energy up and for
today we discuss we need to communicate everything like what I will do what I am
watching everything so yeah that I think that's part of the game the
communication activates us to take better decisions and play as a team.
Axel, I have to ask you as well, one of the big, I wouldn't necessarily say surprises,
but one of the players we have looked at a lot and enjoyed watching plays is Luchov.
From your point of view, as a teammate of his and as a leader for him as well,
can you give us a few words on what he brings to the server outside of the obvious, which is a lot of firepower?
Yeah, he's a very confident guy, so he trusts a lot on himself.
So, yeah, I trust on him too and I try to give more confidence to him because when he's in the right mode, he can beat anyone and be, yeah, the Malaysian, every player of the world.
So, yeah, we will, as a team, try to give confidence to him.
Now, Max, obviously there's still two games left today, so we don't know exactly who you're going to play in the quarterfinal just yet.
But I can tell you that if FOOT beat BEDBOOM and if NAVI beat G2, you will be facing off Aurora in a potential quarter-final
at a major player of Aurora that you played yesterday, I believe, where it didn't go too well.
How does that sound for you? A rematch against Aurora in a quarter-final? Is that something you'd like?
Yeah, yeah, yeah. We would like because, yeah, the Aurora guys, it's very nice people,
but at the same time we won the rematch because yesterday we can show up.
And yeah, yeah, I think it will be cool.
Cool. You have some time to rest now. Obviously get ready for the quarter-final.
Once more congratulations making the playoff and happy birthday from our winners to a losing side.
We had Trace catching up with the side of Mongols losing this game.
The series was 9-Z in the Mongols and in this moment it is the Mongols
that have been eliminated from the Cologne Major in 2026.
Right out of the gate, can you tell me about some of the emotions
you're having right now in this moment?
I don't know what to say, so it's been so tough and hard for us and
we are almost qualified every major playoffs in recent majors, so this is that
didn't qualify this time, so I'm kind of disappointed in myself, also I'm proud of my team
because they were fought until their last, so I'm proud of my team.
Let's talk about some game-specific stuff here. 13-8 on Inferno.
You guys get a 6-6 first half, and you lose that second pistol,
and then I ask the question, where was the Mongols' CT side on Inferno?
Actually, I think there were many ideas from the beginning since the pistol round,
this round so like I think we chose the wrong ideas I think also didn't play
that's good as individually as a team also so that's why we lost on the
inferno we were looking solid yesterday but today's not not our day I think it's
not a Mongols day look Mongols went on Budapest 5th through 8th you guys had a
run towards vitality in Austin in a second place you go out here in the
third stage. Is there anything you want to say on behalf of the Mongols?
Sorry? Is there anything you want to say on behalf of the Mongols?
Obviously I'm proud of my part of this impressive organization, the national organizations.
This time we were not enough yet to qualify the playoffs. We tried our best and it didn't work out.
We were also leading the game, winning the game at, how to say that, we were winning the games, maps, and we lost them somehow and got comeback many times in recent tournaments.
Yeah, yeah, that's, that's so disappointing for me also, I was so bad recently in the season, so I don't know, I don't have to say anything.
So I understand anything you say Mongolian for let you go
Okay
Thank you commiserations and we'll see you soon. Thank you
Unfortunately, not the major the Mongols would have hoped for has said for the first time in four majors
they will not be part of the playoff matchup.
I want to remain hopeful for this, because this was their first full season with CobraZera.
Obviously losing a star player of Senzu earlier at the end of previous year is quite a heavy blow,
and they managed to somehow fill this gap quite nicely.
Obviously this is not enough for the major playoffs, but only the rest of the year will show where Mungo's really sit,
because in my opinion they did still not hit the skill ceiling of this lineup.
Do you have that sentiment, Peter? Still hope?
Yeah, I think there's still a bit of hope, right?
I think looking at the Morgals for the season, it's hands to the arms and downs.
And this was obviously the lowest they've bet at, but you know, it's...
You could just tell from the get-go when they started the major run here
that something was missing, something was not in sync.
And I think that's also why we see them a little bit before the playoffs.
The Morgals were unfortunately missing in this game,
but what's not going to be missing is more quality counter-strike.
This was just the first game out of three that we have on the cards today.
the next one up is Bed Boom taking on the rookies from FUT. It's been interesting to
follow both these lineups so far. One of them will go home, one of them will make the playoff
and for you to find out, well you have to stay on and hang around. We jump into a quick break.
Once we're back, it's Bed Boom taking on FUT.
I see you standing in front of me, I need to get out of here.
I'm out of here.
I'm out of here.
I'm out of here.
The pounding heart of Eastwood beats up the heroic coming into us.
Down the double, if you get the shot,
I'm gonna put my life on the line before you.
Yeah, so we're here to get this one underway for Beppum. A big day in the office. A lot
of Counter-Strike played for you guys up to this point. We're looking at 19 maps, 11 series,
187 rounds at the Cologne Major so far. Are you tired?
Especially me not really. It was enjoyable spending off time I would say.
It's always nice when you're on the biggest tournament of the season and you're going that far
Even we are playing there not our lineup. So I think that's feel great
You started stage one demolishing the gaming gladiators and that was two weeks ago
go. What are some of the ups and downs that Betboom has had here in Cologne?
I think we are gaining experience game by game. First stage was obviously much harder
because we are facing the best teams in the world. Maybe it's some lack of our map pool
at some point, but we are trying our best.
Aside from the beating spirit, Gaby guys, have Betboom met expectations for yourselves
I would say we don't have expectations at all, because we are not playing even our line-up,
so we are just trying our best. I think everyone would feel great about our Stage 3.
Even if we're going to lose today, it's okay.
That's exactly what I want to ask this very last question. Stage 3. How hard is Stage 3 compared to 2, 1, anywhere else?
Why is it that you guys have come here and dropped seven maps out of those five?
Obviously it's much harder because you are facing the best teams in the world, but especially for me it's the best experience I ever had.
I'm playing with the viewers versus the best teams, even beating them, so this feels great.
Well good luck man, I hope the best for you today.
Thank you.
The team is foot, the players longs and most importantly today is the day of days longs.
I know that this has been a long time in the making so let's get right down to the nitty-gritty
of how important it is at a 2-2 game playing bad boom today.
I didn't hear the last word.
How important is today?
Oh, to play this game, I mean it's very important for us to be honest especially because we
came back from 0-2 and to be honest it was a bit funny, right?
we wanted to go to the 0 on stage 2, we thought we'd play worse teams, but in the end we ended up
playing Vitality and G2, which in the end, they're like one of the best teams in this stage, right?
They have very good players, experienced players, and I think, yeah, we're grateful to be here,
we are grateful we could keep up the emotions and push up until the stage, actually.
Hey, you guys have played G2 already, you beat them 2-1 and then they
get you this time around, they bring it right back to you in losing that game,
So you guys play ancient nuke mirage. Well, let me just ask the question about beating mouths
Did that feel good to you longs did you enjoy that?
I mean, I think it's I always enjoyed to be honest
It might sound crazy, but for me every team who beat me inclusion apoca who kind of put me a step back
I will always find I'll always look for them and I always try to beat them because that crucial apoca for me
Still to this day. It's it stays in my head
Yeah, it's fucking free full rent-free. Well, look man
In a 7 series, 17 maps, 356 rounds played here in Cologne for foot.
You're the youngest team at this major, are you going to do it today and how?
I don't want to say we're going to do it and how we're going to do it because usually
when I say this kind of stuff, I jinx it.
So we just take it step by step, round by round, we hype each other up, we keep the
comps up, we will fight every round as we did before and yeah, we'll see how it goes.
You want to say anything to him just keep watching us keep watching it to be fun that's
Let's flip first Bebham.
The Intel Extreme Masters Clone Major 2026 is brought to you by ESL and partnership with
Intel.
Acer Predator.
DHL.
Chex.
And, Sully.
Checks.
And so...
No where to run, no where to hide, it's Langsess or Bust at the Intel Extreme Masters
is Colón major 2026. Only one of these two squads can follow in the footsteps of 90 earlier
on today from Betboom in one corner. They started all the way back in stage one and
they are now staring at their final lifeline for foot in the other corner. They arrived
to Cologne as the youngest squad to be here now have the opportunity to go where they
have never gone before. The top eighth at a major playoffs. My name is first biz joined
by Yanke and Ash. But what is such a high pressure situation? Ash, I'm sure you've
been this many a time before. Can you kind of give us some insights to what these guys
are probably feeling right now? Lots of nerves, but I think this is such a young team, they'll
be more excited than nerves, but maybe it's a little bit different for Betboom. I'm not
quite sure anymore, because it's such a mixed team, there's a lot of vibes going on there.
I think it'll be more exciting than I think for Foot. For Foot, the rookies, you know,
in the grand sense, or even if this was just Cologne and not the major, this would still
be a bit of a big game for them, and Betboom on the other side, like yeah, you're one game
away from making the playoffs, but you also have your stand-in, so how much pressure do
you really feel in that scenario? It's a little bit all over the place when it comes to this.
I guess it's more so the opportunity that it's right there for the taking, and Ash,
we look at these two teams coming into stage two. The routes they've taken are quite different,
right, and that must affect the mental too. Yeah, I think I haven't really had the momentum.
I bet Boomba created it, but I bet Boomba lost it and thought I've got it back. So this 0-2-2-0 dynamic,
it's this weird because I think also both teams are looking at each other thinking wow when we'll
ever get an opportunity to play a team at this kind of caliber to get through to the next stage
so maybe that's where some extra pressure could be created. I think this is where foot has the
edge to right the minura team that's just won two games back to back you're coming into this one
like playing better counter strike you're having more confidence on your players and
bad boomi even though they played some good counter strike themselves i think had some tough
to be able to play a lot of
opposition right and then
losing back to bad games, you
know, having to play
vitality again. Obviously not
ideal played fury in that tool
game didn't go their way either.
So even though this is a
different level of opponent,
like it's still going to be a
bit difficult for them to
really come into this game
with a ton of confidence. Does
it have an effect on your
team know no easier position for sure. But do you think that has an effect on the
mental coming into today? Absolutely. I've been twice, I think, zero two and made it
through and I felt like the biggest advantage we had is that we played against
teams that just lost their game and we just won at two games in a row obviously.
I bet we've lost two in a row but it's just a fashion as well that they've lost.
They've kind of been destroyed and I think the gaming hospitality wasn't even as
close as maybe it looked. They won some weird low buy going on at 12-6 down.
That could have been four potential blowouts in a row and it will matter
to go into this game today.
And on the other side, FOOT was really tested.
I mean, sure, their losses were closed.
They were 2-1, but the wins were also
close against BATE in the 0-2 game,
and then even against MAUS yesterday, another three
mapper, where they were able to come out on top.
So building that resilience throughout the tournament
is also really important.
It feels like for them, if we hear
Longs in the interview talking about, oh, we wanted to go 3-0
in stage two, right?
then you get rewarded by playing vitality in the opening game.
So I think they'll feel really good about just getting to this point
from being zero two down and then having an opponent like that.
Boom, they have no reason to not feel like this game is very much winnable.
How do you look at that game versus Mao's speaking of that?
Ash, because obviously in that, you know, it was very much the expectations
or Mao's of the young guys going to do anything.
What effects do you think that had on foot?
I think that was a great game for them to have in general.
They needed a big test going into this one because it feels like they've kind of they haven't really shown themselves that well
Then they beat Bay and they go into that game and miles like they've changed players
But miles are really dangerous to play against they're really good at putting that sort team to bed
And what I loved about that game was that foot showed something on you where they've been pretty poor
But then on mirage it felt like the foot that's been here for the start of the year
They had a terrible start and then they kind of built on that and I thought wow this is a team
I actually think today or whoever they would have played
I kind of had them going through on the back of that last month, but it would should we get into some specifics then from that series versus magic
Picked out a couple for us. What are we starting with?
Yes, I kind of want to go into how much they traumatized mouse ports and I think this is kind of crazy
They could do this to a team like mouse ports and we had some of going on quite sure what you're aiming at them
I made by one stop middle to go double top mid smoke
And I think here what happens is lance is the middle player and he goes down to talk his all and the kind of overusing the information
information a little bit so maybe this is by design because Cravenia we see on the radar
is already going towards B but the over rotation from Maus is ridiculous to the point where
even the B player, the solo B player, without a spoken name blocking the apartments or anything,
he rotates over as well and Foot do a great job of just throwing every single bit of Utile
that they have, I think it's through 3 more so I'll just say guys, guys look at us over
here and Cravenia goes into B, if you look at the timer right now, 1 minute 20 is about
to go on to B, let's see just how long, we're going to speed this up, how long B is completely
open here from Maus and he has a man advantage by the way. So when Baralyn eventually does
come back, it's been 30 seconds by the time he comes back, Cravenius really thinking there's
a server crash or something, I'm not sure. So he's worried about this, he does a great
job, Maus is still really convinced it's there, I'm not quite sure, maybe there's smoke in
them autos, and the symmetry who had a fantastic series, it was nice seeing him be more involved,
that's great awareness from him, he goes and he gets the kill, and this is one of many rounds
in this game where Maus was completely lost from 4 to 2 star and they didn't run another
round for a very long time. Yeah, it must have been a communications breakdown too.
I mean, yeah, food did show bomb on the ramp, but he didn't go out.
Like he can always go back and to leave it that open.
And then even for Brolin on the way back to not consider the possibility
that someone did sneak out of B.
You know, the map has been quiet for so long.
It's just a mistake that ended up costing them a lot.
Yeah, communication or maybe underestimating the side effect.
Let's go back a couple rounds.
So round nine, what does this display about foot?
Well, I think this is why they grabbed to the way they just did.
and they just got into so many weird scenarios, so it's a good adaptation here taking the ramp,
they're nice control, and they actually have three extra players on A, so with foot speed up,
there's an issue for some reason, it goes towards the ramp players, I don't know about you, Ico,
how many times have we ever seen mouseboards die in this way, where all three of them are just shot
in the back in the same position? Not just mouseboards, but any team really, like having three guys there on ramp,
just sort of, you know, the Spider-Man meme is like, who's gonna hold abs, and actually none of us is
going to hold anything and we're just going to get shots in the back. They opened 4A.
They had the situation that they wanted, they had the read, but just the execution wasn't
there. There's not a team out there I feel like who's going to say, oh, we like playing
against foot. They just make you uncomfortable with their pace, with their aggression. They're
very sharp individually, and that's what makes them dangerous to go up against.
And that's what I liked about them, watched them, because I think if they can bring that
energy here, but not just here, to the playoffs as well, they could do some real damage, because
This is now completely fallen apart when they should be able to handle this. I really thought for seeing this game
It is very impressive call in good decision-making symmetry as well. I think we've all seen him a lot
It's quite defensive. But and yesterday he was really aggressive with the rifle on the other great examples to kind of display
What a confidence booster that was for coming into this one on the flip side for that boom
What have you observed Ash about the way that they're kind of starting a lot of these series here?
I think let's say a little bit slow
So these are all the starts in the last two games, or three games, so two seven down, one four down, zero four, one six, zero four, two.
I mean the problem is in MR12, you have starts like this and the game feels like it's over.
Twenty-seven percent did one of the pistol rounds, but which has two kills in the pistol rounds.
They're both in the first round of the stage three, I believe, as well.
So it's not going great as far as that goes, and you just give him momentum to the other team,
and I think that's kind of why they're struggling a lot more.
And we'll see it's going to be really important against a team like Footman, Bedbooms on the CT side, right?
To deny them those early stars, they're very dangerous, there's no balling the game, but I'm very interested to see what the actual Vito ends up being, right?
Like teams share a perma-ban here, I would say that both of them should veto something else, and sort of Latin Inferno through probably a, you know, Nuke ban for Foot,
a Mirage band for Bed Boom, those are some of the obvious ones, but for me the key is going to be an Ubes,
because Bed Boom is undefeated on it in the last three months online, but they haven't played it in Cologne whatsoever,
in any of the stages. I was wondering where your mind is at, it's a good map for them, but for example,
I would always hate to have to play a map for the first time in a tournament, like in such an important game, right?
like you feel more familiar with the maps that you already played, especially for them
considering the stand-in situation.
Absolutely, when we nearly fluked our way to the Paris Major, the first time we played
Nuke was the last map of the tournament against Vitality, and that's one of the reasons we
didn't want to play, is because, well, we haven't played at all tournaments.
This is a weird one, it's a game of chicken today, because both teams are playing in Fern
like you said, but they're both really bad on the overpass, so in theory you could just
ban them with teams' best maps.
For preparation, I have no idea as a coach how you would even approach this today, so
is going to be a total mess and all the maps are very close except for like you just said
Nuke which if I'm for I'm a hundred percent running Nuke today I'm saying if you want
to pick Inferno on your elimination lifeline for the major absolutely you go for that
you have fun with that and the same with us I just don't think he's going to have fun
though. And I think that's why we're you know it becomes an option for someone like Batwom
probably picking Dust if Nuke is the one that gets removed and for Foot it could be
ancients I mean that one hasn't lost it I don't think in this tournament yet but
still when you're going when we're talking about a 2-2 game to make the
plus you want your best most played maps right and just where your players will
feel the most comfortable so it's going to be very interesting there's a lot of
things that can happen in this case you're thinking not a new best come out
that when you're saying you don't want it to happen but you think it still could
it could it depends on that one as I said I don't know how they feel about it
like the boomage first and the coach in terms of like calling it and also the
players like how many maps of practice did they play in these two weeks on an
Ubers do they feel like they want to go for it because it's definitely an
option for them to pick or to at least leave in as a third map okay let's roll
it let's find out I am very very intrigued to see where this one goes okay
and do please do not buy them for anyone else please okay nice
This is going to be like three best of ones on teams, she's on the fourth best master.
Yeah, for the easy one now is Mirage.
And I think just two higher down as well.
Yeah, it has to be for BedBoom, just looking at how they played it at this event and finding some success.
Now this second phase is crazy.
This is a game of chicken again, what do you want to ban?
So BedBoom don't ban either of their marks, he's going to overpass last map.
That's crazy.
Okay.
I love the approach there from BedBoom.
a real deathmatch I feel on all the maps, but like I said yesterday, I think football
is a fantastic match, this is a good opportunity for that.
Yeah without a doubt, starting on that T side, they can do a lot of different things, a very
aggressive team in your face and they're not without chances on Dust2 either, but I think
both of these teams probably feel like we'd love to win it in two, you know, I don't think
either of these teams really wants it to go to overpass, like if it gets to that.
That's going to be a nerve-racking tea side.
Obviously, speaking about the tea sides, that's what foot is going to be starting on for the first map.
But looking at Batboom and their kind of a tea side career in State Street, what's the story behind that?
Yes, I think this is kind of what it looks like when you are using the stand-in, you go up with practice.
You can vibe it out in the first stage. Stage 2 is a little bit harder, but the win rate you see as they're going deeper in the tournament, Yanko,
considerably worse than this tea side now is struggling a lot more.
Yeah, part of it is the standing situation, the other part is just playing really good teams, right?
Like you're going up against the likes of Vitality, the likes of Fury, Falcons even, right, the strong CT side teams.
I would mention the CT side is about the same as Stage 2, it's around the same, it's one of the best in the tournament,
but it's a lot harder on the T side though, no?
Yeah, they've been much more fluid on the CT side and all the players are very decisive, they don't hesitate, they go for information,
You know Zorty as well on the AWP on a map like Nuke that you won't see here
But very active very mobile and that has to be the name of the game for them
Like against foot you have to be willing to take the fight to them right because otherwise. They're just so
Aggressive in taking space
You're going to run out of options in rounds really quick. Well either way we have that room and we certainly have foot ready in the server
It's time to find out who is gonna be making it to the playoffs
I
No, no, no.
Demon in a 1v3, Assenfield runs into the line.
Doesn't do enough damage.
Only a second for Demon.
You're out Alvany.
Oh, no!
Ah, be come one by one.
Of course, they come to this one with
and well tied off the secret peases
for many mowed down quad kill.
Bebe versus Foot, you know the drill playoffs.
You're packing your bags
and it's a near miss.
it's thinking about it on the drive home.
Ashes promised us deathmatch after that funky Vito.
What do you reckon, Chuddy B?
Bat boom foot, you got a favorite?
I agree, there's a different tempo in this one
than the previous, expect a lot of swings to win
as both these teams pack a punch.
For foot, four major rookies, for Bat Boom 1.
Nerves will play a big part of this one today.
Bat boom from 2-0, up now on the 2-2 foot, from 0-2, down.
One game away from the Lancess.
One of them is getting reverse swept.
Bumich may have won a Cologne before, but not in the arena.
That's post-pandemic, just.
Got a bit of proactivity for Flamme, set up to succeed,
and Logs doesn't matter if he can't see.
He provides the opening.
Bumich trying to get something around the stairs, smoke it does.
Avenges his fallen comrade, removes Logs.
You got Magnetjes, quick on it with the Jill Barretta,
strings together the double, onto the double,
These jugs demon down its cemetery as well to the USP and crab Benny. Good luck
Have fun this CT side look to start off better magma just closes it down
That's five frags between the two of them. I think right there if you fly machine. Okay. Well, what do we got to do?
He was blind so didn't feel like I had a chance but magma jazz. He's been magnificent
Levering throughout longer donks friend this guy's making a name for his own here in Cologne
Getting access to the LACS arena with this quote-unquote high-level pug.
I mean, you are operating with a stand-in.
You're up against stage three teams.
I'm not surprised your team win rates going down.
This is tough for Burmitra.
You really have to feel for the guy.
Him and Fiz, the brain trust, having to work together to piece together the approach.
The flexibility, it's nice when you're going up against teams who are of lower ranks
and your individual prowess a whole lot higher.
Now that you're against the World Season squads,
It's a whole lot more difficult and Foot, or the four of them plus Coach Cooley-O,
not an Academy team anymore, but the amount of reps that these boys have together, absolutely insane.
Yeah, they've been an exciting prospect throughout the season.
But to see, you know, so many major rookies so close to major playoffs.
And I see we're able to do it with their three.
Let's see if Foot can hold on today.
Oh, we've got a nice opening. Boomage has been sat down by Joe Stig. There's Demon. Second round conversion.
Looking more and more difficult as time passes. Sorts, he's got an awful lot of work to do. Top of ticket! How's Krobeny done that?
Two bullets to the dome and he's gone.
If they keep the sheet clean, there's all those M4s they could try and scavenge away, but let's focus on the bomb plant. Krobeny's getting it in.
And they might just be opting for the save.
Looks like this round is already done.
Ash there pointing out the slow starts in maps for Betboom.
Well, they might continue here if they can't win back the force by wars into the next.
And one of the worst pistol round teams at the major in the bottom four.
Foot.
And their second round breaks in the top four.
Oh well.
Sticking true to the start lines.
Yeah, well if you can hit shots like that on the dig in the Tech 9,
Demon anchor Benny's take nine looking good at range there
Time to attend to him fault and the Famous
Waiting for the bomb to go off before they did have the smirk on their face
And they fucking to the winning ways you're gonna get a whole lot more of that throughout
We've got the headline of the
day on our next Nami versus G2.
The household name will not be making it.
Not arranged for the Crabman.
I love watching this guy play.
It's like they just kind of cheered each other up.
Yeah, go ahead and sink her.
321 swing, 321 cheer.
It's going to be a battle though for that
economic supremacy.
not just going to roll over.
They're going for a bit of a DBZ fusion with that one right there.
That's the nerds at home, but crawling up Cat,
and they're just ready to block.
Gets his info, gets his smoke out, and baits into Zorty's D.Eagle.
Necessary trade provided by Longs.
Enough to commit to this.
They've gone one for one, they've still got the advantage.
Juke's just dealing with any potential T-Spawn pushes.
Long's up in the vent room, and there's T-Spawn push highlighted.
So he does actually have a lot of room, but he's not to know.
That's has to be very wary.
Cemetery of Demon coming over to join this.
It's Boomitch, close ramp.
Flammus and Magnet just clearing out mid, saying nobody's home.
If they boost up, Long's, he's going to go down for free.
This is cheeky.
This is inspired.
Long's a dead man, just booked.
Flammus finds himself the kill and the upgrade.
Now, boom, with a CZ.
Up close, perfect tracking, nail cemetery on the rampside and now you're boxed in.
Jugs is concerned about Boomage understandably.
Bomb on the back of Demon and they're surrounded now.
Flammus losing his head, that's good work and good parting from Jugs.
No one to contest the plan so Demon and Jugs try to pull off the two on four.
Around the world from Boomage, understanding that they're going to be worried about Palace and Ramm.
He's going to join Dillardes over towards middle and then manages through ticket.
They have the kit, they have the smoke, there's a chance for this.
What a ball to Jukes. Here's them congregating. Does he count the numbers to upconk?
Demon and Magna Jazz always back was turned. It just silently creeps onto the side and it is that default plant so should be round.
Agiladas can just stick this one now. Nothing Jukes can do about it. Okay.
Back and forth.
A couple of cheeky moves there. That vent boost inspired to deal with longs.
And they're going to let out a roar of their own.
Get louder here in the Palladium.
It's going to be the first time.
So we're straight into what is essentially a full buy for both teams.
This was cheeky.
And then that presence of Boomich, that was the consideration.
That's why it tucked in here to backside,
just so worried about the Palace or the Ramp League.
Damon had to stay committed to that.
So some really good heads up counter strike from Pet Boomerly.
You got aggression in the mix, Magnejes flashed off and you get nothing out of your offer.
Cemetery removed from the round, irretrievable or police for now.
Dimmer wanted to search to try and draw one back over to Wardsby if it's stunted by the flames.
Krobeni's going to be next on the north, he has to have perfect angle management.
Magnejes gets him very low, he's forced and trapped, has to burn his smoke but it's not safe.
You're not guaranteed to get away.
Magnajez in hot pursuit will mantle up and Krebberny.
Has to go, call the boys into a bit of a B-pop.
Diledez supported by Flammeis and it's nothing.
Empty hands for Flammeis.
Bamboo, starting as they mean to go on.
That's a lovely burst of aggression from Magnajez.
Caught cemetery off guard.
That's a shut down right there and this will have to be the eco now.
So, not in a position to be able to risk the investment.
You know, I'm not sure if you
know what I'm saying.
Synchronize with that boomish
flashbang lovely team play
and Dylan's passing his test
here. They've changed positions
big tournament, and that's what
you expect when the roster that
you have the major. Was a
mystery on the plane on the
way in poor siren could not be
with the squad. Well, they're
doing the best with what they've
got. What they've got is a two
Although it's not the most glamorous
Someone's got to do it
I get to farm them right here. Yeah, he's got magma jazz and support as well
Oh, we just fell off
Three on his own
Looking for four, DilaBers can he leave with the ace? Jugs will deny but the round is theirs, Betboom four
It's a strong start
Contrast with what Ash was discussing on the desk. What does it mean when Betboom get off to a flyer?
Yeah, we'll see how long they can keep foot quiet and understand it's one round
But through the fourth now we're back into the gun symmetry will not have his AWP
to play this time
What's the opener? That's Kravani gonna call them in with
Stand it opener window top cap
We're only selling mid, making it look like a default round, but they're gonna pounce
into A. That's gonna put pressure on in-game leader Boomage.
Major win up, Cologne win up.
It's been a long time between drinks, this man disappeared off our raid up.
He's built himself back up, Jokes built around, at least a promising start.
Nice from Flamus, how's he got that one?
a clawback kill onto demon now cemetery tasked with re-smoking CT deep and
getting that bomb planted almost got a decision to make you want to stand in
the smoke for Benny late lingering in the middle
oh and flammus takes a dip oh one and done jugs down
wanted for Benny's patient not rewarded in really needed that one till it does
times it's a perfection they're both low winnable for Krabani the crab man comes
on in, removes the head of the first. Flammeas on the off! Oh, didn't anticipate that. Thought he had a fair fight.
Okay, good stuff with the standing Flammeas.
Some seriously good stuff.
Yeah, but we're getting that brawl, that deathmatch that Nash is foretold.
It has to be partial territory again, so this one's flying.
5-1, four-round gap.
Jokes, sits boomage on his ass.
You can see here, just the pressure is under on the execute.
That camp really, I'm going to press up.
See that, straight through the boards.
It is nice, pretty much is right.
And the Vito, I'm glad that both teams called the blast in the opening foray, right?
Not banning out Inferno.
Miss Smoke, how that didn't spawn here, so a little bit of an unforced error.
Cabrini will get one in, and that has landed.
You can get past this with Flamas.
That mate connects to all five.
He's ducked away, and now they can set up a crossfire. Flamas and Magnajez turn Mied into the mate grinder.
There's something out along his deeck. Magnajez down.
Illydez has gone with, ooh, Krobeny didn't quite react to the info in time.
He started his swing.
Flemish goes probing mid all the time.
To the back, should catch us and look in the wrong way.
Flemish is in his A game right now.
Oh, okay, cemetery call on the smoke
and they'll make like work of that one.
Kank, oh, it's tough when you lose that opening pick
but a timeout has been taken from Coolyo.
Today's all about the occasion
and the precipice of the playoffs pressure is paramount.
And for these boys,
they've never been in this position before.
Last year,
when Navi's Academy lost McCarzy,
he goes to the main team found a suitable replacement in longs before the
five this is their first major and for longs is only second so it's not like
this team are full of experience there the youngest squad at the major and
they're looking to make history today how quick they went from the lessons of
the Academy to find out learnings of their own
Guns in. Cemetery gets his all for the second time yet to get going. Zero and six.
This is a big round.
Four in middle. Demon takes the head off of Flammer, straight charging for that opening jewel and makes his opening incision immediately.
You've got your advantage. Demon has provided.
provided and Dillardes provides a whole lot of information very forward
position getting all cars and he still takes one good value yes cemetery rough
start to an important game for him I didn't have head armor there he said
just exploded at the hands of the m4 night in Jesy Pete he's quick enough to
this no yeah he's heard he is heard I don't care is this push forward demon
must be ready and it will magnetize for pro activities actually cost him in
conceded it's worth two on four read the situation well there's already pressed up close to what's round this is all on
boomage
What could boom do can experience prevail
against four rookies
and boom! Boom boom! Triple!
Shredsfoot just like that. I get that bomb Krebati up and over the long way rounds
Okay, moves he's gonna be able to scoop this but Sortsy's rotated in short side with the AWP
Picks himself up a couple of extra pieces of utility.
Sortie's AWP will be smoked off, he's using it to...
Well, but he doesn't wait for the smoke!
Boomage delivers in the absence of Magnus as in the absence of Dillardes,
it's Boomage with the necessary triple.
Brutal.
This is Stanton right now.
7-0-1, this is a rapid show and I said it's going to be a higher tempo,
we're only 13 minutes deep.
And well, what looked difficult in a previous round with the over the shoulder count looked casual
Flammus loving what he's seeing right there
Getting that reaction
Loving now from the boss man the big man
Has given them the lead of the half at a minimum
It's another cobbled together situation from foot now
They've been able to find opening kills. They are winning out heavily in that department five to three
Yeah, conversion's a different story.
Oh, their boost doesn't pay off either.
They just set up demons to try and find something with the AK-47.
Long's equipped with one as well.
Oh, bomb spotted. Flammus relays.
That nade's got someone's name on it.
Oh, and it's another one!
Jugs!
Double nade!
The stepping stool's gone!
Jugs just vaporized by Flammus,
as Magna just does catch a bit of flak.
They're playing stubborn, aren't they?
They want to fight for this.
Krivenian is here.
Punishes Flammus for these overextension on window.
Now you've got the MN for free,
but it feels like you give it back the same way with Nangnages low.
Not that to play double vent.
So Krivenian longs, also the walking wounded.
Some of you would love to get something else in his hands that isn't a glock.
So back around the world, over towards A.
Smoking spawn picked up.
picked up might be able to use that to great success if they want to deploy it
but that will be to tell that they are coming Zorty playing from ticket his
support it is miles away they are selling the A site Zorty at this point is
just a ward he cannot go down he needs to get the info stay alive if you can
shave one off I'll make this a whole lot easier on the retake you've only got a
single smoke grenade Zorty sweeps through they're accelerating a now he's
aware Krebbenny goes down to the desk is actually taking down his teammate hang
Go on, Zolotty, through the box, doesn't hit it.
Bombs get implanted.
Longs in the open, hits one onto the head,
finished off by Cemetery.
That's an important first, but he needs another.
And it's still Boomich on CT.
Problems for Longs, too much.
Oh, maybe not too much to handle.
Knows where Boomich is.
Heavy advantage, again, boom.
Looking for more impact on the angle.
Peaks in, catches, Longs.
Denies what would have been somewhat of a fire starter
if Longs had converted.
Instead, Boomich says, stay down.
8-2 for the big man, back-to-back impact.
And this is going to really set foot back. They have to salvage 4.
Does Cooley want to take another timeout? Yes, okay.
They need to be able to piece something competitive in this half.
It's interesting, right? With the Catten Mouse game, the Bluff that was called in the Vito,
that bit more scared of what's ancient than they were at their Mirage.
And this is their bread and butter. The two of those maps, they love them.
It's great for aimers, explosive players, individuals who back their cross set every damn day of the week
and they are some of the sharper shooters in Counter-Strike right now, but right now they are in a massive hole.
They need to be able to claw themselves back into this.
Exactly, but guys, like, we are playing like, I don't know, slow fucking slow and they are playing proactive
and they are moving on the map and we are hesitating, we are ending slow.
That's not the way we are playing.
like take your boss please and let's try to speed up let's try to
the guy just gave us three on B. Yeah.
Alright, we're gonna backshot that.
Coolio wants them to take the fights, wants to decept the tone.
The Mitch wasn't spotted but he didn't see anything around with the self-flash.
He's not primitivity but everything ready in HE right between
Oh, the Demon and Cemetery.
Oh, walking, one key, Burgers swinging!
Another trip on out of Boomich!
Shredded!
What little confidence they had has been sent back to spawn.
They continue their CT Hall.
They are getting mold right now.
One kill.
Straight four from Boomich.
And the U2 damage, you're starting to pile up on this CT side.
You've got 300 for Flamas.
You got 174 for Magnetjes.
So it's not just the bullets.
You're not getting the fights and the favor
You want the first one lands that shell shot boom is right out of position swings in
Playing like boom is from 2021 right now
They're in the flow state I'm just gonna run in and look for fights it's time for it to try their luck over towards be testing dillard as
Everything's in the right place that he cheat now the one landed at the doorstep
I think this is what cool is not liking right they're not taking a big control
They're not struck around the smokes. They're not taking their timings. They're grouped up to get mowed down
Hope you to the execute will do the job for them. This is a team that's
Get a done with the bullets and through the smoke they go magnitude out of position
Again, we can see the feed fell with foot
feasted upon by bet boom and
And another clean sheet. This is getting out of control now. This is supposed to be their territory and Betboom have already found double digits
We've got three rounds in this half that are absolutely flawless for Betboom, one of them.
