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What if you love me?
What if you love me?
This person is Alain Jacques, a friend who has been with me for about 5 years.
We were at school, we were friends, sometimes without being friends.
That's it.
And we had a little bit of a problem with both of them.
I invited him to my house, I had two gongboxes, we took each other's arms and left, I'm right-handed.
And then we would settle our costs.
So maybe it's not a charm, guys.
You were away, okay?
Eh? I'm here?
I come from the northeast of France.
The region called Lorraine.
A small town called Charme.
5,000 people living here.
Thinking about my childhood, I have such a good childhood.
My mom carried everything.
She was the mom, the dad, everything.
She always had to be hurt.
I didn't want to complain about everything
because my mom was doing the only summer that I won.
I didn't want to create other problems.
My father was not there because they got separated when I was two years and a half.
As my mom was working a lot on Tuesday, Tuesday to Thursday,
and my grandmother coming to my home, she was amazing.
She was also one of the reasons why I got well educated and well raised.
My mom was very important to him because she was the one who raised him more or less
because he was five days a week at home.
and so she encouraged him a lot of things and she told him a lot about his life,
that there are things I don't know about her.
I'm gonna play football with the friends so maybe another time I don't really care about about that
And I was on point he asked me so many times that I went to join I played a bit
Wow, this is crazy. There were two brothers that have teams in the C-back affair of the country
So they both have teams. They have two teams came to the C-back affair and they did like little bootcamp
5-5 like a best of five and yeah was there I was playing CS for maybe 10 days
I was like, wow, I want to do this.
And I remember I was 14.
I stayed in the CBCF until 6am,
and my mother was getting crazy at me.
We could see that he couldn't get out of there,
but he really liked playing with us.
The only difference between me and him
was that I played with my friends.
Really?
Yeah, but I played for the fun.
Oh yeah?
You went directly to be with your team.
I joined every games in the beginning of 2012.
So we do a tournament on CSGO and Source, but the problem is that I get sped up.
I took the Gambo, so the big Gambo, the Fixtures.
Let's play CSGO as much as I can from the beginning.
I really remember it was really cold outside.
I have a cold coming.
General manager of LDSC.
We want you, you have a 500 euro.
Wow, 500 euro?
I was like crazy, so happy.
We created that lineup, we took FUZI and the upper everyone expected Kenny, but he was one of the reason...
Kenny was...
It wasn't one of the reason that the old LVAC team split up. We did really well, a few semis, won the DreamHack Valencia,
went to Cologne Major, lost in semis against Neep where they win the event, we should have won that event.
It was my best event probably in the video, I was actually insane. Then same...
Titan coming. Okay, we want you.
salary raised by two,
paying with existence again.
The beginning starts really well,
but quickly get backbanned before 2014 Dream Act Major,
one of the two majors I missed.
We pick up APK, it's going okay.
We lose, I think, three finals in a row,
and then same.
And yes, and they tell me basically,
we want you to replace Shox.
It's not going well for us,
and we appreciate that we can win a major together.
We lost the current 2015 final first,
That 14-7 lead cranes 1v3 from Carbine.
I remember that like it was yesterday, but then we ended up winning close after, so I was okay.
The team chemistry, we were about to split. It was not professional.
Like the players were doing whatever they wanted, etc.
There was a mess. I was being a hard worker, I was really fine with strats.
The only thing is they saw crazy entry frags, fearless, and they thought I was done because I was doing the job.
Why I did that job forever is that no one else wanted to be the entry frags.
No one else wanted to die in French team and they wanted to shine.
Back then, no flash, just run first, no smokes, good luck.
I was in G2 and we lost this PGL Cracker Major 2017.
We go outside, I'm really disappointed.
Yeah, my first point is, I don't think we do enough.
I think we're not hungry enough to be the best version of ourselves.
And they are shocked straight, saying, no, no, it's not that.
So when we started like that, I'm like, okay,
I'm not gonna talk much about the debrief because if it's not that, sorry.
I got frustrated a lot by that.
I was giving 120% in the players, we're giving 50%.
And the French is known for that in CS.
So much talent, so much everything, but so stable and so much
I want the power, I want to be the boss, but I don't want to work
So yeah, we gen G2 and we talk at the bar and we like
We know we have the best team, France possible, best hopper, one of the best entry fragger,
one of the best support, young talent with body, shocks can lurk like no one
I remember this thing, oh mini mages we can win
Two, three, yeah, we had this description
At the end, double zero.
It was a bad time for me to be in the G2, in May 2018.
That was one of the hardest moments of my career
because I was on the bench on G2
and a mouse pod, Cloud9 back then, wanted to buy me,
but all G2 owners or slots wanted to sell me for so much money.
Like he put me on the bench and then asked for so much money, he asked back then her 800K.
I was actually in a really bad mental moment at that time.
So two months, a little more than two months at home.
And even Mom decided in July, in August 2018.
I'm happy that I could live that time with her,
to finish her life and I could see her and be with her a bit more
because for me it was really important to finish the tour.
Maybe a bad time for him at the time he was put under the edge,
but it was a good time to go live until the end with his mom.
It was a second moment for Dan.
fifth we didn't know. NBK comes up, he's like, I found the fifth. It tells Happy. Once again,
the same problem of NBK, like just trying to recycling players. For the first time, I will come
and say what I feel and what I think because it's been a long five months and I don't want to get
back to something shit. I say, I don't want to play with Happy. And NBK explained to me that
in a way, he prefers Happy than me. So I'm like, okay, fair. I'm gonna drink that because I don't
don't believe in it. So they asked, Jax, and said, but Jax says no, but at some
point, NBK comes back to me. I know we have a people do you want to join us and
I'm reflecting and I'm like, okay, I had such good moment with that. He was
actually a fantastic leader, fantastic player, had me to be one of the best
version of myself. But at that time, I don't think it was reliable as a player.
And that's the first time I get to Paris, the adventure starts, and I
I remember arriving, I mean, making APKs in the mid-time in BKAP, and I would.
I was 17 years old, a little shabby guy.
He just wanted to take his kicks and I remember APK and me, we think about XTAZ.
XTAZ was a caster in ESL France, and I could feel he understood CS.
He becomes the coach.
We go to the close qualifier in bootcamp.
We qualify like this to the minor.
The road back then.
Woo! Now of year rest, let's go.
the manager and the coach decide to bench up and to bring up Alex.
So Alex comes, we qualify in the minors, thanks to Zai Wu.
And then step by step we become better and we go to CS Summit and win our first TI1 event.
We beat Liquid in the Grand Final, Liquid where they started the legacy.
After we go ECS, we win ECS in London.
We go to Cologne, lose in the Grand Final.
We beat the legendary Astralis in the semis.
So the team is going really well, but inside of the team, it's a French team.
So this is not going well.
I suppose XTAZ was a big help.
I mean, finally the players didn't have the power, even though they wanted the power.
And I started to be a big help.
I think my mom would say that I wanted to be the chef.
I think my mum would say that I wanted to be the boss.
He wasn't at all shy. He was like a man, a troublemaker.
He had to do everything. He couldn't get into a corner.
We knew he was present.
Even in the face of football, he had to show that he knew.
He was a little bit the captain, although he wasn't.
People need to accept the person I am as a leader because I'm tough.
The first thing I was thinking about when I started to be IGL is what I don't want to
be.
And what I didn't want to be is I wanted to listen to my players when they didn't feel
good because I felt that in my career I didn't feel listened enough.
One of the other things I really wanted to be is a leader of MENSE.
IGL is a good stuff but being a leader of MENSE and top opponents is even more important.
You need to be there mentally to show to you guys that if you're here, they can follow you.
Just look at the tweets.
I said that I'm going to be a jail.
In general, 95 maybe more said that I will then succeed.
That's always been something that I love to show that,
okay, you think that? I will show you you're wrong.
That's all you can say.
Fuck you, Apec.
Just cream on us, boo us, do whatever you have to do.
I don't give a fuck once again.
You know, I've been criticized from day one being indian leader,
but now I win a fucking major, so fuck you.
Vitality show! It's a full house for the French!
No offense! No surrender!
No tournament will be better than Paris.
Winning in your own country, in front of all those Vitality fans,
in front of my mum, that was the tournament to win.
When I saw him on the big screen, I thought,
It's my son.
It's a crazy moment. I have actually a small picture here with my mom.
We won and she came in my home and she cried.
I remember it was a pretty emotional moment for me.
I wish I could go back at that moment.
The best memory with Dan and his children is their birth.
It was difficult for me at the beginning,
because with his dad, it was no longer too much.
When I was pregnant, I had a hard time accepting it.
But when he was born, it was a great joy.
After seeing him come, what he has become,
and especially in Paris when he wins the Major, it was...
At the end of 2018 we had three bad discs and Zonic levers to go to Falcons.
So we bring up kick-stars in Messi, we win straight to trophies,
the Blasphal finals in Copenhagen and the Blasphal finals in Abu Dhabi.
We were thinking about the days and saying,
look we don't need you to win.
2020 for start, it's tough. Group stage exit in the Katowice.
But then we come back stronger, we lose in the major,
we lose back-to-back finals in Dallas and NPL.
When it starts in 2024, we have EWC first tournaments, and we do really bad, and that's
one of the most important tournaments for vitality.
And we're losing qualifiers against VP, really bad showing.
I remember the boss putting pressure on us, being better than that and stepping up, but
then we win Cologne.
It's pretty amazing to be able to win Cologne, and in a fashion way, winning Navi in the Grand
Final 3-1.
That was just like the airs bair that I was hiding the rest, you know.
We've done tons of playoffs that year, but never been able to win a trophy again and
changed that to be made.
We had a lot of change available.
We worked between raps, twists, mergers, and jimpots.
They were all for Interest State optionaries.
And the problem with raps is, you know the player, it's been insane, but the personality
is scary.
I'm really happy that he joined us, but at that time I was a bit scared, I didn't know.
And he was free.
He was free.
He was free.
Even with Brazmonti, I'm not really into that, I don't really care, but we have Katowice after and I want to win it.
I tell you guys, I want to win that event. It's so important for me and let's not...
We're not saying we need years or whatever, no, we don't need years. We know each other, we just add one player.
The synergy can come instantly.
And here we are.
We are champions of Incident Roleyn
We are witnessing a reign of terror
Melbourne, this is the top of these walls
Now, mobs by an EF Grand Slam
He ate counter-strength to trophy
This team are building an empire
You're class Austin, major champions
And the best of the world
Vitality is upon us
Termination is in their DNA!
This chapter becomes like history, it's written in golden age!
At the next stop, Zailu!
Robert Kool, merci!
Retality!
J'ai d'aller du coin!
J'ai d'aller du coin!
So today, the most important person
is his girlfriend, it's Amber.
Sandra, without a doubt.
She is the most important person for myself.
The first time I heard the name Apex was when I arrived at Team Vitality in 2021.
And for me it was like really nobody.
I didn't realize the history around Apex, IWU and all the other guys from Vitality.
I think one of the first times I saw her I really liked her.
We could see that we had synergy together and that we enjoyed speaking to each other.
One of the first time that we did like a date then told me like very fast I think you will be
the mother of my children and I was like wow man you're doing very fast. I had an event in
Burgundy in October we had wine there it's just the best moment of the year and I tell her yeah
I'm gonna see to invite you if you want to come so she comes at this moment she asks me if I think
I think it's time to be together in a couple and I really like hunted her for a long time
and I was a big relief for me and the best moment because I'm like finally I felt she
was the right one for me for the future.
So if I have to pick up on this 30 kilo moment is the one but I think the next one will be
probably in October.
I was speechless, I'm usually speechless.
To tell him that I was pregnant, soon it's Saint Valentin, Valentine's Day, so here is
a little gift and yeah, he saw it, he was like, really?
Just little socks.
So of course I understood, because I'm smart.
He was like super happy, I think, happier than me for the first time, honestly, because
He balanced with my over-thinking for him once the data is processed, he's just moving forward.
The first kid is something that can't be beaten.
I have a good relationship with my dad now, but unfortunately he didn't take care of me much when I needed the most.
And I know what it is to not having proper dad.
I think he will be very supporting dad, loving in the emotion.
I don't know if I'm going to be a good dad, future with her, but I will make sure I will
give my best shot at this.
You'll know why you're here.
Vitality reigns supreme and we cannot unstruct alone.
Vitality have violated the Geneva Convention and must be punished.
Dennis, I know you've been through a lot, but it's still only counter strike.
Superman, please.
Our combined resources.
Where language is a barrier, strategy is not.
Well, apparently language is a barrier.
Sorry, no English.
You were supposed to translate.
I don't think I'll ever be able to do that.
Correction.
Here is Miles' play of Santa's Trot.
Nobody asked for that.
Speak for yourself.
Hey, Dennis.
Do you have any group stage prep?
I might be needing that.
Was there a Miles who beat Vettari less common?
Hope lies on their shoulders.
And now, I effectively have two standards.
What's that, this weakness?
My name's Odaichu.
All we need now is the fans to rally behind us.
We are in the mud.
Guys, why we don't smell them?
Oh, I was Kassisha.
The day in summer, we do it many times.
At this point?
Amen.
What we need is a system.
I am in fucking go.
You wanna know about a system?
I'll tell you about the system. That system is right here.
Look, we play to each of our strengths.