If I do it as 4K against the EECS I think. Actually could have been the rifle round. I'm pretty sure he may have gone down in that round either way.
If I shut him down there, I think shut down is the key word for this half. This is the blue wall erected.
This is Batburn making foot look foolish. Up next is Dust too. Foot are you even gonna
warm into this 2-2 again? You are turning your fate around. Losses the hands of Vitality
and due to, wins over fate. Announce the put yourself here and you're struggling to get
anything done. Magnajez onto the open and B-pop again.
Okay, at least Magnajez has been caught. Important from Jokes, but look at Dilladez getting
stubborn. Jokes has delivered him something to hold onto. With Cemetery's position, Flamme
should be nullified in fact it's sort of is coming with him pressure on to one
frag cemetery important one here guess the heads oh he's lost control of that
should be okay for your second does that mean anything in the grand scheme
time ticking phlems gonna be jumping out that window you got long some bench
side. Crossfire with D.O.
And he drops out of the window with the AWP!
Foot can't win a round! They can't and surely get the defuse as well!
Foot collapse!
The best ban is denied again!
Bat boom are bullying them!
We know where they are, we are waiting for them to come and kill us.
Like that's not the way how we want to get out of this fucking tournament.
Like we are 100 times better than them and we are playing like, I don't know, face it
level 5 team right now.
Like we are first time in this fucking stage.
It's the same game what we are playing.
Like we are playing the same fucking game.
you guys are thinking we are playing in a different like I don't know I can tell
you we can win this game still like they are over as coach Kulio and he's given
some stern talking to you because I mean yet they do not adjust yourself this is
reality foot-picking mirage in a do or die affair and that boom have just
brutalized them in that first half changes name to Kulio running's cuz
Should be us and if Santa's dead right now for they just getting flipped on okay
This is a that's conversation about pressure for major rookies in the server and they are quaking in their boots
Maybe not in this pistol. This is a must-win for Danny controls the straight to on the dual barrettas for one
On the back of Dillard is still trapped on Tetris. He has got Zorty forward though
Range clock find not ideal for Dillard S tries to get across does so but demon has removed Zorty
and that plan is not going to happen.
Now they're running Adam.
This is what you want to see.
This is confidence.
And that's the start.
The necessary round for Foote to shake off
what was a disastrous first half of play.
They can turn this around and just make it competitive.
Even if it is just a cosmetic comeback,
they need to be warmed up for Dust2 coming in next.
Coolio, that's a stone talking to his given to his boys.
They're young men.
Let's see how they respond to that.
In interviews, they seem to talk about it the same way.
That in-your-face counter strike, if you drop a deagle bullet to the tone,
that's one way back in, but one by one, that's what Longs wants to see, and it's going to be the Eco.
So given the good graces of consecutive rounds, that only two so far has come on a force, and now a pistol.
This will be against the Eco, and then the gun rounds will begin, and so will the tough road back.
Here's the problem you have, and it hit two rounds.
Then lost bonus we maxed out if they keep getting to the sides getting the bomb down
That's gun round after gun round after gun round
This will not be easy
We've already seen in cologne that anything is possible. Just ask NRG
And the toots again there's nothing more to play after this if you can't convert
I like that reminder them
Same tournament. Same game. It's the same game. Sure the stakes you know from never been higher
But you've been down at 0-2 you were cornered from the start and they don't with miles yesterday
And that's one that should definitely put hair on your chest
Sure, it's not the same mouse. They've got the whole stand in
New in-game leader roster all over the shop situation and the kill could be viable on the clock
The jumping burst will not land and they keep for a life scavenge back the other end for
And they take through the groups into the next round of play.
Okay, okay, he's equipped now. Four-bet-bun.
I think a little snowball.
So a five-rifle call. How does Boomage want to proceed?
So I want to just go into something grouped up and explosive to see if you can still
Take advantage of this slow start from the four individuals. Players, not hitting shots, they normally would.
There's tough crowd activity, something that led to Bat Boom such a strong CT side already taking Ram Jensen for Benny, cleared it out.
This is a tough call to make when you're up against a gun round on a knife's edge like this, so,
Grab Man takes a lot of space, he's going to scuttle, through T spawn.
But grouped up at the moment, Bat Boom are looking like they're in a B split formation.
And the Jez warded away from underpass for now, but Krebbeni has taken so much space on the map.
Jokes has to worry about the potential for the Palace League.
He'll also be tasked with Connected because Cemetery is going to bolster that B defense.
He's going to join Demon and Launce.
Boombich has no idea this is possible.
Krebbeni's about to announce himself.
He sees him.
He's alone.
He wants more answers than just the one.
He wants numbers.
Krebbeni looking for that double kill.
And he's got it back.
Just a boom!
4 on 4 accelerating into the B site.
You've got Demon and Cemetery here.
Flammus down to a team Molotov, but the dint came from Longs.
Cemetery's got to find out on this rifle.
That's the headshot. Can't find the follow-up.
Demon can.
Boom is last seen top middle.
No secret as he charges forward to retrieve that bomb.
Two on the site.
He's caught with an aid out.
That's not what a secret Demon...
Not playing the side not playing the bomb just put in the bullet between the eyes a big bad boom won't get him another
That push right there from Krobeni inspired
I got those balls in both hands right now, and they are playing with us. This is
11 of 4 a long way up the bomb doesn't go down it will have to be a partial by fierce gets an opportunity on the mic
This is the type around where
Because of the game state I wouldn't even mind if that would just go for Deagles on all five
pick a spot and search right because of the way that foot are now going to want
to take fights that conversation that is boys I want you to swing I want you to
take turns I want you to back yourself individually and that does mean that they
are susceptible to fights that are not favorable it's not going to be the case
they are going to go for a couple of tech nines just flameless with the
The Diggle is aughty.
He's on to his cash to bring out the AWP.
So three mid smokes to completely smother the sightlights.
Connect up, top cat, window.
It's like a lot of pressure to launch.
He jumps his nades.
Finds just a little bit of chip damage.
This is going to be an A split.
It's going to go from 0 to 100.
And he just flashed up the corner.
Info flows.
Just drags him towards.
Ooh, Krabani strings together.
to a third as well. On the swing from Maconages, he's on for the ace!
The man is in the silver!
Sips down the Tech 9 by an 11 to 5.
OK, we're quickly chasing 30 aces. The major's so far.
I'm pretty sure that's number 28.
I have another one to the tally, and sure, it was just against a line bite.
There's that form.
It's that individual output that we know.
Betrayed the second one.
Bonus on Tadiladez.
Now you take it and then one man gets the job done.
He's not just your regular in-game leader,
it is Krobeni, this guy hits hard.
He's got hands, or pincers.
Four straight rounds now from a single bomb plant
before that boom, and that change into round number 17.
Light on the util already off the opening.
So what he's all up is turning over towards A to look for a peek.
He's got the support of Boomage and Dilladez.
Magnetjes and Flammeis now also starting to path back.
He's set up staunch on middle.
So good amount of control for thought, which means a good amount of information.
They are playing to clamp down once Betboom go for space.
So that means Jugs playing out of position, not side-side.
Magnetjes, can he get anything done here?
for launch, he continues his walk forward. Looking for Magnajez. Oh, core out, who's turning for the
flashbang. Magnajez able to profit. That's a big pick provided. Launch is going to be so frustrated.
Things started to flow and now it's a lot of pressure. You see those smokes, you get that sinking
feeling in your stomach as they know the A-Sides like it to be lost. Magnajez going for a late
We'll arrive on the flank con. Bombs going clamped and ready to fade.
Well done from Blue. Still goes down to Krebbeni, but the trade is there from the orb.
Providing the overwatch. You've got 30 seconds and those smokes are fading.
You're susceptible now. Jules will tuck in on stairs. There's Cemetery with a chip in.
Bombs lose 24 seconds and oh, what a shot!
Taking them all down. Cemetery racks them up, mobs them down. He's in the server now.
You lose that only in pick. You get made to look a little bit foolish on the turn and they deny the site
And that kill from Krebbeni that bomb spills out
They can't get it down the smokes and then faded cemetery plays in and fiercest feeling the pressure now
Second tactical timeout for that boom. Remember. I said the loss bonus was gonna be maxed out as part of this comeback
But know what they're up against but if the bomb doesn't go down you're in the tumble dryer
It's by partial by partial
Look now what they're up against again, it cannot be the full investment, or it can,
it would just be galous.
They'd be lacking in a punch.
So Trady's there, but cross-cross the line, cemetery.
Beautiful work from him, mandatory shots to hit.
And they're definitely believing now.
It's a five-round gap with the partial.
Just place one individual from that boom to have a multi.
They can stop this comeback in its tracks.
You'd be brave to parve into a palace smoke with that possibility for jugs to spot yet.
Scorded incendiary in middle for longs.
It is just two on the side.
The reed is wrong for foot.
They've gambled three B jugs and cemetery will have to deliver.
So they wait for magnatures to join the party before they start to release the maids, they have to.
He's got the lion's share.
Test for Jokes here.
And he remained vigilant on his sight.
He keeps his crosshair stable, blocked on ramp.
Surge it, that's a headshot from Flamers, Jokes with empty hands.
Pressure amplified, cemetery catching bullets.
Down low on ticket, Krebbeny stands his ground for two, backs away, respects the flame, but his the AWP against the Tech 9, Boone runs him down.
A three on three, this retake is all to play for now.
Krebbeny, so low.
Magnetjes is holding for this, you can't play first, and he will...
Oh!
They are on, they're not looking!
Couldn't control it!
Norms can!
Can he take down Boone?
Oh!
Krebbeny stands again!
17 kills for Boone, bitch!
The big man doing it all here on Mirage!
Can't be stopped, can't be tamed.
So much impact out of the captain of Bat-Boom.
A 1v1, Longs fell like he had it.
Even Krebbeni finding out, but on the smoke walk.
Brutal.
Now they keep the intensity and the tempo.
This one high flying, the fights will never stop.
Brutal.
And then Boomich just has to hit it on the tag.
No, not an easy fight.
Walks away with eight points of health.
Now on the Knife's Edge, it's an eight play again.
Longs for short player, is over towards eight.
They've got two rifles here, Cemetery starting short.
Cribbetti to join in for this.
This one will explode.
This one will throw that knockout blow.
Catch the exposed chin of Furt.
Flash is landing.
Default for Jugs.
Has some support.
Des Dillardes down and out.
M4 good for one.
Norgs leads to Malty provides for two.
Still up for debate.
A third out on Norgs.
He's got the bomb in his boots.
And Zorty will back away, looking good for that seventh.
But it looks like that Molly might have Norgs' name on it.
Gips up the ladder safe and sound.
So I docked now, Zorty. This is tough. You can play around it if you'd like.
You've got so much time in the round, a minute and ten.
I'll let the calm fall over, Mirage, and see if anything comes his way.
Foot, they're not just gonna charge at you with a 1v3 advantage.
Now as they shore up...
Zorty, you've got a tough choice ahead of you, son.
You need one round short.
You're just heading for the hills before the save.
Where are you going to give this one a go?
I don't know what the bee apartment's 40 seconds.
It'd have to really make a move to be able to make this possible.
And it could just be holding onto this and carrying it into the next.
So, Longs makes up for the previous.
Now Loosepeace does play in to great success.
He's probably got no chance in this now.
I'm not sure he didn't hear the scope any extra damage would be nice. We will call this one 12 to 7 is old energy does walk into the op. Okay, that's not too shabby. That actually is going to make a bit of a dent.
Longs wants to head over and see if he can pick up the AWP, I don't think it's going to be possible unless it's scavenged and yeah, okay.
He would have had 4.850, so it could have dropped it, but then Nades would have been the conversation. We'll catch this again, the Romanian.
Tough position to be in. Flashwork is good.
And he just unloads, not expecting.
Short player, the third is beautiful.
Listen how the crowd is cheering for us today, like they are playing good, just keep playing
like that.
Keep talking, stay relaxed, let's go.
Stone word to Coolio, got them back in the game, so at least now feeling warmed up for
the moment.
Us two, the choice of Batboom, that's next.
Can they really pull off a comeback from 11-1 down on the first half?
scoreline reading 12 to 6, now 12 to 7.
This is doable. Remember there is going to be difficulties for Betbum on the T side.
This is hodge podged piece together. Satina's only had officials with this five man in Cologne.
Look how far they've come.
2-0 up into the 2-2 match.
Couldn't handle it versus Vitality or Fury.
Against Foot, one round away from being just a map away from those playoffs.
the
silence falls over Mirage, a little bit of friction on the middle, have the smokes exchanged.
14, picks on end, catches Krobeni into mines between Jungle and the window.
So an opening casualty, now someone from Foot has to overcome the number to scrap and see.
Jugs' position now given away by that smoke grenade.
Cemetery's got two different targets.
He's got some help from Jugs.
Palace will activate.
He puts one between the legs of Flamas.
That's not it.
That is.
Longs puts it into 3v2.
Tirdas gets that bomb planted.
They are set to collect right here and now.
It's up to Demon and Longs.
Quiet mirage from Demon.
Can he find anything?
Boom's timed it well.
Gets the barrel, gets the head.
looking good set to collect on Footspick unless launched. He's denied by Boom. Of course it's
Boomich. What a performance from their captain. He's got the experience and it's starting to show
a 19th record from Boomich and Footspick. It's Beth Boons. Showing up to this one too,
Leigh, the first half, 11-1. It feels like an insurmountable comeback but he got the
response he wanted. Paulio's boys were in the server for the second half. He showed us one of the desk.
Bombardment from Bedroom as they bully for on their own map pick.
Tries for Mike to turn the tides in that second half.
When you ended the first with one solitary round, Janko,
you are in for a bad time and Bedroom took full advantage of that.
I did feel like today might be the day when Footh was going to graduate from that academy,
but Bumic sent them right back to school after that performance on Mirage.
I mean absolutely shutting them down on the CT side at clutch.
watch, you know, on the T side was really important. It seemed like foot was starting
to gain steam, come back into the second half, but that boom, able to close it out in the
end. Yeah, just imagine a couple more rounds if they just got them over the line there
before. I believe it could have been a comeback here. They were playing good towards the end,
but it's just too little too late. Yeah, it was indeed. And it's really unfortunate
when you're looking at this and going, obviously the map, you know, conversations, everything
we were talking about, Yanko, this was, you know, foot's best opportunity to be really
putting a statement in this series. Yeah, it's unfortunate. It felt like maybe they lost their
cool somewhat because you start off slow, your default is getting shut down, you're getting
picked apart. The players probably don't have a lot of confidence and yes, in that moment,
you sort of have to switch it up a little bit, maybe go for some of your execute set strats
that you have. So you take the decision-making out of the player's hands, they know what to do,
but it felt like they overcompensated really in a way and they just kept getting shut down,
Bedboom was doing a great job of reading what was coming next and yeah, it was a very very flat
T side four foot uncharacteristically, so that's the thing right and we go back to the beginning of this very map and I think okay
Maybe we've got a game bedroom. They get the pistol foot stop the conversion happening then round three happens
Ash, you feel like we're gonna get off to another bad start who like a nice little wish to get to kill the best around
To shut me up and sell it
But yeah, the first buy happens from foot, and triple smoke happens in middle.
When teams use lots of early utility, it's just a normal reaction,
let's use something back, and do others at this moment in bi-apps.
He says, okay, you need three smokes, I'll fill them back as well.
And Magnum does even jingle peaking, so it's a lot strange that he smokes him off,
but the trade comes in one for one, and the foot have to make a new plan.
So, they leave one person in ladder, and they go back towards a very slow A spot.
But this is boom, which whilst the trade's happening,
he has no intention of rotating whatsoever,
so he's aware that the foot gameplay is a lot of randomness and pushing,
So he's not really buying the idea, but this is the activeness here from that boom
They bought their own footplay today to this game and the boots into ladder
They break the setup quickly and they actually think it's a beast plate because of where they get the kill
But boot is advanced position because he stayed there. He has fantastic position
He gets an extra one and then boom it's that boom can trade the ground down and win that one and for once
They can get off to a good start and that was absolutely huge for them, right like having the early conversion
We talked about it. You mentioned the pistol rounds
statistics right and how important is the city side pistol or the good start on
the city side because foot the way to stop them is to deny the momentum and
and sort of when those first couple of calls don't work for them what they want
to do that there isn't still a ton of depth like when they have to switch it
up somehow it doesn't come naturally to them it's more difficult they're not as
good at that playstyle so if you can get them to that point that's where you
will have the most success against them. Yeah and I think that in general when I
watch them play on T side they're kind of a little bit puggy themselves and when
it's kind of they were playing against themselves almost in a way the foot team
because the Bat Boon were playing in their faces they were moving around a lot
and it looked like they were really playing to win and Betta foot just
couldn't deal with that I mean it's a young and experienced team on stage
T side rounds are always harder to win on stage for whatever reason and when they
lost a foot a few rounds which they definitely should have won it just kind
of snowballed. Yeah we can probably take a look at another example coming out of that
first half of Bat Boon to illustrate what you were talking about
This is where they really seem to have started to unravel right and this is still I mean you can still make it 6-6
7-5 8-4 these are all still decent halves they find the entry kill 5 before situation
This is the confidence at this point from bad boom deal it does with a very aggressive Pete gets spotted goes back gets one kill
Gets traded and magnate's underhand the smoke goes back for seconds
I'm trying to catch them off guard but demon ready for this will get the punish then in a 4-way 2
What's the rush here for food? This Sunderhand smoke still hasn't dissipated and you're already using utility on B
You want to go and end the round here and boomage who was full blind
But you have to wait out the smokes you don't push with the flashes he regains vision
He just slows you down from from top van like gets a triple kill and then they finish off the round
It's like this is like what are you guys doing? Like well, you just had two guys push
Why don't you wait around a little bit more they can push again?
You have a lot of utility. There's a lot of time on the clock. The pressure is on the two players during a two-to-four
situation and it felt like a really lazy call and this is where you're feeling wow like it just seems like BedBoom is going to
Run away with this game. Yeah, I think that kind of shows it in experience kind of there
Like this is just a fundamental round you play this round online or in practice
You do this properly every single time like you said the smoke's just gone
And we're also kind of highlighted again the bedroom playstyle in this map
It was carefree. It was yeah, I'm gonna smoke and push through it as a teammate behind me
So what maybe it worked for me doesn't and foot just couldn't handle it
They couldn't adapt they were struggling and there's some rounds on the last one of the half
Cemetery sees flammas for three seconds from the up and he still loses the dual
Cobain he had a 1v2 that he's trying to shoot a guy in the back
He doesn't kill him it comes to one we want to lose that one as well
So for just completely lost their heads big time need to go and reset
Do you think that I guess a stress-free calling approach helps when you're boomerging you're just dragging out individually as well
Does it make you feel a little bit more confident in this one?
I think it absolutely does.
Also having that 11-1 lead.
So I said alleviate some of the stress
knowing you have a ton of opportunities
then also once you win the half-high
and he has the clutch, like all these things
matter a lot
and also shout out to Fiers, right?
Some of the time I was there in the second half
getting his team back on track and just
could see with the round
Ash pointed out, you know, in the fourth-high
to initially boost in ladder
ladder than do it in the middle. They just had these these little things to counter foot and
they worked extremely well on Mirage. An example, even the probani guys behind them, they're just
just within the force by as well. I genuinely started thinking, oh my god, they're gonna win,
they say, maybe even regulation, but when you can only get one round, it's just if you just
eke out while she's struggling and get two or three, you never know what can happen in the
second round. So I think we saw a little bit of foot warming up into the second map and now
Now they'll be talking outside of guys. Let's not get carried away. This isn't done yet. And I thought I've actually beaten vitality
The one that broke the street from us too as well. So it's cool. The on the team with your plane as well. So this is
By no means is this over. Yeah, just to go back to what we heard from
Believer was in that kind of half time break. We were talking about it ash, right? They really go straight to the point
There's no two bones about what they want to be talking about
It is that the approach you think is right because I would look at that and go, okay
It sounds pretty critical. Everybody knows what's going wrong right now, but what would you take on it?
Yeah, I think he said something like we're playing like face hit level five right now
So I hope there's no elo on the line because it could be a demo it's level four after that
But I think it's what you need sometimes to do is you understand the map is kind of over
I think it was 11-1 when he says this already you need to snap people out of it
Like people at this moment
We're focusing so hard on the things that just do not matter thinking about their opponents and what you're saying by this is
You're making it clear that your game is playing so poor that this is the main reason why you're losing the map
If you don't really address this, you're kind of saying, well, I think the other team is just better than us right now,
and that's not the approach you want to take. So, it's kind of like an approach of,
we've got nothing to lose, I'm just going to say something and snap my team out of it,
and maybe a miracle happens, but the most important thing is let's warm up for the next map,
and I think that kind of worked in a way.
Yeah, they got that effect, right? It's always difficult when you're, you know, losing by such a
big margin to answer your question, for it depends on the players, right?
Depending on which sort of players you have, Apex, we've interviewed him about it, talked to him and his players countless times.
Some of it is just venting your frustrations in a way, some of it is trying to get players to snap out of it.
For someone else, maybe the carrot works a little bit better, Miles might be one of those teams, but for some teams, you definitely need that stick.
Yeah, better out than in some may say, but our foot out of it as we move on to Dust2BetBoom's
map pick, of course, there was a lot of discussion about what they were going to be picking into
this one, but in terms of that record from BetBoom, Janko, what are we looking at here
that's going to maybe make it tricky for them?
I think it's similar to all the other maps when it comes to their CT sides, like they
can just do a lot of different things in terms of aggression, mid-round reactions, right,
they're going to be in your face, and then on T-side, they have enough like on this map.
T-Sates have been more of a struggle for them as Ash pointed out in stage 3,
but on Dust2 they have a couple of small combinations out of which they have different endings,
so it's not all reliant on finding openings and please God, give us a long spawn, right?
Like they have enough depth where even if things don't start off well for them,
they can still rack up a couple rounds of T-Sates.
Well, it certainly isn't over until it is over, but Bepp Room wants to get this job done fast,
and it's looking likely on the other side of this thing,
If foot can't battle back into this one, it's going down on DOS2 with a spot in the
and access on the line.
The best of Counter-Strike 2 available now on shop.esl.com
Oh, wait, my bad.
Settle your debates, search your profile on CS Stats, and turn on tracking to see all your games.
This is my first major that I have attended as a player.
I think I have different emotions than the other events, but I think we are getting
using the team to play like this big event like Atlanta, we played Cracow and all of a sudden,
but of course maybe it's a different feeling, you know, how to explain it with words, but it feels
good to be here.
When I joined with International Player, my mindset a bit changed like the way to speak
with international players and stuff like that because before like it's the mindset of like Albanians
it's a bit different how we speak.
For example Julio, when I started the iJail it was hard for me because I was new, I didn't know
most of the things and of course he helped me like with most of the things like he teach me.
I don't feel any big of pressure when I play. We didn't play yet in big stages, we played only
probably when it was like some people sitting like maybe around 500 something
like that for me it was all the same
on Mirage. He led his team by example, shut down in an incredible 11-1-1-1, but we did see a
resurgence from Foote in that second, but now it is due or die.
It took a turn talking to from Cooley at the halftime break to get his boys playing as he wanted.
Now can they carry that through onto dance to Bebham's turf?
The most oppressive thing about Pumic right there, he was definitely the most influential member.
The most influential man in the server, but he was still not without the MP9 in his hand.
It's really not rolling bad in years.
This is a big one. This is a big one.
A Stage 1 team are a single map away from the playoffs.
It seems an extreme Masters Cologne Major.
Always that one, don't we?
Didn't think it would be the team that didn't even have a roster coming into the event.
Xbox Smoke.
Another one there for Boomage to work with.
to lower, plush over, he hides. Bumich is actually going to bring that smoke over towards B.
Angergezz has to be very careful.
Watch his angle, perfect.
Oh, hi, the smoke! A jug stands for one!
Flamme the Flamme's down.
They'll wait for the smoke.
Rebeck is connected a couple of bullets there.
Soffin' them up. They'll have their numbers for this retake,
and it's going to be a smoke through the doors from the CT side to make things awkward.
Bumich throwing a smoke. Not really going to do too much, because they're coming in early!
Krebbeni down to Boomich, with good work on the block.
Still flooding into the site as Dillardes spotted on the brick side.
He's got two more on his screen and cemetery hits.
The necessary headshot to get foot started with the pistol.
See if I fucking keep them to a slow start this time round.
It was the force by Wars in the first three rounds of Mirage,
but Boom came out on top of that and then they ran with that.
They get the bomb in, they will be able to force.
They do like to take the eco, so I wouldn't be too surprised
to see them come for the fully coming the rifles into the next that's likely why
I bet them have such a miserable looking second round conversion
the buyers are starting to take shape there's glills on the table there's a
scout in the hands of Zorty there's five rifles for foot to defend their honor
they need to hold on to this foot oh great tag on the cross makes that look
easy. Jokes limping.
So I've got a rifle heavy there, a little bit more limited on the U-Tilt for the blocks.
So you need the CT setup to be in the right place to be able to stall this, unless you
to play retake and with the setup right now that's not the case. Kriveni with his HG is deep, not deep enough, excuse me.
Oh, spot's true. Oh, he's going to go down. Kriveni with empty hands, caught by Boomich.
Now, passing into the side, bit of a team flash, getting forward, getting clunky.
Cemetery's in trouble, gonna have to try and bail himself out around the smoke. It's easy,
pick his Boomich, two on the way in. Just like that, again, your celebration's cut short.
You win the pistol and now you have all of those M4s taken away by Beth Boone.
Yeah, Boone is already heading for the hills, right?
He's heading already straight through long doors towards T spawn to try and take away.
Longs is rifle.
Flammers starting to surge through the mid doors joined by Dillardez.
Bambages will stay with the bomb as long as they're able to find a safe haven.
Bomb still will get about halfway to go so they can
really try and track this one down.
Flammis is calling B clear and they know it's likely tunnels or teams spawn and what boomage has cleared out that so it's just longs now noted in the tunnels
It's completely pinned in
I coming from each angle right now
The only one not pushing the issue but Flammis will deal with it
And that's 1400 as the loss bonus this couldn't go worse for the start of Mount number two for foot
Go back down to reality very quickly
quickly. How much do you see? Just enough air play to boom it finding output. Cromeni's
going to be very frustrated about conceding that death and it got awkward for cemetery.
Molotov on site. But the time he emerges from that smoke that tag nine is right in his face.
Can they hold onto the force by wars with upgrades that are on this one? One of the
single rifles to dig was 357s and spring into action in middle.
Badminton has been the highest flyer up to this point, now the pressure is on, Boomage is going to take the wheel.
Impact for him in the early stages of Dust 2.
And they're looking to remedy their fate from their last two outings, lost to Mongols, lost to Fury,
but before that they were just laying down the lore against Gaming Gladiators, Liquid, M80 and Monty.
See if they can add foot to that list.
Smoke left in spawn to be able to block mid doors and channel them into A where the stack of the CTs currently resides.
Two long cemetery on the ramp, flammas, task with some info and every trick in the book right now to grab that
Keeps demon and longs planted for now
Jiggle smoke defense for jugs
Here comes a bit of an exec from boom, gonna try and throw him out
He can't throw the second piece of that without vision
So he manufactures it, gets his line up, Krabeni next to him and it's a big...
Oh God, it is just Jugs here.
Oh, and the Hitchhots through smoke.
Cemetery doesn't even really get to use his Deagle at all.
Jugs alone with a 5-7 versus the entire squad.
Better boom now, what's up?
He tapped it well.
Finds just the one headshot onto MagnaJazz.
Flammer's cut rotations with this position.
Team on top here, not going to be able to fight it cleanly.
Getting run out, making it as difficult as possible.
Fight as a unit and overcome these sidearms.
I think the demon to do have
Tim on stunk confirmed and
We're getting tricky with it early the short control make it look like an explosion
Turn on a dime pivot out the mid to be in the back a chance demon. No
Boomish knows he got away with murder there
I think that's going to show some of the woes talking about the youngest team of the major.
We're talking about a squad that was an academy this time last year.
Yeah, now, you know, we thought they graduated ready for the big leagues.
A temperature check from Bat Boom right now.
We'll have to be the eco.
I think when people hear the timeouts from Coolio, it's just that we need to shoot better, right?
timeouts from Coolio and just thought we need to shoot better, right?
They sit there and go, well, how's that helping?
But a lot of this for these kids is mental, right?
Being in this position so quickly into their careers, I'm not sure they have this expectation.
They definitely have this hope.
This is what everybody wants to make the playoffs of the majors.
Angel is going to get a chance right now in the Mac 10 to farm them up.
You said it best as well about that mouse win.
I thought that would put hair on your chest.
That would have the feeling.
We've got another race. We've got another race for Magnatiusk and on the Mac 10, so extra cash.
He's got eight grand in the bank.
He had that one to the highlight reel. It's definitely one of the flashiest, but it still counts a major race.
Sure.
It takes you closer. It takes you another round closer.
I think I was happy to see Foot wake up in the previous half, but again, it was way too late.
And it might happen again right now. This is a 3-1 start from Pet Boom.
It's already boosted up suicide with the AWP. There's not one on the other side and he won't hit a shot on the cross
Doesn't even take it
Benny and demon will make sure they get the long control and the good graces of that but we might apply in the pressure
They're early. They didn't even lob out a corner smoke. Sortie. Okay
Breaking for him nobody home on the corner cross there was a little bit off so
Eventually fortunate with that one now retooling towards short cemetery and demon be set up by Craveni's flash
still gonna pick this just backing his aim on this swing on his screen demon
puts him down swing for the follow-up longs active on the door side boom which
cognizant of that possibility and longs a dead man to boom just crouches into the
headshot six at one turn around again is boomage he's not stopping it's bad boom
train heading for the playoffs and it has no breaks right now.
Gamble stacking B hoping that it will be a B pop or a mid to B place just cemetery
over towards A. See if Krebbeni is reading lines of the major champ
Burmicz, short flash round for the cops that white screen doesn't count for too
much 35 seconds bombing up the tunnels they're pushing.
This jumps as well. He catches flak. Dillard Deswalf provide the trade. It's Krobenny, this unknown third piece
He's hoping to be completely overlooked. Betboom have no idea.
He's got to play this perfectly. They've got their knives out, mandling up right next to him.
He's gonna try and deny. Get to go for the double kill. These both, these both, one goes down, should be round.
It's Krobenny to deliver.
He was in the right place. He called himself into a one round and that's gonna close the gap.
Okay, so the start pays off, but probably not in the way they were looking for, but they are staying active.
So staying true to their identity foot and you might want to sit here and question some of their decisions
They're re-peaking why they're walking into this after the opening kills
Well, at least they're playing the way that we know this team can and does right you would hate to go out trying to be somebody else
That one was necessary
Do timeout call from coolio, so I think this will be more of a strategic adjustment than a pep talk
You're in this one early. It's just a one-round gap
extra cash has been stacked as you can see on our heads up display here so I'm
going down again will mean that Bebham can buy once more with the lost bonus of
1900 it's more foot would be in trouble if they end up winning and then losing
around in consecutive fashion so
likely why they've taken the extra 30 seconds to find the plan.
It's on Demon and Longs, off the cemetery.
Zorty has a long spawn to operate with right now.
This is the plan of Dust who is in flux, rounds can be decided just based off your spawns
and if you're willing to take the chance, well, Zorty is.
All sounds off.
Goes for like a time of hot demons already across.
And not far off the mark though.
Not far at all.
Decision to be made for Cemetery. We'll respect the flame backs away.
Locked on doors, Cravenny makes it so. We'll deny the first of the mid-cross smoke.
Now you think about the pressure already. OK, all's fired off long.
Now we're taking their spawns.
Molly to force back short.
Important from Cemetery.
Catches Magnajez trying to take some of that space away. Now he drops in, Delebesse takes the space,
long and cemetery peeks into Zorty.
Good find, Krobenny's been spotted on the side, they're ready for him. Delebesse easy on the uncrouch.
Catches the headshot and this is that worst case scenario you were talking about.
It's going to have to be the save here. We'll see if Betboom allow it.
He's going to make sure that they aren't attempting this retake, not going fishing to see if Bedbom overstepped the mark.
But right now, nobody is really springing to action to rip away these rifles.
Krebbeni there, left in such a difficult position.
Shot cemetery gets that open kill, but as soon as his long defense falls, he knows he has to press and try and take some space.
And they aren't going to be favorable fights.
So fourth round for Bedbom.
He continued to rack them up on the T side.
and longs and jugs will be given the good graces. So holding on to these two,
1900 loss coming into the next likely to be saved behind these guns. We might have
to really track the CT spawns. They want to try and be aggressive, right? Okay, if
they're for A, jump up short, try and press up cat. If you get the opportunity to
jump into lower tunnels, well Zorty has been boosted in some of these rounds, so
that's not going to be easy. And Coolio just took his time out, so you're not
going to see him take another off of that. To be Crveni having to make the call,
Gropeni's actually made a decent level of investment here. He's scoutin' some Kev.
Seen what this man can do with a scout on Dust2.
Cemetery and daemon essentially eco. So there's a tag early Gropeni.
Dishing out some damage on the break. Seen what they can catch.
Ooh, how about another one? I put it onto a sortie. Magniges returns fire with lethality.
Gropeni, the opening death.
Made it a whole lot easier for these USPs if they can find the targets of Magnetius and Zorty and while that scout can be picked up too, so Demon grabs down.
If he can take it back to A, can wield it like the Orpens, if they can cut them off at the cross.
Just jukes solo B right now.
Boomich, now moving short fire imminent.
Demon playing for a tag.
Pimperages though, already tagged by Kravani.
Now you swing, launched his well position for this, does well.
Takes down Zorty, Flamas in two mines.
The bomb needs to be retrieved over for a double swing to the smoke as well.
He spams away, the bomb makes it across.
He's going to be Flamas trying to parve for a 1v3.
Has to shave another one off, can't just go to a site here.
Understands that and is making the least likely rotation.
Could lead to a member of foot being completely caught off guard by this repause.
I see, here's a smoke in the molly.
If he gets up, oh, timing, timing!
D-man, adjusts! Nails it!
For a passer-tester!
If he gets up, sector clear, drops the smoke, plants the bomb, has the molly.
Flamme, a scourn flame on in that one, but keeping it to a one-round game.
And Krebbenny's scout right there doing a whole lot of damage.
See how easy that is, the conversion, and then the skip-dem-four gets to erupt into action.
Too much to consider here for Flamus, that was always going to be tough.