First up, Mouse Prep's group stage.
Okay, we've graduated. Aurora and the Mongols will prep quarter-finals.
Yes, Fury and Parivision? Same.
James Fred, insane.
Focuss is down to you to prepare the third place to side.
Bro, there is no third place to side there, and the major.
No, you bring that five-time major winner experience and we get the shit done.
Let's go boys!
Let's go, let's go boys.
Counter-Strike Units.
Fuck the epics.
Fucking Egypt.
What are you going to do to win this major job at you?
Buy six. Look, great work. Let's do it.
He's coming so close in many of these moments.
Oh, Hudders keep it all in play.
Hudders sacrifice, beat in vain.
Donk swings out, five thousandths.
The Magic Snorers that might not make the difference,
going back his eight years.
Oh, G-Town.
Oh, G-Town.
Oh, G-Town.
Oh, G-Town.
Oh, G-Town.
Oh, G-Town.
Oh, G-Town.
Oh, G-Town.
Oh, G-Town.
He's going on against it, Don!
Can they do it one more time?
Zotrix doesn't think so!
Heavy God, the last Domino to fall!
And Spirit and their semi-finals are right there!
I'm still broken
And I'm still broken
Only if I try to run away
Only if
I'm coming home, coming home, coming home
Can you see the question?
My gallery gone!
The style was called upon!
I was gallant at Kiyosuke!
The liver was on the big stage!
Here's the right foot, running Kiyosuke into the open blind.
Everybody's blind.
What?
Kiyosuke, will you check?
Behind you.
Apex is right there, but he blinded.
Kiyosuke!
How is he alive?
How is he getting away?
He's all the way!
Because after the opening, it's all all all monosy
Rhymes and selfies, money, they're dropping my voice
Monosy's got both
Sly reflects, doing their best
But Monosy's got the triple and forces them away
Out he goes, but Apex will silence them
Stelkis doesn't lose these kinds of rounds, not anymore
Not today
but more as he secures it!
Life is gonna strike!
Carry against the wind!
Vulcans have taken down the moon number one!
Counter-Strike! Need, I say, more!
We lived one of the most incredible days of competitive CS ever!
Ever yesterday in the line says can you believe that spirit versus G2 game? I still can't I didn't sleep after that
How did magic school off that one before it's gonna graffiti?
I don't know we know that G2 unfortunately will be far broken before spirit to get this far without a coach
It's truly incredible. What are they playing today?
Thoughts are vitality
felt the dream of Niko's major is still alive and unfortunately my talent will have to climb back up the ranks to get that best team
of all-time monitor behind their names.
But we're starting today with, as you can hear here,
Furia versus Aurora.
The Furia fans are already all here.
They've been dreaming of Fallen,
getting that third major in Cologne for so long,
but they have to get past the Turkish powerhouse
and some tourists aspiring on all cylinders.
What do you say, Langsays?
Let's do it all again.
Check
presents the pre-show.
Another day of counting strike news, another pre-show.
Welcome to the Emsale Extreme Masters,
Cologne 2026, the major.
I don't know how we top yesterday.
I don't know how we do anything about it.
Jason, I saw those drummers, and you're kind of like my little drummer boy.
Hell yeah.
I'm glad to have you here.
You know, yesterday, your heart, it would have been pounding like a drum after that series.
Yeah, that was hard to sleep after that one.
Could you get to sleep?
4 AM.
4 AM.
4 AM was the sleep time for me.
Well, I hope the players got more sleep than you did.
I definitely do too.
I think that was just...
It's impossible to top yesterday,
but that doesn't mean today can't be great.
Well, hold on, well, hold on, hold on, hold on.
How are we meant to get that again?
I don't think we can.
You can, you can.
Move over, Ben, that was an absolute epic yesterday, right?
The fact that we had all six maps that...
Other than Overpass, right?
That was the one that was the biggest blot of the day,
but you also did a 13-9 score.
Yeah, exactly, right?
Yeah, there was two rounds missed of regulation
of all the maps played yesterday.
Insane.
Yeah, everything else was overtime or 13 a lot which just shows the date was that 27th birthday was at 1.0
Is that what we were celebrating yesterday? I don't know was it like the whole thing the bet is they have more birthdays than
No, I don't know where we'll go with that. Yeah, no a lot of things. I don't know they have a lot of birthdays
I have a lot of birthdays, but yeah, the results yesterday absolute bangers right there only 1 2 o of the player bracket so far
And that's great. That's what we want. We want all these games to be highly contested
I hope we get more of it today
But again, it's gonna be super hard to top that right the first game
I thought there's no way we were gonna be able to talk what do you reckon was better of the series?
Obviously, we had the Magics moment, we had the quarter overtime, we had all of that nonsense.
But then we had the Falcons vs Vitality game.
Which one, if you guys had to pick, was your series of the day?
Take it away, Janko.
Yeah.
No pressure.
I don't...
How can you pick between the two, right?
I think the final three rounds, though, of that Falcons game.
Yeah, yeah, those were...
An absolute crazy rollercoaster.
I can't remember an ending to a game like that up and down.
We're from round to round, you're thinking, oh, they're coming back.
Oh, no, they're closing it out. No, they're coming back and in the end, Falken's close it up.
Yeah, I mean, I'm a little bit biased since I casted it.
So I'm going to go with the second.
But two different styles of games, too.
Like the first series had way more highlights, way more like crazy.
I feel like moments across all three maps.
So that's the G2 effect of drawing those games into the mud, right?
Yeah. That magic's man.
And you think it should be graffiti?
That's the talk of the town right now.
Yeah, probably.
We haven't had one since 2018.
Was it Dosia?
The May?
It had been 2018.
Was that the last one that Dosia made?
Sure, what's the last one?
That would have been 2017.
I don't know. Maybe.
I'm still a bit fried from yesterday. Yeah, it was a light one right? It was a light one
Yeah, good
I went back to the hotel and we had a one little nightcap before going to bed and Kerrigan kind of walked in he had a big
Smile on his face. Oh wonder what he looked over at the table
We were sad he was like did you guys do you guys see the stat line and we're like no and he goes six seven
He got a point six seven rating and he had a giant smile on his face
And he just came in and did the whole zoomer both me and Jason thought the exact same thing. I wish you lost
Okay, well, we know that's not true
But I think yesterday regarding these two series right there is up on the screen the big man
Everyone's pocket watch in this guy and not for the money, but for the frags. I think that well, yeah
But that's the internet yeah at this point
That's also not true
Which part doesn't heat that he doesn't need to perform it just like people measure his performance
In a wrong way like you're measuring his performance by how many kills he has you're doing it wrong, right?
And it's also easy to point out he's waiting for the series in the map wins
It wasn't as bad like it's actually the infernal map has dragged it down. Yes a lot
And I think if you are going to tell me that character as an individual player did not have impact in the series
Then you haven't watched the game. I reckon a few usp kills were as fast as the actual kills the tournament so far saved the day
Okay, they failed them out. They were insane, right?
I want to not flip the script but look at the other side of this and I this isn't to get people riled up
This is just to throw this into the universe and get people's opinions, right?
So don't quote me on this, but looking at the way Vitality are performing throughout this tournament, right?
It's not the team who are playing near-perfect Counter-Strike on to this point. Now that it doesn't excuse their performance
Yep, but one of the things that I think there's been a lot of critique on throughout the community since the Vitality reign of terror
Is that oh, it's boring or we don't want to see it
But guess what we may have seen it. It may be over
We won't know future will tell but these could be the first bricks in the wall that are starting to crumble, right?
This is vitality not looking immortal not even looking ice. I'm saying about 65% of what we've seen at their peak
There were nowhere near that the mistakes they were making like that round they got the mid-doors
They didn't even hard clear mid-doors and they lose to two kills five seven. It's not every threes
Yeah, they're losing rounds that this team would never lose
So we may have just witnessed the end of the vitality rain and we don't know it yet
And I might have popped the bubble right it's crazy Jason because you and me were doing media with them before stage three
and we were talking about this and how you stay motivated.
And Flames literally said,
you never know when you played your last age game.
Like you never know when you played your last final.
And Vitality, what we praised him the most for
was dismantle of staying hungry and staying motivated.
And I think that game versus Falcons
is the proof of concept for Apex.
Why he's so hard on them, why he keeps saying it
because at one point things will go wrong.
You won't be playing as well.
Like you won't play your A game or maybe even your B game, right?
And then you get the result that they got yesterday.
So I think this will be a great lesson for that.
Because from all the different players we've been hearing coming into this
tournament during the tournament, it hasn't been the best.
You know, the preparation wasn't as great.
Something just feels off, right?
And but they're the ones who have the power to change that come next season.
Jason, can we do a temperature check?
Let's see what temperature.
Oh, hold on. We got a quote on screen.
A quote.
for empty it's also in 10 minutes together i want to win so much more i'm devastated need time to
reflect but it hurts a lot thanks to all the fans that came and the ones at home sport us no matter
what not gonna lie it's needed right now he looked devastated i was gonna say the same thing he looked
absolutely wrecked yeah it's like on some level there it is this is weird it's on some level it
kind of like makes me i don't want to say happy but like i'm glad that apex is devastated i'm glad
that this hurt you know what i mean this point right here that there's a moment where i think the
the reality of, yeah, that moment right there, that's the moment of, oh my God, we are eliminate.
Like this is real. Like in the beginning, it's disbelief. You're denying it. You're
not believing what's happening. And then as soon as that sinks in, it's like, and now
you think about this from a human perspective, you're exposed on a stage with hundreds of
thousands of people watching, you know, oh, mate, like that.
You're called such a great game. Yeah, such a great game.
And on Dust2, he was fragging as well. He was topping the scoreboard. He was doing everything
to lead his team back and I know maybe he wants that final round back but you can't
judge it based off of that you know and just a tremendous I don't I really hate
how much this word is thrown around but apex is definitely a legend of the game
right and one of the reasons is that this late in his career you still see
how much it means to him this is a guy that's played all by but one major in
his career in different roles involved so much as a player and as a leader and
it's tough to see them go out like that can I do the temperature check yeah
Our audience that we haven't really engaged with, who's happy that the Vitality reign of Terramar be over?
The community's kind of content with the situation, it seems.
Uncertainty is exciting, right? Like going into an event and knowing...
Oh, economically.
It's not just going to be Vitality, you know, there's a lot of these teams that have opportunities,
so I think, yeah, people may have gotten a little bit tired of that, but I don't think they'll...
I think there's a lot of cool stories in the other teams that are still in the event as well
Then I think overtake the kind of vitality story of time trying to get that third in a row and trying to leave no doubt
You don't have like the Nico story
That's gonna be full
In front of everyone's face Keregan as well the whole spirit thing with magics without a coach blah blah blah
You have the fury a thing with fallen as well
You got a lot of really cool stories that I think take the sting of vitality being gone early at it with the way that things have evolved now
I'm on let's get Nico his major. Okay. Well make sure he earns it, but we're here now
Yeah, let us wait imagine if it's Karagin versus fallen in the grand final at two absolutely
storied in-game leaders who've been playing this game since the early days
We're talking 1.6 players who are still playing in the big 2026
Imagine both of them in the grand final both of them of one majors both of them of one Colons both of them are unks
Right if either of those guys win even major it'll be the new oldest player to ever win a major
I know but don't underestimate team spirit and their
And their propensity to play spoiler to all these Cinderella stories even last year two mouses, right?
Who took down vitality finally only to lose to spirit in the grand final shank high against face clan right?
It was magics who stepped up as a player not IGL with 69 kills match donkey in that final and for all this
Conversation about their coach bro. Did it not matter yesterday?
Yeah, I believe they kept the cat was absolutely this might be we might look back on that G2 series and say this was
the game that sort of solidified magics as an IGL, right? Really put them on the map because you're down 12-9,
no coach, you take a timeout and you have some incredible calls to take it into overtime,
then obviously the one before, they ended up being the difference.
You know, sometimes a player wins that round and then they run away with it.
You have the mental aspect is there, but literally without that round,
they would have been eliminated. Like that was only to extend us to take us into another overtime and just
him and the rest of Team Spirit have handled this incredibly well on their own.
We're sort of tip-toed towards talking about the games today so before we get
into that we have Trace going around the arena as we've done all day.
Let's go Stunner!
He's talking about a lot of stuff, talking about the maps, we want to see what he's got for us.
What a mustache.
So the question is, which map should Cash replace?
Now you're going to place a vote on here similar to kind of what we did yesterday.
I like that too.
What are you hitting on?
The color.
You know what?
Sure.
No pressure though.
Group vote.
What you're saying is by being able to see that, it's swayed your vote a little bit.
I did.
Where are you from?
US.
It sounds like it.
Which parts?
Tennessee.
Which parts Tennessee I'm from Alabama. Is your first cologne? Yes first one ever. What do you think? It's awesome. It's the best
Hello gentlemen's
Would you like to play as well? It's not really a game. It's more like a vote. It's a communal vote
What I'm trying to understand is which map
Should cash replace all right?
So what I'm gonna pick is
It's for sure. I'm sorry guys.
Also this, so it's easy pick for me. Me too. Yeah
Is there no originality?
I'm failing hard.
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
All right.
Seven hours later.
Here you go. Yes.
I also got a same Mirage.
Okay, all that with another Mirage.
I hope we're for a model dog Mirage.
Where are you from?
Uh, Netherlands.
How are you finding Cologne this year?
You having a good time?
Uh, it's my first time, so, uh, yeah.
I think it's great.
Keep rocking, guys.
Yes, thank you.
How are we going to get a magic graffiti if we take Mirage out of the pool?
That's a good point.
That's a really good question, I feel.
But we might have a man that we can help boil this one down now.
Everybody, who's here?
Who's German?
Any Germans?
Make some notes for Crimbo.
Alright, we got, uh, I turned the sign so everybody.
Crimbo, thank you for joining us, sir.
Thank you for having me.
I see a big jersey in the building.
Yes, sir.
Well, he's snuck in with that one, hasn't he?
Or no.
For now.
We'll leave that for another time.
We'll wait for the play break to come to its close.
What map are you replacing?
I personally hate Anubis, actually.
I think we're not most of the other pros outside.
I personally think it's boring, right?
Like these slow B executes or these A executes later on.
I don't know, it's always kind of the same, I feel like.
And if you remove remarch, as you said, like highlights like this,
like this like yesterday won't happen yeah but mirage can you see why the
community might be heightened on it I think it's the longest map in the pool
right never never left I think that's the only reason for it and maybe they
hate playing it on face it and get like destroyed by russians with cranes right
yeah fully that's what's gonna happen that's why Chad it's his least favorite
map he can't choose his way with utility and combinations you actually have to
know how to shoot I can't shit that's my feel like no votes for overpass getting
removed is kind of a travesty I feel like that's insane to me that is insane to me as
well just I think we don't like the pace from our perspective yeah it's just slow
and crawly I understand it from a strategic standpoint I'm just not loving
it otherwise now have you even played a professional game on cash in your life
I think it was like Division 2 in the German League okay so that's like yeah
we had like the professional games well it's a me perfect okay well like you had
this door executes like the smokes you for like that's it then okay so you're not too well versed
I'll give you some tips from back in my day but you play a mean cash I'll play you on cash it's
not fun yeah I don't mess around in as far as cash goes coming into the pool where that's the
assumption that's being made but we don't actually know huge baseless assumption is that something
that excites you do you care about cash would you prefer to something else I don't really care
about cash I'm more care about what's getting removed I feel like like yeah okay so yeah I'm
No, but this is something that I was bringing up when we've done. Well, we've I don't stop talking with you
That's both all the different podcasts and stuff and new this has been the least played map of the major
It's been the least played map of the year in all the tournaments
It's cropped up in both days of the playoffs now
It could even crop up in well here you go look at this they got graphics on the screen
It could even crop up today
There's an opportunity for it to crop up today in the in the Falcons versus spirits series
Yeah, I'll say briefly about a new bus just maybe because of the way train was removed
This a new bus coming back into the tool always just felt like kind of like a lazy like but we have this map kind of here
and we don't we need to change the whole yeah, we've got a new little box did a little bit we've shifted things
Let's try it again. Yeah, I look I don't mind it
I think that it's the only or at least it was last time I checked the status is the only T side of map so far
I enjoy it to be honest. I think it actually has some fun. It's also like the map that's newest, right?
Yeah maps like overpass or train to go out of the pool, but they come back and people still remember how they're being played
I know train was reworked in a significant way
So it wasn't exactly like that. But for Anubis, you know, there's no muscle memory really or anything like that.
So you feel like I just don't want to go through this again. It's cream. We'll pull it out.
It's just a little bit awkward in some of those later on situations where you don't feel like it's kind of strike to the same extent.
Okay. Yeah. And I think it was when I was standing in for liquid.
I think that like one week ago before that that cracker train got removed, right?
And we also were talking like and we're saying Anubis, like we don't have time to practice.
Like every no team has time to practice right and every team at this stage
Also was like kind of floating it and like gambling it and teams don't pick it right and just removing it second stage
And like since then like the season has been going on right after Krakow
There was a new tournament and teams never really also maybe a time to practice the map pool is really important
Right, especially who for the teams that are aiming to be contenders but not in the top three right Fiora
Got to number one by mastering overpass and then train which a lot of other teams at the time wanted to avoid
Now we finally beat Vitality with Anubis, right? Yesterday Falcons, Anubis.
So these teams that don't have as much depth or not as good as the vanilla maps, like they have to master these other maps.
The other teams just don't want to play because you can't perma-ban two maps.
Okay. Are you guys excited for Cash to come back? You guys want to play some Cash?
Okay. Should we put a pin in this conversation?
Let's put a pin in it. We got some big games today.
Okay. Crimbo, in terms of the major overall so far, what's been your biggest surprise?
in positive or negative lights?
I think the most positive one is that Aurora is actually at the semi-finals.
I think also many, many people just underestimated them
and also put them all free actually in most of the pick-nums I saw.
And yeah, that's like my biggest surprise.
That's a fair surprise, I think. I'm a little bit surprised to see them in the semi-finals as well.
Well, they're a team that obviously have a lot of anubis.
And that'll be a big feature of the video today, right?
But all right, let's start as we have been doing second series second series of the day
We'll talk about that first and then we'll get into the Aurora versus Fury game
So second game of the day spirit gonna be taken on Falcons any immediate thoughts on that one crimbo
Not really I just hope I think it's time that the nicole gets this major. There you go. Yeah
Yeah, the hard thing about talking about this matches
I wanted to I like coming in and saying the magic say with the IGL because we covered at the start
It's like he just proved himself on the biggest stage
That was like the biggest red flag I had for spirit and now it's like well if he goes into that many over times
And is able to deliver that as an IGL and performing individually like I can't there's there's no red flag anymore
That takes it away one talk is Jason you said you couldn't fall asleep until 4 a.m. After you casted that game
Yeah, what about the people I know how you play in it, you know, I mean that was an insane series to be in you
There it is.
It's a game, you're doing all the interviews, everything, right?
So how much energy does Falcon, did they spend yesterday?
And didn't they have enough for what's not going to be an easy game by any stretch of imagination?
I mean, it's really one of those days someone in the team comes up and is just like,
oh, boys, we got up early, we had a little bit of weird energy from the game,
go back and take a nap, like you have the middle of the day now.
But this is the thing, sorry, Crimbo, get stuck in, man, I'll jump in.
No, no, no, no, no, no.
I was just going to say, in terms of what you do.
It looks crazy from G2's POV.
Yeah, well, what's, what are you meant to do, right?
different angles at a low HP.
I might, yeah.
There's a couple things, right?
We were showing the spirit stuff there, but what you're talking about is the fact that
Falcons finished so late.
I don't know what time you guys got back to the hotel.
I stayed all day.
I got back at 1.30.
I imagine you guys probably got back.
I was on the shuttle with you.
Oh, you were too.
That's right.
He was.
So you probably got back by around 2.
Right?
So at that point by everybody getting back and then you're sleeping eight hours, then
you have to get out the next day and prep.
Spirit obviously going to have a little bit more lead time on that.
They didn't know their opponent quite clearly, but in terms of their rest, their preparation,
but then they don't have the coach factor.
factor. So you would assume that they're going to be in a better position at least as far as rest is
concerned. But then the prep factor, I guess this is where all the staff need to stay up all night
for Falcons or get up early this morning. It's one of the two or Nico just hits Hunter up bro.
Yeah, I passed the research on that prep. So like, you know, like we need all the help we can get.
I actually don't know if the prep is what worries me most. I think the rest thing is bigger because
I still think with Kerrigan at the helm, he's going to be improvising a lot anyways. Yeah,
that's true. He's going to be doing things on the fly. I feel like towards the end of their
Inferno game yesterday, he was sort of they could tell that he hadn't had a whole lot of time with
with the team to work on that map. I felt like the playbook fell thin and down the stretch
with a lot of like mid pops, but Kerrigan's just the master of improv in the mid-round,
like reading what the hell they've been playing, how they've been doing, what's been successful
and building something random on top of it.
About the resting, I feel like it's more on the mental side. If you think about it, like
I only got five hours of sleep and you let that affect you, I think it's like, that's
the worst part, but I feel like the adrenaline on playing such a stage and whatever, it's
going to be like so high you're not going to be tired or whatever. So I feel like that's
a big factor.
you on like the third map, I imagine, right? Like an adrenaline in that moment of walking
on the stage and getting things started for the first map, you're going to be fine. Second
map, you're probably going to be okay. The map is when that energy, I feel like the adrenaline
wouldn't carry you through it.
I brought some facts to the table. And those facts can be considered however we want the
facts to be. This is just to set us up for a conversation. Head to head between Spirit
and Falcons. May 2025, rival season one, group game Falcons win. November 2025, Chengdu,
game Falcons win November 2025 rival season two group game Falcons win go on December 2025
Budapest major quarterfinal spirit win April 2026 Rio group game Falcons win I'm noticing a trend here
hold up Rio semi-final spirit win and finally May 2026 Astana grand final spirit win and one last
little tidbit here none of those group games were for elimination they were already already secure
or it didn't matter. And that Grand Final win really really sticks out doesn't it? So there's
there's a landmine Mianco for you to leap on if you would like. Uh there's no I think the one
the one loss that was with Kerrigan was the Astana Grand Final right and that was the first tournament
they played with him now they've had more time I think they've gotten a little bit better over time
to just have more reps with him they have a better understanding on how his system works
And I think, actually I love that you brought it up because all of those losses in Crunchtime outside of the one were with Kicksand.
And the Spirits were not the only team that was beating Falcons in those games.
Any contender put them there. That's why they have zero trophies.
Because when it mattered the most, they were too frail.
They fumbled, right? And now we're seeing these new Falcons actually rise to the occasion.
G2 gave the opening here. Navi gave in 2-1. Yesterday against Vitality.
You could say the same thing about Vitality. They're beating the most in games that don't matter.
don't matter. And when it mattered they would lose. So I think yeah, that was true, but
this is a different Falcons we're getting with Kerrigan.
I feel like this new Falcons is giving me like G2 Vax who won Cologne with JKS. I feel
like Kerrigan how he played yesterday, lot going first, dying for Kyuzuke or whatever.
It's just like a decoy kind of stuff. I feel like Kyuzuke is the better second star than
Hunter was, but I feel like JKS back in the days was the better anchor than Tezes and
was getting more kills and overall this is like if Nikon Monozov is a Petro level is
giving me like these team vibes.
Okay, alright.
Q-Siccer did have a discussion like in series.
He did, right?
He also had some moments where you go, oh you can tell this guy's inexperience, right?
Over rotations where you'd hope that a player would stick to their guns, but I think that's
the teething issues.
And we're at that point.
You live or die by the sword, by Monozov and Q-Siccer play.
Okay, good without the bad.
Exactly.
Before in big games you were getting mostly the bad and not enough of the good.
Now we're getting 50, 50, 64.
You're getting some good and some bad and you can live with that because he is young sometimes hopefully he'll learn he'll improve
He'll get better
But you saw how when you unleash him and he doesn't like isn't stressing out about oh, I want to make this play
But if I do and I die, I'm gonna get the looks or all we're gonna be losing
It's an important round, you know that 3v5 against Vitality yesterday on dust 2 where he like as for a flash goes out
Mid kills I when they end up turning it around and winning the round
You know those sorts of things you wouldn't see it before and and he had so much impact on the two map wins
Especially for Falcons like that's why he was the highest rated player for them in the series
If we if we look at the spirits out of this equation
Yeah, just because we haven't touched on a much
I mean like donk is the easy one to go for but like it now that you have magic to this IGL and going through these over times
The supportive cast is I thought Teneir had a really rough series
Yes, Teneir is a bit of a worry especially when that does too gamut long
He was getting exploited and you can also see him getting stressed
Yep, which you know in those scenarios if he gets one traded that's gonna be enough
But in those levels he was you know swinging out missing the time in copying a team flash getting isolated then swinging late
And then they're even you got donks gone hold up, but I'll take pit
And they don't they don't want to be
Exploiting all do you knew exactly what that was a little bit of a worry
But you hopefully that puts hair on his chest and you get a better version of him today
But I think the inexperienced factor of a Tania doesn't really get spoken about as much because we had high expectations from heroic
He's like oh this goes good
I think also don't just covers a lot of those mistakes like don't be as good as he is just covers a lot of the issues that this team has that
Would you go deeper and deeper into the layers of it?
So sometimes you don't actually see all the issues because dogs just playing super well. Yeah, I won't ask you can we ever felt like that?
You know sometimes you're getting targeted and how do you deal with that like mentally when you when you see people coming your way time and time again?
It's actually like I think it's kind of rough
I think most of the time it's like different if you have a bad game or a bad day or if you're bad bad steps, right?
Maybe you I don't know you have a bad scoreline like you're down
I don't know 0 7 and you had like three echoes and you had to entry for don't like three times and then you're like
Okay, I have like 0 7 but it is what it is. I think that plays a huge part
but I think besides that you just have to like
Be be consistent do what you always do and also maybe switch up as especially in the semi-final game, right?
You have to just see and
Have to I don't know
Understand what's what's maybe happening what's exploiting you and then maybe try to adapt and what we learned yesterday about spirit is they won't break
Like if they there was a game for them to break your coach
It was yesterday, right and they stepped up especially don't come in
He didn't have like a hundred kills or anything like that
But you watch that dust to T side like it was just him like it was him time and time again
Entry double entry like the the round defining kill just sort of giving them enough to stay alive and to stay in the game
Alright, who are we taking to win that series? That's how we found second one.