No matter who makes it to the Lang Sesse, it'll be your first time for all of these gentlemen.
Fist during the last time out, guys.
Whatever, ask from each other, you're playing a win.
Flamus gets away with a lot there.
I've only got him down to 30, but we'll be allowed to elope.
Oh, that's picking up that bomb.
Standard CT set up here, nothing aggressive towards short, nobody pressed up close, mid-doors.
Short smoke blocked in, and yeah, you can see this B set up just totter up in the side
There's so many flashes
It's really hard to see how Cemetery's meant to contribute with this AXQ coming
He should be completely flashed off the line while they scale
He can play this close wall for anti flash but he's into mines.
They're making their way across, he's missed the shot, some damage inflicted, sure.
From the defensive salvo, Krobeni's trying to get cheeky around the smokes, he's got
his back turned in.
No, Sortis just hit the no scope.
They get that opening, they get that bomb planted, it's so uncomfortable for foot now.
Extended parthing from the T smoke on top of their own, which is here to catch you as
you emerge. So aware. Trying to go off the flash, good find some team and it
longs. There's another. Oh, and Jokes is there. They know where Flamme says, caught through the smoke.
That was compromised. That was difficult, but foot prevailed. See once they're wrapped out of
the smoke there, the aim on display, some beautiful shooting. That's a tough situation.
The image didn't get blind there. It was actually looking straight down, so the flash didn't really
catch him. It's going to be the first time out from BedBoom. So, Fins back on the
my, you just saw there in the transcription.
That's going to lock from the team.
So, Magnetjust has bought in. We'll see if that is the follow-through. There's more
rifles available. Zorty has enough for an AK head armor and U-Till as well. It's
going to be till there's a boomer who have a choice. They want the Lilz or do
they just want to go with Tech 9s, Deagle's to have a surplus of U-Till to
make up for what Magnajez Zortie and Flamas will be lacking. It's gonna have to be the
pistol department you'd think. So here's that no scope, the opening incision you think of
this point. Five man on the side, the demon. Some sharp shooting off the back of that flash.
It's enough to rumble the post plant for a moment. Double nades ready for palm. Catch
that. Magna Jazz on his jaw.
He hasn't won that AK anymore.
Still scaling fast.
Yeah, this is going to force cemetery again.
They're so consistently hitting it with that.
You know he's got a preference.
Ones the gaps. They're out.
They're out.
They're already striding out long.
No one home from the CT side.
But you can't really fight for short.
You feel like you're in a bit of a box.
They're coming fast up.
This is brutal.
This is rapid.
Pick from Jukz, sure, but accelerating his boomage.
They regain control of Short just in time to take Shelter.
Sight conceded, Kroben comes forward.
And Kroben, he's found Flamus.
Sorti's looking for him around that smoke.
Kroben, he's doing everything.
Dillardes though, should have it.
Core out, easy pickings.
Four on three.
And Sendiari still not gonna stop the plant.
Sorti gets it in.
Good pick back.
Lorz has used the ult to great success.
There's Cemetery with another one.
It's just up to Sorti.
Too many bodies on his screen and Lawrence pulls it off with the AWP.
I have another smoke there on Dillard as I think he was trying to be a little bit tricky with that and gets picked in that little 4A.
But the devil's in the details here, the difference could have been made there if it was deployed.
And again, doing a great job of just alleviating a lot of the pressure.
Dillard has running up long, he's the late piece, just preventing this one right here.
The launch plane brave finds the gaffer to smoke. Dillardes looks like a
with a sore thumb sticking out there and it is that boom. Their finances are humbled here on the T side.
They get 2900 loss into the next but it's a three-round run from foot.
Can they make it four to be the longest streak on the map so far?
It's going to be a B-pop. So Jules and Cemetery are going to be tested and the fact that it's the
The AWP is part of this. It's a little bit concerning.
Jugs isn't able to stall them out and then Cemetery could take one off the pack.
Trying to sell it with the sound cues, a flash short, man, it just steps low and no one heard it.
No, but this is concerning because the AWP is going to be flashed off the line.
There's so much use for this. The smokes, they're the mollies and not.
Jugs needs to shut them down in the choke. Cemetery will be forced off of this.
Here comes the eruption.
Pace change.
Need more.
Jokes.
Tries to control the spray, but they're just jumping all over his screen.
It's impossible to track.
Cemetery.
Good find onto Flamers, but a second is asking too much.
There's an AWP in the post-plan.
Okay, this gets awkward real quick.
Zorty.
Dips towards the tunnels trying to use that time.
Task with the plant is magnetized in this awkward moment.
You can see that buys more time for the CTs to close the gap
and work out their plan on the way back in.
Boom, it's trained on Club N right now.
This late arrival tunnels, it's such a good angle for the AWP, it feels like a guarantee.
Krebbeni would have to go wide on an off angle, he's not going to do it, just walks into his demise.
Boomich makes it an advantage.
This B site bomb ticking up to Longs and Demon.
Feel like Boomich has set himself up to succeed here, again a power position for the AWP adopted.
And that time ticks away, going late.
Easy for Boomich with only Tech 9s and a bit of Kevlar, overrun on the B site, foot falter.
Bebum Thrive, 5 each.
You can just see with the setup here, it was the perfect call and Bebum aren't to know that,
but I think once the setup is identified, Bebum had Boomich who must be either taking the prep from the boss man
or doing the prep himself, but he went straight to tunnel parked up, was ready for that,
So, assuming that they went a three rifle shot up on A, that there must have been a push somewhere.
So, accounting for Krebeni, who did go around the world.
Well, Lockhorns again. Two rounds left of this half.
Flammage has a head of the flames there, scaling forward.
Dodging the damage mainly from the U2. Flammage starts at the sortie, finds Cemetery.
On the break.
Good pick.
Krobeni's playing a forward disruptive position to try and find a way back in
and equalizing frag would be everything. There's a flash for Longs, he's in trouble.
Oh, Cleeve!
They haven't cleared him, Longs has no idea they're behind him.
Hang on a second, he gets one nearly the second!
Jokes so much work to do, same corner, Zorty plucks Krobeni from the sky
and it's just the Bianca left.
And they found him.
That boom all post a sixth.
Crazy moment for Longstair.
Two players part through when he's got the white screen,
but unable to find that double kill.
Jugs needed more help.
They'll scrub together what they can here.
Fought the final round of play of the half.
You can see how premeditated that was, right?
The backs turn, ready to part through the smoke.
Longstair able to shave one off.
Needed the double.
Jugs was already under so much pressure,
and it's always a great round from him.
Petrolling the rotations.
He also found that opening fig.
Yeah, he's playing well.
Going to exploit Leia Long here with a pop.
Demon is not playing it at all. They're taped 3B.
Good flowers, go.
They must have B popped to essentially an eco,
and then a B split, so they do not want to have that happen again.
They spring into action, they take full upper tunnels control.
That's information, but information that you're in the wrong place.
It's just how quickly Bebon can accelerate this.
You don't really have an awful lot to block with.
I'm just throwing out an Xbox smoke.
Excuse me, it's a mid to break.
Yeah, but still, Semiconductor's in the open, he's been bugged by the Zorzi flash, not only is he open up a storm, he's set him up for brilliance.
Breaking through the defences, foot getting torn, limb from limb, piece by piece, falling into place,
Betboom 4-7 on this T-side.
Only Krobeni, he's been putting up a good fight.
Some impactful frags, even if it is only 4,
and it will stay that way on the half-time break.
Betboom in the lead, in it for the knockout bloater foot.
Playoffs are calling their name.
There's the flash that's gonna catch creeps out, they're gonna push up through, and if
you can't get through, the creeps are straight out, they got six out of them, triple!
I'm fine, I think I'm not done yet.
Can you believe it?
Like let's try to chill a little bit because we have panic attack every fucking time and
we don't know what's happening in the map and we have to say, don't scream so much,
you are repeating inputs 3 million times, we are repeating things 5 million times, we
know we have to clear this thing, we don't need to pressure up.
stress high understandably the court is all spiking as bet boom are in the
lead as we come to what could be the final half of play for foot at the
major playoffs so tantalizingly close for bet boom now a CT side of already
got the lead a pistol would be another leap in that direction we've got
magna jazz who's playing well throughout the series continuing to
immediately apply pressure spotted it was middle demon throwing out that smoke
grenade. Understandably, four major rookies on that foot roster. You've managed to fight
back from a 0-2, what felt like a condemnation at the start of stage three.
I think the pressure is something that's hard to define, but essentially it is stress,
and they're feeling it now.
And it affects everything, your decision making, your aim, your grip on the mouse. Suddenly
that chair doesn't feel right.
Did a dare's prime for this.
He's used that one tap on the swing.
Hasn't been able to find that first bullet accuracy,
but they're starting to advance.
Launches are in the sights.
Semitre hits it on the long range P250.
And Magnajez Gouche, drama's caught on the jump.
Good work from Probeni.
Patient in the lower tunnels has got foot set up to succeed.
A must win pistol for their campaign back into this game.
No reason they can't do it.
It looks like Pet Boomer called on this off.
Magnajez heads for the hills to hold onto the Kevlar.
Zordy has Nades, Kevlar and Jules, it's just a bit of a boomage here, he's going to look for a couple of frags to add to the coffers.
So this pistol round will go to Foot.
He's just begging for a little overstep.
Might be found by Longs.
So that one is going to fill them with confidence, it's going to have to come with a conversion though.
That's both pistols for foot in the map. That's what they were unable to achieve in the first
half of play. So that sixth round comes with just three kills. And it sounds like a tech
timeout has been called. We'll see how long that lasts. No molly for buck plat, so you
have to win that fight. That's very important for cemetery. That wasn't easy. Just dealing
with pixels, but once the site is overrun,
a bit of an understanding is gonna be tough to get in.
So with the headsets off,
we'll refrain from talking about
what the buyers could be looking like.
And this is not the moment you want to be having issues
with your in-ears, but see if they're able
to fix this for cemetery.
And then he told to put his headset back on,
and that's just the way she goes.
There's nothing.
So it might be a little bit longer for us
to be able to sort this.
A moment for everybody to take stock of the situation.
These are the kind of situations I can't help but assume
would favor those with experience,
and there isn't many of those in the server.
Yeah, you're really just looking at the image, aren't you?
There's already been an ice cream for a while,
Magnetjez popping off as a pugman. Flammeis a couple of majors ago was a very exciting prospect
and then Dillardez who I can cope and hang in with nine pandas was denied his first major opportunity
he has been making the most of it as the official substitute for that boom here in Koloj. He is
one of the starting five. He's just been played with roster issues throughout the season and
entered up with Xorty and Flamas coming onto the team, Flamas the man on screen, he's technically the standing.
On loan, also benched. And then on loan again. So it is a weird scenario to say the very least.
And yet it hasn't stopped them from putting up a fight against stage three teams.
They're hoping to avoid squandering and to zero start to the stage.
I found Blumich's interviewer regarding that really kind of interesting, intriguing,
just talking about how he's like not visualising playoffs, even when he was 2-0.
I think the interview was after that 2-0.
And he still talks about the fact that the 2-3 was possible.
I guess maybe, you know, keeping things realistic, but...
That's off the bonus, right? They've dealt with the Mongols and Falcons.
They lost to Furia and Vitality.
Understandable.
And three of those four names are in the playoffs.
So, it looks like there's been some assistance from Krebhany, and we should be getting cemetery
sordid in a moment.
Always good to have spares.
Tell you, I wouldn't want to be untangling a pair of headphones in front of thousands.
Well, especially knowing that you just converted that pistol, and in the first half, you weren't
able to convert off the back of it.
Yes, right.
again now. Foot have been impressive throughout the season. Last year in the late stages,
they started to make a name for themselves. I don't think anybody questioned the firepower
output of these players and they are young men. They are only going to grow in their
experience. I think to have expectations for their match with four of the five of their
first major to go to playoffs is insane. But both teams would be quite happy to have drawn
each other in this 2-2 game. That's a fair summation. Yes, I'm one's going to make it.
And the bracket in Tata's, but that's a conversation for the desk. That's a conversation for the
conclusion of play. So it's plugged in.
Now VG2 has the last battle for the last spot upon the conclusion of this.
That's the main course I don't need to start.
The headset's on.
Just checking to make sure everything's working.
He's given the nod, he can hear what he needs to hear and cemetery looks happy.
Okay, thank you for bearing with us.
And now the headsets are back on. In Israel we can start talking about the potential of
this Beppin force. So another two players save the kev. That's going to make this a
whole lot juicier. Doesn't sound like a lot but the fact that you can now focus on the
weapons in hand is a famous on the board. Which will date CZ, a couple of 5-7s and an
starting four strong on A, and applied the first hole that is this long control, and they've got it.
There's been no contests for that, and that's nothing that Foot can just erupt off the back of.
Let's move towards B, Dillardes, questioning playing ahead of this.
That's been thrown in quite early, strong the rotation of the image back over towards the B,
so it manages making his way as well.
It looks like I'm just going to sell the short play, and if they go short to A, that's fine,
That's fine. They can have this will hedge for long will hedge for be and right now the gamble appears to be in the right place
The biggest problem is the Famous ain't here
But I'll close a 5-7 and a CZ they can shred
This is everything the full beings toolbox Molly amount to come in the flashes the Spokes
They can have everything to try and breach this site and that really is second round conversion back to back
Into the trap did it as snaps one head
Awkward for Magrajes, gets no output on the MP9, some damage CZ, can't find a follow-up.
And that famas, as you discussed, is on Zorthy.
40 seconds begins now, if they want to give this a go.
Oh, they're definitely giving it a go now.
Falling, because he's just dunked on Joe, it's a close!
Oh, he's into the head!
Kubenny, counting on Cemetery to save foot.
Or is this just going to be another foot fault in that second round conversion?
They're going to unify, they're going to strike exactly in unison.
Flamme through the smoke, he hits that first head, he presents his back, oh!
Swings, salty punches, but Boom denied the foot conversion again.
That is brutal.
What a call from Boom.
How little information was given, how did he know?
He started immediately moving magma jazz and himself over to be right at the start of this round
That may have been any better place to bomb
It goes down the time it's against them
But Zorty doesn't have any problem finding the trade cemetery into minds expected the windows swing
And now they know the buyback on the other side. It's gonna come through fortunately extra 600 bucks for foot cemetery
We're gonna take this longs for
Sorti's got the opening kill, Cropani gets an empty hand for the scout cemetery charging
to try and find something on the long side, Flammus around the corner, and look at Magna
Jez.
He's not hearing this.
Yeah.
Demons got the scout, Demons got the bomb, he's hit the shot, tags up Magna Jez, information,
pulls Longs away to try and lend a hand.
The whole squad in fact completely evacuated.
Look who's on the line.
Sorti's AWP.
U.P. After all his hard work, his clutch, and now he can make another incisor, just walk
into their demise, or he removes launch. Even the spray from Magritch has inflicts
heavy damage to Demon. They are in jeopardy. This could be it, that could be another lethal
made Demon, just around the corner in time, but they're swinging on this. Boom is what's
And Boomer's will take two, make it three!
Flood are in trouble!
They're going to e-turn out.
And this one's gotten out of control.
That Boomer in the driver's seat.
We can almost taste those playoffs.
And this Flash.
Reblind Mice.
Kill the two of us!
WAAAAAAAH!
WAAAAAAAH!
WAAAAAAAH!
The Benny.
He's out of the scout.
Last time he did this on the CT side, found a couple of tags.
It's glocks around this and demon with a deagle trying to slug it long.
Rally's off a shot.
Pressure on Flamas.
It's away with the ROOM.
Scout.
Tags onto Zorty.
He needs to get out of it now and hit through the doors as well.
So Zorty needs to turble up.
Magnet just taking space.
So much space, completely surges forward and then heading towards their spawn.
So any sort of pivot B, it feels like Magnejez is gonna guarantee to shred some glocks.
This one should just be a formality for Betboom's 10th.
And this is that position we were discussing, Magnejez is going to be presented with a couple of bodies with their back turned.
Wow, they actually peek it. They check it. They get the information and are searching in towards Zorty, a HG grenade that could find something Long's has with a Glock.
They're into the site, not with a bomb cemetery. Oh god, he has to-
Hit this! He's lost the bomb! Magnetist takes it away!
Brutal! Nice from Jugs. He's given him hope once more.
Boomsh is up close with Flamas in tow.
Recovered weapons. That's the bomb.
Needed that from the window. Houseboost stabilized. Two demons couldn't finish it on the dig.
He's going to have to go down to the farmhouse. It's into Jorgs!
One-handled Flamas! Crazy round! So much output from Foot, but it's still not good enough.
Just an eco right there, and that's still damn close Foot.
So their second tactical timeout. Cool you back on the mic. It's now or never.
They want to extend their major hopes and dreams. It needs to begin here.
They want to extend their major hopes and dreams, it needs to begin here.
That boom, just three rounds away. And they've just been so much more clutch.
You look at Mirage now, look at Dust2 and they are getting away with these rounds, snatching them.
The jaws are foot and they're not in a position where they should be even close in the previous,
so they're still right there. They're keeping the pressure on, they just have to break through.
You can hit the pistol to start the second half, to wipe those woes away.
It's just the clock, it's just the clock, right?
What's he meant to do?
It's not the weapon for the job.
Lethal's whamers.
You see that's not a crazy celebration and understandable frustration.
No, they could have snatched about one of their own.
So he starts to ult long.
This man's been closing and opening rounds on Dust2.
They've been able to garner full control.
I think I just could punish over the top of that smoke.
It looks like it's puffed up just enough but he can't perforate.
Image comes over to lend a hand, right?
Rotating right flush.
Does he want to call a gamble and stack over to what's beat?
No.
from the utile already there's more when that came from boomers throws out a
HG shy of the mark like damage done
The longsword is a trap in the middle and they're going to spring it open, catch his
long completely unaware as Krobani looks like he could be their next victim.
Applying pressure is jugged towards B, keeps the attention drawn.
Now, you took the Zorty to relay. That's the fight Maggages was waiting for.
Krubeni crouching, and patience on the shot. Zorty removed Seljensjigel.
An 11th round imminent for Betboom.
Jokes has been spotted by Dillardes just on that pixel.
Staying so dynamic, he's got that information one way.
Jokes finding it, but he needs Maggages.
Just clean, hang on, finding that headshot something,
but Boomich stops Demo from escorting the bomb
and the round is one.
Boomich closes it down, four and 11th.
Another multi-kill for Boomich,
and that one was a whole lot easier
than what the eco was, wasn't it?
That boom swatted away the rifle round,
the now foot have no choice but to take a partial.
12 feels destined for that boom right now.
Is this fairytale, the fact that they've made the run
from stage one all to this 2-2 game.
I'm not gonna score into the stage, wins against
Amy Gladiators, Liquid, Gamer Legion, Monty,
Mongols, Falcons, and looking to add foot to that list.
Playoffs worthy.
Overcoming the hardships, the curveballs in the roster.
Now you just need two rounds.
and all of five of them will see the Lancet Arena for the first time.
I feel that it is now or never.
The injured individuals from that boom just don't seem to have been consumed in the same way Foot have
by this moment, by the pressure.
They're playing it their way and they do it at the clutch as you highlighted they've managed to keep their call under that pressure
Fanny mid presence into a long pop. Okay, so I'm a stand-in fight
Have this work cut out for him
He's got another he where that came from they could be exposed by this he gets information on the swing from longs
Agnes just runs through the flames to ensure the complete info on Tons.
Flammeis talks in tight towards Longenna, what's coming?
Yeah, you get blocked.
If you run past, you're going to just be flooding into Flammeis.
Bermish and Flammeis combine.
Jugs and Demon gone. Accelerate into Zorty.
He's not missing those. He's not missing any shots.
And so the 12th are guaranteed.
Beppu has such a good read on the situation.
Bermish again towards the top of the scoreboard.
This man is hungry. He wants the playoffs.
And he's playing like a man possessed right now. This is beautiful work.
The in-game leader just having the read on what foot they're getting up to round and round again.
Always in the right place. Always with that info ahead of the play.
And again they find themselves cornered.
Foot with margin for error reduced to zero.
They're in a tougher spot back on Mirage, but again, it's the mental game. It's hard to understand.
It's easy to witness.
Oh, Houdini killed immediately.
But this one far from over.
Committing.
Saulty gets the info on his strafe.
Hanging ahead of the smoke. Oh, they caught it off.
If they were to, Boomage would have just racked up a couple from the composition.
Limited U-Tilt.
The pressure is at its highest right now. Round 19, will it be the last round of the Major?
Boomage caught with that smoke, out throws it down just in time to replenish.
got to fight with Demon. Another one. Triple kill from Demon when cornered.
Trying to fight his way back into another round of play on Dust2.
There's a chip in from Cemetery. Dilladez alone up against four.
He's already found the first two. A headshot available. Denied by Jugs.
Demon has done what was required of him to extend play.
OK, he was already finding that opening pick.
It's hard to believe they've just called that one back, but they scrapped for it.
5 round game now. It's hard to see how they piece this together.
Here's that opening pick.
He said he's not missing. He's hitting absolutely everything and continues to add openings to the tally.
6-1 after that.
This pushes straight up mid.
They're taking some confident moves. Just trying to throw that uppercut like that.
caught looking the wrong way on the top of the car then they recede no trade available
and for overcome another man's discrepancy
Got the pick.
All you need is the round and the playoffs are yours for Benny down to Magnajez. A rough game from him.
Beautiful break, but it does. Dips away, that Nade does a significant damage and missed shot from Zorty and now the Bianca's gone.
It's Jugs that's made that sorry, but here's Magnajez.
Cemetery cut out of the round and it seems like a certainty.
Bomb pressure on, nice one again from Jugs, stepping up.
It's exactly what they needed to facilitate the plan, but they're so close and Magnetjes
and Boom ain't missing much, Flamas late from Tons.
Tension mounting.
The smoke spewed forward, gives them options on the approach.
Buying time for Flamas to get up close.
Using every second that bomb timer gives them, they're going to try and flood out the window.
He has to track the moving targets.
Logs gone, handle it, and they've done it.
to the playoffs! The first time for all five.
Boombl4 just led his team all the way to the playoffs from stage one of the Cologne Major.
A Cologne champ in 21, but it will be all of their first time in that stunning L'Anxess arena.
It's hard work for Betburn having to cobble this together throughout the Major.
The playbook starts to run thin. They think they're going to squander that 2-0 from the
in the stage with the Dillard as this man was one of the nine pandas denied the
opportunity to play back at Copenhagen he's the substitute here and in his
first major he will make the playoffs on the other side for foot they say losses
are learnings well no tougher lesson than this footer eliminated
a journey that began all the way back in stage one through every twist and
turn, Betboom have come out the other side and that is exactly what is so admirable about this squad,
despite their fair share of challenges along the way, despite them feeling a stand in Yanko,
they still make it to top 8 at the Colour Major. It's absolutely impressive stuff from Bumic and
the squad and then props to him and their coach as well from dealing with so much uncertainty,
going back to even making the Major, like you have to remember they're going to these regional lands,
tier 2 tournament just to a poor enough point, they had two standards, like Zorty isn't even the
the main offer for this team. It's hard for us. Someone had to give up the slot once they qualified
with a five-man roster with two standings. So it started a long time before stage one really for
BedBoom and then showing up and just being so dominant against lower tier opposition,
not doing so well against the top five teams, but you don't need to. They earned their spot here
in the 2-2 game against FUT and they absolutely dominated today for a spot in the Lancers.
Yeah, absolutely. It cannot even argue that they deserve this. They play against nightmare opponents here.
Mongols starting off with the B Falcons, they play Vitality, Fury, then even FUT as well.
These are teams you really do not want to play against. It's like a playoff run just to get
to the players. So fair play to them and I've got to shout out as well to the coach. Like you
mentioned, this team has really evolved and kicked on the stage this year and it seems like he's
are being the biggest change. Yeah, against all the odds, despite every single challenge
they face, Betboom make it back inside. At Langsess, of course, it's a place that a
boomage might have been a little bit familiar with. Congratulations, boomage, making it to
the playoffs. Tell me your emotions right now. It's crazy emotions to be back on the major and
with Stendon, we got the playoffs right now. It's amazing feelings and I'm really happy.
That first map, it just felt like you could do nothing wrong. You were having a great game
individually, how much easier does that make calling when you have an individual?
After two lost matches versus Vitality in 4A, I understand like I'm experienced
player and I should prove it in the last match because it's 2-2 and really
stressful for everyone I think and the foot is a young team and I understand
I show myself, you know.
Bumic, huge congrats. We were mentioning how, you know, just to make it into the
major, you were going to tournaments with stand-ins, you were able to get it done.
the uncertainty around your roster, you know, even in Atlanta and here,
how are you guys able to play on such a high level as a team
with all these different players coming in and out?
Oh, you know, the first thing, it's don't feel the pressure because of the result
and just trying to evolve day by day with our coach and a lot of work, you know,
that's all, nothing special.
I have to ask you about the veto today,
it was a weird one when you both run the same map and you both struggle in an overpass.
How was this for Prep and who decided which map you were going to risk?
Because you played very risky today with the Vio.
You know, we understand that both teams are not playing Ferna and they should ban it,
or maybe we are ready to play if it will be the third map.
And we understand they will ban Nuke because it's a shaky map for them and win percentage.
So we were understanding we will pick this too because Nuke is banned.
So everything was going like on our plan to expect that the maps that were played today
Yeah, and I asked as well because Magnus is he joins the team last year
He was a very aggressive player to put it lightly
How was it being for you trying to call her on the play who was that aggressive?
But he doesn't seem as aggressive now and it seemed like it's more the magnet is is really like star player
He can do a lot of work and he's have the really good understanding of like CS like what's happening
but I think today he was a little bit like, I don't want to say stressed,
but I think he really wants to win and do it with the playoffs.
So sometimes I was feeling on T-side on those two,
he was a little bit stressed because some situations I think we lost like,
it was half 7-5, but still I understand like it should be like 9-3 or something like this.
I believe you got a T-side moment to show, Pimic, where you got him.
Yeah, I want to ask you about this round, it was the E-code that you basically
And first, even with the buy, both you and Zorty stay on Glocks, obviously buy a lot of utility.
So was this just something that in your prep you knew, if you had a round like this,
if you do a B-exec with a lot of utility, it can just work against how they play?
No, it's just our B-pop, but at the start of the round I say let's do eco-west, win one scout,
and let's play full buy round to next, but Magnus just says,
Okay guys, we can buy a little and try to do the beep-up, you know, and it works
Yeah, and you mentioned about managers and maybe a little bit stressed today
Did you have that feeling about food as well?
That they were feeling the pressure a bit on the server. Yeah, I think they have really a lot of pressure
It was feeling like on the server, you know, unless you guys have any more questions
I just wanted to ask you one more boomage. We've been talking so much up here about your redemption arc as a player
It's amazing to see you back with this team as well.
What does it actually mean to you to prove it yourself,
to make it back to a major playoffs?
It's everything for me because I really love Counter-Strike
and this is life for me.
And it's great emotions to be back on the lands,
big tournaments, a major and right now, play of the major.
So I'm just happy. It's nothing I can add.
Bumich, we absolutely love having you back.
Congratulations. We'll see you in the line-facer in a couple of days.
that is right. It's that boom
locked and loaded into the class
of course, only one more spot
remains today, but that boom are
going to be advancing at the
expense of foot and this was a
mean, obviously, Matt one goes
without saying statement way to
start off the series. Anco and
I think the insight that he was
providing us there for that dust
to as well. I love that he's
talking about. He's got to
remind himself. He's an
experienced player, right? You
take those two hours, but there's
Yeah, super impressive to make it that and you just love that from a leadership side, right understanding like hey
I'm a major champion. You know, like I know how to do this
I've been here before I have some young guys who maybe now where we're one game away from the playoffs
Now they get nervous right even though you have a stand-in and you're not really expected to make it this far
so realizing that and
one thing to take more stock on the server and then delivering with the game that he has had today is just
It's really amazing stuff from BoomblMage.
Yeah, I think you count on the value of that experience.
It's really important this stage when the game is this close and there's pressure.
He will know what to say in the right moments.
He knows when to calm them down, when to fire them up.
But you have to have this.
And this kind of, I think this is where football was struggling quite a lot.
They relied a lot on the coach to do this.
And I think that all these players, like 19 years old or something ridiculous.
So it just felt like they were far from their best, not only in this game and the others,
but they need experience to learn from this and next time they'll come back stronger.
Yeah, of course, with Betboom advancing into playoffs,
unfortunately, does come with the expense of foot.
So let's get a few closing thoughts
courtesy of Krebbeni and Trace.
Foot might have had some of the crowd on their side here,
but for foot itself, they are going home.
It's been a long, long journey here for foot
at the Intel Extreme Masters Cologne Major in 2026.
It comes to an end in stage three.
You guys got destroyed on map one.
Were you missing or was it that Betboom played better?
I think we just didn't show up on the first map,
I think also on the second,
they were shooting much better than us.
I think today was the day where I felt
since I am in this team,
but we had a lot of pressure.
I think everyone had a lot of pressure.
We couldn't do any moves,
we were just waiting for them to kind of fuck us together.
Which is what it comes down to.
I mean, look, you guys grabbed the last three rounds
of the first half on Dust2, 7-5,
you win the second pistol.
And at that point did you feel that life come back? Did you feel like this is it? We might jump back into it?
Of course we had hope after we win pistol
But hopes kind of in the showdown after we lose the second like also in Mirage we lost
I think two antiforces which fight our economy so hard so
After we lost this antiforce and we couldn't win the third round. It was so hard to get back
So that's one of the roughest rounds to come back from and it's not necessarily the results
that I think Fult would have hoped for here in Cologne Major, but tons of growth, youngest
team at the Major.
Tell me, Kirbini, what happens next?
I think now we'll have maybe some weeks off, like two, three weeks off after, I don't know
what will happen with him.
Not sure, I don't know.
There's no telling which, who's sticking around, maybe not, maybe someone's going.
I don't know, there is no info, I don't know anything, but let's hope for the best after this season.
Of course, maybe we had a rough practice before coming here, and players coached me, we were expecting
maybe how we played now, like maybe this was the minimum, but for me,
player was at least like the minimum and of course not happy with his results.
Yeah, and it's got to hurt in this moment. I can understand that. I can totally see and understand.
You guys had 356 rounds of Counter-Strike played here in Cologne before this match started today.
Is there anything you want to say on behalf of Foot for the time you spent in Cologne for the major?
I mean, it was great in this tournament. First major for four of us as a players and that coach
also. Of course, it was an amazing tournament. I think we enjoyed so much, but I think for
the next ones probably we'll have less pressure because this was like the
maximum of pressure but I felt the team has commiserations my friend and
good luck. And it's such a rough one to hear Kobeni just echoing your sentiment
Yanko they felt the pressure today and they just collapsed under it. Yeah it's
unfortunate they've been probably the most entertaining new team sort of in
the tier one circuit to watch this year provide us with a lot of entertaining
moments great results also lifting the trophy over there in Bucharest so yeah
I think we'll see more of them a bit of foreshadowing maybe or uncertainty
regarding the roster I mean we'll see if they get picked apart last offseason
they were talking about how they decided to stick together no matter what you
know and even if people had offers so we'll see if that's the case moving into
the second half of the year. Yeah definitely won't get picked apart I've
never experienced that before. It's been a great season for them so they should be
the game. I think that's the
best chance to be happy about
the play. This is slight week
six makes the gameplay overall.
I kind of have them as around
the top 10 level, and I think
today if they played against
like a Navi, for example, I
think they might have had a
better chance because I feel
like they had expectations to
win because it was better than
when they saw an opportunity
and their level today was
really off. I guess if we just
kind of contextualize this from
the beginning of the year to
now, obviously we're talking
about the disappointment that
they're feeling in this
moment because playoffs was
We weren't exactly sure what these guys were going to be delivering, of course, picking up a trophy as well back at PGL.
So there's a lot to be proud of, but you can identify with the emotions that Cabine is feeling right now, and it's that close.
Yeah, and you're always having those expectations. I mean, a lot of people, including myself, had them making the playoffs.
Albeit it was a tough run, faced some tough opposition. They were the favorite in this matchup.
And the inexperience in the end was the reason for their demise, right?
and there's no shortcut to that, there's no teaching experience, you just have to go through it
and I'm sure next time you know they're in a similar situation this loss today will help them
to overcome that final. Experience is one thing that obviously comes with time, you can't take a
fast trap to that right, but during this offseason Yankee if you were in charge, if you were pulling
the strings, would you be making any changes here? Well I mean I'd probably try to upgrade on
if I could. I think it's just been a liability, it's been inconsistent, right?
And finally the tournament that they win, he's the MVP. So like once he had like a
good run in the tournament, it really elevated them. But for the rest, I think,
you know, they're in a pretty good spot with the players that they have. They have
good talent there. I don't know if you know, Demon might be another name that
they're thinking, could we get like more out of this. But Yosha shouldn't underestimate,
a group that's been together for so long, they're going to be, you know, it's going
to be more difficult for them to make really any changes and still there's you know the
inexperience holding them back somewhat so maybe they want to ride it out for another
season and see if that's going to be enough for them to hit the next level.
I think as well like if they look at the experiences perhaps even of gameleague when
we change Slend and mouseports when they've changed the players here as well they might
think unless there's like a real massive candidate to take over for someone like Symmetri which
seems like that's potentially the biggest upgrade you're scared to do that in case you
kind of lose what you already have. So I think I've seen flashes of symmetry to see like the
player that you could be in the future that he needs to keep evolving his game. But I think for
now I would do my best if I was them to keep everything together, building the overseas and
the sea kind of what it's going to be like when they are the favorites in a lot of these series
when people do know about the team. And that's the thing, right? There's two sides to this. One is,
you know, can they do this by their choosing of staying together? But what are you alluding to,
Ash? Obviously, what if somebody else comes in and tries to pinch a player or two? Do you think
that could happen in this offseason? I've seen it before so I would say yeah. I think that this is
going to be the hardest test for football as an organization and for the players as well. Are they
happy being at this level? Maybe they think they can get a better chance. Some teams are looking at
this all because they're so young thinking this could be demon or jokes could be like the future
anchor for the next five years of my organization or could be an eating game leader or even lounge.
So it's going to be difficult and if they really want to stay together that's the main thing that
that we're keeping together that I'm sure will be getting some good offers.
Yeah, I think it gets a bit tricky in that department because if you're looking at a
car banning a guy who definitely can frag from that in-game leader position, but it's also
can he talk the same way to maybe a team that has more veterans on the roster, right? And like it's
also a matter of having the right fit. Probably if you had to name one guy most likely that
to be getting offers about it is probably Jugs at this point in time.
Well, I know we have one more game to be rounding out today, and it's a big one, so stay tuned for that.
But we can take a bit of a creative look at the playoffs bracket, because with the Buckles system,
whatever's going on there, we do have some of the matches cemented. Most of them,
oh my gosh, the top side of that bracket, holy hell, Janko.
That's brutal. Like, that's absolutely brutal. The pairings are locked as well, so whoever wins
out of Navi and G2 in our final game today is going to be facing Team Spirit, and then Falcons and
and vitality also on that side of the bracket is brutal.
So both 3-1 teams are playing each other?
They have 2 3-1 teams after playing.
I am fortunate.
This is going to be a crazy sort of bracket.
So there is an underdog potential to fly through.
But maybe Fury go into this thinking the same way perhaps
Ft. Ft. Ft. today against Betboom.
They're going to make it through,
and then we could have even more upset.
Betboom breathing a sigh of relief?
draw like it is arguably much easier than the one not much easier but
objectively you look at the names that is easier than being at the top right I
don't think that boom would be considering the playoff bracket yeah I
think they're just thinking about you know winning the game and getting into
the playoffs and then whoever comes next right like you you're playing with
house money at that point but obviously they're going to have their chances
fury I had a similar situation I mean in Budapest and in Austin right where on
paper their side of the bracket was easier right especially they were the
number one ranked team in the world going into Budapest right and I think that's
you have seven players so long as well we have days off as well this is only five
six days yeah and they're going to you know into a hotbed boomers have a
similar thing where that can be you know very risky it can be difficult also
going up against 9z right the south of that or South American team Brazil
versus Argentina that's going to be absolutely crazy but yeah the main
favorites are all in the top side of the brackets right Vitality Falcons in the
quarter-final honestly that's probably one of the better teams that Falcons
could have faced because we talked about them playing up to the level of their
opponent yeah Vitality is the number one favorite to win the whole event but
Falcons have had are the team that has had the most success against them in the
last six months or so. It's true I love how you're framing that as well because I
could I if I was partners ago oh my god as if as if I've drawn vitality leave me
they would rather play vitality than they would that boom or 9z or or any of
these teams right they don't know how to play I think it's just the biggest
falcons fun I think vitality will win well either way we do need to find spirit
they're called a final opponent and I think we might have just saved the best
game until last day that is because of Navi arrived back to try and put their
spot in the Lancers, but they'll have to take down G2 if they want any hopes of achieving
The best of Counter-Strike 2 available now on shop.esl.com.
The 2-2 match here for G2, I've got Saul, the coach over there for G2, talking to me
a little bit before we get into this one.
Now for the 17th major appearance for G2, only making playoffs five times.
It's all too familiar a matchup for G2, and the last two majors you guys found yourselves
in the 2-2 matchup at the very end. Why are you the way you are G2?
We just like to make it close, right? Make it for the entertainment.
But for sure it's also the best teams in the tournament and it's going to be tough always.
So it's going to be a good fight today again.
Yeah, it absolutely will. Let's ask the question if you can run back to the Aurora game.
It's a 1-1 game. How did they get that 2-0 over you in the best three?
I think they were just sharper on the day, like we didn't show up exactly how we wanted,
not in terms of like energy communication, just basics in the end.
But they showed up and played a good match of CS and 2-0 for them.
We didn't really have a position in the game at any point, so it was a tough match that day.
I feel like we see flashes of brilliance and sharp play from the side of G2,
and then other times it is G2 back to normal business.
As a coach, how do you kind of harness these guys and make them play correctly properly?
properly. We hear the coach of foot approaching it one way in his comms. What would you do?
I mean in the end it's about consistency right and you just need to push the team you need to
figure out what's the right way in different different days different approaches so
about motivating about pushing making sure we do the right things on the server and we stay focused so
it's obviously hard the longer the tournament is to stay consistent in that way but we just
gotta find it somewhere and then push towards that consistency and reach the playoffs here
now today. On the day that nobody wants to find themselves playing Counter-Strike it will at least
in this manner. Tell me what makes that Navi team a threat in the server. I mean they play good
Team CS and lately also they've been showing good form not necessarily here in this tournament so
much but they will always be a dangerous team with like with the basics the fundamentals they have
in the game and the map pool they have like they have good basics good individuals also but not
not so much this our player as some other team so team CS I would say anything
you could tell us you looked at before we began the game today for him the
side of Navi nothing special I don't know the smile says otherwise thank you
very much so thank you strategic genius he's also known as blade you can call
him anything you want but you're gonna have to call it a 2-2 match for either
playoffs or elimination blade you guys are no strangers to the situation hell
You've been here several times
Let's talk a little bit about some of the road up to this point at the 2-2 elimination mark
You tell me about that game versus the Falcons. Let's start there
It was tough match very close one. I think that we were
Really close to winning 11-6
But then we were struggling a little bit. I think we could play more confident and
And this kind of team, Falcos, if he gives them space to play, they are playing differently.
And I think they're not so good on this map, and we gave them too much space to play.
In 1916, overtime loss on Math 3 of Anubis. You guys went out on clutches there. How do you think Anubis fell apart?
Eventually, they got in this state where they, like, let's say, picked their potential.
like their strengths is individual firepower okay and we allowed them to
be activated. So it was a mistake because at this point when it was OT this is
where they like like where they hit the hardest you know like this is a real
power for them. Which is a scary thing once you get into OT you know who's
really in control who's driving the bus at that point. Navi's and Org you guys
have been here 24 majors now you may play offset 18 of those 24 tents out of
your four series in cologne this go around which one do you think benefited
Navi the most which one did you guys learn from the most here in cologne this
year you mean matches with the plane cologne maybe legacy I think the legacy
because we need to bounce back with something and it was important much
for us. Last time Navi Miss Playoffs was in Perfect World Shanghai 2024. You know, I can
imagine that was a bad feeling, right? I imagine that that's a haunting feeling. Tell me, how
do you avoid that today, Blade? How do you stay away from that feeling again? And you know, it was
Nertz, and so, also, Incheon High, 2-2, Teroei, they were there.
So who knows, maybe it's a revenge, I don't know.
We don't think about this, we just play our game, you know.
You know what it feels like on the other side, hey, Na'Vi fans are on the world, they appreciate
you blade anything, one word you want to say before we go live.
Abdo?
Before we go live, yeah.
Okay guys, thank you for the part and let's see who is the best team today.
Cheer for us.
Best Blade, Natsunami.
The Intel Extreme Masters Clone Major 2026 is brought to you by ESL and partnership with
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And the Zoe
One final place remains in the Lancers, and one final battle will decide the victor.
Given their trophy runs this year, it would be less than satisfactory for Narvi not to
make the top 8.
And as Trace mentioned, it would be the first time since Shanghai that they missed out on
the major playoffs.
It looks hella locked in, but what about you two on the other side of things?
I would be scared as well.
They're going to have to stare at him all game long and for G2.
It's a bit of a rocky road.
And if we go back to Budapest, this was the exact position that they would be
eliminated into two, two stage three hunter, eliminated by his cousin.
But can they course correct today?
I'm Fred Spears. We've got Yanko.
We got Ash diving into the final game of stage three.
And this I have a feeling, Yanko, it's going to be a big one.
I love your intro there because it truly will be a huge test of the progress that G2 has made
since that game in Budapest, right? Yes, different opponent, but now they're in the same exact scenario,
final game facing a really good opponent on the other side, and that has been the problem for them
ever since the massive roster overhaul, right? It's beating these other contender teams,
like they've done a very good job of beating the teams that are below them,
but teams in the top five, they struggle to take them down.
Just to touch upon that, Ash, can you get flashbacks in those moments?
Sure, it's not against the same opponent,
but if you've been in a situation before where there's been so much pressure
and you have failed to deliver, do you reckon you get flashbacks in those moments?
Well, you'd have to ask Aurora and Mongols and playoffs,
because I think they would heavily have many other teams out there.
So if for sure it will come in at some point, we'll be thinking, oh, no, not again.
So and I'm sure there's moments from that Falcons game, you know, where they
messed up because they were too stressed and they were overcoming
or people were taking matters into their own hands too much like that has to I'm not going to say
not happen here because it's always going to happen to some extent but it has to happen less
like that's the thing with you know experience and and and these games is like unless you're
learning something from it unless there's actual change or like unless there's actual progress
then it really doesn't mean much. I think as well like the way that the G2 roster kind of looks on
paper it feels like kind of a win now kind of team without the ages of the players and like
They're mostly established, except for maybe Mathis as well.
I just feel like YouTube needs something to, they need to do something here.
I haven't been impressed at all of them in nearly any game I've seen them so far.
Maybe we can bring up their results again and you can put some words to that
because why has it been not impressive in terms of the G2 results thus far?
Just the performances, I haven't been convinced at any point.
The game against Aurora felt like it was kind of a blowout.
The Legacy game, I considered putting Legacy 0-3 there, so I don't take much talk about that.
that the foot game was a brawl it was a close one but he felt in that one that I
was worried that foot weren't good enough and today we've shown to not
quite at that level right now and the Falcons game I think they kind of had
that there the momentum was fully in their hands a good great start on ancient
both sides and just kind of nothing really happened for me so I don't know
have you got from you looks like one of the standout players of the major but I
don't think they're gonna make playoffs yeah that's the the problem a little bit
when you talk about G2 is like clearly they're going a different way with no
Superstar players on the team. Yes, like a strong rifling core hunter can frag from the IGL position
But you have to do it a bit more by committee
Yeah, so this is a big fall of the particular Mattis and Nerts are having right now
You see heavy god
It's not like the all losings the all kind of unperforming Mattis and Nerts
They're too aggressive rifles in this system who came into the major in red hot form
And now it feels like they're really struggling with a pair of them and you can see it also in the game when you watch it
Yeah, let's bring up some examples of stats, you're right Ash, they're one thing, but the eye test is another one, you've got a couple of examples for us.
Yeah, and it's not only just about those two, but it feels like they are the culprit to play a lot of the time.
So we have around here against Aurora. From this position, Aurora will win 11 of the next 12 rounds and we're going to win the map, right?
So this round happens on Mitch taking the right-hand side, an entry kill comes in, and I think they're going to find a second one here towards the counter.
So now I think in this situation, Nerth is full utility, because smoke is off, you can wrap towards B, you can jump down towards water,
of running together and trade them out. It's also worth noting that Zantara is died on B,
so you know it's 3 towards B, right? So let's see the quality of this ending. So Hunter bounces
the Flash in but then peeks 3 seconds nearly after the Flash bang. He goes down easily.
Nerds actually risks that Moxix isn't there and goes across again, so whatever for this one.
Heavy God trades out his teammate, this sort of thing happens. And the smoke grade that was
thrown towards Temple, look how long this sits there, this is on full, fast forward by the way.
It's just about to die, there's 20 seconds left and then Nerds decides you know what, now I'm going
to walk through. If you keep an eye on the smoke right now, that's the exact moment that
it dies. So if I wasn't aware of this, he saw that Nertz had the time and he sneaked
past the AWP. He didn't throw the utility, right? Here goes down. This is just one of
the examples where I feel like that is where I expect Nertz to shine, have an experience.
You've got full utility. Onto there as well. Bounce of flashbang, run together, smoke them
off, fall back. Let's end the round together as a team round. T side of Nertz, you have
to win every round that you get a chance in. And a 5v3, you can't lose it. And like I
said, they lose 11 of the next 12 rounds and lose the map.
Yeah, also it seems like he wasn't aware that the upper is there, that's hence the fliers.
They killed the A anchor, but it would be kind of strange if he was the only player towards that side.
I think Nerts had maybe a smoke even.
He had a smoke, both of flash, but he was still able to, so you can just use it and wrap together.
You can just put some more pressure and hold, right?
You know, 5v3, your opponents need to make the next move and those rounds are always going to, you know, be such a gut punch when you lose them.
And Ash, let's be real, you're not being nitpicky here because this wasn't the only instance, right?
we go back to the map before this, Overpass is also another example, right?
Well, they had like an hour for pre-show, I could go through all of them, so it was not quite that long time,
but this is another example of an idea that's kind of working nicely.
So, Hevrogot gets boosted, and he's going to find the kill.
This isn't on the monster player, by the way, this is Wakadia,
and Mattis then shifts through a smokey seas bouncing with some pious stuff behind him
who has a flashbang ready as well, so he gives that back up, then Hevrogot decides,
you know what, I'm going to peek a bit deeper, he dies as well,
so it's 5v4, and Teeth had Overpass, another map which is very hard to win rounds,
ends with Santana is boosting and killing Hunter. And now they just have no chance in the 2v4.
So my advantage, I don't know who's in control of this, if this is like a, just Mattis in the moment thinking I have a timing,
I'm going to go now and thinks he has the space. But where's the flashbang from some pirates?
Where's the council from Mattis? Where's the hesitation from heavy God? Make a plan together and do it because he's making Hunter's job,
the new ingame leader, significantly harder.
Could be also a protocol like, oh, if we get a kill and a player is there, then you just go for this.
Where's the flag ready, but then it's also like not nearly coordinated well enough as it's supposed to be
And it's the first gun around T side overpass, huge importance
And actually ended again with losing lots of rounds in a row
Yeah, unfortunately the signs were due to that, I mean you know Hunter better than both of us, Yanco
I'm sure he's not satisfied with players making these kind of mistakes pretty consistently so far
I think it's still the work in progress in some sense because when he started IGL
you know, was leaning a lot on saw and saw system, and we know it's more structured, right?
Like, even if it's default, it's sort of step-by-step in terms of how you're doing it,
like players still know for the most part how it's going to look like.
And I think then there was a switch when Hunter couldn't play Rio,
and watching the team play and hearing the comms and how much more initiative the players were
taking and how more free-flowing it was. Like, they saw something there that could be
good for them in the future, right? So then it's been trying to do more of that,
From that point on, obviously the roster change too, bringing in nerds who's a lot more of a vocal player than Malb's was and can take more space and give more input.
That's just been a work in progress, as I said, to put all those pieces together.
And sometimes it clicks and it looks really good. Sometimes it looks like, in the examples, Ash pointed out.
What's your take on how G2 or how likely G2 are to be able to put up a fight versus not be if these kind of issues
Happening, where do you see them falling? Honestly, they have to put up a fight because if they don't it's like how much faith
Can you as an organization have in the roster, right?
Where'd you go as well? I was thinking about it earlier that you they brought some pious with sore
They've just brought nuts in Mattis's new positions once a new in game lead heavy gods performing. It's had a new contract
Where'd you go? You need to win now.
And you also made, you know, you said you were open for offers for Klim, right?
Who's had a good event for MRB, Archer. Maybe more highlights on the rifle than the AWP,
but still, it's a lot of confidence in some pious cleaning up. Yeah, a lot of questions.
There'll be a lot of questions for G2 if they end up losing this game, and even more so if it's,
you know, not even a close-up.
I think maybe not equally so, but after the game, plus Nile versus Falcons,
for Navi. Yeah, sure. Maybe we're also leveled a few questions of our own for them, right?
Yeah, I've been very underwhelmed by Navi because they came into this tournament as
that may be the best informed team here. They may be making an argument for this.
And I've seen the game so far and it feels like they are just not even close to the level right
now. I think the kind of more in the seventh to eighth best team from what I've seen performance-wise,
it's been kind of all over the place. However, I would say when your best player suddenly becomes
your worst player in this randomly in this event. Like he's been so consistent from Maccazi and now
he's just absolutely nowhere and this makes things different because you're used to him getting the
entries, finding the multi kills, having the impact and suddenly well this doesn't work randomly.
This tournament everything looks different. I'm sure you've experienced this before as a coach
and can you think something's going to work? It has been working and it doesn't work. Yeah I think
the problem is also the title of Alex CB's HLTV interview is now we have the firepower to win
some of these rounds, right? And he, you know, pointed out Maccazzi and Wonderful being the main
reasons for that and then why they were able to get better results. And yeah, he picked the worst
time sort of to have a bad tournament. It's been bank average, I think one rating so far for the
major. You can see how good he was. Obviously the MVP of ESL Pro League season 23, right? And
in a lot of these contests, he's been leading the way for the squad. Didn't have to do as much in
Atlanta where they listed the trophy but it really hasn't been anywhere close to what we're used to
seeing from him this year here at the major. Yeah, EPL was truly that kind of breakout performance,
right? So many highlights in that grand final as well for him. Ash, this is kind of, I mean,
this is a million dollar question, right? Like when you're looking at an individual that has had
such consistent form has had so much impact and then they seemingly fall flat, what can you do
from the outside? How much can you actually help somebody to get comfortable and get back in their
I think the main thing you need to do is have a conversation with him one to one because
you know he has the skill, he has the quality.
Is he maybe giving too much impact on the Major?
Is it too much of a big deal for him?
Talking with the Sports Ecologist.
Because you know he has all the skills, he's got a consistent game, his fast headshot is
a great entry fragger, suddenly something has changed quite clearly.
What is it?
Because when we saw all these tournaments, when he has a good tournament, Navi, we're
in Arkham Second nearly every single time.
And now he's down at 1.00, this is now become the bit
and wonderful show with image of Kenan
and just hoping that Kazi comes back at some point.
And this is potentially the last chance for him to do that.
Obviously not the only reason that cost them
that a potential victory versus Falcon's yesterday.
We'll dive into that one now, shall we, Yanko?
Because I love that we got to hear
a bit of a pre-match interview from Blade
because the faces that he was pulling by today
It's understandable to say the least.
I've been there for you.
You can't really cry on camera behind the team, so you can just have maniacal laughs,
and then you're sort of not believing what you're seeing sometimes from your players.
He was visibly frustrated in that game.
He was incredibly vocal during the timeouts, and he carried it into you.
He feels like they were just giving too much space to the Falcons,
They're not playing in their face enough to disrupt them, right?
And then that's not sort of what they talked about before the game.
Yeah, I think he kind of, he's a very particular type of coach.
He isn't the guy that's going to motivate them, he's going to hype them up when they're down.
I think he kind of puts the onus on the players, the first rublin' it's on them to use the techniques that they've talked about with the sports.
They call it do some bounce back and he's going very directly with the playstyle and the game gets a little bit hectic in there.
So you know you understand why he's getting a little bit frustrated to be fair
There was plenty of reasons for that frustration in the tournament
But also just in the Falcons game like this is you know the last buy for Falcons
They were 5-0 down Nabi won two clean rounds and it seems like they're taking control of this game at this point in time
three
Mance the short setup right to get two kills here Kerrigan's gonna get one and get traded
But now, Tessus is still alive.
You know he's the long lurk, and they're falling back from short wanting to maybe reset the setups.
What is Wonderful doing here?
He's completely oblivious about long, right?
And that's a 2v4 where you will with the forced Falcons on an eco that you end up losing
and they regain control of the half.
And then even in the second half, they lose pistol, right?
Now it's even going to be a 3v5 after this aggro play from Falcons,
but somehow Navi sort of finds a way to reset a little bit.
They have long control, wonderful hits, a nice shot here on Niko, right?
Bit is already towards B, you saw Kyosuke on this lurk, gets polished on the flank, rather,
and, you know, Tessus is now making noise because of that kill, Bit hears him running to CT,
he's going to take the space on mid, the teammates are already running back towards B, finding the kill on Tessus.
Now it's a 3v2, and Bit just lingers a little bit too long around mid with the time.
Like, he's not really cutting off rotation, and he's not running up B to help his teammates,
and Kerrigan just books it.
Hey man, monosy, right? Trying to deny the plant so that the time runs out.
He isn't able to do that, but he still gets the kills, and Bit is too late to the party.
Monosy wins the duel in the end, and they lose this round as well.
Like, these are just mega frustrating rounds to lose.
And Navi is the third worst team at this tournament that's converting 5v4s,
which is something that you would almost never see with Blade's squad.
It looked like a bit there, maybe missed the smoke, he gave a gap.
This is a kind of round where afterwards when the CTs lose this round,
which they should do, you go, guys, why are we even trying for this round?
And they win it, like, I thought it was a point there,
you were going to cut off and go, great job, Navi, nice round.
Let's go to the next one.
And it's incredible to even lose that there.
So I understand these facial expressions at times from Blade,
because that is kind of unforgivable at the major.
I just want to really emphasise the importance of this match up.
Of course, last chance to be making it through to the playoffs. We can bring up that playoffs bracket to see the winner of this
Of course going to be facing spirit. We had a slightly wrong dates when we showed it earlier
So this is the correct states moving forward
Yeah, obviously doesn't get any easier even if you win this you're gonna be going up versus spirit
But if we're looking at Navi and we're looking at trying to get those
Uncharacteristic mistakes fixed yanko are there almost too many for you to see them getting back to their form of cells
I mean, it's crazy because it's happening almost every game against spirit. It happened on on dust two against long goals
It was happening on map one. They just had these slow starts like they don't feel like themselves
I don't know what it is because you know, they were fine
They finally beat vitality the win a trophy and turn over vitality is that they had plenty of time to rest and then do a boot camp
Like this should be Navi peaking and instead they're
Struggling right and there's not much a coach can do, you know, you can't be instilling protocols to I don't know
which depth in 4v2s and 5v3s, kind of sugar, just too many different situations.
Who's low HP? Who's high HP? Which nades do you have? How quick is the rotation?
How much time is left on the clock? Like you can't make a plan for every single possibility.
Like you just need to be good at the fundamentals that the players need to take stock of these rounds, right?
And realize what the situation is. Someone who is, you know, the IGL or the secondary
Callers should maybe coordinate the players, right? So, okay, let's pick together. Let's do this, hide, play for time, right?
Like, it's up to the players and they need to step up if they're going to win this game.
Yeah, I think there's clearly something going wrong right now because they win this game, they play against Spirit.
Spirit drops half around against them, maybe, or something. It was one of the most one-sided games you're going to see.
And then also, they play against Falcons, I believe, 13-3 they lost.
They should have got absolutely destroyed by the Mongols, but the Mongols fell apart as well.
Like I'm really worried because it just feels like it's my classic problem. Is it the main one?
Is it the 5v2s? Is it the arguing?
This is looks like the most frustrated team I've ever seen in my life. We did a tier list. They will be S tier absolutely right now
Even blade jumping in with it. So the vibe seem off everything seems weird and it came with this torment red hot young girl
It's just all going wrong and I mean also just quickly yesterday was the first time in a long time
Or where they even remember I felt like blade messed up the veto, you know banning new covers
us to letting it goes through like it just didn't seem like it was a good idea and it backfired. So
today is going to be a bit of a different scenario going up against G2. They do have
the map hole on their side, I feel like in this particular matchup. What do you think you should
be going with? I mean, the overpass plan is a huge advantage for them. And especially as well,
G2 can't beat this sort of team. I already feel like that's a massive advantage they've got instantly.
Yeah, Navi are not loving Nuke at the moment and that's G2's perma-ban, right?
Anubis is open for Navi if they want to go for something like that,
but then also Mirage and Ancient, both of their staples still in the pool, right?
For G2 it becomes a little bit limited.
Do you go for Dust? Do you go for maybe Inferno?
I think it's one of those two maps that we'll see as their pick.
I think G2 will go for Dust too because Navi are on a five loss streak
and I believe Navi will go for Ancient because G2 are on a four loss streak.
We could just see some punish picks going in, which could seem some one-sided game, so here's the Dust 2 pick.
And I believe it will be Ancient Navi, very good on it. G2 normally are quite good on it, but recently
farm's gone down, going for the Inferno pick.
Wow.
Did you know they've seen something with Blade? Blade likes to go for the pick,
that isn't as obvious sometimes, so you can have that prep advantage.
Maybe this is something that they're going for here, is a different angle?
I wonder if DorG2 would have expected it as the decider, then you're not really winning out on prep as much.
I was expecting Na'Vi to pick T-Side on Dust2 because their CT side started so last couple of times on Dust2.
They've just not been good whatsoever and just to maybe take a bit more stock of it with your game plan.
And yeah, in the end, Na'Vi after yesterday's game, they're the ones that we do out in Ubus.
I think G2 probably surprised by that and will take it.
And between Ancient and Mirage, they go for Mirage.
So I think that's really beneficial for G2. They avoid Ancient somehow in the series.
Yeah, I'd inch it down as 100% and I like to see Mirage last with both teams in great fall on this map
So we could have a great one there expect maybe one-sided dust to blade can have some tricks up his sleeve
Oh, yeah, I would expect that at the very least if we're looking at these two organizations overseas super storied
NCS and it's a it's a bit of a shame that we have to see one of them eliminated
Who is the pressure on more in your opinion?
I think on a V they are one of the contenders coming into this tournament, right?
Like they have their eyes on the prize, but for me this is going to be a really cool matchup
Because I think it's a bit of a clash of styles like Navi on their T side
Lane system is all about taking zones taking map control sort of cutting noise punishing their reactions making your opponents play in the dark
And G2 is a team that is very active on the CT side. They have set
Aggressions they have set mid-round
Aggressions right so it's going to come down to Ken who's gonna do better Navi at punishing those reactions or G2
Shadding down Navi in the mid-route and I think that for me
I think the pressure for sure is mostly on Navi, but like I said the G2 pressure
They have to do something
I think it's not acceptable to come to this major perform the way they kind of done the results have got some of them just over the line
It hasn't looked
Encouraging by any means and then some star players are kind of missing
What is the future here going on there's some sorry lines and the coach comes
I'd love to see saw not moving a muscle the entire time and blade out there throwing the PC or something very quickly gentlemen
predictions don't often do this but this is a big one who you're going with.
I go to Na'Vi 2-1 because of the steal.
I'm going to say G2 like with the map pool I think it's a bit surprising how they took it
with the decider I think G2 can surprise here and get into the playoffs.
Well the stylus that clash is ready to get underway for one last time in save three it's G2
versus Na'Vi for a spot in the playoffs.
ridiculous as the ace.
Every note scaled into a line.
It's another mole you killed but haven't gone.
Now I'm gonna challenge a little bit more.
Oh, another one.
Heading along from the heavy ton.
That's second.
Ah, son of a bitch.
the last two weeks we've seen a total of 32 teams here for IEM Cologne all chasing the
dream of hoisting the Cologne Major trophy 23 squads have been eliminated 7 away in the
playoffs. The maths really is quite simple. There's one spot left. Is it going to be G2,
or is it going to be Na'Vi? Let's find out. It's a 10 star straight out long here for G2,
and they're bringing the pace in this pistol. Two for the one. A strong trade, and they've got
mid control that Na'Vi need to worry about. Looking over their shoulder in this pistol round,
on Ema holds a smoke. G2 throwing the execute like they're going to go, but they don't.
Letting the round breathe. Plenty of control. Navi do not have the same. They're in the
dark. The map goes quiet. Navi, uncertainty, answers found. Ema and wonderful push-up and
find a pick-a-piece. Hunter might fake this B, but bomb is still stuck along. That's a
a great shot, but his teammate is all that stands here for G2.
It's no interest precision, but going to get past bit, who waits?
And a clean tap seals the deal on the turnaround in this pistol.
Reassuring shots of a bit, a player who struggled yesterday in that
match versus the Falcons. Come the end of Anubis, he really had disappeared.
We saw so much frustration from Blade across that game, frustration I've never seen before,
because Navi from 11-6 could not close that map, could not make it to playoffs,
and now have to play again today, but a well-earned pistol.
This is a G2 that need to keep punching up, they also could have beat the Falcons in this stage.
And this is G2's first opportunity to secure the Lanxus this event.
Pistols go up short again.
A more group this time.
G2 lots of utility.
Navi with a sight set up. Wonderful hiding in Goose.
This isn't the time around where G2 are content with just a couple of kills they've put money in.
And looking for results here.
Flash is a good, they'll knock Ema off the angle.
They're wonderful in mind as he's waiting out here to play on Ema's contact.
in MR12. We've seen a lot of comebacks this major. We've seen a lot of teams
struggling to close from strong hearts, so you can never let your finger off the
pulse here in this matchup with everything on the line.
Harvey, you know that better than most with that game yesterday.
G2 eco, straight down middle.
charging the smoke. Do catch Navi out of position for a second, but only a second. G2 go back.
And Navi burn more UTIL bit. The advantage is significant enough. Navi don't need to worry, even in only a two-man B hold.
It's a gap.
Yeah, now they're just going to take it, walk it out now, no, it's trying to lead the charge.
He gets the spot off, flash high, wonderful, lending a helping hand for it out towards
Long, it's one kill for Stumpius.
That bomb is out in the open and he's not going to get any further than this.
Narvi, 3-0.
So there's the start they were hoping for, but you know Dust2's been problematic for this squad to say the very least.
I think it's a little bit better
when you put it that way. But I
think it's how dominant the
losses were that make you worried
for Navi. One of those games
getting close.
The rest absolute blowout. So
Navi still need to play their
best game here.
On dust to G2 comes out.
I think it's a little bit better
when you put it that way. But I
think it's how dominant the losses
were that make you worried for
on Dust2, G2 come through with the rifles, some pyres AWP and what some pyres do we have today because
my god this guy is hit or miss. He is either the top or bottom performer it feels like for G2 on any given map.
I can't afford to be the latter with the importance of a strong AWP in this matchup.
So wonderful was even beating up
Modesty and head to head.
But that still wasn't enough yesterday.
Modesty still found a lot of impact.
Can some players?
Now we're going to try and pull off this ace blue.
Two players out here towards Long, Na'Vi, 30 seconds. Start to get a little curious, and Alexi with a clear in the long doors.
A-Ted, backing out, gonna bait them in to Ema, who holds on too long.
Heavy got dead right away, and now the short split coming through, but Alexi in the right place, flashes from Ema.
Met to try and help out, leave him dead in the open.
Ouch! And with Alexi blind, Matis gonna clean up. G2, they'll get him.
Now Vee might have had the right idea. Might have pulled off a sick little bait and switch to get the round started.
But it's the presence of a second man and lay out the long doors that really threw them through a loop.
G2 say, for me once, shame on you. For me twice, you can't for me twice. Double long luck is the perfect counter as Narvi run away back turned.
Two kills for Mattis, beautiful flash bang onto LXDB as well. And that stops any chance of this retake happening here for Narvi.
So G2 get on the board and they do it quick with some pious finding his first all-frag
matters a lot of impact and they're waiting around for G2 on their map pick.
a very cool head for G2, largely across this event. Wonderful might try and push their
buttons though with the orb coming out now, opening pick onto the captain.
I'm going to make smoke, gives a wonderful open season on this AWP.
Scale passed him, sure, but they've played quite the toll here.
Two players dead, just to get this space out towards the catwalk.
Might be worth it for G2.
Open fight to have some pyres, he went up to take them, regrouping on the mid to B, looking
for the weaker of the two bombsites, but Ema's here with an HE, he could break any smoke
in the CT spawn, some pyres before it, absolutely off the mark.
That's a left side smoke, they do have another to get into this spawn and Ema's already used
his Nade.
Do they just want to take that fight?
Eventually thrown in here for G2. Nerds goes back to upper tunnels and some players will join him.
Heavy God is the lurk.
G2 might just leave him for later. Hoping they can find this entry into the two-man hold.
All right, that's a great catch for Heavy God. Still two to get past though and bit.
Not been in a forgiving mood this tournament.
from some pices or puts G2 on back to back gun rounds.
I feel like we're not far away from having our first pause for Navi.
That's a 3v5 that gets away from them.
And you saw a bunch of these frustrating rounds
come in the way of Navi yesterday.
Blabe was very, very keen on getting involved whenever he could.
Saw a lot of frustration from him.
More than usual and in retrospect, you know, sort of.
Shame that he showed at 11-6 dropping that first round.
It felt like it was a little early, but he knew, he knew what could go wrong,
and everything did from that point onwards for Navi.
Nice openers, but they don't matter much come the end of the round.
G2 have broken Navi's money down, so it's just these two saved guns in round number six.
High boost here for WandaFult.
I'm keen to be involved in the double opener last round, not enough.
Here with a hero orb.
Now he's got to force some fights.
Gets involved early, nerds.
Sent out of the round before it even really begins.
So again, G2 always having a pay of cost for any map control they go looking for.
Well, how involved WandaFult is getting early in this game, right?
He's just forcing issues, forcing advantages, looking for kills.
Oh, dear, okay, caught off guard in middle. Good flash here from the top of mid.
That might get G2 out.
They know this rifle is on B as well, though.
Thanks, he's spotted behind the smoke. Hunter can't slip the net.
They still are faking out this A-play. Wouldn't RV4 for it?
Cross in mid, Ema's handed away disadvantage and with heavy guard,
Finding a killout towards the A site, Alexi.
No wonder he's up and left B.
So much noise made by just one guy on this A play,
and it's pulled the whole thing into uncertainty for Navi.
Hit your sights, you've got them both.
Still going to follow through with this by the looks.
Sampias walking that bomb in.
There's a backstab for B, but Dowey commits, honestly.
Two versus three.
And with Alexi living on borrowed time in towards the spawn, Bitt's best course of action.
Might just be to hold on to this AK.
What advantage going his way is he's here very quickly and very quietly.
That's a feat that's usually hard to pull off.
Some pious his eyes on the tunnels.
Hasn't budged.
The moment that this flank is coming through, now they get the spot.
Bitt, does he really want to attempt this?
He's done big damage.
Have you got still a long ways away?
And so some pirates gonna have another chance on the orb. It baits it out of him
Time now working against him though and bit heads for the hills
It's here really nice try for bit towing the line between saving and going for it
But there's only so many chances you get G2 won't give you a way back into that round
It has to save G2 3 in a row off of their first by round worth the wait
And now everything to play with here for Navi.
Alexi can drop over that AWP to wonderful that definitely has come through today.
Another opening kill in this round two in the round prior.
Navi need to help him out here on this CT side.
It was a great luck for heavy God as well.
Even just the patients to not over commit and give Alexi a kill back in CT spawn.
Just wait in A, trust his team to clear that empty B site
before he goes hunting for that rifle.
So Navee time out, but both coaches get in.
Yeah, Saw didn't do a lot of talking there though.
I think he's feeling fine being hands off right now.
I think G2 is showing that they've put in the prep work already.
Some of these setups to deal with the Navee solutions have been nice,
thinking back to that double push out the long doors.
knowledge of when away you can find these fights out towards middle as well
it's looked very polished that's far from g2 and I think if you saw you don't
want to get in the way of that looks like they're really
punishing this B bombsite in this game not nothing fast nothing fancy just
nice cautious mid to B hits
attempt something along some pious looks for that kill but not be don't make
mistakes they don't give away that frag smoke and flash comes in pushes the
orb back it's back to middle here for g2
is there another nade here wonderful could throw his own
and a chance here another pick for wonderful that is three rounds in a row
he has opened on this orb
all right navi can't really afford to lose this one so will g2 do what they've
They've done every single time in this position, walk out middle and punish that B site.
There is a bit of a gap here, one that Ema might try and fill, but...