Can we get there in a creative way? I know we're still in the plot, but we've got five minutes left.
And that's alright. We're going to make it. Alright, boys, you're all going to contribute here.
We're going to go player for player. Monesty or Shira?
Monesty.
Monesty.
Monesty.
Yeah, well, that's what I thought. That's what we started there.
Caragin groups.
Caragin or Magix?
Caragin.
Magix.
Oh.
For what?
Fragging.
In-game leaderships.
You can frame it however you want.
Caragin.
Caragin, okay.
Well, then let's see. Who are we comparing Dong to?
Kiyosuke, I guess if we're going rolls.
Donk.
Donk.
Yeah, okay.
So then I guess Niko...
Yeah, that's gonna be hard to compare.
Niko Taniya?
Niko, I'll take.
Even though Niko needs your playoffs.
Niko.
Okay, and then finally,
that's the Tessa-Zontik situation.
Oh.
I feel like I'm just building Falcons with Donk right now,
but I would probably take Tessa.
Richie, really?
See his natural rolls compared to Tessa's.
Only played him for like three months.
I would also take Zontik, I think.
Okay, I'm sticking with tests. Okay. Oh, the frog or zonic
Oh, no, it's a tough one the frog or zoning five times. I'm gonna pick that one you guys like zonic or the frog
The frog because it's hard, but that's fine
Anyway, the winner. Sorry, Jason
Falcons second start map. Okay. Oh
I'm taking falcon. He's anti-joseph. I know he's
I'm taking Falcons.
Just so we're split down the middle, I'll go Spirra and then you guys can be the
deciding vote.
Spirra off Falcons.
I couldn't have expected that.
Alright, that one's done.
Done and dusted.
Okay, that's our first-ground finalist, according to these guys.
Those guys, it's Falcons.
Those are them.
Yeah, those, yeah.
Do it for them, Jason.
The first semi-final of the day, the first match we're going to have coming up obviously
going to be Aurora taking on Furia.
Yeah, okay.
So the head-to-head, Rotterdam last time rounds, Furia kind of got a hiding, but I think that that's when Furia was slumpin' hard, that lost their identity.
They have a weird season to read.
They have had a weird season, I think you can just say it was trash.
Yeah, I think that this is uncharted territory, right?
So obviously the farthest Turkish team has ever made it at a major, and also the farthest, this Furia lineup has ever made it at a major.
They had two quarter final exits, and Furia has not played well this tournament.
They have not played their A-game, right?
9-Z wasn't good enough to punish them.
Those clutches on Mirage cost them.
easy group, can Aurora be good enough to capitalize on that? Or will we see
Furia unlock something with that win in the quarter-final, right? I think this
one there's a decent chance for Aurora to spoil Furia's day.
Actually, you too.
What I found really surprising is that, or like promising, is that
Vicaria is actually playing really good and he's playing so consistent as well.
I think that's what they've been lacking, like a second consistent star like
Okay, next is Antares, right?
I think it might be the other way.
Well, not before, before.
Yeah, but now it's probably the other way, but before they didn't have that, right?
Yes, you're right.
This is Antares' conversation is a weird run, right?
Because if you look at his playoff games and you don't look at big arena games,
then you can say he's decent in playoffs.
But if you look at big arena games and you make sure that you take out the EWC's,
the multi-pro leagues, the blast bounties, you take those all out of the equation
and you just look at the big ones, traditionally his big arena games not good.
But they've got an eventful coach now that's clearly making a difference.
He played lights out the other day in the tournament the highest rated entry player on the T side above donk
So he is gonna be the entry factor today. He's gonna go toe-to-toe with the kinder on the other side
That's gonna be massive. That's that for me is where this gets decided who turns up between those two
I think him and wakati. It's like 70% of the opening goals for Roar as well
So I feel like they're gonna live and die by the performance of those two guys today
Yeah, and I also think that you like voxic is also been playing really good, right?
I think it also comes down on, I think Major, he had like, I don't want to say a live game,
but he had like insane games and I think it also comes down in the end to Sofa because
I feel like Sofa has also kind of been playing my roads, like the anchor lurk and as an anchor
lurk in these games you have to get like, you have to get like, get a clutch in, get
like something like that or get an entry in as a lurk and I think that's also going to
play a big part.
Major rookie we got about 40 seconds before we got to get out of here and
send this down to the arena shit I think for the if I'm going for the story
I'm going Furia win yes story is Furia who do you actually think yeah yeah
the video is gonna be interesting but I'll let you guys do that on the desk yeah
yeah I think you have to go with Furia based off of they've actually not at the
major but they've had some deep runs towards the end of last year you're
hoping they can play a little bit better in the quarterfinals they'll have it I
think theory because of stage experience okay someone pick ancient I'm taking
that's the permit ban someone do it we haven't had it in the playoffs jason i want to see ancient
i want the green map out there today all right i'll let him know it's unlikely i'll tell him
ahead of time i love him i want to let yanko do the veto on the desk as well it's going to be a
lot of fun i'm taking a roar for the win tonight i'm taking it for the upset when i'm going a
little bit crazy all right either way we're gonna get out of here because then yanko and i got to
run out of the desk so we'll see you there the semi-finals at iam cologne begin right now
Hello, Woksik. I'm good, but how are you? More important questions?
Good. We just started already?
Yeah.
Okay.
Let's go with it.
Yeah, I'm good. We are feeling ready. We had all preparation done, you know.
It's like the final day for us still.
We'll give our best to reach the final.
Yes. I mean, every day probably feels like a final in there.
Talk to me a little bit about your experience on Thursday, right?
Because we've had so much question marks about all of you on stage,
and it seemed like you were... you looked like a new team, honestly.
Yeah, I think, you know, when you just keep losing and on the stage in front of people
for a long, long, like many times, I think you're just getting used to it.
The feeling, the atmosphere and everything as a team and you just can brood the game
that you have been playing in the studio also on the stage as well.
So I think now it's not like kind of affecting us, it's just I'm happy about that just because
this is like the biggest tournament, the most important tournament right now and I feel that
The feeling that we don't have this, I can understand from TeamSpeak and also helping communication each other and everything is just so calm.
God, you have been fighting for this for so, so long. You came from so far. It's actually incredible.
Do you have time to stand still about that right now or is that something you will do after the next match, after the next match?
After and after in Mexico. Yeah, definitely, definitely not now, not now. We'll do it on stage.
Tell me a little bit about this match, after the Cup, after you lifted?
Up so. I don't want to...
We don't talk about those things like that. No. What we can't talk about is
it's Feria versus Aurora and that's like the Brazilian fan base versus the Turkish fan base.
Tell me a little bit about that because that's going to be insane.
Yeah, it's going to be insane on social media and I think if the game goes in the close way
I think we can break the record, I think.
Like yesterday, I think it was just some record that broke.
And this is going to be, I think, another one,
if the game goes close and over times and like third map as well.
But it's going to be like close game
and I really love to play against those guys,
because they are like really good friend of ours
and it's going to be make both plays to set
who's going to send each other to home,
going to feel like happy at the same time
and also like set, you know, just sending them,
also they're gonna send us, you know, in case they win.
So yeah, but you know, we'll do our best.
We'll just, we are ready.
We've prepared everything.
I'm wishing them also like good luck.
Who is better gonna win the game and go to the final?
Amazing, always great talking to you.
You can join your team.
Good luck today.
Eric, can I grab you for a second?
Please come here.
Welcome to the semifinals.
I've always seen you with a big smile on your face.
Is there even a point to asking how you feel right now?
Actually, I'm a little bit sick since yesterday, today I'm a little better, but yeah, I'm happy.
Everyone is happy.
Today is going to be a good match.
This is what the Echender said two days ago, that some of you guys are feeling sick.
Is it just you or anyone else in the team?
It's me, only me.
I don't know.
There are like three finals already, every final, seven finals, I'm sick, I don't know
what's happening.
Maybe the AC, I turned on the AC and the next day was already bad.
It's fine, I'm taking meds, I'm better.
Could be a little bit of a stress as well, right?
That causes it.
Yeah, could be as well.
Everything maybe.
Like AC, temperature in their room is so hot,
so it can go out a little bit cold.
But yeah.
On the bright side, you know that you have a new nickname?
New nickname?
Brazilian Zipnicks.
You heard about that?
Yeah, I heard.
I don't know what's happening, I'm just sweating clothes.
This is very good.
Last year actually it was one thing that I said to me I need to be better in Cluts
because I'm the kind of guy I'll be last sometimes so I need to win Cluts
and this year I'm winning a lot so I'm happy.
You're stepping it up massively just for the guys watching and everyone watching at home
out of ten clutches this major you've played, you won nine of them.
Is there any one that is memorable, the most important that you think got you all the way here in the semi finals?
Bro, actually there are a lot of long V1s, maybe G890s, I think I had 3, but the clutch I like most, it was the one before against NaCy, that I remember, but all clutches is important, right, like all clutches because it's one round, so in the end it betters a lot.
Are you ready to add like 3 or 4 more today?
Yeah, of course, thank you.
Let's see how this goes, good luck on the stage.
The best of Counter Strike 2 available now on shop.es.
see you soon, dot com.
a quarterfinal against G2 and then I turn you kinder from the other side of the bracket just to keep on some fire power
I'm feeling ferocious. I don't know about you Harry, but I think you're going down. Haha laughs in Brazilian
I've kept a bunch of the fury a guy's still I've got Yuri
I got Kaseurato, you know them as the fans of fury
I know them as the guys that are getting fury to a grand final up against them or rather
I should say with them. I actually have magics in this squad. He's looking stable
He had some crazy clutch rounds. Holy graffiti. We all saw that play in what was formerly known as market
Now it's known as magic. So you know, that's why he's made the team and then I rounded it out with my Falcons guys
I got Nico. I got test says I'm believing in this Falcons run
And I think they will be the difference makers. I've honed in on a couple of legends. You've honed in on some dudes
I've honed in on triple Falcons Harry. You say you believe in them. I'm holding out to the final
I'm believing in them more.
Alright, well you're believing in Fiora on the other side of the back, it's understandable
and I wish you good luck.
I think we've been pretty friendly this event, but I think the heat is rising, the pressure
is rising and you better watch out come that grand final.
Hurry, please!
Maybe S attack wasn't the play!
I'll never doubt you again!
Prove it or I'll kill you!
Prove it!
It's over!
Wait, wait!
You wanted me to prove it!
Well check out this new look colossus!
I ain't reading all that wait there's prizes on this thing too
still a carrying a believer there no no no no no
this is heavy yeah
soulfly is in the semi-finals of the major in colote isn't that insane I
I remember talking to you in Krakow, and that was kind of the first time that you would be in that environment.
Tell me a little bit about Thursday and how amazing it was that you were able to show your best CS on a big stage like this.
Krakow is my first LAN, and basically we made the playoff, and it was my first time playing in front of the crowd.
It was too chaotic honestly, I couldn't manage my emotions, and I can hear so much crowd, so I didn't get used to it before, you know?
But now I've played many players and many arenas right now.
And I feel like I'm showing my best version slowly, slowly.
And I feel like I'm adapting really well as well.
Yeah, like playing in front of the crowd and the German fans, they're really insane.
So it's really nice to be here.
We have seen a big change indeed in your confidence on the server.
There was that 1v2, you won versus Bedboom to close out Nuke.
Moments like this, tell me about that.
How that gives you momentum going into the semi-finals?
Yeah, I mean after this game I just saw some pictures that ESL took while we were playing.
I was like, I couldn't see myself that before, you know.
I see like screaming a lot, just pointing fingers to fans and stuff.
It was something that I never tasted before and now it's really like the taste is really good.
That's amazing to hear. It's like you're a new person almost.
Now I know you're also working with a wonderful sports psychologist.
What has she been saying that you should focus on specifically for this because it's one thing to do ones to do good ones
But what if for instance it doesn't go as well and some of the rounds don't go your way, right?
Have you worked specifically about turning that around in an atmosphere like this?
Yeah, she's helping me a lot like especially
I would like to talk all the time with her because she gives me
Confident and she's always saying the same thing to me
Just take the point but don't take the emotion because sometimes I'm struggling to for example in the middle of the game
They can't be like a software you need to do this. Sometimes it's a bit harsh, you know
But sometimes I was getting affected as well with sports
Psychologists she really helped me about that and right now. I'm really focusing my game and she
Brought my confidence back as well. So I feel like I'm doing every time better
but you know sometimes it's a bad day sometimes a good day and I believe this
day is gonna be good day. Thank you so much this is a wonderful interview it's
always great to hear from you and the best of luck to Shikula.
Yetinder is here with me hello and well congratulations on breaking that
curse going 3-0 and then always going out in quarterfinals now you're against
Aurora who already are having kind of like a dream run and you're on the side
of the bracket where you're supposedly go to final, how does that feel? How is it all
playing out?
Well listen, we had an Blast Austin Major we had that supposedly we should be in the
final or whatever so the thing is everybody who's in the playoff they deserve to be in
the playoff. There's many teams that proved it. Everybody thought Spirit is gonna smash
me too and that they're gonna go through and then the game was nail biter. Our game against
9Z is also an example of like you cannot underestimate anybody here in the playoffs.
So we are taking step by step, game by game, today we have a semi-final against Aurora,
we are not thinking about qualifying for finals or we are not thinking about how we are going
to win or whatever.
We are just focusing on ourselves, we prepped, we are ready to play and let's see how it
goes.
You mentioned those nail biters game yesterday, so I want to ask you, did you watch it, how
was the adrenaline, did you feel the atmosphere of the arena, do you want to do it again today
or just hoping for a smooth 2-0?
No, of course I wish for these games.
For me personally, the result never matters, if we can truly show a historical game, that's
the most important thing.
We were watching the games yesterday and the neighbour from the room came in and she was
like, can you keep it down?
We were screaming and shit, it was very cool.
She probably heard what was happening in the Lanxess Arena as well, but obviously Aurora,
there are certain rumours around their team.
How do you feel about the so-called Debt Team above, the team that is running out on the
last tournament and they're probably going to make a lot of changes.
Is this affecting your gameplay or maybe the gameplay of theirs so you have to be ready
for it?
Well, this is personally the first time I hear about the Debt Team.
If the Debt Team is making semi-finals on Major, maybe the team is not so good, that's
the thing.
But for us it's just normal preparation, focusing on our things and we know how they
play.
somewhat know what to expect but at the same time it's like this is a major
semifinal maybe they cooked some stuff maybe they overcooked in the kitchen and
we will see but maybe they cook some good things you know so they're
definitely not that team but they're playing very much alive hopefully this
will translate into the fan bases as well we all know that Turkish and
Brazilian fan bases are very passionate and there will be war not only on the
server but here in the arena on the social media on HLTV you got anything to
say to these to these people watching this game? Yeah, I mean, for all the
Brazilian fans, we love you guys. Thank you for the support for all the non
Brazilian fans who are watching and supporting here. Also very grateful. But
also for all the Turkish fans or any other fans from any country in the
world, guys, we are here for CS. The CS is uniting us. And that's the most
important thing. So we love you guys all even if you hate us. Beautiful words.
Thank you. I can do thanks. The Intel Extreme Masters Clone major 2026 is
Brought to you by ESL at PartyshipWidth, Intel, Acer Predator, DHL, CheX, and ZOE.
From 8 teams down to 4, semifinal Saturday is locked and loaded in the Langsess.
And finally, for Aurora, the stars seem to align.
The first time they have ever made it to a major semi-final, and in all honesty, their
quarterfinal was the least chaotic of the four.
But even with Betboom kicked to the curb, their journey only gets tougher, as Furia
lays in wait.
Strangely enough, the cars broken for this squad too, from Austin to Budapest, they just
couldn't break through that course of final ceiling.
But this cathedral was once Fallen's playground.
From the major champion in 2016, now to his final year of competitive play.
This trophy could be claimed for a historic third time.
The Cologne Chalice may be getting closer by the day, but it doesn't make it any easier
to claim.
We've got Aurora vs Furu for our first semi-final, where four nationalities will be up on that
very stage.
But we've got a couple more to be throwing into the mix up here on the desk.
To my left, DePri, hailing from Denmark's once the reigning champions, the Kings of
Counter-Strike.
And who can blame them with five major titles to their name?
Over on the far side.
I can't believe it's basically Happy Yanpo because he's Vulcan brother of Niko finally managing to make it back to a major semifinal
But in the middle they say the North American counter strike dream is dead
But don't worry one day maybe if you work really really hard and never give up on your dreams
You might just become the commentator who always comes back to the desk
I kept going, I kept going, I was getting worse each and every time
Welcome back, you like beer?
Thank you, yeah, I'm pumped to be here. I'm excited for this one.
Well, your curse of returning to the desk might not be broken, but Aurora's curse of not making it through those quarterfinals of the major finally has been.
Janko, give me your take on Aurora and their run here to the semis.
Yeah, we're in uncharted territory now, Freya with Aurora winning a game in the major playoffs right against BedBoom and in a very convincing manner.
You know, but I think it has to be said about both of these teams their runs
Haven't been as difficult right like both of them just played one top five team
And actually only spirit play the only Aurora play the top five team in spirit and it ended up losing that game
Right, so I think this will be the toughest game for both of them
But for Aurora the big part is like they're playing more loose
They're not as stressed
It feels like whether that's like Steve Coalouda too because of the dead team buff or whatnot
But they're sending it way more and they're finding success doing it. Yeah, but it's like the thing with Aurora
You know, I think looking at this game specifically and isolated
Then you know that they're their own worst enemy, right?
And I'm just gonna be looking forward to see if they can keep up what they showed in the quarterfinal
Yes, it was a bit boom that that on paper
They should be beating and also with that stage experience that do have I still think this game is you know
It's gonna matter a lot about who's gonna be showing up and I think if you're all can just show up in the form
They haven't qualified. I think we could have a game on our hands
Yeah, I think part of it part of his mother playing so loose right now is like I think you know
Wakadia is really just this is a major he's just jumped up in his level from previous major
So you have that extra firepower. I think soul fly not putting up crazy numbers
But impactful in the games that they're having so I feel like there's a lot more freedom at the moment
Feel like they have a little bit more room to make some errors and go for some places especially if you're zantara's
Yeah, and I know some people may say
say, Janko, that Santora struggles typically on these playoff stages. Has that been the
case so far here, though?
I mean, it hasn't been the case, but they also played BattleBOOM. How much can you look
at it? Yes, on one side you're going to look at it and say, listen, whoever is the opponent,
it's a big stage game. And that's true. But then on the other side, it was BattleBOOM
playing with a stand-in and having even less experience at this stage of the tournament
than Aurora does. So yeah, hugely important, just for his own mental to have a good game,
right? Like if you can just tell him, hey, I did it. I can do this. Like just do whatever
you didn't have the same mindset going into this game. Yes, that's hugely important. But
also you play to an extent how much your opponent allows you to play. And Bedbone was not good
in that game. That wasn't, you know, they played maybe their worst game in that quarter
final against Aurora. So we'll see if he can have the same sort of impact against
Juliak who will be a much tougher nut to crack. Well he has to, right? I mean like
going up against Beppu, you know, sure it is a weaker opponent and you also just
got to play in the mental part like imagine that he turns up for the L, he
didn't turn up for that game and then he's still winning and he's still thinking okay
I still have my issues, right? I think at least looking at Santerra is the fact
that he did it against Beppu, I mean whatever opponent he would be facing
It's just good that he gets this one off the bat right now.
The fact that he shows himself that he can do it.
And he also proved that back and around them against the Mongols.
But then when they turned up against Vitali in the semi-final,
that's why he fell for it, right?
So I don't want to see the same script he's had,
like he set himself up to actually perform better this major now
with the performance he had in the quarterfinal.
But he has to show up again.
Otherwise, it's just gonna be another repeat, right?
He also changed his mousepad.
He said it was sticky, so he swapped that bad one out too.
I don't even want to know anything more about that.
We just put that to bed.
I thought that was an interesting one.
It's because of the humanity for every life.
Interesting that you brought up Wikipedia's name before Zantara's though.
Yeah, we were just joking at the pre-show as well because Crimbo had been like it's nice for
Zantara's to finally have this like second star next to him and I was like, I think it's actually
flipped. I think Wokadia kind of has his second star next to him right now because he's playing
super well and obviously against Bedboomin the quarterfile Zantara's kind of popped that up
and Wokadia through stage three was the guy powering the squad so really kind of fun to watch
these guys kind of grow up through the majors and Wokadia what now I think his fourth major he's
he's been in like he's elevated each and every time so now he's in a prime
position and now he's creating a lot of opportunities in space for his entourage
and they can kind of work in tandem with how well they playing individually to
create those opportunities for each other. You know what they say Jason you
either retire a star player or you play long enough to see yourself become the
second star. The tires have to wait for so long that actually a Turkish
player came along who surpassed them in the cadillac. Yeah you know I wonder how
he takes that I'm imagining he's just happy as hell that it's happening
right now that he's helping him get to this point, yeah, right?
He's finally getting a bit of support, right?
Yeah, and I mean, when it's fair, when you look at this team,
I mean, they've been making roster changes time and time again
to try and find more firepower within Turkey.
And Waccati has been someone that they've allowed to kind of develop
over the past few years because he's shown such good potential.
And it's cool seeing him get more and more responsibility
where he kind of came in as that fifth player
at role-player positions and now giving him more and more
responsibility in the team.
Let's be real with the Bat Boom series as well.
You can only play the teams in front of you.
If that's bad boom, if that's game leeching and the nation's grand final, it doesn't really matter, right?
But in terms of the game plan that you saw Maja deploying, what stood out to you in terms of his approach to bad boom?
I think that Maja is one of those guys that just puts so much time into preparing
and I also think that he's spent probably 12 if not 14 hours preparing for this game, right?
He's the guy that wants to go and have five maps prepared even though he's not going to be using half of it.
And I think that's always been his strength, you know, if he can find that one thing that will help his team to win a couple of rounds,
That's good for him, right? But it's also, I've seen multiple situations where he's been in an issue where he comes up with a game plan
And then it just works, and then he just reverts back to his five man death ball, you know
And that's what they've always been doing, but I think specifically the game against Spirit
That's why I really saw it coming into version where he kept going into Longhouse, getting that information
And also had, you know, being the main storyline himself, and that is exactly what we're going to be seeing on picture here
Like, he's just up front, he wants to get the info, like pushing in front of his own smoke, gets into Longhouse
get all these information where you can hear rotation but he's also just that
that flank that can happen and he did that three times throughout this game
and I suppose this is something that he looked how gimmicky did you think this
was though you know like he you know he does to those gonna be games that long
player really gets frisky with these long pushes like everyone has that in
this position I like you're not gonna pull this off twice this isn't a
game plan you go back to no no no like this is I guess this is specifically
for spirit because he saw that there's a gap here that I could that I can abuse
and I think that's what he saw the show but I think that's what he could I you
And it's like mixing up these kind of tricks, but apart from that, that is maybe a game plan that he puts on himself individually in his position.
But as a team on a t-stop, that's also where he's going to be trying to find the gaps in.
It is just very important that you come into these games, because you can win rounds by just being prepared and knowing what's getting thrown at you.
But it's not going to carry you like the entirety of the match.
So it's a good way of like sitting yourself on success, but it's not going to be enough to win the entire game.
The worst part about this is, it did look like it was a tell and he wanted to do this
time and time again and then we asked him about it and he said, it wasn't necessarily
just prep like I just saw opportunities and I wanted to be aggressive and I was just sending
it, which actually makes it even better because that has to be the mindset for Aurora, right?
You have to keep sending it, it was always the issue of them playing not to lose in
the playoffs for one, and for second, the frustrations, right?
The tilt, the table-smashing, the, you know,
I'm gonna curse for six seconds
before I actually relay information to my teammates.
It was so funny because they brought us poor psychologists
and they were playing in Astana, I think,
and, you know, she was there and she's like,
I don't see what the problem is.
And then the playoff game happened.
And then they were like, do you see how it's like,
I think now I see like some things that I can work on.
So listen, if indeed changes are being made and that's affecting their mental
it's actually doing it in a positive way because now they're like, well,
this is the last hurrah, this might be the last time we play together as five.
So there's no point in stressing anymore about mistakes.
There's no point in tilting anymore.
Let's just enjoy the ride.
And if they can do that, they have a chance to play on Sunday.
And quite literally, you never know when it's going to be your last stage game as
well, unless you've fallen and you're choosing to retire at the end of the year.
I don't know, man. I don't know if I'm, you know, it might not.
there's a scary thing if you lose to Aurora maybe just ended now actually if
you win this you might as well just ended now as well that would be wild
but yeah announcing his retirement towards the end of the year I think
it's always gonna be hard for Fallon to pull that trigger at the end of the day
and actually take that retirement so that'll be I don't I'm not saying there's
any kind of inside knowledge I just I just know from speaking with Fallon
over the years that's gonna be a very difficult moment for you I mean he said
to me multiple times it depends on the day right sometimes okay maybe I want to
a little bit early. Sometimes maybe I just want to keep this going.
You can't call them bipolar. Like he was on the desk and I was like, he's bipolar going
back and forth.
You can't make up his mind, right? But I did this one year ago, I know how hard it is.
It's your whole life.
Did you think about coming back after you said it?
No, definitely not.
No, no, I mean, I'm really just, you know, it's super difficult because it's your whole
life and you've built your whole identity around this one. So it's crazy.
Just a quick one to you. How much more difficult do you think it is? Because you had basically
finished playing right you're joining us on the desk it was in Austin is it more
difficult to do whilst you still have to compete what's your take on that oh
yeah that's that's a great question I mean I think I think it might be a more
hard on the team right knowing that that things gonna come to an end right and
you start to be looking like what is it gonna be looking at the other side who
are we actually gonna be bringing in right and I think for Fallen it's more
about he wants to make that this last dance and just make sure that he leaves
that last really good impression on the counter actually right because that's
what he's always done right he's such a genuine guy and the guy that everyone
seems to be loving so he wants to go out with a bang and I mean the major the last opportunity that
would be a massive and the only guy on this very roster that's actually made it to a major
semi-final of course subsequently won it which seems kind of illegal yanko when you're talking
about the likes of casey rato and urie being on this spot as well yeah it's for the reason that
they haven't teamed up with fallen sooner right there's been just a lack of leadership in brazil
to be able to foster that talent and take them where they're really supposed to be in a way but
But yeah, it's crazy to think that it's been seven years since Fallen went this deep into a major.