...vomitable to a smoke, they've accidentally missed the CT smoke and...
Oh, dear.
That's left them in a bit of a weird way.
They've got more.
Ema hiding in this while the B players get ready, Ema.
They're trying to throw the needle on this timing with a backstab.
They turn on that, and they get cut on in time.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Burning, but just makes it through.
And so everyone's super wounded. Everyone's super low.
Navi on to know this.
Hot under the collar for heavy guard.
But G2 might have clocked themselves a fourth round here.
Sampias not going wide, locking down tunnels.
And wonderful is on the other side of the map.
This is a locked in round. This is another man advantage for Navi.
And I want to reference a desk, because Janker brought this up just coming into this map, saying,
Navi, how much they've struggled at converting 5v4s.
They are the third worst team coming into this game at 5v4 conversion rounds.
That is not what you expect from a tactical team like Navi.
With the smarts on this squad, but we have seen it round after round of this game.
G2 breaking back in 4v5s in 3v5s.
They showcase another here on the T side of Dust 2.
Wonderful picks a man, they go right out mid to B, they leave laughing.
Now it's the B-pop.
He hunts back in sport for the late smoke.
They need that entry going because he's not looking back.
He doesn't turn in time.
Fall with spray, heavy gun.
Brutal triple kill.
And a heavy hand on that mouse puts to work around for G2.
Brutal.
No, we don't even get shots off in this B bomb site.
Bit a single kill when all is said and done and G2 just run through it.
The alarm bells should certainly be sounding.
This is starting to be a very concise lead for G2.
G2, starting to run away on the T side of Dust.
And it doesn't matter, opening kills or not, when they get them, it's a bonus.
When they get them, it's a super clean round like this one.
But even with advantages, Na'Vi haven't been a threat.
Five in a row for the G2 squad.
Such a big round to pick up, because Na'Vi found all those kills on the exit at the end, right?
They, you know, Alexi got two out of the tunnels, Heavy got died to bomb.
And so G2, they can't afford to lose multiple rounds in a row, but that one is just clean as it can be.
Look at this third shot through CT.
Loft it off here, Sumpires. It doesn't matter you die because G2 have your back.
Stunning start to this map here.
Some pie is boosted and G2 so patient out of the gates, they are the exception of that
last round, not rushing to anything, not taking spawns out long.
Happy to see if NAV want to be the initiators in this game and the exception of wonderful,
have not. Trying to trust in their setups but that's the one thing that's
let them down at B bombsite. Continually abused here by G2.
One of them moldied off, but it lacks to actually hang around and try and fight this.
You weren't expecting the AWP to be there.
Sampires caught by surprise and Nertz dealt with on his mid-lock.
The bomb lost out towards Kat.
There's a whole heap of problems here.
4G2.
Now Navi have given away some pretty unforgivable rounds on this G2 streak.
But this would be the worst offender yet.
5v2, Heavy God and Mattis are clawing it back.
They've got 25 seconds if they want to make a miracle happen.
Chase her to Alexi, net to another.
And at this point you've got to scrap, at this point you've got to fight that bomb in enemy hands.
Oh my God, wonderful, dead as well!
And now it's only Ema!
10 seconds!
I need to kill!
it with the bomb but really they need to fight.
Ema's going to take this to time.
That is the most nerve-wracking round.
And Ema just has to sit there shaking in the corner,
but Navi somehow, some way, saved themselves from a 2v5.
You do not celebrate that round with Navi.
You do not cheer.
You are not feeling good about that in the slightest.
That is a hollow victory.
A 2 vs 5 that comes down to the clock, falling short for G2.
And you know they would have hit that shot if he was on their screen.
So Ima lives, but at the cost of his entire squad.
And even Blake calls a timeout after that because, my God, you need a slap on the wrist, don't you, Navi?
That goes very, very wrong, but very, very quickly.
They throw everything in double up again
To these individuals when they are feeling it are so threatening
One of the very few teams to be able to beat vitality in a B05
Sort of last year what they can do when everybody is online
And this is a renewed roster since that point more firepower more experience in nerds
What the thought again? He has just been so reliable in this heat. Hi your Nabi
You really can't waste the performance that wonderful is giving you man. He has been unmatched in these opening fights
No one coming close to him yet. I
Wanted Jesus just go back to this B site again, right? That that round was a departure from their B hits
They got cooked on shorts after winning four rounds in the B site in a row
So yeah, again, you lose your advantage, but it's the wonderful. It's the AWP. It's on the A site
G2 know the remedy to the situation
Difference is it's bought a new gun to the round
Saw this only for a second on that B explode from G2
It's time biggester watch over the mid to be but if the bulk comes from tunnels he might be in trouble
This is where you really need Mikazi to stand and deliver
Right Swamp try get on this line of time. We'll be able to pluck one from the ranks
They're not able to deal with him in time so a second shot. It would be fired off from this orb
Mikazi with the catch on Nertz and Sumpias
He can't give this one a go
To be five in the last came down to the clock
But this one be five asking too much for the Sumpias orb
Well timed swapping positions on B. Bit was watching me. I think they realized that G2 weren't doing the full man mid to B
They were going for a tunnels pop
So Bid just gets a free shot off on the orb and like last time he connects that first kill
Kazi has his back covered with a just as important double
G2 saved that some pious swap, but now their money is definitely called into question
Don't be surprised to see G2 forces up they can get 2 AK-47s
3 if you remove helmets, but it's a messy buy, depends on what the call wants to be here for G2, whether they want to fight for a winning half, or if they're fighting splitting 6-6 apiece.
I'd say that's a disservice to G2 with how well they played these last few rounds, so they go all in.
Very exciting game to close out stage 3 of the Major.
And still, an even score, uncertainty, where Dust2 is going to land.
And I think it would be very impressive for Na'Vi if they can stumble back to their feet,
what with some of these rounds that have gone against them, or even come close, can be hard
to mentally get back in.
No surprise on this call, but a chance for that now.
Again, it's the B site under the microscope
Because he held on to that smoke goal of just trading it out with G2
Oh, yeah, it feels like he has to move there's a really strong position the car to shoot
And he's gonna have to go back to bomb site a bit of damage, but G2 are coming in
15 bullets in this AK for the cars
He's gonna be considered in these fights that helps for a shot one tap and now the bit a WP
The G2 squad is double up, proven to be the solution.
Okay, more impact off the AWP, but wonderful.
That's not his fault.
Finally gets a win round with it.
Wonderful's been let down,
but Bit shows up with a big hold in that B bombsite,
hopping around with the sniper.
Finally, Navi find their answer on B.
And it's not too late to win this half,
as G2 are put down on pistols in round number 12.
But why would G2 stop now, huh?
They're here for a good time, not a long time, on this B site.
It's clearly been the object of their desire throughout this game.
It's what the game plans orientated around, just trying to exploit these B players.
But it stopped working and yet they're still sticking to it.
to it as they look to tie this up when we finally see why they've been so
obsessed with B. It does a bunch a lot of damage. Mikazi on this reposition
buying more than enough time. He makes out towards the window. Wonderful. When does
he want to go? Because you know eventually they're going to try and plant this bomb.
That's going to take one player's eyes off the server. Naive connects on a heavy
He got it now, some pious boxed in.
Gonna have to scrap his way to this round.
Navier not jumping the gun.
This is a one out half right in front
of the one hell of a turnaround.
Off of the five round dominant streak from G2.
And as the seconds tick by the chances for some pious really do start to diminish Molly at least
Feels like it buys him a little bit of room and go in on that bomb plant
Instead just looking to split this some pious with the first
Dancing around wonderful will get the better of him and so now V against all odds are able to recover on this half
Wonderful strong start is not in vain
I
How can I get out of your heart to the world, girl?
This is the end of the way to begin
Is there a way to live again?
How can I change if I was never awake?
How can I still hurt when I can't feel the pain?
When I'm born to feel the pain?
How can I change if I was never awake?
As I step out and breathe, I'm denied there
A distant thought sets me there
A place where my dreams leave a trace of hope
A place where the lost man of the land has
A thought of dreams I was instilled in
A time I spent in a way too bright in my own
It's right up close and where the heat is going, it's all the same
Such a way of paying sounds, a fancy way of paying
I found a way to forget my pain
It's like the voice inside my head
Where the birds all stream the message from the sun
And tell them all the words that I've overlapped
All the stars fall asleep
It's my heart's the back way
Yeah, it's the same
And I still believe for you
I'll say it's my way
It's a myth from every day that comes to me
In the top of the score
I'm proud when you say
You're a lie when you hear
Thought this memory shamed me
Reactions!
The fight for the Lancers continues.
For Navi, one of the most decorated Orcs in Counter-Strike.
Ten times in the Cologne playoffs over the years, versus G2 looking to continue to punch up and steal that spot.
A G2 who haven't made a major playoff since they lost Niko and Monosy.
But they took trophies at the end of 2025.
They looked to level up from the end of this season.
Let's get the energy up. I don't know. It went down when we lost two rounds or what.
No, it's fine.
Because you just have high contact with each other, okay?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's fine.
Look, we've played five rounds without pistol. It's five times.
I'm trying to get that.
Can they get back on their pistols here, G2?
Delt a long pop.
Navi come charging, G2 concede.
And got the fourth and fifth best pistol players of the stage on opposing teams in some pious of EMA.
The former dead EMA as well, got a full to the scraps, Matt is handles him.
Bomb spotted long, P2K holding on, Nurtz has the cover, doubling, tripling his kills in this map.
And wonderful 1v3 with nowhere to go.
Oh, and with heavy guard here, no worries, just playing clean-up on the Dolperettes.
Seen this long flank, punish a lot of squads here across the Cologne Major, but you trust
heavy guard in those positions.
Doesn't go too early, doesn't go too soon.
He waits till it's just right.
Split pistols here.
And Navi, SG2 did, and that's Eastside to side to force without the plants.
Nice balls! Let's go!
Can't be going to try to bring that energy back in, SG2 looked to pull this game back.
The lead is right there for the taking.
That tells you G2 are fighting tunnels, so Na'Vi might need a lurk smoke, that or a wonderful
pick.
No better man for the job, but Na'Vi is ready for it.
The nerd's recovery is not what Navi wanted to hear after a one kill first half for the latest acquisition.
Alexi and Behr have been doing a lot of talking to each other in the opening of this round though,
and so now trying to come in on this mid to B, that seemed to be their grand idea.
Nerd's ready to shut it all down, him and Heavy God combining for all the kills in this round.
He's trying to go ahead of this smoke.
Two players softened up, and they're giving him another fight.
Nerds just on the spam, keeps it contained at two, multi-kills in a row for Nerds.
Could not have come at a better time here for G2, and they're going to be able to convert this pistol you'd like to think with just glocks and diggles in this third round for Navi.
And it's very, very promising to see a Nerd to recovery, at least beginning in this second half.
Not been a stranger to rough games out here at the Cologne Major has nerds.
Occasional flourishes of the heights you know he's capable of, but for the most part felt
a little underwhelming.
And so you want to get him switched back online.
The multi-kills to give way to this split scoreline are a welcome sign, but you need
this to keep up into the rifles.
There should just be a shut down for Hunter and support nearby, some pious moving into
Lender helping hand out from the spawn.
Eagles are gonna find him.
Look at this get too weird G2.
Hunter trying to wrangle this bomb plot.
Deny it but not able to do so.
That's a bit of extra money for Navi at the end of this still.
Lead handed over G2 into pole position.
picture for Navi, it's all okay. They expect us when they lose pistol, they still get out with
a bomb pod to allow everything to come through in this first gun round. But things have to start
soon here for Navi. You'd usually expect Blade maybe time out to come into this, but he's really
used to in that first half, so it would feel almost wasteful to drop it now when there will be
many more rounds here in this second, in this first map.
Wonderful's open play. This is where you need McCarthy to get going as well. Warmed up with
a couple of solid B-holds by the end of the CT side. Here's your opener on this T-half.
you have to bail you out
I've tried this whole round, they've been playing with just one man on this b-hold, so
maybe a little nervous with this lack of mid info but still no rotation that's
might start beginning it soon walking across just been a little too quiet here
get spammed back from the catwalk and that will kind of keep his attention
honed in on middle eventually ending with him cycling over to the right side of
the map did a very loud though almost feels purposeful can't be throwing a
U-Tail. That's tries to block as he trusts his own smoke out long. Mattis deals on to bit,
flashed in on that long door G25V4. It feels all too obvious now where Navi are going.
Which might have been good, Sampire still gets his. All to open things up, Hunter.
Next in line to the chopping block. Ema gonna find him.
with Rotates moving over and a stack here from the start of the round, Navia fighting
an uphill battle, G2, swatting into the lead quite comfortably now as that first rifle
round goes their way.
Oh yeah, Navia looking stuck in the mud, they're looking frustrated as well. Come to expect
it from this team. Definitely at times have trouble with the mental holding themselves
to a very high standard, standard they set.
It also just makes me a little bit nervous as to how Navi's able to deal with pressure,
right?
I think out of all their major runs since they went international, this one's evoking
a feeling almost similar to Shanghai where there are some expectations on this team.
Yeah, it came off right.
Incredible year, it's that major and absolutely let themselves down.
And right before this one, you know, they win the trophy out in Atlanta, besting Vitality
in a head-to-head. Even before that trophies in an EPL. It was one where, you know, it felt
like Navi were having this big uptick, moving in the right direction, looking at peak in
time for the major. With that comes a certain pressure to perform.
Things changed week to week, but people were calling Navi the second best team in the world
coming into this major. I'm sure the results certainly set them up for that statement,
But they're getting shot down here in another round G2 on to double digits just one kill away
I mean what's Alexi even supposed to do here
Once the die it's gonna help level out the money but some pious on this line will give him that wish
All arrives on a perfect timing for G2. Double digits now.
And they almost can't believe how easy this has been since getting into the second half.
Nothing too explosive for some players, but steady.
Is he on the AWP? And there is Blades final timeouts.
Something you'll notice right, usually kind of gives them the benefit of the down for that first gun round.
But if he doesn't like what he sees, he will get involved.
A split crowd. Two teams to walk with massive handbases. G2 on their map pick are causing
a ruckus
this is where you expect Norve to step up
because he gets let off the leash
looking for short control and awaits him.
G2 have tried to have this kind of constant trade of pressure.
Oh, you throw the CT smoke or block you in mid and play around it,
but they didn't have access to that in this round.
B players playing within the bomb site, so it's a little bit more restricted.
I don't think nerds likes this all the uncertainty that this one smoke causes so gonna move in to clear it manual mode
It's the spot that this was nothing more than a ruse. That's a nice reaction for G2
What was the nerves of these B players tells the A guys to prepare for a fight?
And so a reblock
From Hunter 40 seconds that is a bit of a problem for Navi. They might just have to go right through it
They have their wall down. They have every reason to charge into this bomb site. It's been late late lurd 30 seconds
But Navi you find this entry, but it falls in Hunters favor
He is buying a lot of time on this site time that Navi can't afford they're getting cut down one by one
2v5 and while we've seen G2 make this look possible Navi are not in a position to do so bomb is loose
Deep with the bomb site and G2 are playing with their food. They'll tuck in
wonderful 1v4 and
Nothing being given up. This is a g2 who might punish at the end of the top wonderful just has to try and hold on
Who the man's wasn't shying away from this fight
I mean they had nothing but lost bonus, but now he only has 200 bucks you can't even buy a pistol
Disaster strikes for Navi. These cat-executes have looked very weak, very predictable.
They found no entries on this T-side when they need them.
Every single opening kill coming from G2 since the guns have come out.
That's why, you know, the whole foundation of this Navi dust use felt so shaky,
because even with the advantages in that first half, you saw it with your own eyes.
It wasn't enough for them to win rounds.
And so here, when you're not even getting the entries,
you know, what's supposed to happen?
Kars hasn't had a kill since rifles have come out.
One of us not exactly in positions to do anything with his AWP
supporting the pack, throwing in this U-tail.
The one guy who was showing up on CT side
before we eventually had Navi Holti.
And they won the half, man. 7-5.
And now they think 7 might be all they get.
G2 want to make it so. That's coming in with a bit of aggression.
Can it be a tricky fight, that one. Jiggled by
Ema on the Tech 9. Gun gifted over.
It's risk from Nertz on the top mid-push as it just handed Navi away in.
Miss shot now for some pious. And these misses are going to start to cost you.
The A site is shrinking.
Na'Vi move in looking for a breakthrough with pistols.
Unloved across. Never open to that Sumpire AWP.
Your G2 though, you're telling yourselves any round is winnable from any position.
This one though might be asking too much.
That is a disaster for G2, but there's Na'Vi stealing a round.
Right at the end of this map, it feels like a push nuts will regret
the way up top middle on his
own with not an ounce of support.
And RV popped that head off.
They find their first entry in
some time and they don't waste
that opportunity. G2 off and
RV away back into this game.
They will take it.
The all around you're going to
be kicking yourselves over if
you G2 you feel like now in
hindsight made an unnecessary
and you've handed the team a way back in who felt completely lost on this map.
Yeah, I mean, this is a similar score I turned to come back to Falcon's
showed against Navi yesterday on an UBIS was 11-6. Felt like a lock in.
So very quickly, can that compound and get out of control here for G2?
Can they put it to rest?
Fall on.
and so far quicker out towards short this time way sooner in the round the g2 have been used to
Worried about a mid-control round here, but it doesn't feel like bits entirely given up on these long doors
So wonderful try and go for the pick there to start this round and as that smoke fades
Now group over the wards long looking for this a split
This triple B might be very poorly timed for the G2 squad pulling their resources onto the other side of the map
Wonderful still very much at the back of the pack with this bomb actually alone right now out in middle
Won't get caught by the cross
Nafi do want to go with this they've got to take advantage of these positions soon
And it might just start happening now in the back of that mccasey entry
Handing him a 5v4 they set their sights on this a play some pious does what he can
The rest is in hunter's hands the captain of G2
Overwhelmed, Navi back-to-back rounds.
And a game that is closing up.
teammates guessing that everybody does their job, lurks shut down in middle,
perfect utile to stop a potential clutch with low time on Hunter in the site,
and even that Nade on the long smoke catches Nerds repositioning.
Everything that can go wrong does for G2, and can you believe that that is their first time out?
this late in the game. They've been happy with how this one's gone so far. Finally, that gets drawn into question.
As G2 put all in in this integral round.
A game that Feli could have been finished off of that half-buy for Narvi. I would have granted G2 12 rounds, but Nerts had other ideas, gave them a gun.
gave them a way back in I think you know the thing you really hope that doesn't
happen now for G2 is Nurtz was on a recovery he got one kill in that first
half but he's given away the swing round that has led Narvi back into the game
and so you kind of don't want him to get in his head again it was his recovery
that held so much promise we are fully in control of the game just
Two players out here towards middle
They've got wonderful back in the tunnels with that up to actually draw fire draw attention
Bit with an important catch nerds there to instantly trade
And it's wonderful tries to come in
Wonderful's been given up on plot doesn't know it yet, but he's got great timing for that fight some players dead
And now a 1v1 the fate of Na'Vi on this map in the hands of
Wonderful and he's up for the task!
Idol's 10 rivals for this guy, Na'Vi on to double digits!
It's a one round game!
Specable 1v4 clutch and a wonderful with two health to do it, a tech 9 tap headshot
and some pyres jumping through the smoke.
Do you not know what you're up against?
A wonderful who has to make a play.
And boy does he, the play that might send Navi into the playoffs.
CHEERING
From the brink of defeat, and Navi now favourite here in this first map.
That was going so very wrong.
What a time for Wunderbord to stand tall.
player who's been waiting for his flowers finally found his first MVP coming into this
tournament and he has got a point to prove at this major he has got unfinished business
in the Lancers.
That walks in clutch made it feel inspired maybe
That's two phenomenal
Clutch rounds out towards this B site from Orpas now at the tail end of the clone major stage three
But this one has massive eranifications
Look at the gap because he
He's been very quiet in this T side, had one kill since rifles came out, but he still finds
a space in the anti-eco, looking to assure Navi that nothing will go wrong in dealing
with these pistols.
And at this point, that's assured.
G2 just stumbling into crosshairs.
drained others saying it's fine. And now all that uncertainty looks to swallow you up. This
four-round streak for Navi, a tie game at 11-all and one final buy round for G2. If they don't do
it here, Dust2 goes against them. They lose their pick in the series and at that point everything
hangs in the balance. Navi would be going on a comfortable ground feeling like they recovered
a map they almost felt destined to lose with some of these rounds in that first half it's very impressive resilience
It did this with no timeout's play called it four rounds ago four round streak
Navi stay in this game
Ready to write them off
You can feel the difference in navi looking a lot more comfortable on this t-site taking a lot of space early in this round
No threat from lower. No threat from short. G2 wouldn't possibly dare.
So Navi get to call the shots. His last mid to B was a bit messy. It comes down to a clutch.
But Navi, where two players sat in their own mid-door smoke, were refusing to play.
That's how G2 were able to get such an advantage in shutting down that tunnels push.
Navi need to be very careful on the timing of this hit. Alexi has just been reblocked in middle.
It might just come down to a 4v1 of this B bombsite G2 hedging their bets on a they've read it wrong
At this point it's heavy got or it's nothing guy needs to deal with all of now be single-handedly
Heavy gods done his part now. It's on a nurse to try and play try and follow through the rest of G2 still hesitant in the in these rotates
Nuts do anything.
He swings this window, wonderful his eyes on.
You're a man up. You don't want to write this round off, but you go for it and you come up short, you're broke.
You almost feel destined to go for this and that could be the undoing of G2.
How hard is this B bombsite? We're about to find out.
This will cost them everything.
All four players arriving from the mid-side, they've got one flash on Mattis.
The try and begin this retake.
Pull it off. Before it even begins.
Under is gone.
And the save called. They lose their captain.
They lose their edge. G2, run away!
It hurts. It really hurts.
But it's absolutely the right call here for G2.
They cannot afford to lose these guns.
Navi go hunting. They won't find anything.
G2 keep three right forms.
They keep themselves on this map.
But make no mistake.
This is Navi on a streak.
Five straight T rounds.
G2 are dragging their heels as they have to leave that B bomb site.
Heavy God does so much and it is not enough.
You could not have asked for more on that hold.
You can just see how, you know, it's reinvigorated this whole team as the game's gone on.
The cooling's gotten better.
They've so often been in the right place.
They've dodged these stacks.
They've had the right reads.
Communication's flowing.
Smiles all around.
G2, it's nothing but stress.
Now the one by one of work to inspire each other and got themselves switched back online just in time
And you think about how animated blade was
Yesterday in that Falcons match the look of disappointment on his face
Well now it's determination
Any bit of pride that the guys have been able to build back from such a one-sided game
Job's not done yet, but Wonderful's helped them out.
In this final round of regulation,
Heavy gone's going to do it at low health.
That hurts.
Outlaw quick for Na'Vi, confident.
But look at the change.
Nuts just spammed two through the smoke.
Is he going to commit and die for this position?
Nade on the smoke.
Nuts looks to line them up, and what an admirable effort.
It's put them in the 2v2.
It's given G2 a fighting chance.
Despite the double entry for Na'Vi, they're still here.
It's the two top performers, 4G2.
They've got to try and claw this one back against the might of wonderful's AWP.
Mikazi here, gonna try and sneak across with that smoke down, some pious nose, you don't
get many shots, you don't get many chances.
Bounds himself down low, people just if his eyes are long, BOOM!
Snap comes in on the perfect timing!
And now Mikazi, not exactly but his strongest game here, 11 and 20, a struggling match for
Navi's explosive piece but still a world where he can end this with a bang and knows where both players are
Feeling very claustrophobic
Know that one pixel strain too far can give this away
Mccase's got to be so careful and considered in these fights. Some pious gives up the aim of the game
Don't tell me Mccase is about to clutch up big and take this
Oh, Manevi!
A year on from his debut event.
We knew he was the real deal.
Back in Cologne, he showed up with the playoffs last year.
He looks to get Navi there again today.
Makaazi moment, 1v2 clutch, and Navi steal G2's map pick away.
Navi on the brink of defeat but they do not let it slip away today after what
was a dire start to the second half they caused correct on their team side and
thanks to some wonderful individuals they steal this one away from G2 and
what away from Mikaze to clutch that one out Janko. Yeah stepped up at the final
round but that was just a monumental collapse from G2. 11-7 up you're
going up against the half by, and then some questionable aggression from their individuals
and everything falls apart from that point on.
You've won the full pay rise, that's what I'm saying, that's incredible.
Makaazi, can this kickstart his tournament?
They've needed this so badly, so fun, there's nothing going on from the T side, they closed
the game out in the end.
Yeah, fantastic form to be fighting back into it, obviously for G2, there's gonna be more
to be desired, hopefully they can bounce back on what will be the second map of this series.
We're gonna be a tricky one considering this was them my pick they chose this for a reason yanko
And it felt like just lift away from them even more so than the map they just the fashion in which they lost
I mean that was absolutely horrendous you had full control you had everything going through hell it great first half considering
You lost the pistol recovered nicely
Second half you were shutting them down completely
Then again you give them sort of a gift
When they only had pistols you were supposed to be on map point after that round and
And yeah, a wonderful stepped up sure, but you could tell from that point on G2
started playing not to lose instead of playing to win.
Yeah, gonna be a tough for G2 to fight back into this one as later on it will indeed be
Nabi's pick. That is going to be Inferno. Interesting one to be discussing.
Of course, it's this time of night as well. Next we're going to be having another new
skit dropping, but right now we need to dive into exactly what happened on this
dust 2. And I think Janko's totally right. Ash, you come into that second half,
you placed up what, six rounds in a row? If you're outside of G2, you get on 11.
That's a rare point for anyone to be fumbling this kind of a lead.
It looked like Navi had nothing. Literally nothing. They couldn't get in the rounds, it was just done.
The game was completely over and at this point it feels like just sit back, let Navi come in and die
because they had nothing, Makazi couldn't kill, Wunderflad had nothing to work with.
The game was over, so giving them a chance to get back into it, you can't do this against a team like Navi will punish you.
I think that's key. It's not even a problem that you can't play aggressive and they have pistols, you know?
Or try to push up or do something like absolutely you can.
But in a scenario in which you've been winning rounds, clean against gun rounds,
they're starting to look lost, they don't look like the Navi,
you know, they just group up and do an A execute.
I don't really see Navi play that way, right?
You're making it easy for them.
Like, they can't come up with the answers, they can't come up with the solutions,
and this way, you're sort of giving an opening to them
that they weren't able to find at all the entire half.
Should we take a look at the point where the script, rather, kind of flipped, right?
We've got round 19, this is the first T round that Navi gets put on the board.
Yeah, like I said, it's the first one and Cheetah know everything.
We've got a one-person jiggle in the tunnel still, middle is clear, let's go three towards A,
and Nertz isn't like an aggressive mid-set-up but by himself?
And he should kind of risk in the whole round.
Some pious misses are set to because it's the team's thing, they're sure what is clear.
Matthew just goes for a wild spray and just so that the round's over,
and they have three people on A, plus a guy in top middle.
And Nertz's play isn't needed at this point.
You have everybody on A, you have three control.
Just be there, make sure they can't come back or anything,
and then you're flanking towards me quickly.
So, I think this is what happens when there's just too much adrenaline,
you get too excited, you just don't quite know what to do
because of the position that you have.
And you lose track of the macro, and as we said, the situation in the game,
like, you know, like the Navi couldn't get anything going on their T side,
and you go for something with, yes, I know they lost long control,
but you also know it's a half-byte, like, you know, this isn't a full-byte round for Navi,
sure there can be a Galil or an AK dropped, and then pistols and armor,
but you shouldn't be feeling the pressure to go for a play like this considering the circumstance.
And then obviously the moment that kind of changed the tone of the entire game, the wonderful clutch,
Ash, this was insane. I cannot believe that he pulled this one off.
I mean, he was having a great game at CT side and then he cooled off. He cooled off because the
team couldn't really get going. This is 2 HP, 1 vs 4 at 9-11 and it's just incredible. I mean,
I don't think Jutu would be too happy the way they played it so much, but giving him a chance right
he looks absolutely incredible in the games I'm seeing.
I'm a little bit worried that it's still just him, it's still just Bitts.
They need something else and they're going to win this game.
Two things about this round. First, shout out to Alexi,
who with his dying breath through a flash that blinded the first G2 player
and allowed Wonderful to get the kill.
And then also take note of how the 2v1 was played by G2.
Sure, Wonderful went for an aggressive pick, but they were not together to begin with.
Some players in CT Mathis was already going for tunnels,
So that's also what happened in the final round of the game.
Same thing, carried away again.
In another 2BX situation, I get it that having got to kill kind of late,
maybe some players couldn't just reposition that they're firing off their shots
when they're actually too long with them.
You're giving your opponent, Makazi in that case, two 1v1 fights,
which is what you never want to do in a man advantage situation.
No, certainly not.
And then we get into the penultimate round of the game, Yankee.
What was this finishing blow like?
This was where you saw they're done, right?
This is where you saw G-Tour, the heavy god, on his own against the entirety of the Navi spot, gets two kills, does a ton of damage, on the third guy as well, he relays that info, first rotator nerds couldn't really do much, you know, couldn't find a kill, so now they're in a 4v3, alright, let's see if we can reset here, a little bit, he gets tagged to low HP, so the bomb just got planted, they're swapping guns, okay nerds to low HP, take the opp, right, give me the flashes, do this, do that, it takes them so long to walk through.
organize themselves that once Hunter dies, look how much time has passed, like two-thirds of this bomb,
three-quarters of the bomb had passed, they haven't even set themselves off to start retaking,
and after that one death from Hunter, they just go and save. Like that tells you the communication
was absolutely chaotic, they could not like come to terms how they want to go into this retake,
that's still a very much winnable round, especially after what Hevygoth was able to do on his own,
and this is where you could see, you know, the consequences of losing the rounds that we've
shown prior, the confidence was nowhere to be found, there was just complete
disarray in the comms and Navi was able to close out the game.
Now yeah, this is a disappointing because I really feel like Navi were there to be taken
and even goes back to the T side for me and G2 side, they default to start off the game,
it looks great, they win the round comfortably and then they start throwing trick plays in,
I remember a round where they start peeking middle dry, happen two rounds in a row, wonderful,
just pick them up everywhere and then with the three B pops in the game, just fully set
B pops from spawn calls and he felt like just let your players play a little bit
let's try and win the run because now he didn't look good and then you also give
away a map that seems done in multiple different ways this was incredible
combo here from G2. They went A in the first gun round which they were able to
win and then they tried one more time when they got shut down on short that
was that 2v5 that got really close from the side of G2 but every other round
they went to finish on B which was kind of crazy. So you felt like it was maybe
Maybe G2 is getting a little bit ahead of themselves, I mean when you see you have that
much of a lead you think surely one of these rounds is going to get to work, right?
Yeah, absolutely, but then you lose to pistols.
Alright never mind, it's only 11, 7, 11, 8 at this point, right?
Okay, oh we're winning against this B split.
Ah, the guy just won a 1v4.
Never mind boys, we still got it, let's go, but now the doubt is creeping in, so when
you have that retake it's not calm it's not hey let's just do this guy you have
low HP you're just gonna run in first and by as you flash for us no we're
swapping guns for him to run in with the AWP first then the guy with a lot of HP
is flashing like you know and then you just lose too much time you can't
organize yourselves and then you're just falling apart really and this is what
we mean by you're not playing to win anymore you're not taking the risks
you're in two position of the window flash instantly go in your B1s has a
hard one. Take the one for two. It's not even the worst thing in the world. Mattis could go back through tunnels when he pushes long. He joins the team as well. It's just the slowest ping in the world. So it's kind of what we mean. We'll say play to win. It sounds obvious, but it isn't obvious. A lot of the times what this means is when you feel like you have a time in our position, you need to use that position in the best way that you can. And sometimes you just hesitate because you lost rounds before.
Do you think that's what Saul will be saying to the guys in this break? We've got to see those live pictures here. What would you be saying in this moment?
I think I was saying that we mostly played good and we lost the game, that's unfortunate,
but we were in positions to win the game.
This is something that you can see that Navi won at their best.
They nearly won multiple 5e3s, 5e2s.
They were in positions to do that in a lot of the games and this also was wonderful playing
kind of his A game in a way.
It was a bit too easy, sometimes it would blow and smoke over, hold middle and get a
multi frag, but they concede that Navi are vulnerable and I also think they won't be
happy with the way they played because this was heavy God dragging them through for the
majority of the game and then the rest of them starting to warm up they need to all come in hot
they can't rely on heavy god to get through to the playoffs but I would say as well the biggest
winner so far is spirit watching us. Yeah that's a fair analogy. Kitter not without their chances on
inferno right like they had mixed results on the map it was early on when we had to cover IGL and
map on which they had a lot of success on was their staple in that blast London run where they
ended up lifting the trophy so you also have that saying like hey we still have a chance on these
maps it's not like you know a new base where it maybe it's a little bit shaky for them or something
along those lines but I can tell you from experience it's tough to mentally reset after a loss like
that right like it's almost reliant on having like a strong start because being 5-0 up really
makes you forget about what happened on the previous map. Yeah that's an easy way to kind of
forgive and forget that one. You said you know G2's history on this map of Inferno why did Navi pick it then?
I'm not a hundred percent sure because something like ancient as ash pointed out would have made more sense
But perhaps it is you know blade just wanted to throw a little bit of a curveball
Maybe the tall shaky those maps have been for them in this tournament. They just want to take it somewhere else
It could be Macaulay's this
McMittish on ancient you have to have middle control most of the time and he's having a really poor tournament
You just play away from him. Maybe it could be a prep thing
maybe looked at Inferno and thought actually the Inferno looks significantly worse than Ancient and also you know
They think you're going to pick a so I'm interested to see kind of what rough kind of game plan that Navi will cook cook
They're not like a trickery team
They're a team that will have some sort of set ideology in there for the specific matchup
And we'll see how that plays out GT starting CT side who we looking at the most in order for them to have that hot start here
I don't know team banana
I can't remember who he was playing, but he had a blinder of a game early on in stage 3,
or maybe it was even back in stage 2.
But yeah, I think he needs to wake up a little bit, right?
Like he had that bad round that we mentioned, not the hottest of tournaments.
That's such a focal point on this map, where him having a good game can really
propel G2 to take it into a third map.
One of the best on Dust2 though, so...
No idea. He started off, I think it was maybe two kills at halftime, maybe even one.
like this banana position, if you can't control banana and you are dying repeatedly, they will not be able to play the map, so I agree fully, nurses will want to watch.
Well, if G2 want to reround, they have to rebound on Navi's map pick of Inferno, but before we get there, let's see what vow we've been cooking for the playoffs.