I mean, that's almost twice as long from the first time he made, you know, the playoffs of a major to doing it again.
So I don't know if it's a familiar feeling at this point in time, but obviously they have a massive opportunity here for a Cinderella story of sorts.
We got to hear from C.K. catching up with Yuri ahead of the matchup.
He was talking about the clutch factor that's come into play from him.
What have you noticed about some of these moments?
Yeah, like, Uri is just a massive clutcher and I think that he deserves a little bit of airtime because he's usually talked about Moldovar, Kesaradov and even Ikanen, so I think he's rightfully deserved to be in this spot as well.
He's a phenomenal clutcher, he had two very big clutch moments in Nancy and I've picked out the one here in the pistol round and it's not every day that you do get to see a 1v4 clutch situation specifically in the pistol round, you know.
But it's just the way that Uri does it.
Clutches is all about isolating duels and Uri has like a very good approach to it.
He takes his time, he plays with the clock, he knows how to approach these duels and he finds himself in a situation where he's recovered the bomb, he finds Max and he's already aware of the last players and he tucks in and gets the bomb down at this point.
He also hears that Mayan is coming from Stas and I think he gets a little bit lucky that he actually doesn't die this because he does have a little bit of miss timing here but being a close player on stage and when it comes to semi-finals and majors for that matter that's very important.
important. Maldore also having another massive clutch coming into this one, a 1v3 with the
AWP as well. It's just so good and so important to see that players can come out with these
kind of plays. I think there's obviously no problem with it, but I think the thing with
the Yuri clutches in the 9Z series is that was like to hold on in the game. They were
actually getting destroyed at that point in the game when Yuri's making these clutches
happen. These aren't like clutches of like kind of, you know, taking off and getting
a huge lead and grabbing control of the game. These were like, I'm barely keeping us alive.
We heard Jikinder and how frustrated he was after that series when he was up on the desk.
And those slow starts against 9z really, really annoyed him and really actually made that a difficult matchup for Furia.
And there's only so many times you can get away with that in a major playoffs.
Like there's only so many times you can go down 0-5 and be able to scratch your way back.
That was 6 rounds for Furia on the T side.
They weren't 1.
It's...
Yeah.
You know, that could have easily been just one round on the T side because it was a 1v4, 2v1, 2v5.
There was a 1v3 for MOLADO, I mean, 9Z fans look away, right?
Because this was Nightmare Fuel, they had so many opportunities in that game.
And for me, this is one of the main storylines, right?
Especially on the T side, Furia has not played that well.
They played good enough to win games, but most of the heavy lifting is done by their CT side.
And Ykinder was sitting here, saying how it's a CT side in Meta, he feels like, at the moment.
And it's very difficult to play T side against good CT side teams.
But still, even with that, I think they just need to do better.
Ninesie did not have enough in their tank to punish them.
Furia, Aurora might just have enough.
And just to put it into the context, like throughout 26, Yuri has had 49 plus attempts, where he's won 41 of them.
That's pretty nuts. That's almost SIPX numbers, you know, and I've played with this guy, so I know why I'm talking about that.
That's you, Ninesie, and Jason, I think you hit the spot right with how important plus is that.
It's just it's a momentum build up. It's also to swing arounds and that's what kept fury alive in this game
You know without these buzzes, why would they have been and that's also why once you're trying to say it
It's so important that you could have your players win at this game because you will up end up in so many of these
Exitions where you do have to rely on the individuals
I think for me like this is it's like it's kind of like an interesting because I'm latching onto the slow starts from fury in that series
And how they seem to be there and if that happens again
I think one of the things that a roller can do to win this series is take advantage of that slow start like that's a team that
We've talked about can disappear on the stage and can have it some time with it
But if they get out to that five nothing run out that again if like fury is gonna be a slow start
And you give them that that ability to get comfortable up there
I worry is gonna get really dangerous as time goes on and listen we I said multiple times
You know these games will come down to the clutches. It's just that you know fear of being six one on Mirage
It's a bit unrealistic to expect for it to happen on a consistent basis. Yeah
You need to win some but you can't be expecting to win every single one before we go into the maps
I just want to touch base on it. You came there versus Santaris in this one decree
Of course, we're looking at the openers is Jason saying to be getting off to those hot starts
What's the tale in terms of what you've observed from them so far?
I just think this this specific matchup headsets is gonna be so important for this game because what I saw from Santaris in the
The game in the qualifying is getting people and that was really good
But on the other side you can also such an important factor when it comes to the fact of
Offure again in that space and you can just tell by the opening success for both players
You know, they're very aggressive players and they need to get that space for their team
So I think this specific matchup is gonna come down to the wire who the player that can actually shine the most and be the most
Consistent throughout this match is gonna have the overhand at 67% is kind of wild
What do you think about maps gentlemen, where's this one going is there ability to pull out some crazy cars
Hey, I'm there is and they will you have to remember these two teams played on Thursday
So they've had a full day and you can
come up with some, you know, freaky stuff in the meantime. Ancient is the big one,
right? Like both teams shared the perma-ban and both teams have played it
against Vitality, another perma-ban team, but that's where you feel pressured if
it's open to pick it because you're going up against Vitality. Here I'm not so sure
anything can happen. One of these teams can be tricked in the first phase or they
can both let it through. I wonder how Furia feels like. You see that they haven't
played Anubis one time. The kinder of course is saying in our media day,
We're good on an Ubers, we're comfortable on it, but I think that might be one that they go for and on the side of
Aurora, maybe overpass is something that they want to get rid of
Coming into that first phase of the Beatles. That'd be a risky pull of the Anubis
Like even Falcons even Nuka was just like well at least we tested it in stage three before we brought it out on stage
You know what I mean? Like if you're just gonna come into this dry and say let's rock and roll and see what happens
That takes a lot of courage.
I think the Inferno for Fiora is also deceptively good in their win rate because they're 1 and 6 against top 10, top 5 teams.
A lot of those wins come from lower tier teams and they've had a couple of games losing streak and we see Aurora immediately go for the Overpass ban and Anubis, so both teams roll the dice.
Does someone pick it? This is the big question.
Come on, I don't think anyone's going for this one.
I don't think so, because there's a Dust 2 available for Aurora, and then for the side of Furia, I don't know.
Duke.
Duke.
Alright, let's party.
I like that.
I think the Nuke one actually makes sense.
You know, I think Aurora has been looking a little bit shaky on that one.
It's been a map they played throughout 25, but 26 has to be looking that great, and then
they reduce you to the ancient one coming out of it.
That kind of goes with history in their recent matches.
It's always been bad out there.
They don't really go all the way with the chicken play, and then in turn it has to decide.
I think the fact that we actually turned to Inferno might speak a little bit in the favor of Flounder.
This game, honestly, is decided by the first half of this series.
Fury are picked to start a T-Side on Dust2.
We talked about their T-Sides, they've struggled.
If they start struggling again, it's gonna be over because on Nuke they're gonna have to start T-Side.
If you don't find success on Dust2, you ain't finding any Nuke either.
So I think, yeah, so much riding on Fury having a good start.
And they've taken a map off against Nizzy.
They were nowhere to be seen on that first map, which was also Dust2.
So they need to have learned their lesson.
They need to have a better start here.
When we're talking about Dust2, we'd be amazed not to touch upon the AWPers, right, Jason?
Oh, yeah.
Yeah, I mean, I think with, you know, with Aurora picking this,
you bring Woxic into this map, can be an absolute beast.
Maladoy on the other side, he's going to be looking to have a good game as well.
But I think a lot of it's going to do, I mean, Dust2,
you can have some things with the AWPers.
We saw some of the picks last night, but you still look at these teams
and with the way the power so far that's gotten them this point
is the entry fraggers. You're going to need those guys to create some space for the AWPs to kind of slot into those positions.
But that head-to-head of like impact of which opera is going to be able to have impact is going to be really cool.
It's a very fast opera.
Patience. Patience for Molo doi. Like he was feeling the pressure, you know, wanting to do too much in certain situations.
It's been a little bit hit or miss. He found his stride towards the end of that 9Z series.
But you have to take your time.
Woxic is still kind of flying under the radar, it feels like right now with like the Riccardia pop-off with his Antares performance
I almost feel like there's like a certain level of kind of quiet around Woxic
But I'd be ready for a big game from him. He had some he had some showcase, right?
He's also the most experienced guys when it comes to stages
So you would have to have to show up on those two and I think
Fury has a lot to learn when it comes to those two because that game against NICE that look disconnected in so many ways
Any Clare winner in terms of this featuring on Kuro in your opinion?
I think Aurora getting Inferno in there as the decider right now, having to play Ancient, obviously even getting to start Nuke CT side.
I think that's Inferno. I give them an edge on those two maps.
I like the point of Fiora going into T side just to a T side Nuke.
That's kind of like a wild back-to-back map starts for the first two.
Well, gentlemen, thank you so much for your thoughts.
Let's not wait a moment longer to get this action started here in the Lancers.
It is time to kick off semi-final Saturday with Aurora vs Fiora.
I started playing with my cyberpuffy in Favella.
I skipped some school classes, I'm not going to lie, it's kind of a kid, actually, that
likes to be in computer, not only for playing, I was like studying, learning, and I was
as much as I can with the internet.
My father supported me with everything.
He just wasn't that person,
no, you need to go for a work,
you need to go work for university.
Fun of me, and he's just fun of cancer strike.
If you want to do that,
if you are thinking you're gonna be able
to keep able of doing it,
just keep playing the song.
I'm not doing this only for me,
I'm doing this for my friends,
my brother that had the chance to be in my position.
I'm the kind of person I like to reflect on myself a lot.
I'll say that every mistake I did is fix it and learn it and felt it.
The goal became one of the best players in the world.
Lifting trophies, winning a major.
Before I finish, I just want to win at least once.
I don't want to, and I played for like 15 years, 20 years or whatever,
and I couldn't win the best tournament in the world.
I want you guys to remember me as a person
that gave up every fall to do their best.
I don't only think that going to strike is just a work for me.
I also enjoy and love it.
I mean, it's easier to sacrifice for something that I love, you know,
and everyone around me understands that.
When you feel the cold trophy in your hands, it's like addictive.
I want more. I'm happy for what we are too, but I too, but I want more for sure.
Being in a major is just going to satisfy me. I will just say, I tried, I worked, I trained, I learned, I came back in the end.
I'm lifting the major trophy. If I not do that, I will be not satisfied for sure.
My father was my best support since I was a kid.
He's already a major.
I was pretty happy.
I picked his spot on the stands.
This has been a record-breaking event so far.
The people watching, the noise here in Cologne and our next team have broken one of those records.
Going further than anyone from that country has ever gone before.
But the thing is, they don't want it to end here. They want a final appearance.
Please welcome here to the Cathedral Counter-Strike. It's Aurora Gaming!
best fans in the world and I'm stuck with one of them right now because this
team brings the Sambar energy. Walking out now, a team led by a man who was the
last person to lift a trophy here when he was a major. He's on a retirement tour.
He wants to keep it going if he lifts that trophy. Well you know what? He'll be
the first man to do it three times. We know who they are. We know what this team is. We
know who the fans are. So walking out now in Cologne at the Lancers. Please welcome
It's Florea!
two leaders who share two decades of devotion to their craft but the
I think it's divide are the trophies because whilst Fallen knows exactly what it takes
to win multiple majors knows the fight needed to claim the two Colognes.
Major's cabinet is almost there.
He has never made it this far in a major playoffs and Yanko, he does not want that to be slipping
away tonight.
The sons of Turkey have gone further than ever before and we said this is uncharted
territory but they also don't have that weight on their shoulders Freya.
They're not retiring this year, they haven't done it before.
They are the underdog on the other side is the professor on his farewell tour, Kenny students deliver one more masterclass.
Yeah, that's going to be the big test and Ken they get things started very very quickly, not through that slow start, not through that shaky start they had just the other day.
This is where you lean on the new guys that have been brought in, Yicindor and Maldoy coming into this team to raise the level, to bring them to these moments and now you're going to lean on them again to carry you over the finish line into the grand finals.
I am a firm believer of day-to-day form and I do think that if the likes of Aurore can overcome the team if this guy sets themselves
They can be looking to take this game into the stage
I think that this team if they can overcome it and they can look at themselves and they can bring that passion that we know the
Turkish can bring I think we have a game on our hands
This must be such a magical moment to fall and walking out to this crowd once again and walking Pasha and go that trophy that you may just
May lay your hand off for the third time
I think the most important thing is they finally won a playoff game with this lineup on Thursday.
Same for both teams, so I really do hope that this is going to unlock a new level for both of these teams
because when they play their A-game, this can match what we got to see yesterday in this arena.
Both of these teams have that factor of if it's not now, it's never gonna happen.
Like this is the moment you have to seize at this point.
You got through the quarterfinals, you had that route that everyone looked at
and felt so nice for you to take in towards the grand final, towards the semi-final.
But now when you have your stars performing the way they are on both sides,
this is the moment you have to grab hold of if you want to lift that trophy at the end.