This is Vitality dominating so many maps, you can't touch his team on open pass, one of them.
That's one of them.
Okay, but to the super MC crazy, I got you here, okay?
Vitality are often for the boost.
Rescue move, in my opinion.
I don't know. Is there?
Oh, dear. Vitality caught sleeping on the new update.
Apex here, hoping to find cover on a map they usually avoid.
There's a dinghy in donut.
Calm guys, let's relax, adapt, play inside, focus on your crosshairs.
I
Wish I guess I guess
Guys I'm gonna see
What the fuck guys?
You have to listen to me now!
We are fucking being shit CS!
We are the best of all time on this map!
There's nothing we cannot overcome!
Let's fucking go boys!
That's right! That's right!
Get him! Get him!
Victors! Victors! Victors!
Victors!
Finally, they turned this shit off.
You say the history is written by the Victors,
well that makes Apex the author of modern Counter-Strike.
What the fuck is going on with this game?
They're all tomatoes!
They're not doing anything to kill them, they're vass!
Fucking fuck!
I just hope it's to be yes or no!
Fucking major, mate!
Well, you may want to beat Team Vitality, but you can't do that unless you make it to those major playoffs.
Na'Vi lock in map one of this series against G2.
And we've seen them take Vitality down before. We've seen it just the other day.
So is this team setting themselves up for a repeat run in a major playoff?
And Fano brings us answers. G2 more questions. Have they fumbled their best opportunity?
Yeah, I mean, that is just the feeling, isn't it? At the end of Dust2, multiple chances where they could have looked to close.
But there's one guy who really, really wants this, but now I'll be right now.
now you're looking at wonderful man that clutch to keep the dream alive been in
phenomenal form all tournament you just getting the best games out of wonderful
you can ever ask for I'm so glad the mccasey jumped on that train as well
because he had a very quiet second half of that map but he showed up to win the
1v2 on low health against G2 to steal it away in regulation very impressive
showing for mccasey his first event in this team was last year he had a great
group stage he had an even better playoff a 1.21 on the stage and they lost
the spirit in a semi-final because he was no problem in that matchup he showed
he can hang on the big stage so let's see if Navi can get there second map of
this series their pick Inferno and an opportunity to go to another major
All right, that's one hell of a way to get things going.
Dink down range on a heavy guard.
You'll take that if you now, V, as you're just trying to ease into this T side.
I know the G2 have been outside doing some reflecting at the end of that devastating
loss.
So he's got to prepare themselves for a G2 that are looking to bounce back.
I set on an A play and a stack here for the G2 squad.
Folks come in, Sodenar V. You told to get this one going.
All he's to try and clear out the pit.
Mattis up close.
He's in the pitside, alongside his captain.
Now a lot of eyeballs over here on short.
Navi try and change their mind.
They've shown a lot of face out here towards this A-play.
So expecting reaction from G2, but Nurtz hasn't bitten down upon it.
Navi look like they might reset.
There's still more twists and turns in this one, but with 20 seconds, Navi have got to go.
Even that slow down means a Nurtz can't assist on this long side and he would have been valuable there.
Mattis has fallen, Hunter hiding out inside of the site.
He's the head shots, needs some quick, wonderful detray, just enough time to put that bomb down and Nertz is late to this party.
Looking for redemption.
After a giveaway round, back on Dust2, let Na'Vi into it, is Nertz up for the task of this clutch, or is he feeling flustered?
Two players in front of him and they face him right away!
Na'Vi, star, is he a mean to go on?
We'll then pick it up where they left off another victory to kickstart this second map.
Decisive move there in that 2v1, they just chase him down absolutely fearless game out of Navi
on the cards here on Inferno after picking up an impressive comeback on Dust2.
Looking to charge into the playoffs.
Split pistols last map, Navi take the first here.
G2 go for the force on the CT side.
Questions as to this banana hold. We've seen some highlights from nerds in this position at this major so far.
Gonna be required in this first half.
smokes, it doesn't tell you a lot.
Some pyres try to get it ahead of them, confirming position clear.
RVR grouping for this B site, G2 actually decides to rotate.
That's a big kill as well, it's going to free things up.
Hunters moved away with that smoke, he's uncertain, there's a gap.
And T'Nagi just walked right in.
That's with the first, but now more needed from these pistols.
Oh, struggle in a container spillover, they'll manage it, bit, can't clutch,
He's got him!
And still an early bounce back from G2.
That was scary for a second. Hunter rotating.
Sampai is calling long open, but luckily gets back in time to drop that smoke.
And that's just grey screens, Narvi coming through against 5-7s that we know are brutal.
Very hard to get through these.
Upgraded pistols, G2 winning the force by...
And now Bit's hero, Galil, that's all Barbie have to work with.
And look at the gap he's found.
Bit want to trust his reed of the game.
I'll be trusting it to carry them through to a double set of entries. That's all the space you needed fits provided more than enough
You were not ready for that. You're on moto. You're getting peaked at short at the start of the round
And that's a save call for G2
They're right in this one off re-smoke motor only sells it even further. I don't even get her out of there
I don't even know how you justify that to yourself.
Bit just walks out mid.
He finds the gap.
Is that prep?
Is that you finding space and just walking with it?
Who knows?
It is perfect for Bit.
Just walks straight into the empty position as G2 Gamble B and the read of dreams here
for Navi, just put them right back on the board.
If Dust2 ended up becoming all about wonderful, I forbid to remind us what he's made of because
he's been the other guy hitting tremendously hard at this major.
Yeah, that's why yesterday felt like such an anomaly.
Why couldn't have come at a worse time?
But all could be forgiven today.
So didn't wait till, didn't use the time until about 20 rounds into the game, back on Dust.
G2 force up, I could save three rifles, sort of bad by...
Stress getting to G2, and understandably...
Being kind of one of the reigning mantras we've heard in these G2 timers doesn't have
to be perfect.
We just have to be on the same page.
It's sadly feeling a little disconnected when you lose a round like they just did.
So again, now V gonna try and play with this A space.
Is this how it looks from the offset?
They keep McCarthy over towards banana, so they still have the option to bring this
one back if they want.
This works fall in the way of some pious, and now Hunter, a decision to make.
You want to try and brave a mid-fight.
Goes looking for a scrap.
I'm lucky.
Gives away the opening.
Some pious thinking, maybe he wanted to come through there.
Decides against it.
They are waiting in this long smoke.
They've heard him on that jump.
And so they're not getting out of this one alive.
Not sure what he was hoping for there.
And how you're in a really potent position.
You know, at most, it should just be one guy in the site.
That's about to get confirmed with the spot over at long.
Still, Nerv's good for a double.
They need to clear heavy, got to keep their wits about them,
because that SMG upcloses the problem.
Heavy got farms.
And G2 going tip for tat with Nervi to start in photo.
My goodness, that's a 5v3 straight up for Nervi.
Double entry, they can seed long, they regroup on the short hit,
but no motor smoke, it actually fades by the time they get out short.
It's a perfect line for Nervs.
that blue just disappear and easy lineup baits them into heavy god.
Narvi just get turned to mulch.
Shockingly easy 4G2 when you consider the man disadvantage.
Narvi caught looking a little silly there.
Left with just AK's, he's picking to try and look for a gap again.
Head of the smoke. Head of the smoke surprises though.
It's not peeking wide enough.
Gap twice over, again an entry from Bit as he leads the pack.
Last of Narvi, we're going to follow through behind it, they've changed their mind, putting pressure on Long,
now falling back for the short commit.
Heavy Guard nearly swings out there blind, ends up recovering,
but you're going to need more from Heavy Guard before this round is over, good for a double.
Hunter getting himself stolen away, tucked into this corner hard,
to flush out a position now for Wonderful.
This isn't an orb in a post plot anymore. This is a rifle seeking three entries. G2 here
have the site reinforced. Look at a win-out in these forced by-wars.
And Wondervoll's hoping so much that they're the ones to make an error, but they count down.
They swing them together. That's G2 on the same page to shut out that clutch.
and that's why these B players just keep punishing on Moto.
Navi are getting entries into A. They're trading out well,
but then G2 just have an open sideline,
and they are knocking Navi out as they go for this A hit.
I won't even call it an execute. It is lacking the smoke,
and G2 are bringing it, winning out despite a lost pistol,
finally putting Navi on eco.
That saved a couple rounds ago. Well worth it
As by the end of it all G2 will sit with a two round lead
It's a bit of a kick in the teeth for Navi
And one thing that seems really reassuring here for G2 is how good heavy God is today
He showed up on dust 2 he was doing all he could okay
It's just pistols, right? What could go wrong?
Heavenly God falls, but no one else will.
She too, no, they're in the pits.
He needs to just whittle the pits round away.
He's still been able to provide something, but at 11 HP, armed with only this eagle,
there's a limit even to bit and what he's capable of.
So here's your...
Delayed gratification of these conversions, if you're G2.
He's immediately going to hop on in.
I feel like surely he's noticed in these first few rounds just how fast and loose G2 are playing with the rotates.
And maybe Navi the same because, you know, they're getting into good positions.
They're getting out of mid-space for free and they keep finding picks in there.
So you kind of understand why Navi are committing to these executes.
But now, you know, in back to backgrounds, they've done exactly that and G2 have shut them down from disadvantage.
So maybe the cool is to cool off, you know, play the round out, use the clock more.
Haven't seen any presence on this B site yet for Na'Vi.
No banana control taken in this game.
And so there are a lot of options that Na'Vi haven't utilized in this T side.
And maybe breathing a bit more is one of them.
It's sort of one of the go-to's, Bananvi.
You know, I take the pace out of this a little.
If you get those openers, just let the, you know, 5v4, 5v3,
whatever it may be, speak for itself.
I mean, it's something we saw back on the last map, right?
These map advantages lost.
Lots of early picks for the 4 and CT Dust 2.
Not a lot of rounds from those moments.
Orgy2 are expecting a change off of that timeout,
and they've kind of correctly preempted this banana take for Navi you said we haven't seen any of this control yet
I'll be trying throw it in and that return to the rifles and get bullied by the utile
It's on the same page. You know swinging together great utile. They lock Navi out of this position
It's a reassuring sign despite there's not being a B round
The G2
Have the protocols in place. They have that banana control back
And so, minute on the clock for Narvi, and they don't have anything to show for this.
So low health, barely getting U2 out of G2, and we get a walk right up, back up for Narvi,
late in the round silently, hoping G2 have perhaps over-rotated, but Narvi still has
support in the form of Mattis.
Shasing.
The reload, they hit them falling back from that aggression, but now blocked in atop Narvi,
like he really have to go through it they will get an entry nuts getting burnt out but it's falling
a little shallow that's giving us this punch to sit on keen double g2 is still in this round
hunter first to arrive on the scene and he lines them up
bit sitting at the top of the board eight and four but the fate of this smoke hangs him out to dry
sandwiched by G2. No miraculous clutch. G2 racking up rounds.
Alright Captain Hunter delivering the goods here for G2. That's a 3k on rotation, a shutout on that bomb plant.
Even with smokes down, Navi not trusting it. Going for the safe plant. Anything but with Coffin's open.
And it feels like G2 have a third player in every position.
Fourth player in A, third player in B.
That is a rotate backbump. It is so well timed.
Yeah, he's put himself in positions to succeed.
It's reflected in the scoreboard, sitting right up at the top by quite some margin.
This is Hunter trying to lead by example.
Trusting his reader to game and having a great one.
In this map.
No one where Narvi are at all times. This is always a scary setup if you miss the shot, but they don't
Could attract heavy guard in instead both players get to leave with a killer piece
I just think about how much of a nuisance
It's been you know even in these rounds where it's just pistols lurking out towards the apartments have that one round here with
The D. Eagle or he's able to get the harass off so just go and get rid of him
Don't let him long the round out. Don't let him find these timings
They deal with him early
That feels like it gives you so much freedom now sat pretty in a five on three and the one guy that's had you looking over your shoulder
He's dead
Or that came from some pious connects on to McCarthy
5e2 just walking over the line now hunter is here to support 13 and 2 on Hunter right now
Absolute heroic step up here from the captain of G2 the cologne winner in Hunter
the surviving piece of that roster from back in 2023.
I'm playing with pieces of the very team he beat in that Grand Final in Sampires and Nerds.
Even though a major playoffs may be a different conversation for this G2 team, stage experience
is not.
You've seen a lot of these guys pop off in arenas over these last few years.
But as many have learned this week, getting there is the hardest part.
I mean, Hunter just has a very calm demeanour in and out of the server, and that translates
very nicely to these high pressure moments.
And you've got to find it inspiring, I think, if you're the rest of the G2 players, right,
hit tab you see where your captain sits on the scoreboard you kind of tell
yourself look if he's willing to do all this surely we can offer something up
nuts but a shut down at banana navi and their attempt to take this space
quickly locked out attempt to trade back for bit that some pious orb able to
rid him from this round leaves an unlikely 2v4 attempt on the cards for
wonderful and Ema. They're split up here in their approach. Ema going alone out in a top middle
and this is Hunter's domain. Right around that corner ready for it. Hunter with the
killing blow. That's the bomb dropped out on Long. G2 just setting traps all over the map right now.
That double lap set up in a couple of rounds. This one they burned Navi back into the swing in B.
I don't think Navi wanted to jump the gun on that B-Hip, but they get forced to by that Molly.
Alexi says, swing with me.
Two players dead in the car. Wonderful.
In another clutch, is he really going to be up for the job?
Orp on this shot will connect.
And so some players does not let this one get out of control.
G2 making up for their mistakes of dust.
This is six rounds in a row, building out of control for G2.
And Navi have not had many rounds up B. But that's one they'll remember. We've seen
very strong utility from G2 and the CT side.
I think it's one of the brutal things about this map, you know, when you feel like you're
running into the wall when Banana is just closed at the hands of convincing you till
convincing gunfights out of the B players, it kind of puts you in a real box, doesn't
If you can't take banana, you don't get to go play for this B site.
That's why we've seen just a rung of these A hits constantly for Na'Vi.
It's the only space they're getting. It's the only space they're being given.
And even then, they've struggled at converting even with the openers.
So again, it's back to this A play.
And Alexey Classic, an apps pop for Na'Vi.
Oh, we're taking deep. We're getting desperate now
because G2 with only one flash in their face have no problem locking this down
miss shot won't cost you as the rifles come in but wait wait it does double
entry from Alexi suddenly Navi are in the conversation they can get that bomb in
I can't see on the AWP
shot and Mattis with that pickup now they start closing in Alexi thought he'd
done enough with the double but more is demanded of Navi's captain.
Here's the players there, here's them, lines up the first, gets to long this one out a little
longer.
Let's see!
Ludicrous round from the captain!
And maybe on the back of it, Navi can make something of this T side yet.
I just felt perfect there for G2. That's a 2v5 with the traits from Alexi.
Have you got some Pirates and Hunters all get a killer piece?
One missed orb shot and then the whole thing comes unraveled.
Alexi keeps it cool. Doesn't get too tricky.
Trust his aim in that 1v2.
And G2. Okay.
Is it around that will cost you only time will tell.
You have a significant advantage still.
And as we've already said this B site has been on lock.
Have you not put a bomb down there yet?
This round is everything.
Lose it, and you're destined to get stomped out of your T side.
We're there and we have a game of Counter-Strike.
Another smoke, Hunter. Looking like he wants to come through this.
This flash is deployed, no one fires off and so maybe they attempted an info flash there.
Doesn't commit to that engagement, just holds the other side of the smoke.
Alexi's gonna try and brave this.
Hunter has gone on, waiting for this exact move.
But a backstab for Alexi.
Hunter needed that trade, couldn't secure it.
Again, entry kills from Alexi B.
Now they leave it off to Ema in this clutch.
Can he make it look as easy as Alexi did in that last round?
String of clutches to try and pull Navi back into the conversation.
It's facing first from the long side.
You tell out, Ima, doesn't pounce yet.
Now he's about to get delivered a fight and he's clinical with it.
And now Ima buys himself a few more seconds dancing around these side boxes.
And that is now back to my clutches in these place plans for Na'Vi.
It is clutches that have defined this series for Na'Vi.
Being wonderful in the 1v4 on Dust2.
Being Mikazi closing that map with a 1v2.
Alexi the same. Now Ema enters.
Everybody's getting in in these late round situations and Na'Vi are staying alive.
Fourth round will not break G2's money so nothing will come easy for Narvi.
But G2 would love to just get back on the board and not feel like they once again let
their opponent back into a match.
I'd have to contend with this deep banana regression yet, Mikazi still good for the clear entry.
This final round of the half, it's a 5v4.
We'll finally get a proper B execute here because G2 don't have the resources to refight
banana, even this rotation just has one flash on Hunter, so if Nami throw everything in,
G2 can't stop them.
Nah, they get the choice to explode.
Ooh.
Smoke.
Oh!
Acostia.
Alexi and Mikazi both get farmed and that bomb is out of there.
Hoping to link back up with an A-play.
The bit has to provide.
Blocked off in the apartments, that's forced to redirect him.
G2 are closing in real quick on this backstab.
I wonder even if they saw a glimpse of bit there crossing in top middle G2 playing it
forward.
Now they have Navi in a box right now.
Some pious AWP on this line.
Hunter with the backstab, one missed shot but not looking at custom this time.
Pius makes up for it and G2 stop the string of clutches on Inferno!
I'm going to go for it!
I'm going to go for it!
I'm going to go for it!
I'm going to go for it!
Surviving here with clutches on Na'Vi for the most prolific system team in Counter-Strike.
Let's beg it a bit of a question, how would they fare with the heart racing, adrenaline pumping style of getting by on individual brilliance?
And the answer, well, it was a T side that felt a little jittery, a little jumpy.
Giving away that final round of the half-seize, G2 with an 8-4 lead.
I don't know, I don't know what to say. What are the rules that you are winning, bro?
Okay, yeah, yeah, yeah, but it's fine boys. There might be a couple of more, but don't fucking crack. Don't let them get to you. It's all fine.
I cannot believe actually about this yesterday.
Cheetah is shocked around the coming so quick and so easy because it's Navee, Giddy, and jumping into their crosshairs.
From disadvantage after disadvantage, Cheetah...
...stave off Navee.
Navi now look for both pistols in this map.
Entry for Alexi, G2 surrounding the A site, two smokes to make this work.
Wonderful didn't have much of a part to play in that first half, but we'll have a responsibility
here if they're able to bring the AWP out. That kind of hinges on winning this pistol.
Bit trying to set them up for it. These door barrettas strike two from the tally. Heavy
God with the reply. Not looking for space out long by itself, more than he can chew.
That leaves it on Heavy God. And Navi come in quick with a pistol victory to begin this
Second half had something but again, we kind of afford to get ahead of ourselves
They won the first pistol and look how that ended up
It was a back-and-forth affair till G2 finally broke them
So now we need to keep a cool head on their shoulders in this CT side
We heard G2 in that halftime feeling very happy about the opportunity they've been given to close this game out
A couple of slower, quieter players here in this map for Narvi, and it is wonderful off
the back of an incredible Dust 2 on two frags now, and Mikazi not far ahead.
they will be called upon come to CT side
The whole quickly plugged bit, been itching for a fight.
That's it, now the guns make another appearance for G2.
We've not seen a whole lot over towards Banana.
It was an area of the map, largely neglected by Navi in that first half.
G2 gonna keep this an A focused game, or do they try and cast a bit of a wider net in
their first rifle round.
Got to keep them honest in banana.
Both teams hesitate to throw much in.
Sakamori for G2, just to make sure Navi aren't ready to swing, but they are.
Ready for the retake nades.
Hi HG, Mikazi swings as Navi look to stop G2 at the door.
No one panics off the flash.
G2 don't know numbers, they can only guess.
That was a lot of resources.
It's Navi slinked back into an A setup, minute on the clock for G2 to make up their mind.
Collected bombsite all game finally gonna get some action. There's the entry that brings you in Mikazi dealt with straight away
And this is an instant save call for Navi to clean entries all it takes to end around on Inferno
Might not believe that after the first half we had
for this more standard round
G2 just reaping the reward of a smoke span out of some pious.
I just heard Narvi use so much utility in retaking Topcar very early in the round and G2 were nowhere near they weren't under threat.
They didn't lose any health to that utility so they're just fine to wait it out and then recommit to a BXQ.
Something we never really saw happen for Narvi. Just one attempt to the end of that first half, shut down by a single flashbang.
he had nothing to stop them here perfect entries here from G2 put them on the board come their gun round
It's a bit of a realization for now V when this round ends and they hit tab they look for that utility damage
They see they didn't do a lot
They might need to rethink the the pace they imagine G2 are operating at because that was a slow banana take
That's a none of that early util finding damage
You can set it during the round, it was a lot of resources and they did not get a lot
of bang for their buck on that banana take.
Final one.
Here for Blade.
I can't, I mean, Harvey have done themselves out of worse spots, that's for sure, but...
I mean, look, you like the wonderfuls.
Keeping some residual money to try and bring out that orb, you feel like it has to be a
big focal point of this CT side because he went from being the guy that saved their life
on Dust2 to now 2-11 here on Inferno.
That almost comes with the territory.
You wait for the second half, you're a CT player with that AWP.
Hasn't had the chance to don one yet.
I might only have, you know, one proper go if things don't change soon for Navi.
It's at least making sure he can.
This won't be an orpless CT side for Wonderful.
It's fine, great damage.
And if there's one guy you don't want more down low at the start, it's BIT.
I'm confined to back pits for the rest of the round, even off the M4.
RVE still.
Trying to keep an honor.
Damage through the smoke, Hunter.
They're getting very close here, RG2.
Nurt's just called the bluff. He's walked through the smoke on the walk back from Mikazi, maybe counting ammo.
So Mikazi reloads back in spawn, he has nothing but smoke flash.
And again, it could just come down to this single entry.
Popped through the CT, smoked G2. They're running in, Mikazi, he doesn't call there. Blav, he doesn't believe it.
G2 just charge. A single flash wins them that entry.
And they put the bomb down, they find a 10.
That is quite a pace for G2. That is not what Navi were expecting.
And he talked about, you know, coming into this game,
Mikazi's kind of debuting Cologne,
is outing in the Na'Vi jersey,
and Inferna was a troublesome note there,
but it was one you thought he'd kind of started
to figure out, wrap his head around,
but he's just looking kind of out of the game right now.
Thought maybe that clutch at the end of Dust 2
might inspire something here, but looking flustered.
Didn't even hear the footsteps of all of G2
coming towards his bomb site.
I think it's a good one.
Just no reaction and a failure to launch in that round.
It's just really ugly for Mikaze and when we talk about him in playoffs, he's really reliable.
It wasn't just that clone outing where he showed up last year.
I mean, Budapest was also great for him as an individual.
That's his highest rated playoff, with the exception of the trophy they won back in Pro League.
That's some really good games in arenas has mccasey, but not the I'm not there yet
G2 are slowly but certainly steadily breaking into this game
This is what wonderful has been waiting for that's what he's telling himself finally getting to dawn and AWP
To an 11 it's all eyes on him to try and recover
I think one of the hard things one of the bitter pills to swallow in inferno is you can just get left out of the action
You've got to be very assertive on this orb.
Make sure you're putting yourself in position to succeed.
He's got no utile in this round, so everything kind of revolves around him.
And he's going to go hunting for this opening.
Orb with a swing and a miss, but he won't make up for it.
I'm all ready to come around the corner for G2, and Wonderful tries to escape.
Only for a second.
Back in, trying to extend that.
Trying to extend their advantage, but in this downtime, G2 making a move
on the other side of the map.
That is creeping out.
Have you got holding for any swing out towards mid?
Trying to lull them into a false sense of security.
You hear that, you tell for the long way down.
Oh, down for Ema!
And the bomb was coming in to link up with these A-players.
But now the round restarts for Hunter.
That was about the pit player.
The rest of Navier closing in. How much time can Ema buy?
The great Molly is going to give a few seconds, Hunter has to make noise to get through but
he still finds that entry to the back of the pit.
We have two smokes and a post bar potential here for G2.
Quad of God is nuts.
McCarthy redeems himself.
Two bottom performers of Na'Vi to stop the clutch against the top of G2.
The captain cut down.
Wonderful hit his and these two quiet Na'Vi players arrive just when they're required.
Navi trying to believe that it is not too late in the day to save this game.
An explosive 2v4 down to a winnable round.
but when did they do not?
They're faster up here towards this banana fight.
Nert's trying to lead the way.
The Utile punishing, but they get their entry.
Mikazi dealt with after the first.
Alexi might need to start calling for rotations.
Ema's trying to arrive. This take is coming in.
Break on the smoke for Ema.
Really wanted to try and pressure get something from that U-Till.
Instead it falls to Alexi, now trapped by the Molotov.
Ema lending a helping hand, but this scrap is one-out ultimately.
By the captain on the other side of the server.
Hunt at 20 kills deep in this game.
He's got so much space as well. He's just taken back into CT.
He's got a great line.
He can tell his teammate they're coming for Bernada.
This is so late for Navi.
You've got to hope they can find this kit with ease in the B bomb site
because G2 have all the advantages, some mutil to re-execute, but time not on
their side and Na'Vi playing silent, Hunter already knows they're coming from
the banana.
Really have to move quickly and as you move quickly you often get sloppy, Hunter
in position ready to cut this down, him and Heavy Guard trade the contact and Hunter
He's putting G2 on his back.
Four massive frags from Hunter in another messy round.
But these are the rounds where G2 are excelling in this series, scrappy, through smokes, flashes in your face.
Hunter saw Nico do it yesterday to Navi. He wants to join him in the playoffs.
This one's like this that remind you just how talented Hunter is.
Under took the leadership beating Niko in that race knowing that they were both one
day looking to become captains.
performing like he's the star rifler at the heart of G2. Opening in this round, so a 5v4.
Now low economy spot for Na'Vi. This would be a very unlikely round to pick up, but weirdly that's
where Na'Vi have done their best work. Heard it from the G2 comms earlier, they can't believe some
of the rounds that Na'Vi have won. Is this going to be the latest?
Aggression for Alexi, Mikazi hoping to bait for him with this spam.
The G2 check this corner, because if not Alexi is going to chew through them, there's the
first.
Now left to scrap and fight on his own devices, Alexi operating entirely alone.
That's big damage.
And the G2, everything called in at question, Heavy got in some pyres, set their sights
on finishing, or the rest of the team started this B-play.
Shouldn't have to ask for more from Alexi.
Surely his team can get him through the rest.
One more man back at the site.
Have he got Cliz him out?
He is looking for an ace of his own.
With 10 seconds, he's got to stick it.
Wonderful comes through the smoke.
Have he got run down?
And so Narvi survived,
barely by the skin of their teeth.
Alexi, two and a half kills.
Down banana.
Captain's showing up in this map for both squads.
And the ticker does go up.
You must be having the worst type of deja vu right now.
You know, these are the kind of rounds you were giving away on Dust.
You held a lead in a very similar position to this one.
That is the exception to the rule. This B site has just been brittle for Navi.
They've lost it numerous times.
They've missed time. The banana retakes.
G2 did a lot better at that on the CT side, so I think G2 know they can go back into this B bomb site and they can try it again.
Sure, Alexey, a lot of space. G2 don't use their UTIL correctly, they don't clear them out.
Something they'll learn from.
Give G2 that car position and they will ride it all the way into that B-Cypher around with.
Very tense game now. Money on the line for both teams. This one cost double.
I'll touch you too if you think about this. This is the round that could win them at this
map and keep them in the conversation for the playoffs.
Alexi decides he doesn't want fate to decide this.
Any type of luck to come into the conversation,
he falls back atop Banana.
Spot for Wonderful.
And around the long side,
and Ima in position in time,
they get baited into this crossfire.
And the God can't control the spray.
To the A site with stands.
It hasn't moved the muscle all round, it sat pretty down in the pit.
It's a powerful position.
Molotov is on some pious.
Can't be used to try and flush him out.
For now you've got to get past Nima, the one knowing quantity at this A bomb site.
They manage it.
Oh.
You ready for him to reappear at a moment's notice from the library side?
That smoke forces a fight out of it.
Bit gets pincet caught out in the open down to this a 2v2
It's the struggling b-side duo Alexi and the car see
You know I've got to clean up what now he couldn't finish
And even the smoke being here is a real nuisance it's wasting a lot of time on the clock
Mokazi being loud on his reposition, Sampias very informed.
That Molly forces a reaction, forces a swing.
Sampias might have the info, might know where they both are,
but has to deliver the goods.
1v1, Alexi can't find this!
Sampias sees it through for G2!
Finally the clutch is falling in G2's favor.
It is about time, say then,
map point here on Inferno and the two for one hanging over the head of NARV
they have nothing to stop G2 in this second map right there for the taking
is Inferno G2 some very difficult rounds levied against them but this time
they survive and with that clutch some pious is delivered than one hell of a
chance just to close here and now you said at the start of that last round
whoever loses it is broke moving forward some pious is 1v2 is meant to
hand it to an easy round but they get chewed up in top and out of this you
tell will be punishing still they can't break through what's heavy guns supposed
What's to do here? Locked out by the Util, hiding in a smoke alongside the enemy.
Christ the walkin' in goes to his demise. Every time you're rolling a right Navi off, they springboard back.
And that has massive ramifications. That's G2 broke as well. They came into that round.
Victors in a clutch. They have nothing left up. And so three rounds will go by in the blink of an eye now for G2.
You felt like getting 12 was the harder job of 2, but now closing this game will not be
much easier.
And G2 have forced.
They had to.
Their player's on 1400.
This means if they come up short, their next buy is in round 24.
Well, let's finish it with a bang.
They're almost expecting to come up short here.
Nurtz walks through a smoke and banana,
trusting his top car won, but they are over that.
At Maccazee, multi-kill with the Famas
in the previous round, will it be something
that haunts G2 in this series?
Jumping at the chance to close this map
and take his two mirage.
Oh, that is ugly.
That's a really, really rough entry to just kind of give away.
Will be helped out by an attempted backstab.
Some pious gets eyes on.
Go beat it. Got a man in his sport.
And it feels like that's dawning on G2 now as well.
Matt is clearing ground, creating a runway for this bomb to move on.
Some pious looking to join him.
Well, the rookie realize, the car's just got to go back.
And so he will. B site gets reinforced G2 looking to end this where it all started back at the A bomb site
Wonderful and bit waiting to receive
Now you tell to try and kickstart this whole thing you're really hoping Navi
Give this away. Give you the entry
Swing from bit does exactly that
Wonderful has to hold on and he can't convert the spray. It's down to this
This G2 have a clutch for the map to stay alive at this major.
Matt is on the reposition, Mccasey got the spot, Nade goes in.
He finishes the job.
Mccasey with back to back massive rounds.
Navi are still in this things.
More clutches coming in for Navi to keep him alive in this game.
I cannot believe the amount of 1vx's that Navi have squeezed out in this series.
Still struggling, still dangling in the balance, still here on Inferno, beautiful nade.
And that never should have gone so close, G2 with pistols after all.
But now Narvi get a freebie.
Mow down a former Karzy who's really started to snowball into a big problem.
Originally it was Na'Vi's problem and now quite the thorn in the side of G2 multiple
times thwarting them from securing that third map.
Not the hardest hitting guy in the server by a long shot, but when it counts in these
final couple of rounds, Mikazi's been good for it.
You're gonna have to survive without him here, but you're only up against this one gun entrusted
on to heavy God. This isn't around G2 as supposed to make competitive. They're going
in or across fire if they commit to be. They've got a smoke on Hunter. That will lock off
one of these players. So I have to try and find some comfort in this 2B1 onto EMA at
the back of the site. Will he get native? Is he just going for this fight because G2
are walking in so no early warning sign for Narvi that allows Alexei to play 15 seconds
G2 try contact, and Navi know it's coming. There should be no contact, smoke comes down,
even feels the pressure, but he holds strong, and Heavy God just wants to save this gun.
A done deal. Don't die after time, though. Navi are really trying to hunt this golden opportunity
to remove the rifle, and they take it out of the round. Alexi pushes back down Banana for the
top of car. He kills Heavy God after the clock. Nightmare mode from a man who would have had
the loss bonus to get an AK anyway, but he wanted more. Now he's on a tech nine. That's
what it's going to cost you.
It's a timeout from G2 side, but you know, Blade appreciates it. He's going to use the
full length of this to talk three round 24 with his team.
Sora's now watched G2 throw away two massive leads. This round decides
whether we get overtime or not. Is it another Na'Vi comeback?
You can feel the shakiness of G2, but you must remind yourself they've not had the best buys
in these last few rounds. This will be the best one yet, albeit with heavy god weakened.
The G2 must make the most of this, we feel like a very different game in overtime with
Na'Vi with the momentum.
Ah yeah, I don't know how G2 bounce back from that, I really don't.
You know there's kind of just a limit baked into all of us, how many times you can give
away big leads, Nertz, alright!
It's one hell of a way to get going, wonderful out of the round, these Nades do big damage
but Nertz is still a threat, they've got him pinned in and they're looking for that
trade so they will get it.
Before secured I important refrag from a car see the APC his position a double-nade him
He even blocks his teammate in to look for that fight
Guaranteeing the 4v4
Goldford G2 in the short term should be get heavy got this gun get back in banana get that rifle in your hands
Give yourself the best opportunity to win this one and Alexi trust in his young star leaving him alone on this B
Bomb site smoke comes down in the downtime
They're grouping re clearing middle now at the decision to make for Navi. How far do you take this aggression?
I thought they wanted to go for it. They would have found an entirely empty middle. They still can.
It leads that side of the map. Meanwhile, Alexi begins his rotation back.
He just spam flashes for Mikazi. He can give his teammate the best possible chance to hold this site.
Two more available for the captain as G2 go for the full punch.
backseat sees the barrel some pious gives away the opening slow down as G2 grinds to a very jarring
hole in top banana rotate start to arrive Navi bring the fight to them that is cut down Navi
get us to overtime they do better when they're underdogs famous against Balkans 11-6 up yesterday
They crumbled in the cold position.
Navi today, pull it back against G2.
12-8 down, four rounds in a row, off the back of a forced famas,
and you are now feeling the burden of that.
The single rifle that Mccasey had kept Navi in this game,
they don't waste that opportunity.
We go to overtime.
The universe does just love finding ways to be poetic from losing out on a big lead yesterday,
like you say, to Niko, the other Kovac.
They're now digging deep to try and get revenge versus Hunter.
And this would be not once, but twice over for Narvee.
And look at how they're getting here, man.
Alexi is 22 and 16.
It has been a captain's game for sure.
Both squads having their leader stand above the rest.
Wonderful. Silence.
A couple of moments in this CT side.