I am putting my eyes on the man on the screen right now.
Cinterus has had his struggles in playoffs, but yesterday when he played,
he showed that things was working for him.
Before then, this trophy is a dream to reclaim, whereas for Major,
it is a dream to finally realize the Cathedral decides who survives.
Did you guys have a good day yesterday it was exceptional shall we keep this
party going! I think we shall!
semi-final Saturday and today's game is all about living in the present. Easy to
say, harder to do. Aurora encircled with rumors but simultaneously going further
than ever before. The thoughts of the future creeping to your mind on both
side of the stage, the pass. How can you ignore it if you're Gabriel Toledo? We don't know who's going to win this one. We don't know who's going to Grand Finals tomorrow, but let's have some fun and find out!
and they're looking to pull the soul fly out the gates major rookie's b-side is going to be bombarded with a rush
Go straight in. Madge and Wakadia are quick to tend to this.
Oh, that first shot and Solfly takes down Fallen, puts his head on the potter.
There's Madge and there's a nice double out of Wakadia.
Shot down Run Art.
Kaisalato trying to find a couple of consolation.
Fraged Aurora. A rip-roaring start.
A hit and it would pace and Solfly, he delivers.
The young man won, killed to the name.
With the set up, it was sound and the Turks strike first.
first. Is there a force fight? In the ranks here, just chips one away then playing ahead
of the smokes, Wakadia plays waste to the attack and that's what you want to see. Not
with and not missing, hitting hard and finding the fire. It's not the force but there is
a scout, Molodeuk, into play, trundles down middle, looking for an opener. You need to
get the black flash online early. Boom. Spent all his pennies to facilitate this.
Tag's good, but I only got a P250 alongside these blocks. Life at a U-Tilen. I don't think you're
clearing this. I don't think you're ready to know. It's assuming it would be clear what's equal to
nine molotoy any further impact. How much walk of the man get? He's off. If he's tasty, what's
he going to farm himself off a couple? That's one now. At least it's retrieved. Still should be.
in the park all right look at it bring the new dawn of a new age the Turkish
counter strike semi finals one thing grand finals the other the way centaures
and mccardia displayed themselves sure it was against that boom
I want faking them into be the other three ready to pounce in the salt plan
haven't gone with Scout in back to backgrounds, falling down to the tech 9. Keep your eyes
on the game plan. If they really want to try and bomb Barats all fly over towards B, we'll
have to see how that stands up.
Look at Woxig feeling himself round 3 into lower TITORS! And he draws first blood! K-Sirato
cut out of the round by the South Pole Sniper! Backs away, job done, mission accomplished,
Furia already walking Wonky!
It's the dream start chat, Fodorora.
Desk.
Bringing a slow one here on the T side into question for Furia.
Remember, they opted to be here.
So now disadvantage.
Paul and Dusko and Scavenger about the A-Jacks.
So now he's equipped with a rifle.
Polaroid to play late long, number three, working on some short control as you
kind of throws out a mid to B smoke. Hatchett and Zantara's passive and soul
planation as the B defender playing long in this setup.
No AWP to hold them at arm's length on this side, it's gonna be the rifles to do
the work. 45 seconds. Still a smoke on Zantares. The Utah has to be perfect if you want to get
down Zantares. Throws out his HG, doesn't find any initial connection, but his name
does. Magistar into the meat grinder. Muria shred it up nicely. Considering the save already,
couldn't be a slower start. Multiple members yet to get out of those starting blocks. Fallen,
You're kinder and that last name has been instrumental in setting the tempo
How long will it be before we see Moldova get an all in his hands, this is spotless for Aurora
We lose it after time we're cardiac starting to track this one down five four three two one
And oh, he's so lucky. He is so damn lucky. We're gonna have to consider the clock and I want a second pause
That would have been devastating to the finances early. Oh my goodness. I still wipe the board no threat in this
And that made you cook
couple of 35 year olds in the server right now
Adjah and fallen
Leave their teams to the final
Yes, so calm so composed you've only lost two kills in three rounds of play
Keisarato, look at the make-or-play. Woxic here with the AWP.
What's it gonna be? Keisarato out.
Does have vision. Does remove Woxic.
He's got Santaris up on his screen, and Santaris hitting his!
Keisarato denies.
Looking for that quick follow-up, you have no doubt Santaris would have provided.
That's what you want to see from Keisarato.
Takes his space, takes the advantage.
Naintain's control of Long.
Full detail, but that HE thrown by the CT's may have blown the gun away.
They're still so compromised. A flash at Lock.
Molotov starts at B.
Okay, hang on. Retrieval mission, a complete success. Yuri retrieves it. Has Kevlar as well.
But the bomb's going A. How's Molotov gonna contribute to this?
He's completely detached. Oh my goodness, surely not just set up to succeed now.
All three of them are here.
Look at their shot in the clock.
Do they have time to back off?
We can out.
He's in the head shot.
He's provided again.
K. Serato for his third.
All that was in to be, they can rotate back all the way,
but he only has a clock.
They've got the time to monodite the space.
Can he do anything with his clock to hamper rotations?
He's got another K. Serato quad kill.
Step it up on the big stage.
Living up to that hero, AK.
He's got his cape on his back.
And he has single-handedly gifted Furia the first round of this semi-final.
Here's the last Wokadia has other plans.
Molotoi's actually managed to borrow so deep as Wokadia.
Here he is. Clear as- Okay, Molotoi down.
Got the kick at the time.
Oh my goodness, surely not the frags though.
All under the hedge-clock as well, this is really all on Yuri.
He has to play this perfectly.
Fallen as well could be disruptive with his positioning.
Doesn't want to be left alone, doesn't want to leave Yuri high and dry on the sidetime ticking.
Fallen will make his move.
Wiccardia's got to hurry this up. Yuri, don't you move a muscle. Don't move a muscle.
All of the hard work, the game is going to find him. Yuri picks up, and before Wiccardia finds him, he delivers what Kaisenato started.
Talk about touch and go.
Cacerano, the hero, does it all.
And that one still comes down to the wire.
You think it times against him,
but they don't have the weapons.
Yuri saves the day.
And this is what Cacerano started,
just unleashing Yuri.
And that's their first. Out comes the molotov.
He's essentially an eco.
So back in both teams with the buys.
to be able to do that. It's
interesting mismatch in the
heads ahead of the default
setups of these two teams.
If you're as you can that he's
the long probe. It'll be
tasked with taking on magic on
the other side, but they're not
rotation fallen throws up mid to be utility as a lurk smokes donned on the B bomb site
This is a really threatening an avok guard set up from the two of them one sits and T
What to get the info off the flash those dropped off they've completely sold long at some point
They have to think it's a consideration
What's it acknowledges the possibility
Still wearing into this mid to be they're taking short space now
the timing could be good for Aurora if they get a move on.
They will have to take the light investment here, they have no other option.
Just the timing here. Looks like Lekardia got caught sleeping, you're kinder.
Giving them the good graces to Woltz on out, and this one from Molotoy.
Combat open, up close and personal.
And the boss man seals the deal, we're back under him.
Molotoy's already striking hard, the scout tags...
...has hit.
You can't go down to Woltz's scout.
You find Safehaven.
Accelerating up towards Cat.
In his case, Serato.
Ooh, no, actually, in the mid-doors.
It's caught by a Scout bullet.
Two of them now wounded by Woxic.
Now this is going to be about the finish.
The Scout is harassing Short.
But the stack's over towards B.
So USP and a Deagle, Maget tucked in Cat.
With a low HP, he might be able to get something done.
It does depend on this finish.
To take in their time, not rushing the plate.
So what you know what's B with the pack? The bomb top cap.
As they set up U2, the game plan, it's been clear. Bombard this B bomb site.
Just fallen, okay.
Yes, he does. Easy one for Fallen. She'll be able to wipe this one away now.
Centaura's up close to personal.
He's got the deal. He's been jumped over completely.
Overlocked by Fallen. It's late to train. Necessary.
and Woxic, another attack.
That's three connections from that scout.
Now, a triangulate at his position, Woxic.
Can you take anybody with you?
You're low on HP, Moldodoy.
Hello.
You're under to take the fight,
and you're kinder.
He knows exactly where you are.
Thanks for coming.
3-3, we're all tied up.
And to get back into the guns,
there is no Woxic AWP available.
This is a great opportunity for Moldodoy
to start to settle into the game.
So, quick quick,
the game. It's a quick one now on the cross with Cardio going close. This one could have
got out of control. He gets the hand on the AK. That's what we're talking about. A bit
of a grimace. He knew what could have been. The favour. Coach on the mic, given Sid the
same opportunity. We're all tied up. Early stages. Long spawns for Furia if they want
to use them. Changing of the tide in the last three has been opening kills all in
favour of Furia. Can Aurora respond? No kit, no AWP, limited utility.
Slept off, doesn't find anything on the cross.
lot of room right now. Aurora, respecting the default. Not harassing Lola, not playing
short. Not trying to be a jarring force to the space that's being taken.
Now Jart has the Beretid's and Tarius from his A-duties. They've fed up with his B-bombsite.
In the point of contention. Now would be a great time for a fake.
That's exactly what they're cooking. Yuri gifted a second smoke, they'll rain in and it will affirm their belief they're in the right place on this gamble.
They certainly could be at least, let me here.
Going for it without the smoke, they've got the CT smoke instead, there's three here.
Soft like both of the doors, that's the test for Fallen. He'll pass.
It's Mercario, good angle, but is there a Sponsor case to R2?
And he avenges Captain in the smoke, lost in the sauce!
Set to collect now, Rarora.
Moxix right behind you, Kinder. He's got threats on every front, and he's not considering the backstop.
Moxix could find it through the doors.
And Yuri thrust into an unwinnable clutch. 7 HP, got him back away.
Even with this guy's record in the event, so far, no chance in the world.
Zantares takes him out of the picture, Aurora responds, and that was a tricky round.
to keep those pieces moving, but
opening kill in a salt lab is
great. The Likardia. We know what
this man has been delivering. The
future of Turkey is here and
present. And you said it, Madge.
He put his troops in the right
place. He was so ahead of that
complex call from Fury. He had a
third body on B and here's the
response with Sid on the time
out. So going back and forth with
these in the early stages.
I'm going to get in before the money is gone.
Does the game plan now shift?
Do they settle in Sonic a little bit more standard?
Yuri has the best long spawn, doesn't like their posture to take these.
Eyes on, Molotov is all picking suicide as usual.
There's a B-Sport here so it will be late to the plate, but Woxic has his so we get to see them go toe-to-toe.
Big Nade damage on the fallen, on down from Maja.
And a second, Tons of Yakinda who dismantles, wanting to track down Mag's pushes.
Again, they just sell long.
Consider Pratt playing it for both teams heavily.
Not scared of Furia taking this, and want to stuff the short progression.
Agile flash on Centaur is cool.
Maybe we'll be hindered by this.
Look at the collapse on middle, Wakadia coming to join the play.
Will Sid's timeout lead to Puria, finding that fourth round.
Esurado, if he is around short, he's bound to get an awful lot of information here.
Get the Santaris head, look at that perfect setup to succeed to Santaris.
Matches flash, Santaris provides the head.
And he's dead.
Rekardia, cheating back over to what's been out 40 seconds.
Furia look hesitant.
They feel like they've been rumbled, that they're going to be red.
Will two on the side ready to deal damage?
You just need a good entry.
Eyes on your kinder.
Uri to provide the trade if he can't hack it.
There's Rekardia in the window.
He's done it again.
Removing Rekardia.
You need self-fly.
There's the trade.
Is it available?
Is it available?
Mantle's up for two.
Self-fly stumps very well.
Puts them into a winnable retake on B.
Centauri's is quick on the back door as well.
Madjah's gonna join him. Two through times.
Roxy kicking up a stink from the door side.
Lolladoi.
Spotted out by Centauri's towards that big box.
You've got a lurk smoke thrown out by Centauri's.
That's gonna enable them to close that gap, but on and off.
Ooh, not far off.
Roxy removed just the pressure release.
Is it ever close to the smoke?
She wouldn't be ready. Yuri is.
Catches Madjah as Centauri's running for the hills.
the first time in a row. We're
going to blow up here. That was
tough. But like soul fly had
done enough. Don't want to get
into the weeds with the nitty
and the gritty will leave that
for the desk, but the game
plan is clear and that's on
both sides. Long left open as
We're locked up.
Kani has been caught a couple of times now in that window.
And this is great from Yuri.
You can see the olidoy's sweating bullets there having to take the
AWP and gravitate towards the smoke.
That's a tough position to find yourself.
He go around to the same to AK.
Couple of investments. Smokes, pistol upgrades, and Torres.
Look at that, take a fight through the shore.
See if you can beat the can opener into this round.
this round. Against the orb. Looking to crack skulls. Polaroid holds perfect. Threat neutralized.
AK picked up. What kind of a has that now?
Again, back to B. This is brutal.
This is going to put you in a weird spot for the next gun round.
They've waltzed in, they have all this U2, the site is theirs and they shouldn't have
any issues holding onto it.
More mollies, more smokes, plenty more to block and hold them at the door.
I question, do Aurora want to play aggressive next round into lower tunnels to really be
an absolute nuisance and then force the round into a mid-round 3v3 type scenario and then in
the other side if they get long spawns just fall in, want to call the rip, send it, change the pace.