Iced out some clutches for G2, but all in all,
it's not been the usual stars of Narvee standing tall.
because he's recovered there's no doubt about that don't let the KD tell you
any difference but wonderful still playing with the confidence that Navi
need him to 40 seconds he reclares middle that will free Alexi to stand
back on B but G2 are coming in
wonderful finally netting an opening kill on this all P2 forgot the bomb it's
in ramp. The timing is kaput. Oh my god Nerth is to start running. Even then you're meant
to be in the site already for this type of a time in a work. Rejoins the gang for this
A here but this just throws you through a bit of a loop. Suddenly everything scrambled.
Everything feels like old wood. Matters for the mistiming. The wonderful orb is lighting
you up. G2 can feel that this one's got away from them. It was written on the walls a bad
the moment that bomb is left behind and even now, as they try and save, Navi are relentless!
Disasterous rounds for G2, you can feel this game is slipping through their fingers.
Five straight for Navi, massive mistakes for G2 and no one has it in them to re-swing,
no one had it in them to bail that situation out.
Heavy got an apartment, scared of the balcony, doesn't take the swing.
Subpires on the line, just walks away with his.
And Navi, it's flowing now.
Not even having to require to wipe G2 to win these rounds.
Orp is saved, that's something.
But Navi in the lead for the first time since round three.
I'm trying to force the opening fight.
I'm shot from his all but he hangs around only four shots.
He had a play in tandem with Mikazi, feels like he can't hang him out to dry.
All that Util, my signal to fall back, and at least they've been able to block.
No punish, no chase.
But Hunter ends in a stalemate.
Mikazi's just looking for fights, popping shots through the smoke, A-Ding in the open.
Trusting his aim with that AK-47, G2 don't want to tangle it.
Alexi starts his rotation back, bringing more supportive nades.
G2 once again, more of the same, out-middle. Wonderful, he hit his last try, full blind
now. 40 seconds as he retreats and G2 come running. Bit on the line, that's a lot of
damage. Hunter dead first. And it all starts to grind to an awkward halt. Again, they're
waiting for Mattis, they're waiting for this player in the apartments. G2 have to find a
way to get on the same page very, very quickly because as they enter this hostile territory,
Well come through!
Bomb now planted, 3 vs 3.
Best position you've been in in a long while.
What feels like an eternity to the G2 squad.
Nate even connecting. Wonderful. Iced out of the round.
And Alexi and Mikazi with a question to ask themselves.
How much do they value this AK?
2 vs 3, you've won some impossible rounds.
In fact, that's where you've looked your best.
best that they're gonna try and play this one forward low time and that might
just get the better of them Alexi no reason to give them a fight here no
reason to make this easy G2 finally stopped the bleeding finally G2 played
a win they put their life on the line they come through some smokes they look
for trades they brawl how they got on the T side in this first place have you
got swinging at the apartment that's what we want to see from G2 think about
how they started on their T side bashing on that B bomb site.
Coming through the Utile, not respecting Narvi.
It puts them back on the board.
Take a risk, play ballsy, that's exactly what got G2 here.
Good to see them remind themselves before it's too late.
Happy one thing
To fall out here on the dreaded final day of play
Be another to do it feeling like you weren't even playing your own brand account a strike by the end
It's a g2
We're gonna take more risks because I know without it
You're making a very desperate grasp at victory. No one's ever won by playing safe
Again with the banana utile, again with the fast paced nerds, Alexia McCarthy repelled
this beat here, and right as G2 would look to inspire themselves, they do take one hell
of a risk running that banana smoke into a crossfire.
I'll tell you who's flash blinded them there, but it felt like a team flash here for G2.
Grey screen, white screen. Back to black screen. G2 don't see a thing in this round. They just
get destroyed.
Lexi continues his stellar form. I want to push for bits. 5v2 and they got them blocked
to this B-bomb site. Sending heavy got in. Wait a second. He's walking into him. Hold
your breath. Why? Don't see this. We don't see what's happening here, heavy god. Don't
say a word. Great positioning. No one is any the wiser. No way! That's the line up but they don't
clear the boost. Alexi still drops the bomb. That big flank might not be for anything as Heavy
God trapped between a rock and a hard place. Bum out in the open. Nowhere left to go. Navi
just rounds away from those playoffs. A very nice try here at the end for G2 but it might be
exactly that when all is said and done the end on Inferno.
Narvi, two rounds from securing top eight, from securing the Lanxus again.
And what a hell of a recovery in the second map for Narvi, knocking G2 out.
T side woes, that was the story for both these squads.
Navi struggled to find their footing, it was a lot of clutch rounds, a lot of very dicey
rounds in there.
Mikazi open to make a big play, ends up giving away the 5v4, trade attempt against the 9,
Nertz on a roll.
And that's going to send Navi away.
See an AK out there at top banana with Util coming in over the top, usually just play
for distance.
from that half of the map. What a round from NERS, where did that come from? He has been
pretty absent across this entire series. But puts himself in the smoke, Mikazi walks
right by and it leads to a NERS triple kill to give G2 a fighting chance. Put the pressure
on Na'Vi to respond if they want to have all the weaponry come the third round of this OT.
As G2 look to return to regulation form.
Eight round CT side all that time ago.
So, Navi just holding on to what little they have.
It's a great time for Nertz to deliver that.
I feel like, you know, this is one of the guys bearing a good chunk of responsibility for that last map getting away from them.
So, hoping to make up for it. Hoping to have his redemption in overtime.
Gets things off to a rip-roaring start for G2's CT side with this play here.
The cars are given the trust to make that play.
A banana uses spawn, come through the smoke, but I wonder if we see something more standard
now for Navi.
They're in trouble getting into banana in that initial T side though.
So a risk worth taking, but bearing nothing, and Navi play a little bit more standard now.
They charge down, they look for the fight, head on for Dirtz.
They start at triple B, the Sumpias AWP is here, they've even fumbled the boost as they
went looking for info.
Now the A side of the map, a little weaker Sumpias on this AWP, hoping to force an opening
fight right in to Wonderful's AWP.
I wonder if he knew that was not the only sort of arm there from wonderful as he came around the corners of some pious
Fancy his odds against a rifle. Did he know what he was signing up for?
5v4 for Nervy
And we won't get ahead of ourselves because we've seen the struggles from this team in this series in these advantages
And G2 haven't wavered on their a-hold three strong still as they wait for Nervy to approach
This is one hell of a read one hell of a gamble
The only thing you've seen all around was that attention at the B bomb site and yet still Hunter has put his pieces in the right place
Smokes it down
Chips on the table this is what it's all for heavy god makes it into the big pit Molly raining in keeps two players trapped
It's very very tight in the site, but they can't get past hunter in comes heavy god to lend a helping hand and this crossfire is doing it all
Oh, G2!
They won't be able to stop wonderful from getting this bomb down, but they have entrapped.
He is in a cage right now.
Nerds from the long side, heavy god in the pit.
Wonderful is working with inches.
Picks his battle.
Thinks that heavy god is going to give him something first.
Nerds is still closing in from the long side.
Got to pick a fight very carefully here.
And when that's arriving in the perfect moment wonderful clutch denied a G2
Have another chance at extending play and it went very very quiet there for heavy
God and for Hunter for a moment
But both of them stand tall in this round hunter 2k from middle of nowhere in the site and heavy
God almost got caught getting into pit by the long player
But that millisecond of difference makes exactly that
his presence is pressure on wonderful going searching for those kills G2 lock
in map points
they can take this after all four charges in regulation were not enough
The G2, 3B, walk on short, Charlie the CT-RG2 just had such a solid idea of how much of
The game plan feels open and RV that they've been one step ahead in terms of the rotates
Feels like Navi are always walking into a stack the few times. They could have avoided it. They kind of
Took just a little too long for it for it to matter back in regulation
That's we even now all this fake attention down towards banana hasn't done enough
To pull more resources to that side of the map in fact, it's sending them away Hunter leaves
They're going to have to go soon, they're just throwing double molly, G2 are currently
scrambling in his B bombsite, but nurses just push back through on his own with no flash
dry, it is such a ballsy play, it has given so much information to G2 at 30 seconds.
Surely they know.
Two pices, all the advantage in that head to head, wonderful peeking into the angle.
Opening kills, come raining in for G2 and a 3v3 for the site control.
This is a picture perfect chance to take this series to the distance, Mikazi shut down G2.
Whether the storm, stay alive, keep fighting, they never give up.
Would have been easy to 12-8 in the bag. It felt like Navi's show depth. They stayed in the game
They dragged us to overtime and still G2 shut it out. This game requires a third map.
Mirages are the sider and the winner goes into the Lancis
By the skin of their teeth G2 get this one over the line a hairs breadth away from having Navi pull off another
Another crazy comeback, but they hold this one in the 11th hour yanko and we need morage to decide who's going through to the
Lancers we are fools friend it is our fault we forgot it is g2 playing and they're all about the content
Aren't they it has to go three maps they have to make you feel good throw it away
Make you think it's over only to bring it back one last time
Yeah, good effort from him in the end. That was the most clean win I've ever seen in my life
It's a win, Ash. A win is a win.
A win is a win. I think Karrigan said that at one point.
You know, however we get it over the line, a win is a win, no less.
I mean, for G2, you're so right, Janko. We thought it was over at so many moments.
And I mean, can you play more soft?
In a good way. And then in a bad way.
In a horrible way. I mean, just tell me about the tail end of that
and how you think they managed to pull it off.
I don't know. Honestly, I don't know.
Because it's back-to-back maps where they have everything.
You know, like they're playing good, they're out playing Navi, Navi struggling, their players aren't really showing up, you know.
And then things start going sort of horribly wrong.
They lost two rounds, two pistols on that T side, they were supposed to just close things out, again losing two V1 clutches, right?
It goes into overtime and you're thinking, how are they going to run out of gas now?
This is Navi, the experience sort of shines through and they close it out, but G2 able to find a way somehow get around T side and close it out in CT.
Somehow, some way, they managed to get the job done in this one.
It might sound a bit weird, but I think we should go back to the start in this one, Janko,
because you picked out something from early on in this one.
I agree, because we talked about what does it take to overcome the loss on Dust2, right?
And we're talking about good start, almost a must that helps you really forget about things.
So they were able to win the force after losing pistol, that's a great start, right?
But then in the round after you have bit just walking short from the get-go,
They're doing something weird on G2, Sampias is like looking at Hunter, looking back, he wasn't Jiggle peeking mid.
So Bid just walks up, kills, Heavy got completely oblivious, they get one more kill, and that's the round, pretty much over.
And that's just a horrible way to lose a force, but I think this is where we see some of the leadership from Hunter really step in and turn that ship around for G2.
And maybe we should hear from the man in question, it's Hunter in this macked up moment.
All good guys, let's focus please, okay? Stop fucking...
It's being perfect with smokes, with A-chees, it's not your Nikita.
It's not your mistake. All good, okay?
Don't tilt Nikita because of it, okay? We are talking so much bullshit without reason.
Focus please, it's all good. Nothing is done to one for them, okay?
Don't fucking be crazy about this round. We'll be next time.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Don't worry. Next time...
How do you rate what you hear though?
He's spot-on, right? Like he's keeping his team which I think it's really important the tone of his voice, right?
Like he's not necessarily yelling and berating, he's just he's just speaking with confidence and sort of trying to instill belief in his team
Saying it's fine. Like it's not the end of the world. It's not your fault. It's not your fault
Just let's refocus a little bit, right and try to get back on track. Not critiquing, don't freak out
That's it. I think that's one of those mistakes, but it's like a minor mistake anyway. It's sort of thing that only
hurts you if they did exactly what they did where he went instantly on medallion and I do a little
some pie should be jiggle peeking it was kind of interesting because that's probably the worst
case scenario because heavy god is the guy guy in the side and they lose the bomb side so he
kind of set heavy god off in a bad way and it was good to see you to bounce him back from that okay
so you see how they did bounce back in the round immediately after yeah and that's important like
you need to believe right they saved three guns so it's not terrible like the hunter has an AK and
and he's trying to, you know, maybe do a little bit too much, sort of, they lack
info, so he tries to go and make a play, and there's only two guys on A at this
moment, this is where Navi, because of the smoke, they slow it down, you can see
the rotate coming in from the B players as well, 3v5, it's looking at the ending,
it's just, it's just ugly, like I add on to some of this point, like you kill the
long play, you've run together a shot and trade him out, they're like, why is this
smoke going in the library, I'm not sure, instead of smoking, there's no smoke,
and now they can just hold this, it's just overcooking it, it feels like leaving
long work for some reason the 5v3 just run and leave it there they're worried
about long in this moment they're worried more about heavy god who this
time the one round almost that you saw in in this half was not pit he was on
the right side sort of when you're pushing shortest he was on the bomb
site and everyone is sort of looking towards pit right they're not expecting
heavy god to be there he has to peek or he has to do something but he was inside
yeah that was obviously not well played by by navi but it shows you like just the
the mentality of Hunter and how it unfolded into a following round and then it doesn't
matter round 3 that you lost, you were back at it.
Speaking of Hunter's mentality, he gets a hell of a lot of impact in this round 7.
Yeah, this is like a nice little idea I believe here from Navi where it just felt like we
talked about in the last game how none of the individuals showed up and here's a nice
little B-pop from deep really far back.
Nets gets a lot of down, Hunter even gets pushed back in a moment.
Oh sorry, Matthis goes down.
So Nets does a good job.
on both overtime and regular time he was really good. He got two kills here and again I just
feel like lack of quality from now. It feels rushed, it feels messy, the guys running with
the bomb out before they've been cleared the angle properly. He goes down, Hunter has a nice play
and he's nice seeing the individuals showing up a bit more. Also they're just running and
bit is like sort of shocked how what the hell happened. You know he had a molly but they were
exposed to ruins you know before he could use it and they could just hide and wait for that utility
to come in. So yeah, that's still the sloppiness that we see from Navi, but Hunter was definitely
on a mission on Inferno, right? Like maybe realizing he needs to go for more of plays
like this to give some momentum to his team so they can start believing again in the comeback.
It totally makes sense, right? We know Hunter to be, you know, past one of those heavy hitters
in terms of the fragging department, but then when we switch onto the T side, what do you
feel like the game plan was here from Hunter?
a B simulator just like we saw on Dust2 really and you know Navi wins the pistol
G2 goes for an equine from the first gun round. We just see them really wanting to put the hurt
Towards Alexi and Makazi. This was a bit fortunate from some players just on the random smoke he catches Alexi Makazi at that point
And if he gets a kill he's gonna get traded in the round will be over
But you know we were talking about Makazi and his tournament here
Like it went from him being the star player on his team to just sort of being abused now here. I'm not even sure
You know, he gets flashed like this is an X but like, you know
You think they're just gonna randomly flash and do nothing like he just gets caught completely
Oh God, it doesn't feel like his head is really in the game
whatsoever
Yeah, there's a young guy. I'm wondering as well if is this because we can see now
We were very frustrated with them or the pressure on the bottom of them
I wonder if he's struggling being that rookie
forget how young he is sometimes as well and he just kind of had getting abused the game. He did
kind of bring it back towards the end but it's like a small win at the moment. Like the Dust2
game he wins at 1v2 after having a horrible like kind of game entirely. He had some moments but
this isn't the Makazov we've seen this year. Yeah I think you're totally correct Ash in the early
stages of that second half. Definitely not the Makazov we've seen. He did come and have a bit
of a resurgence. Probably one of the reasons why we managed to see this one pushed to OT.
Any kind of final thoughts on how G2 were able to get this one over the line Ash?
Well, I think they were much better. The thing that kind of made this game so close, in my opinion, was that G2 just couldn't close a lot of their after-plants down for some reason.
And Navi on their T-side, they were lucky to get 4. They were in Alexey, 4K and a low buy. They were in the 4-spy. They were still in the mecha.
It felt like they weren't really convincingly winning the round, but then when G2 were getting the bombsites, they were struggling to close them out.
So this was a really risky pick from Navi. Really risky pick for the Vito. Not going to that ancient.
And this really backfired and it should have been a cleaner win, I think for G2 and in the end
I believed as well. I thought G2 were gonna lose this in overtime
So that way it can get over the line, but this could be something they look back on and go
Why didn't we go to ancient? Yeah, hopefully now we're getting the best of the series
Which I know sounds crazy because we had two really entertaining close maps
But this is where I think now it has one six or seven in a row, right like last loss was in Rio
G2 1 5 in a row and defeated here in Cologne at the major so
A lot of both teams coming into it with a lot of confidence and hopefully we see a better level in some of these clutches from the side of G2 and just with everything else from the side of Navi.
It's been entertaining. Husband Scrappy has been a bit crazy, bit chaotic. G2 star and on the T side of things Ash, what are you hoping for here?
I'm hoping to win some rounds. That would be nice. I want to see hate has. I've got the same hair because it makes sense.
Obviously Nerts have a good T-side, I think so far he's been great on the CT side and T-side has been absolutely nowhere
And he's just so important for the way he plays, so him doing something there
I want to see like a close first half because this Mirage both have good form, that actually is not a punish pick at last
This should be a really good game, so I kind of want to see the competitive
Yeah, I think from the other side
It's also this is where you look to bit Enema, somewhat Enema because this has been a staple map, right?
on T-Side also being able to sneak around and bit on CTN T-Side as that lurker in Palace,
right? It feels like he's going to have to win a round or two for his team because they're
struggling to sort of connect really on the T-Side and they will need some of that individual prowess
I think to get them over the line. It quite literally all comes down to this, the final map
of stage three here in Cologne to decide the final team to be making it to the playoffs
is going down on Mirage between Navi and G2 after this short break.
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The dispatch is back and looking better than ever.
This season it's bigger deliveries, bigger personalities, and bigger problems.
Trees!
Featuring special guests.
Alex, what the hell is happening?
And of course, the team you know a lot about.
Is this really necessary?
There it is!
I'm not going to take that!
I'm not going to take that!
I'm not going to take that!
You!
Be careful what you respond.
I don't know if you noticed this, that you do have a bomb in this round.
I know it's probably not because I'm entry.
And you're going in CT.
You didn't know that? That's what I thought.
Now people are screaming, Matus, bomb, bomb, I remember.
We're going to be watching some clips from your Mirage against Navi.
Navi, this is very interesting because you make a bomb plan and you take CT with this kind of a smoke
Which is it's not meta really to throw like stone in smoke in this kind of a zone
But you also understand that there are like a lot of cities coming from spawn while this smoke is up
Can you explain what you're doing?
The chance of them going through the smoke without any flash is very long
They can go 3-2-1 that I said to I don't know who is next to me 100%
I said to be anti flash and I just risked it
They will not jump through like 3-2-1 because they were also shooting it was weird
Most likely the flash will come exactly what happened, and now we had a good chance basically to win the round.
Yeah, the smoke is out of meta, not that a lot of people do it, but it makes sense, because
a lot of times when you go for execute as T, then if they don't fight you, it's not like most of the times people will go CT,
because it's easier for them to retake from CT. It's obviously more abuse, but that's the reality how it's usually retake,
especially also on Bistro, the same for Biron.
Also predicting these kind of flashes is kind of an important skill to have.
You kind of read the situation when the flash is coming and you play accordingly to it.
Exactly, because when you see like there is, I think it was 5v5, 4v4 when we went to execute and
there is almost 100% chance, either they have smoke, duality, duality, I mean, or flash is always,
yes, so it's also 100% they will have some nice, at least most of the times good teams have.
Of course, they will have some plan for the retake. If they give you the site and you play the
after plant, they obviously come up with a plan how to retake and that plan is not going to be
walk through the smoke or anything like that. It will involve some kind of flashes.
All right, we were thinking about these things very deeply and I like it how you're sharing it with us.
Here I have a note that I don't know if you noticed this, that you do have a bomb in this round.
Because when you're executing a... I'm actually, I can probably not because I'm an entry, that's...
And you're going in CT, despite your... You didn't know that, that's what I thought as well.
When I was looking at this... Now people are screaming, Matus, bomb, bomb, I remember,
And I was like, oh, OK, OK.
Because I even swing the city game.
Like, there was like, I think like there is no tomorrow.
So it was like, I thought I.
It was Mario that gave you the city.
I don't know.
Maybe he said it.
I don't know.
Maybe he didn't say it.
Yeah, I don't remember exactly.
But I remember that I said, like, oh, I have bombs.
I don't mind.
I was when I was doing prep for these clips for you.
I was immediately like, what the hell is Mattis doing?
How we will see I go for next.
Do you like that?
Yeah, that was a huge.
I don't want to say a mistake.
But it could have.
It could have backfired.
Yes.
Maybe if it would be 4v3, I would die with the bomb, 3v3 now, the guy will go past you, now we have to pick up the bomb.
It would take more seconds for us to plant, they would have better positions probably already, I have to say.
It happens to the pros as well, sometimes you do have a bomb and you don't know about it, right?
Yeah, as I said before, people think sometimes Terran thinks they're not making mistakes on the juice.
It's happening all the time, you just sometimes, you don't believe it.
There's still two players left, they've got no half on them, 13 and 3.
Oh my goodness, how do they do this? How do they go through it again?
G2 CT side on Inferno keeps them in this series.
They weather the storm against Na'Vi and we go the distance to decide our final playoff squad.
Mirage bound to be a brawl, two teams on win streaks.
for Navi for the G2 comfort here on this final map.
I've seen captains step up in the second LXB and Hunter lighting up the scoreboard
but a bit of a disappearing act from WONDERFUL cannot be desired for Navi, come this third
map.
Yeah, when you came into this series especially after seeing what he brought us on Dust2 you
thought to yourself, well WONDERFUL will be game defining.
But this is not what you had in mind. It was a massive fall-off on Inferno, has to find his form again, or else now V could be in jeopardy.
It's G2 with a T side start.
And look at it kick this one off for it with a bang.
They're going straight towards this B bomb site.
I'm not sure if you can see
the game is still going to be
a little bit more. Maybe some
trickery in this yet still
actually is two players start
to walk in through lower. All
right. What have they got
prepped here? Kill for Mattis
on the entry sent in with some
pious. Meanwhile, this look out
through lower getting picked
apart. Shut down by now V in
seconds. Whatever G2 have planned
forget about it. Hunter doesn't
lose on all sides of the map.
Avi for the Hunter after a great game of Inferno.
Surely someone on Navi can stand the bleeding,
shut this down and will be Mccasey,
locking in a pistol for Navi.
I'll be winning the pistol game across a series.
Four out of the five.
G2 full eco. Pass the deagle.
Hey, four out of five pistols.
That does kind of, somewhat recontextualize just how close this series has been.
G2 even in that winning position on map one.
message just around to talk things over. Prepare for the task in front of them.
Both teams having a real comfort here on Mirage. This is supposed to be the most
competitive map of the night. We've had an overtime and a full 24 round game,
so what does that mean for Mirage? You know it might be a long road.
It's a G2 decide they've had enough of hashing it out in the spawn, now look to make their
move.
Had a lot of time in that D-gold, lost it away in Makazi farming with 4 beautiful kills.
Doesn't need the ace, he wants the round and he wants it cleanly so sending Narvi in
to swing it and do that, he might have a helmet, bit of a problem, but Narvi still do avoid
Maximum damage someone got a bit hungry there. I
Mean just on like a raw mechanical level that looked insane at a mccasey
It's a great time
Come a map of mirage and a CT side for navi
He definitely woke up come the end of inferno as well, right?
He was absent in that first half alongside wonderful wonderful never really got back in that game because he certainly did
The T-Sides are still troubling here for Nami today.
As they have been for most teams at this major.
So G2 from the back foot.
Can they make a lurch forward, bits on the balcony, no one else offering any assistance
in this site.
All eyes on middle for Navi.
Navi has started this man on this b-hold.
It was too strong.
They leave Ema there alone in spite of it being tagged up and that really does scream
through a bit of a read that this one's looking to finish A. Wonderful gets himself in position
out towards C3 in time.
a smoke to block ramp now at the minute mark. G2 trying to play right through it. Hunter
with a key trade, it's Makazi down in connector, causing big problems for G2. Hunter do a
lot of damage with a job far from done, even with that maid kill raiding in on Alexi. No
given a lot of time to get comfortable here. That bomb plant, not a guarantee. Ema could
swing out right now and stop it, but never plays his timing a little late to this.
And that could have made all the difference. Suddenly you'd be scrambling to get this bomb down instead G2 get to ease into these post plants.
They're strong.
Hunter and Heavy God.
Wait for this retake to begin. Only then to shut it down.
Ema, Whiff on that spam and Heavy God collects him and Hunter combining the save G2.
two. Desperate round for email. That spray is just optimistic through the box. You can't
even see his opponent and because he's too low has to go out first just fed to the wolves
of G2 to V4 when all is said and done on this A bomb site. G2 with a massive pick up despite
the McCarthy multi. They clear up everybody in middle and still G2 clutch it up on this
A site to get in the game early. No waiting around for that.
But now they find opportunity in the form of an orb on wonderful in a very low economy force.
2M4s.
Trying to break in while G2 just enact their game plan.
What are you looking like they want to be a bit tricky from the pistol onwards?
On all these other maps so far, Blades given Navi the chance, really it's been two rifle
rounds before he's looked to get hyper-involved.
Here what would it be in the decider in a very tight series?
He weighs in straight away.
They've got one chance to show they have what it takes and they don't.
He hops on the mic.
G2 going about this mid control and no one from NAVI with an earshot to stop them.
Where is this hastily assembled boost?
Out towards the window trying to give EMA an angle.
Hoping they can switch him online.
I already passed this though G2.
That's his underneath.
He could walk back, he could walk right into it. Easy grab for Ema. Could have been Hunter,
could have been anyone.
The Navi sit back with the 5E4. No U-Til, no kit. This round is no guarantee.
There are options for G2 and Navi will not initiate another move. They have great position on the map.
They have Ram control, retake on A, spawn site.
The idea though that you're at the full mercy of this Util does add a lot of stress.
They're gonna play early, trying to beat here for the second player Ramside.
So for now it's just saying a bit, how much damage can you do?
Reeks and Havoc on this cross.
Emery even firing off from the spawn side of things, bit swings out.
That's one hell of a catch for Mattis.
Both players, Ramside, the ace up the sleeve of Na'Vi get dealt with in an instant.
and wonderful just slinks on out of there. No place in this round. No part to play. Got an
orc to hold on to and that's it G2. Another disadvantage round one man. That's a three
on five when G2 get into the bomb site. Bit kills the first guy crossing after the window
boost kill and G2 have great position. They make use of it. They put that bomb down and
forced to save. So many advantageous rounds won't buy Na'Vi but bitches couldn't finish
his meal on that second kill. Mattis goes on to find a triple. Disasterous rounds here.
The eye test, I'm just saved with four rounds in. Ema, his POVs have looked actually dirty
in a bad way in these a-holds. He has been shaky on his aim. Unable to land shots, pre-aiming
wrong positions. Frustrating start to this map for Ema. I can't believe Mattis stays
on that angle after one. So G2, a very clutch round indeed, leaving just wonderful save
Stop.
Oh, WTF has got to be the initiator.
Strike hard and fast without a awp, but a good flash from G2. Give up the game.
I know that he's probing on this AWP out towards mid, and so wonderful has to reposition.
Gap's just all across the map here with only that AWP to work around.
It's a FG2, it's just a matter of finding them.
Looks like a good round for a B-pop though.
Pressure in the window, bit ahead of the Molotov.
But only this eagle on the bomb site.
Well, while the eye-tester Bima got you nervous,
Mikazi's had some lights out sequences to get this map going.
He's one guy with the eagle up against the entirety of G2.
Talk about overwhelming odds.
Dead after one, heavy go gets past him.
We're gonna hang around here, see if anything presents itself.
Anything to make this interesting.
With that bomb going down.
If wonderful can't force a kill soon, this one never begins for Navi.
And he is out of there. G2 play it tight. They know what they're up against.
They know it's just these pistols and the 1 AWP.
And so they think twice before going for any audacious swing.
G2 moving into the lead.
And Navi escort the VIP. Get that guy out of there.
Bodyguarding the AWP on the save as G2.
find clean rounds three alive last time four in this one building a bit of a
bank when the email can't stop on the exits
G2 making the most out of this opportunity
This is a team with three players who have never seen a major playoff.
Some pious heavy-gold and Mattis would be their first time.
This is a squad of major winners and a Mikazi who at his first major already pulled up into
in the semi-final in Budapest.
Talked a lot about the legacy of these organizations,
the multi-appearances in the Lancers for Narvi across the years,
the major trophies to their name,
and has been quite a fall from grace for G2 ever since they lost Niko and Monosy.
But this would be one way to put them back on the map right at the end of this season.
It's been a G2 struggle in these final stages ahead of the playoffs,
falling out of both majors in this exact game.
Niko and Monosy left.
What's he trying to buck that trend today?
It's heartbreak for whoever loses.
He's doing a good job of kind of keeping you nervous about this mid control.
And a fixture of a lot of these rounds, but they haven't always looked to do a hell of
a lot with it.
And Alphie are really trying to clear this position, but Nertz is way out of there.
He's already back at TV, so how much does Na'Vi dedicate to Middle?
They found kills in this position before, Makar is in Connector, grouped up with Bit, they go for the clear.
This is really well timed for Na'Vi.
If they can empty this position right now at 40 seconds, they'll know that G2 are going for this execute.
They'll know it only matters at top Middle.
How about you, Til?
You get cut off by this smoke that pulls blocking vision from the Connector.
Didn't get the info fast enough and with Ema dead Matt is cutting down these rotations.
Navi trying to give this one a look in at a sheer desperation but nothing being found.
No joy in this round for Navi.
I love that pick up a pace from G2 they realize that Navi a clearing middle.
Matt gets all that information, sees multiple players peeking him and just calls to go.
G2 jump right on that MTA bomb site and it felt like Navi hesitated just a little bit
too much in trying to hunt Matt as he was just a distraction finally leaves his position killing Alexi on the way out by that point
G2 have already won the round they've got the kill they've got the site control they've got smokes down
RV the idea was right
Somewhere in G2 everyone's looking quite comfortable doing their job these have been clean finishes to these rounds
The same cannot be said for Nabi, they have 18 kills across the board and 11 of them are coming from wonderful.
Mimikaze.
Here are lamp 4 here.
I'm going to be the guy to find because he's feeling some pressure to be involved.
He has to play it forward from shore.
It ends up how are they once they go through this mid-control util.
I mean Mitch has taken up so much of your thought process right now if you know
You never know what G2 intend to do with this space, but you've lost it in almost every one of these rounds
That's just flying blind. There's so much room open here for G2. This is a world of possibilities
Zima waits
Catch players back turn that 5-7 only good for one
Hunter controlling these rotations from the window side and another clean round
Baskode upon G2. Alexi complicates it with that one but won't hang around, won't
attempt this. He's just looking for a save and that's what all these kills
Vanabe have been saving players in desperate moments trying to hold on to
their guns. This is a T side that is starting to swell out of control.
G2 just keeping it very simple, very sight heavy, lots of executes.
In a major we've seen difficulty on T sides,
a lot of comebacks in second halves, G2
making the most of this T side of Mirage and just
punching Navi while they're down.
Quiet starts from multiple Navi players starting to feel like more and more of a
problem
And Blake can just see these rounds passing them by.
While we're talking about the eye-test on Mikazi looking real good, Mattis is certainly showing a lot of form to open up on this third map.
Had that gnarly sequence onto the two ramp players.
Now a 1-80 throwing in there as well to stop a 5-7 multi-kill,
which had been a real threat at this major.
5-7 looking straight broken at times.
G2 keeping it simple in this round.
They know they've done so much conditioning about this mid-control.
They're going just to roll out the red carpet with an A-play.
Might work wonders.
Our players trapped in the connector.
That lets you know your plan has worked.
It's just bit. That's the only question mark right now.
That's the only guy you're going to deal with, Ema coming around to help him out.
Nice.
Hell of a hold from him out of the spawn.
Need this round.
Wonderful smoke spam connecting.
Heavy guard.
An impossibility as he's trapped in a corner.
Finally, Navi breaking this streak.
And they say enough with middle.
Full fight on that A site for Navi.
They put all their pieces in the right place.
They don't worry about lurkers.
They realize G2 is just throwing a full side tech second. Everybody keeps the pressure on.
Sportside stand up, baiting G2.
Navi knocked them out cold.
Back on the board after some hiatus.
Breaking that five round streak, but not breaking G2's money yet.
And go one more by Enem.
On the fall, big pick up.
And back out under, looking for his dessert.
Hunter walks in, bit on the edge of the smoke, catches another.
Na'Vi winning fights at the start of this round.
Mattis clashing with Mikazi.
It's the gentleman's leg that got in the info.
Mikazi rips his head clean off.
Poor Mattis, he saw that all boosted in combat.
He knew he had to take on the rifle.
That's as Mikazi gets the info.
Now following through with this aggression.
Mikazi on a deep line, a one that G2 simply aren't ready for.
Okay, McCarty says my performance will not be in vain on this map 14 frags now
He is up the scoreboard and still storming for more pushing up the top of middle
Kim and wonderful
The highs and the lows of this series for Navi
When in clutches back on dust to
To going absent on Inferno
G2 full execute again. What's different this time?
It's frustrating for G2, but Mikazi showing this form as he's the guy giving a bit more
freedom linking up now with his A-planes. Part of this defense. Ema bit all connecting.
You want to look at the bottom plant. You don't have a hell of a lot of safety. Matt
This is at least claimed some space out towards this form.
Spacey can't hang around and contend for you.
You know that Na'Vi are going to be coming from this position.
It's a place of life, plays with Hunter.
They try and do this play together, looking for a stairs.
Oh, the cars, he doesn't give it up.
This guy wants to go to those playoffs.
The one Na'Vi player from the get-go who was performing,
and now a tie game, a five-ball.
Na'Vi getting their second win just in time to save this CT half.
This time, Bit has no support in the score, but that is an excellent double from him and damage to Matt as he sets him up so well in that round.
Back from CT, full execute for G2, mostly pistols, but Bit still shuts him down before it gets problematic.
G2 went from winning some more disadvantage rounds to now Na'Vi waking up.
And that bomb plant allows for another buy here for G2, so they'll take it.
First time out for sort.
Even game.
on the first start solo being trying to get a read on with his whole push though all the way up top of middle
even getting in top mid name even still fighting sees the flash dodges it because he tries to save his life with those
nades down under but he'll get fed to the beast earth coming out with a double heavy got take space as well
and G2 are suffering from success.
They are all over the shop. The bomb can just walk it in.
I know this orb is here.
I don't know if you're trying to 3v5, but they don't have the info G2 have.
It might not matter if Wonderville could just stop this bomb.
Heavy God will be able to manipulate these rotations.
Will they help you deal with the Wonderville orb?
He's concealed, yes it will, heavy god catches him stepping out wide.
And so the one shot that Navi had, as long as shot as it may have been, dealt with.
No worries, no issues here for G2, no chance to stumble in this round.
Navi are still going to give it a look in, they're buying in this final round of the half anyway.
And so they feel like they can risk a 2v4.
But time getting away from them, this would be the last thing you expect.
And it's only G2 feel like they take anything for granted in this game.
They hang around, they play the bomb, even dealing with bit on the exit.
So G2, lead retaken right at the tail end of the half.
Along the reaction, reactive CS is what G2 do best and heavy God just realizes how much
space he has there, jumps out of the B apartments, runs right past that AWPer because the coolest
Navier pushing middle, lot of resources, lot of eyes on top mid, G2 get behind enemy lines.
This was really awkward for EMA but Nerds makes a heroic play through that Molotov,
trading damage for a double. So there's moments of brilliance why you love Nerds but it's
Still, in a sea of very red games, 4 and 10, that impact off the double keeps G2 in the half.
Hohoho, playing with fire here.
And G2 leads with G2 overlooking this.
One ready for Ema, that's a really nice setup, just to put him in a position to succeed.
but so quickly some pirates and nerds have replied back in with three on three
aggression on the other end of the map had a mccasey he'll push through the apartments nerds is
also here roaming with the bomb this fight decides a hell of a lot nerds with a critical kill
keeps this round safe again and now the whole map is one big question mark to navi you saw that bomb
moving into the apartments justifiably they're worried about a b-play that's going to leave
leave them out of position as G2 regroup.
Harvey might just have to gamble here.
Retaking is going to be difficult
with this open wonderful.
Can you just stay on this A site and lock down a line?
Some players also feeling like he can't get much done.
He's going to try and throw a fake in the middle.
Keep eyes here.
And I'll be on buying it.
Wonderful those scope.
They might be able to jump on him from the palace 30 seconds
as he's uncertain about position.
And that's when heavy got strikes three on one.
Sampias is fake, setting G2 up for this round win and it's all on the captain of NARV, he swings out, drops a bomb, there's a chance still.
That's a big problem, because Sampias wants to try and cover this cross, but you've got to retrieve that bomb, nerds never to get it, thanks to this Util.
And this now becomes a very tall order for Alexi.
He doesn't rely on him, it relies on a Sampias miss, he goes looking for this fight.
some pious on the line lets him cross lets him in he's playing this a little
bit later they've got post plants now around the bomb Alexi coming to grips
with just how impossible this clutch is they've got him iced out there's no one
left to turn and they'll finish the job G2 we're now on the half in the
deciding map winner going to playoffs Navi lagging behind
G2 seizing the opportunity, storming ahead against Na'Vi, a 7 round T-side on Mirage
when all is said and done and that is without pistol in this third and final map.
G2 grabbing chances to go to the playoffs for the first time for this squad, for many
of these players at a major and it is a Na'Vi lagging behind with everyone quiet except
Mccasey
And you just left with this horrible feeling it can't afford to be a one-man show now
You need more support if you now be any more of the usual suspects getting online
Inside a g2 it's been heavy-god leading the way
Had a number of high-impact kills but like he kept hitting timings on wonderful especially in their head-to-heads
heads. And it was a game in which G2 seemed to just have all the space, all the room they
ever could have wanted. Now it's an RV's turn on the T side. Will G2 do them the same privilege
of free mid control in as many of these rounds? Probably going to see a bit more of a fight
because from the setup right now it looks like G2 had down the strap for this mid control.
Mccasey mid-air.
Oh, whoa, whoa, round far from over.
One cheeky entry, there's a second.
Heavy got brushed aside, some pious gets dealt with.
It's Ema coming in big in this pistol round.
Man, but off on a Mattis here.
What'd be for as it gets going?
Looking to make an incision, he creeps up close.
Right down this corner, a bit lies in way.
And they're pulling his attention the wrong way.
They never let Mattis get too comfortable.
Navee give themselves a lifeline on the decider.
Boy, do they, another pistol for Navee, that's 5 out of 6 in this series.
And still lagging behind, but a massive pick up nonetheless, because he with a jump shot,
can you believe it, and Ima after a pretty cold half, comes through with a massive triple
kill, spams that smoke, clears out some pyre, saves that bomb on the pick up there for Navee.
heavy God so overwhelmed at the balcony doesn't know where to turn and so G2 to
rely on a force by put in their money where their mouth is these rounds often
come to stacks and so Navi try to avoid it they might be on to something
on the offensive half,
Navi have a lot of firepower to lean back on,
something they lacked on Inferno.
Yeah, he's had a very, very rough series, right?
Zooming out of this one map, he's the bottom-rated player
for Navi in this matchup.
Coming alive on map three,
maybe keeping Navi in the running long enough
for some other faces to find their form.
I saw the red. I think the racing rocked in when you could
because of that 2v1 at the end of Dust 2.
But absolutely, for his standards, quiet series,
not a quiet mirage.
Only have him to thank for being here.
How much further can he get them?
G2 keep weapons on four and give it another go.
be real annoying stops that push in the apartments. G2 trying to pull off a little trick.
There's only Mattis sent to his death. Everyone else, there's something to rock in this round.
It does put a lot of doubt in the minds of the defense and they start to lean towards a gamble
pulling out of the A site at the worst possible time, bit with a free kill out towards ramp.
You'd like to tell yourself, there's no worries for Navi at this point, 3A bombsite, G2 out
of position.
Ready to take that lead right back.
Simply done here for Navi, just converting their pistol without any danger, any worry.
It's rounds falling into place. G2 have no reason to be concerned yet. They've got
four by coming. Sampias orb if he wants it.
And hopefully some answers to Navi on this T side. Because right now they've only
seen Mikazi.
Where does this series lead us?
It is impossible to tell.
Oh well if Na'Vi thought they were going to get the same respect out towards middle, they've got the wrong idea, some pious.
Opens here with his AWP, a 5v4 4G2.
Two. Topmost smoke blooms quite late. I feel bad for Wanda4 there.
I felt like he got a bit robbed.
Some hires, thankful for it.
Two bottom... Two of the bottom performers clash.
Roost is nice but denied. Hunter holds the line.
5v3 for G2. What more could they want?
once. At this point you just feel very cushiony, don't you? Like everything's just on rails
in this round. Some pyres going to make it even more one-sided and this has gone pretty
disastrous. Fully four Navi. Three players dead in the mid skirmish. Didn't even really
get to fire a shot back. This was about as one-sided as it gets. Whether they might just
right off the round entirely.
You're still walking through the apartments,
but G2 have no reason to make this easy for you.
There's no one going to come hunting,
no one going to come knocking.
They're looking to keep five players alive
at the end of this one, so save called for Navi.
G2 immediately applying that pressure again.
Active stance out towards middle,
and they get great results from it.
I think it always feels a little bit worrying
when you go into your first come round,
you lose those midfights so decisively,
you don't want to feel like you kind of lose the ability
to fight for that part of the map.
That's really being the key to success.
4G2 here on Mirage.
We're going to have control over mid in both halves.
It's a very slow game for Na'Vi, nothing wrong with that, felt like a photo at times
came too quick try to jump the gun on their advantages force executes unnecessarily
Mirage not feeling the same
email lurking under navi with the mid control
supply empires floats back nct spawn
and switch on B. Well, if you don't look interested, I mean, this almost feels like
G2 kind of feeling like they won mid so hard last time, no way, now I'll be looked to instantly
go back to it. Playing instead for a push out towards the outer edges of the map.
Pius with a spot so multiple players there and he breaks it open.
This time gets the better of wonderful.
Caught off guard by the break.
Some Pius again, a key opening.
Holding for that stairs swing.
He's ready to play a shema as well.
And as Mikazi tries to play his timing.
He gets dealt with.
This is a fake on B.
Can bit keep it up.
It could sell something.
Some Pius is rotating.
They're trying to force another kill.
20 seconds caught off guard by that swing and wears the bomb. G2 don't see it. That
keeps the player in position. That keeps heavy guard hanging on 15 seconds. I don't know
if Alexi wants it that bad. And if he does, Sampias has the cross covered. So save called
by Alexi walks away with AK. G2 pick it up off the back of the Spanish orb. Massive double
entry here for some pious. Perfect break after showing top ticket, wonderful. Likely holding
exactly that. Not afraid to force more. This is a some pious who had three kills a half
time, but he knew that wasn't his half. He knew that no T side orbs, no chances to perform.
He was waiting for this half of the barrage.
I think the scoreboard is actually quite telling here, right?
Coming into the second half here, wonderful four and six,
which doesn't scream to an off that's been hyper-involved.
Alexi, three and four.
These are multiple players who don't even really feel like
they're getting a play in these rounds.
Let's come down here.
Rifle is having to provide, having to get the job done.
Ah, just throwing need sets.
Open your team can do the rest.
Ema, lucky I'm there again, but this time it's a quicker hit here for Na'Vi.
That's waiting.
Now who's there eventually, Ema?
We're going to join up with Na'Vi on this split.
You know, just on nameplate counter strike, what to expect here.
You're always going to be looking over your shoulder.
Sometimes that fear that Ema puts into the enemy works its way in gold.
Nurtz gets sandwiched out in the connector for the rest of G2.
Lo-playing it forward. Cover wasn't there.
Mikazi with an important trade.
Now trying to plug in the numbers.
Now Spam can move.
Now finish the job!
This could be daylight robbery from G2.
Twice down, Na'Vi.
I tried to get this bomb planted.
It's not panned out for anyone who's attempted it thus far.
that finally wonderful gets that bomb put down.
So now it's Sampias on the clock.
As he moves in, bit closes the distance
and he is not ready for this.
No idea that anyone could be here.
Sampias might just get back down.
Timing goes the way the bit.
Navi, a step in the right direction.
A team effort on that take.
And in spite of all the pressure that G2 apply,
the stress you're under when that bomb gets dropped twice,
They still recover that round and they even clear out the hard flank as well.
G2 are actually buying so much time with those bomb drops for Mattis,
who had pushed the B apartments, was going round the world.
It goes back to check it, takes him out, relieves a lot of pressure on this round.
They know exactly where G2 are and they finally just put it down.
As soon as the bomb is stuck, it's a different situation.
It's Navi favoured, all the pressure on G2.
And RV are able to capitalize after two saves continuing on this T-side.
Oh, my time out ends, so time out starts.
I mean, this is such an important round.
That's a sore one at his time to speak as well.
We are late in the series now, nine all,
and money on the line for both of these squads.
I'm gonna play an eco this late into a matchup and I can begin the downward
spiral. Someone's got to do it. Who's it gonna be?
Nine apiece.
This round right now feels like the most important round of your entire major.
This is the one that puts you either on the path to failure or to try to success and
Ima offers that as the opening move.
He never even saw him, he just knows.
What would I do?
What an incredible check from Ima.
Now that B site looks tantalizing indeed.
It's going to be a retake setup. It's going to be a save.
It kind of has to be. You almost want to gamble in this spot.
Hunt is going to recommit, try and do what he can, but he's one guy up against the entire Ian Arvy.
He's picked his battle here, decides to stick around. The Flash is leaving out in the open, out in No Mindsland,
and Heavy God just wants to survive.
That is a brutal round from opener to close.
Neither Nerds or Hunter ever had a chance.
Navi into the lead.
Nothing quite like getting a clean round this late in the game,
Ensure G2 gets to keep themselves above water by saving.
Navi gets delayed, but Navi get one step closer to the major playoffs.
Beautiful backside flash as well, it's not just lobbing high flashes over B.
be purpose made for that doorway. Hunter has no chance. He cannot fire back. He doesn't
see a thing, the round just ends. All Ema in this one.
This is where you expect Na'Vi to show up. I think we've been somewhat down for them
in this series because they've shown weakness, they've shown shakiness, they've shown a choke against the
Valkyries yesterday, a game they couldn't close out from the advantage in that third map.
But Navi are now looking very calm and this is the experienced squad.
This is a four-man major winning roster, looking very comfortable late in this game,
but Clash in middle and Cheetu loved to brawl. Happy to meet them there, advantage back the other way.
Navi can't celebrate too soon.
G2 offer an answer, and they don't stop there.
Oh, wonderful! Can't believe he's escaped there, Nurtz!
Let's him get out!
Oh, he should never escape.
That's all that work for the early advantage.
Now reduced to this, a 3v3.
Navi have plenty of time to work with.
They're not feeling the stress right now.
They're relying on a read out of Alexi might be out of the round in the literal sense
You can still call them out of this spot
There X them back over towards BG2 trying to get ahead of this
I'll leave nerds alone in defensive a
Under would be so cheeky you wouldn't would you this late in the round?
Now are we going all the way because he can even throw an execute if he wants but not if you're gonna get so much space
It's a space that you two aren't considering.
That's it starts to look over his shoulder.
He drops in.
Noisemaker bit those hooks up and he goes with that shot.
A wonderful follows up.
Bombs spotted in middle.
Navi mid-rounding.
It's the guy you saved you on Dust2 and the guy who is trying his hardest on Mirage
left in this for Navi.
So Pius makes his way over.
Here's a player out in the open.
Oh, that's his McCarthy trying to get that bob across.
And the U2 won't save you from the glint of that Sampias AWP.
Given just a sliver out towards the jungle and boy does he make it count.
Back and forth and back again. Do we go late in this game?
No rest for the Wicked.
I cannot believe that Mattis finds that timing.
Here's a step from bit he takes that kill with him.
them.
They're still just chasing the dragon of breaking money, that's still the edge we're balancing
on in this series.
Now it's Narvi who is shaky, they lose this one, there's no ifs ands or buts, they will
be broke.
They will have a very difficult decision to make with no loss bonus available.
G2, those three guns saved, kept them in it.
And now Na'Vi, they don't have that luxury on the T side.
They don't get that loss bonus.
They have to win this round.
Their major lies on it.
So if they go down, they're gonna go down together,
grouping outside of this A bomb site.
They look to play as a team.
No luck for Ema, no one sniffing around trying to sell anything on the other side of the map.
This is an all-in play, a full commitment.
Everything on the line, this major run, hanging in the balance.
Some pious with an opening, heavy God striking alongside him.
Also back for Ema, wonderful.
And all finally dealt with, wonderful's clawing this one back, dead to the spawn.
And so now it's left to Ema.
Bomb out in the open, and everything to play for.
This is where the pressure is dialed to 11
What's Ema doing?
Reroute around the jungle, but there's nothing to be found here
He's got 20 seconds to work with bomb in enemy territory and is this really just the save wow
Novi throwing the towel
Something's brought him back. Change his mind
Looking for the orb. It's not going to be found. It's a default. What happened here?
He just gets out. Maybe he felt like he had more time than he did. Someone dead-combed it either way
Confusing close
Not be gets shattered. They have justice AK 47 up against 11 G2 are almost guaranteed
high off points
Some pious man, what a couple of shots what a redemption in this CT side and
Heavy God under the balcony
See why this guy is MVP in all the hard spots.
G2 stay alive. They do more than that. They take the lead.
They put Navi on pistols.
It's just crediting Navi's calm and composure.
Well, this must be the most stressful last couple of rounds on a T side available.
You know this one is hopeless.
Try as Ima might.
She to pull that second player in just in the nick of time, and we're going to try and
lead the way here.
one rifle, a sea of pistols around him hoping to set him up. Matt is close on this line.
So this one kill won't come to Matt. G2 will have two chances to lock in a playoff appearance.
They've been in the lead many times over. They've failed to capitalize. You can't be
be making those same mistakes now. Two chances for G2 to waltz into those playoffs after a
nailed by Irva series versus this Narvi squad. It's just crashed there but it was a 4v1 so
luckily it doesn't come to cost anything here for G2. They hold on. They stop that
I hear a rifle from getting anything.
A Navi on the borderline of nothing.
Two Galils, attack nine.
This is one stressful series.
Where's your head at? At a time like this?
Making impossible comeback back on Dust2 to start this series.
Wonderful with what felt like a series defining 1v4.
Maybe it matters not.
Maybe G2 with the truth all along.
because Navi had their chance.
They had that opportunity back on Inferno with the
Come back into overtime, G2 snatching it away and then just holding their composure
no matter the score line.
Surely not the all in here.
I mean, that's been the protocol for Navi across these last couple of rounds.
He's going to move away from these five-man execs.
And their last little desperate stab to try and keep this series going.
There's going to be a more twist here though. This is a fake out.
Alex is trying to sell something in this B site.
Bomb is behind him for a little bit later, but this chaos allows a window boost.
Heavy God shuts it down. That was not what Navi were relying on.
They have nothing left.
G2 are right there. All that's left to do is cross that finish line and lock in the playoffs.
Navi dealt a rough hand. Everything freezes. G2 are telling themselves they've done the
hard part. They've just got to stick the landing. They've just got to finish this off.
Playoffs are right there. Opener out of Mikazi. Caught on the cross in. No trade yet. Bits
going to pick it up. It comes down on retake. Never stopped trying. Not what they wanted,
But that bomb goes down, nothing else passed up, but G2 swung away into the playoffs with T'Nassi with resilience, with TrueGrid.
And for the first time since Niko and Modesty let this squad in, G2 made their way into a major playoffs.
Some players have you got a man is first time in that arena of a major in the top eight
What a run from G2 and not the a wounded Navi still recovering from the loss against the Falcons yesterday
They missed their opportunity to grab a payoff of so shades of Shanghai all over again as a great season ends in Calamity
I'm really impressed by their mental fortitude in this series for, I mean, Dust2 was there
for the taking they end up losing it go to inferno grind it out in overtime
right another map that they were supposed to close out in regulation you
come to mirage Navi historically successful on this map but G2 just took
the game to them despite losing both pistols when it came to the gun rounds
they just got it done and some pious incredible impact in that second half
it's not just that but the things that were happening in the games the womb
must follow one of the folder clutches on inferno the pistol round it just like
everything was kind of going away from it when it came to momentum they had to
be so much better than now be here to win this game yeah we think back to
inferno the moment it gets pushed to overtime and we think okay this could be
done for G2 the fact that they had as you said the young girl the mental
resilience the fortitude the tenacity to actually outlast this one so impressive
particularly when you look at her opponent like coffee in the success
they're bad the shit yeah definitely and I mean G2 it was the lights out this
tournaments individually you know heavy god was like sort of carrying everyone
else in a way but it's crazy how they're back in the playoffs for the first time
since Shanghai and it was the same tournament where Saw and Nerds denied
playoffs for Blade and the Nabi squad right so a lot of similarities in that
run compared to this one. I'm sure a lot of celebrations on the side of G2 we have
Hunter joining us up here on the desk congratulations you've been through a lot
of stressful moments in your career how stressful was this one to close out?
It was very stressful, comparing to before when I was a player, it was a bit different
where you can just focus on yourself and try to be focused on crosshair at all times.
But now it's a bit different when you're an IGL you need to think about the whole team
and about the whole picture, so it's even more stressful.
But we were prepared, we were ready, no matter what, and I think we deserve this win.
Hunter congratulations on making the playoffs.
I just wanted to ask you, after Dust2, what was the conversation like outside with the
rest of the team you guys had such a big lead on that map. Yeah I mean we trolled
so many rounds on Dust2 we lost so many bad rounds that gave them momentum and
we were a bit down especially after this one before and before that we lost the
eco. Then we wanted to force a bit on city side after those two rounds but
our core said no need to force anything guys you played amazing it was just
unlucky some some rounds a bit of more concentration needed but we played
really good as a team overall especially the city side we had a good plan and
And yeah, the deal about Inferno was to play as a team like we were understood and to reset as fast as possible
We also heard your little speech after you lost that round to BIT
How important was it for the team sort of to reset after that early round you lost on Inferno?
Yeah, to be honest we are losing so many stupid rounds even on practice. You're used to it now
We are used to it. We are resetting. Blake, I don't know how it's default. It's for us default
And we know that we need to reset and I said after and halter after before Mirage
Let's like we are good at resetting after the stupid rounds, but let's not use any more of those stupid rounds
Let's try to focus a bit more during the round during the game
And yeah, I'm pretty happy that we won that is amazing team
And I think we deserve this win even on Dust 2. I think they were they like it was just our map
We just rolled it. I have to ask about the T side on Mirage when a 11 of the 12 rounds this isn't in your plan
We went A on Mirage, 11 of the 12 rounds. Why did you go A so much? Was there a weakness you saw there?
Lexi B didn't see the action for the entire game, he ended up being 3 kills 4 deaths by round 18. What was going on there?
We saw weakness on A, like on prep, and our weakness and their weakness, both on CT side.
So we were trying to hit there, they were trying to hit there and we were kind of ready for it.
We knew that we were taking mid lately so much on CT side and we knew that they were taking first step mid and falling back to extremities, B or A.
And we understood it pretty fast and that's why we were kind of more on A.
And heavy god, why is he so good? What makes him so special? It seems to be so consistent for you.
Yeah, I'm really happy to have that kind of a player in my team.
team. There is not so many players like Heavy God like Bit, who are really amazing in those
roles, that's called them shit roles in a lot of maps. And he's not complaining about anything,
he's perfect teammate, he's doing everything for the team and on top of that he's really
consistent and he's killing, like you can count that he will do a really good job of
staying alive or kill three people when they're coming on the site.
We already talked about it, G2 last time made playoffs in Shanghai, also in Cologne it's
It's been a little while, so now that you guys are going to be back in the lags, what can we expect from G2 in the playoffs?
You can expect that we'll fight until the end, no matter what, and that we'll give our best, like we were doing during the Stage 2 and Stage 3.
It will not be easy, whoever comes, but yeah, our main goal was to secure these playoffs, and now, of course, there will be pressure, of course,
There are a lot of people in front of us, Langzis Arena.
Amazing experience for us as a team, especially for the people that are not playing too much major play-offs.
And that's not playing in Langzis Arena.
So I think overall it will be an amazing experience and I can promise that we'll give our best.
Have you seen who you're playing against?
I cannot hear you. Only you, I cannot hear.
Have you heard who you're playing against?
Yeah, there you go.
There's the bracket.
Is that it? How do you feel about that?
I checked it before, but it's fine, it does qualify for playoffs, but yeah, it's amazing.
I mean, it's playoffs of major, last event of the year, we just need to give it all.
Everything is possible.
What do you think about your side of the bracket as well? Do you think that Falcons, G2, maybe,
in a world, we could see you and Niko going head-to-head?
Hopefully, I would like that. I would like one of us going into finals, but we need to work hard
to get into semi-final first.
Are you guys also one of those teams that prefers to play the better teams, or do you not care who you go up against?
I mean, we don't care too much, obviously. We would like to play a bit more.
Not that good teams and not that hard bracket, but it's fine. It's major playoffs.
Is there anything you'd like to say to all the G2 supporters rooting for you at home in the arena as well?
I just want to say thanks to everybody who supported us here, and I cannot wait to see you in Langston, Serena.
Thank you so much. And congratulations once again. That is G2 locked and loaded the final spot in the Lancest arena. But unfortunately with winners do come losers. So let's get a few closing thoughts. Kassi of Alexi.
Rough term events here for Navi, one of the longest running teams to be at majors in the history of majors and now finds himself eliminated today at the hands of G2 and Alexi be first of all commiserations. Let's talk about this game overall.
And that last map, how down of the wire was it for you?
I mean it was down to small details, but I think on the start of CT side, we had a lot of energy to...
We felt like we were in control after winning the pistol, but they just took the momentum.
We took it back towards the end, won the important T side pistol.
You know, the game was tied at some point, but I just think they played better in the end.
Mikasa had a fantastic performance there. There was a timeout called at 9-9.
In my bus out, you guys go up 10-9. Do you think at that point you have the game sort of in your hands?
Yeah, I think that was the most important buy-round that we had.
Even that round came really down to the wire, but I think they played it better since they were two-way after our moves around the map.
But overall, you know, we're interested in the service this time, and I'm also unhappy on the way I played this one.
Look, Alexi, honestly, you had a career game in MAP too. Your stats are through the roof. You played your heart out here.
Can you give us any words as to Navi ending their season right here right now?
now. I've never had a feeling for a major harder than this one since we came from Atlanta
like kind of beat the team that we really wanted to beat throughout the whole season.
We had our chances to go through the playoffs yesterday against Falcons, today against G2,
just wasn't meant to be and it sucks, it hurts.
And you've been in this situation before Alexey. Is there anything anything you want to say man?
Before we get you out of here watch you play counter strike a lot a whole lot since 2019 up till now
So I guess it's on you man for yours
Yeah, I mean it's very hard to put anything into words now. I'm so disappointed. It's it's
Hard to say anything productive, but
I'm glad that we had a lot of I had a lot of support from the Finnish guys
I think there was a lot of people outside of the Counter-Strike community like building a pipe for this
for this tournament and
Apart from the finish friend if we had a lot of great Ukrainian fans here and
Fans from around the world. I knew it meant a lot for me. How Maca's a bit and Igor and I'm just sad
I you know couldn't get us over the finish line today
Thank you so much for your time Alexi in commissuration. Thank you
I cannot overstate enough how much of a gut-wrenching moment this must be for Alexei and the entirety of Navi, right?
I mean, props to Alexei for giving us words here, he doesn't have to do that, he's not forced to.
And this is a moment which you're going to be looking at if you're Alexei and thinking, damn, where did it go wrong?
We had the opportunities to close this one out in that second map.
Yeah, it's just such a huge disappointment, right?
Considering they came in fresh off of that win at Atlanta, beating Vitality,
they struggled to find form for a long time right even when they first added
Makazi took a while for them to you know get into gear and in the end having
opportunities yesterday against Falcons today against G2 you know Navi was the
sort of second best team in the world up there with spirits to challenge
vitality in this tournament and for them to not even make playoffs you know it's
gonna be gut wrenching for the team. I wonder if it's a little bit of did they
They have too much of an eye on trying to beat Vitality that they kind of have felt the ball a little bit, maybe I'm not sure,
because it's quite strange how poor they've been this event.
They've looked in every series like they could lose.
Yeah, they just don't deserve it.
They looked poor in so many different areas of the game, right?
Like they're losing rounds with advantages, they're struggling to win rounds on T side.
Honestly, even played the last two days with these Beatles.
Like yesterday, you know, with their new cover dust, today picking Inferno over Ancients.
I'm not so sure what the thought process was behind all that, but yeah, in the end, they
still had opportunities to win, even with the maps that they played and the player just
couldn't really deliver.
I know what you mean there.
You kind of can't almost put your finger on it, right?
It doesn't feel like the normal blade philosophy.
It doesn't really feel like the normal Electro-style of cooling.
It doesn't actually feel like you're at the visuals exactly, like there's so many.
And like, how rare is that for all of these things to go wrong at once, Ash?
I mean, you can probably attest to this, but I guess maybe you're probably right, being
bit too distracted by beating Vitality, getting that over the line and then you kind of out
of gas when you need it.
I think as well when you have a team that isn't like the most stacked with firepower,
you need kind of everybody to really be ticking at the same time and you just weren't.
So I think there's just lots and lots of things like we saw how frustrated they were in all
their games as well, probably the most frustrated team here.
Something just hasn't been right for the mis-event.
Maybe they put some equation on themselves, maybe they're just thinking Vitality is struggling,
we need to capitalize.
I don't know what it is, but it's just not looked very good.
There's also this thing where it depends on how the tournament itself goes for you, right?
And this tournament for Navi started by a shellacking from Team Spirit, right, leading
into a bounce back against Legacy, and then another sort of awkward series against Mongols
where they were kind of supposed to lose it.
And at that point, like, yeah, you're telling yourself you're better than this, but you're
not playing like it.
And maybe the confidence has slipped away a little bit, and in the end, you also do
face to teams that are really good in this tournament in Falcons and G2, right? Losing
a close fashion, so yeah, just disappointing in the end.
Fair to say, biggest disappointment out of Stage 3?
Oh, absolutely.
The end style.
This is a contender to win the tournament.
I think that what people would have said, they could have won this, and they're not
even close in the end.
Yeah, don't even make it to the top 8 here in Cologne.
However, we have 8 teams that did manage to achieve that feat, so let's bring them up,
up one more time because we've got some very interesting names in here of course team vitality
heavy favorites they won basically everything had a little bit of a stumble in Atlanta but
they've said it they kind of set the record straight alongside team spirit making it through
three zero i'd say they're the probably uh two biggest contenders right i think the universe
just decided listen apex if you want to be the greatest team of all time here's the toughest
bracket of all time to sort of win the tournament right going up against falcons and then winners
of Spirit G2.
What would you say, Janko?
This is harder than the Paris run, if they were not?
Nothing is harder than their Paris run.
That's one for the history books.
And for Spirit, obviously, gonna be without their coach.
No one's standing behind them.
And we saw in the 9-Z game, the frustration sort of kicked in.
Imagine that on a major stage with, you know, thousands of people in attendance, like, that's
gonna require a lot for them to overcome.
I love that tagline for Falcon as well.
Never out of the fight.
You can never count them out just yet, Janko.
particularly when they got carried and kind of bringing a bit of the face bullshit face bullshit is definitely in full effect now in Falcons
And yeah, they play up to the level of their opponent. They've had success
Against vitality. So don't put it past them for for an upset there G2 just
Made it as well going to be playing spirit and fury and also the oldest complaining artists
But I decided the brackets is like that. Why didn't you do what fury I didn't worth three zero?
You know like and you could have been one of these other teams right obviously spirit is also on that side
But if you were three zero you wouldn't have this issue
So that's just how how it goes obviously the surprise package of the tournament 9z alongside bad boom and Aurora
I think it has to be said, you know considering the rumors considering the recent form
Managing to take care of business and they're gonna play bad woman the quarter five. What do you reckon about this bracket?
What a theory for us
Well, you'd expect
Ninzee to go down. I think the thing is well the underdogs that come through that they've all kind of earned it
They've got some good results in there
Aurora was solid when they won Ninzee and Betboom took down really strong teams. We just saw G2 beat Navi
I don't think any of these game games are going to be as simple as perhaps they might see
Fury haven't played in a long time and the playing is Ninzee
You're quite upset people quite a bit with the way they play. I still back fury. I think Aurora
You know something fine
I think they will be disappointed not to make something now they've got Betboom in this situation
I still think Vitality are about to go through against Spirit. That's going to be a great semi-final and I still have Vitality to win this
Yeah, Furia has to be in the final
You know, especially because this already happened to them before you need to have learned your lesson and anything outside of a final
Would be a huge disappointment for them
I
Aurora's bed boom. I have no idea, but Nyanzee has also played good counter strike. That's not gonna be an easy match up
And yeah, absolutely. Let's just enjoy those bottom two games
going to be some bangers. Oh we're going to enjoy our time in the arena so much. I can't quite believe
that after 10 years we get to go back to this arena for a major no less 15,000 people are going to
be joining us in this arena. I know I'm going to get goosebumps on the first day anchor I mean
for you that was where you kind of made your name on the analyst desk as well 10 years ago.
Crazy stuff. Yeah crazy how far we've come you know in terms of the format in terms of everything
related to the majors and Cologne and the Lancers have made the name worthy of a major in between
that time but now it's just going to have that little bit of a special feeling and we're getting some
of the world's best teams in that arena. World's best players were also in form so I think we'll
definitely have some people who were there 10 years ago, a lot of new people as well and
that's going to be one hell of an experience. Maybe I'll spoil your Twitter post or maybe
video I didn't when you make in a playoffs pick and video Ash, but who have you got taken the crown?
Who do you think? Who's who's sold you? Nobody. I'm still going for vitality. I think they've shown
enough. I think they will beat Falcons. I trust vitality the way they play in general.
The only team I feel like that can prevent vitality from winning would be Falcons because
whoever comes in that other semi I think spirit without their coach cannot beat vitality and
And then in a best of five, even if it's Fury, you know, you have to give it to Vitality because of the map,
but you almost want an upset to happen just so that it's way more open.
Because if it's not them, like a lot of other teams can make a run for it.
Ash, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for joining us.
This is your last day on the DESTL class.
It has been so fantastic to get to pick you, Brain.
Thank you for being so honest.
Thank you for being so friendly, so witty.
Thank you for putting up with this guy as well.
That's not a...
It's okay, he's a...
Easy challenge.
He's going on me.
I'm sure you don't. Please come
back to the desk. Thank you
very much. I think the ESL is
sending me home out of habit
where it's because of playoffs.
Thank you so so much. It's been
an absolute privilege. Um, yeah,
we're going to take a couple of
days off. I say days off. We've
got a media day coming. There's
more content coming your way as
well. We've got two more player
profiles debuting over the next
couple of days as well. So we
will see you to begin the
playoffs in the Lancels Arena on
Thursday. Thank you so much.
That's right.
Come until then, okay?
Like, even with the screaming, for me it's fine if you scream, but I don't want you to get over excited, especially mid rounds.
Okay, but when the round was scream everyone.
Right now?
No, no, when the round ended, you know, when the bomb explodes.
What do you want to scream?
I just scream.
One, two, three.
And history being written before our eyes, just 9.10 to 4.90 are off to the 9.00 session now!
History for Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.
Oh, look at what he moved and slayed in! Another triple out of Budovitz!
Shredding!
I'm gonna get a move right now.
Jesus, holy for this, you can't play first in the game.
Oh!
Hang on, they're not looking!
Going to control it!
Long's cam, can he take down Budovitz?
Oh!
Which does again!
17 kills for Benich!
Firmitch has led his team all the way to the playoffs from stage one of the Cologne Major.
Bebley to the playoffs!
Some players might have been able, might know where they both are, but has to deliver the games.
Won't be won, Alexi! Confine it, some players! Seize it through!
Bomb goes down, nothing else past that point, G10!
Slash away into the clouds with T'Nassi, with resilience!
It's a dream come true right now it's amazing for you and I'm really happy it's everything
for me.
We were ready for another work than I think we deserve this one.
The Intel Extreme Masters Clone Major 2026 is brought to you by ESL and partnership with Intel.
Acer Predator.
DHL
Jax
and Zoey
There is no stopping him!
He is invincible!
The King of Counter-Strike!
Now just fix it for me!
If I'm on my way, I'll have my patience!
But he's not going anywhere!
10 rounds. Hold on. Let me pull up CS stats.
Oh, wait. My bad.
You suck!
Settle your debates, search your profile on CS stats, and turn on tracking to see all your games.
I am not sure if you can hear me or not, but I am not sure if you can hear me or not, but I am not sure if you can hear me or not.
I
Baby, don't talk to me, you don't have to say
The words and colors, the signs, will come out to that already day
I know if the long we married, I was more than the man he is in my life
Already touched his time, oh, I wanna reach his feet, oh,
Baby, don't look for me, we don't have to try
I'm all ready with them, still I last goodbye
We've got so much time
I don't need to dream or fantasize
I've missed myself just to realize
I'll let it touch the sun, oh
I'm gonna reach this sweet home