It's a game of bluff.
It's catchy on the fight but no dramas. Round is 6-8-4 Furia.
Five on the board in the moment's time. Your kinder will take Soulfly with him.
Uri wants a little bit more for his troubles.
This guy's being a rock.
They do retain the AK.
It's the best of a bad situation.
A second time out from Faber.
That mental game will be the conversation into this next round.
Woxic has the AWP, Molotoy as well.
Kasmado has the best longs for it. The game plan has been working.
You lost the pistol, you lost the conversions, sure. As far as the gun rounds are concerned,
you've been sticking to your guns and you've been converting. One tricky round, maybe an overcook,
maybe a little bit too long in the lap. And his major time, my dude, let's get this one back
under way. Tacked timeout done, conversations hard. Molotov has a good
B-spawn. See if he wants to go post up on the line. Is there any aggression from
Aurora? Molotov on his own. Gonna pressure B. Unusual.
Rattle off a shot through the smoke. He needs to announce his presence. This is
part of the trickery. Now they're gonna pop out long. And just on his own the
The rotation's just left him, Woksyc hatching back.
Good juggling nades.
Naja,
considering the pop, but it's just such a quick pop, now they know him.
Tacked on the corner.
Good flash, good support. Woksyc catches Uri, he's still standing his ground.
The flashes keep popping. Naja, can he stand his ground?
On the door side, a missed shot from Momenoi.
Shaping up nicely for a rectified situation.
Trading timeouts into rounds.
Faber gave him a stern, a talking to, and Aurora immediately wrestled back for a 5-5
scoreline.
Keisarato, the unknown entity.
A flash of flash there from Mikado on the short side, I think they know, and they'll
take it.
Holding on now, an opportunity here with this one for Aurora to break the bank of Furia
going into the final round of this first half.
We'll catch this in the replay, but the Flash is
comping Yikinda. Multiple opportunities where he just wanted to search for,
we'll take the fight, find the entry, but his team
is seeing the opportunity there. Let's see if they can respond.
Second timing, perhaps the smoke is there.
Woxic, looking to find that immediate incision this time.
in this time. Territory gained for Furia.
Cross to Aurora. Haven't been playing to the beat of the Brazilian drum.
He wants to fight this. Hatch up. Down to Fallen. Captain on Captain Cribe.
This one can summon out. Replace here. Wakania was over early to address this.
Zatara surging forward, he wants answers.
Yeah, but are you ready for this kind of angle?
He's known for his aim and his pre-aim,
but clearing these corners procedurally,
is he even ready for Uri?
All he was! Adjusted up, Uri bests him though,
extends the advantage, Furio working with.
A tall smoke at the 55-second mark.
God, he's in a good position to give the info.
For full, a spot sim and a head sim.
Found like a young man right there.
Crisp on the rifle. Now just two to find.
Their biggest fear factor is this Woxic all.
If he sounds off the shot, they'll find the finish.
Right now, they could be heading into the stack.
Kei Sarato searching for info. Is anybody home?
Insect is clear. Can I call the rotation in?
Long also.
The Fangs of Fury are clear out the site.
The bomb starts to rotate.
Bolin has the rotation and Woxic and Soulfly.
It might just have to be the same.
And that's if your kinder will let you.
No money's not great either.
There's been a back and forth affair. The bomb tossed. Now planted and the hunt is on.
1900 for Aurora going into the final round of this half.
They need to hold on to these. To keep these guns.
Woxic does take a little heavy flakery. The doors took down one.
No secret as to where these guns are being saved. How
How much will Fiora invest into finding the removal of them?
It would have to be one hell of a wide swing here from the Echindar, distracted by the utility.
Creeping and crawling forward.
Softly's gone. Wokstick just 10 HP.
Cowering in the corner, they're coming for him and they take it all away!
and that one's on Fallen, the
entry, and then the second onto
Wakadia to really tip the Scouts
heavily in their favor. Magi
trying to make a play. Zintara
is the same and Bosh. Fallen's
got your number. Final round
first half. Hello. Zintara's
lucky to have a good
Hello!
Suntara's lucky to be alive, attacked through the doors, puts him on 8 HP. Will Yutl dump in mid?
He can happen to get lost in this area, he's glass, damage done, spam through, salt fly low.
They're going for this 3-man B site, flash to the ready.
He still wants to go. K-Sirato, flash! Oh, and just a hand!
He got a second!
Unreal!
He can defuse Suntara's!
Okay, matchup fallen another little standoff on the long side
Body's dropping on be match it wants to be involved somehow. We can't be so far away from that be bomb site
What a case Serato coded double
Be bombsite to finish the half looks likely
Before congregated in the upper tunnels
Smoke now faded
and still safety first, the mantra for Furia.
I'm gonna force the finish, I'm gonna find it,
I'm gonna turn the screws, and Taris
feels like he has to make a play,
and this is always ready to react.
He's found his corner, his roost, you kinder unprepared.
Guess what, outthrowing his nades,
takes the cue, takes the fight,
and Taris delivers, pulls us back into the four on three.
Had this position compromised,
another frag from Kate Serato,
getting his third, there's Woxic.
Removes the threat on the long side,
an open red carpet run to plant on B. It's a bad door smoke, Yuri will lob one out and
it's not going to matter. Just one man to find. K Sarato with another 4K, an ace to
finish the half. The crowd wants it. Will K Sarato go for it? Looks like he wants it.
What an easy shot. Now he knows.
Gays are out to five girls to wrap up the half.
Furious start he's side with a bang.
And there's the flash that's going to catch Grimms out, they're going to push off through.
They became as well the creeps of this way down, they got themselves the treble!
The Farnatic are not done yet!
Can you believe it?
Which warps sides map 1, first semi-final of the Intel Extreme Masters Cologne Major.
We've got Aurora taking on Furia, and it was a T-start deliberately from Furia,
where they leave with the lead.
We have swapped those sides, and the fangs of Furia are fragging.
19, between K Serato and the Uri, Fallen calling a good game, hitting some good shots, and on the other side,
we've seen Zhentaros and Wakadia up to their usual antics.
Let me tell you by something, we are playing so fucking good and flowing so well.
We just need to keep these vibes, this energy, and the confidence on each other.
Everything you guys called was perfectly executed.
Everything, good job so far. But we still need to be going hard.
Carms the key word.
Slow and steady won the race, the game plan paying off, but now, a touch of aggression.
Julie's in lower tunnels, because Zantara's in Wakati to break through.
This stack is set up, one high, one low.
Zantara's actually guessing information safely.
He's in enough.
Understandably. On the back foot now.
We gotta get out of there and Molly could be...
Orfly, he's not got the weapons and punished their retreat.
Okay, well, if they overstayed their welcome, that bottle of flames, that would have been at their feet.
They've rejicked the setup, now looking to take some short space.
The kind of a flash that they're ready.
This could be huge for Molladoy.
This could be a massacre.
So fly, denies! What a shot!
Instantaneous on that clock.
Head of the smoke, they're gonna go.
You're reflanking, they're aware.
Pulls them, distracts them.
Your kinder into the head of Zuntara, starts right down, second victim, your kinder once more, peeks on out, commits to the crowd, just we can't hit him, sits him down, fallen on the long side.
Gotta hit these headshots, because they're hitting them at range, that was a nasty one.
Nice fading.
Big fight for Magia, overwhelmed by the two barrettas.
No kick.
They have to be quick about this, and they are hitting the shots necessary, it's just Woxic to save Aurora,
This pistol is going furious way.
Tense round, big moves.
Great opener from Soulfly.
Bombs those go down.
See if the force follows.
That diffuse will confirm the eight.
Rukinda, a necessary double.
Under a lot of pressure there.
and they are going to opt in with the force.
Well, for Wakai Yaskawa in 1-6 hands.
The rest he had to invest.
Okay, now starting to juggle at an actually furia
off of the timeout.
This is going to give 30 seconds for the Turks
to be able to organise themselves.
This is a good opportunity now for Aurora
to converge with the coach,
have a conversation and settle in.
Zintares has been given an AK.
Thank you very much, SoulFlight.
There's a scout for Woxic. We know he can hit those tags.
Wakadia. He's not the second string anymore.
This boy's got the Galil.
They've got enough U-Tilt to make this interesting.
The key piece on the other side.
Molotow is AWP.
It's in the mix.
It's been made possible and it needs to find a dent.
They've foregone U-Tilt to make this a possibility.
He's only got four kills to his name so far.
All right, do not have the best second round break in the tournament so far, 11%.
Molodoy sits down, walks sick with a quick one.
Kacerato playing with confidence, intercepts the Xbox Smoke.
This is going to make this second round now an awful lot harder at self-flight.
himself an upgrade short. Okay, Sir, I know this is to shut them down before
they get a chance.
Not your juggling, you two. I'm keen to volunteers. Either way, he will note this.
He will say sector clear. Kinder surges force on mid pressure on Yuri on B.
Backup isn't far away. Monodoy will be up to scope up. Yes, the info Yuri's in
He gets an early warning though, the Trader saw a flight, Molotov down after one.
From the window side, it's Mikardia, we know he's got impact in his veins as he got one here in this game.
6 HP on the 1v2. Removing your kinder makes it look slightly more likely, but if they just double swing, he's a dead man.
The calm before the storm, smoke or fade?
Four-nil peek on out, we can't even find another K-Saron!
To save them!
Why was that nerve-wracking?
Now by the right there, the kinder ahead of the plate, one of the knockout blows,
surging in tunnels on his own, making the move, setting the tempo, but the team was not ready.
Will K-Saron be able to get to the AWP? Yes.
But do you force fire again?
One man alive, you kept the pressure on,
This is where your mouth could slip away.
If you shove right now, Aurora,
and you can't stick the landing, that's 10 for Furia.
This is a huge call to make.
The buyer's staking shape, it's not the shove,
it's a partial, 2900 into the next, hedging their bets.
They wanna keep the pressure on.
Back to B they go.
tactical timeout called from favour. They tried to keep the pressure on, they did not do enough damage
but they will by now. Moxix orb.
Hey AK's in a glill.
Some lung spawns to work with.
is. Still looking for your first round of this half on your map choice.
going. Straight out, Woxxix provide the overwatch. Well they go on the swing, the smoke does
gloom. Off the flashes they do connect. Zatara's ascetic dark, so blind. So many fights, Fallen
didn't have the weapon. An MP9, not a cop fall hit, then an easy pick. Four Majors accelerating.
He's going to go and call B-Clear. That Paul's case Serato away.
It's going to keep Madra uncertain as to the rotations and he is calling it.
This is huge in case Serato. If he's able to worm into what's lower
titles, he can cut them off at the pass. This is a massive play. He's up mid.
He's not going to spot anything. We'll be able to dart back in time.
Let's have a look where I clean. Molledoy. He's going to trundle over through CT.
has a smoke for the doors so in they run and is this the round or is there
anything more now the penny drops although the end is over but they cannot
give this a go job done long fights one and Aurora find their first in their
second half
credits of soul flight risk contribution there on the long side he let
them win out with his frag on to Fallen. To be on a semi-final stage in the
Lancest Arena as your first major experience I mean this is just gonna
set the bar impossibly high because he gets to play his favorite video game in
front of the Lancest Arena! How you doing?
It's a win.
All boats are U-Tour for Furious Saved on KSurado and Molodo.
3.1 on boat.
M4 drops available.
You can to combine himself.
Read the mental game against them and then we're going to close this round by round.
Remember the protocols.
We're doing just fine.
Stay with it. Let's watch it go.
Back in with the Bines.
Once again the suicide.
Molodoy looking to take the fight.
The score's too towards lower. They do want to be disrupted towards this tunnels position.
We saw it on the pistol. Same philosophy. Bigger guns.
This entire is as prepared. Woxic's locked in by Molodoy's scope.
Two fights simultaneously.
There's the utile. And there's the headshot. Molodoy wins out of Woxic, but the tunnels is clear.
What is it?
Monodoi, aggressive in response to the loss of his teammates.
This is not a fight you'd expect from a...
Oh!
And there's the Monodoi special!
Quick scope, neck broken!
Hey, once more!
He's seen sort of second dips down!
Monodoi down, it's into the 1v2.
I don't know if you can see it.
The Boncings, he's forced, they've got to go back and get it.
The flash, the rough, you can do that!
He's in a 1v1!
And it's up against that rookie!
Imagine winning the class your team needs!
He knows where your kinder was.
He's looking to take that space expecting an over rotation.
45 seconds on the clock.
Your kinder, past the bus.
He's been talking, his mental's been getting stronger.
Can he stay calm under this immense pressure?
Salflay locked in, focused on himself.
Your kinder on the other side of the stage.
He's audible now, your kid is tracking his play and executes the rocket!
Chaos brought into the ranks, Molotov, Magnificent in the tunnels, the combat opening, the quickness of the kid, the Kazak delivers, 11 on the board
And that one, that one is gonna leave some echoes, put a dent in the mental
The frustration is starting to brew.
Tomorrow I feel this one slipping away.
Back to B.
On in tunnels, Kaserado brought down a heavy knee damage, all in the full-long control.
Kinder joins in.
The Kinder's gonna be given the good graces to rotate over to CT in time.
It's the Fangs on beat.
The Kinder's across. Three strums to defend this.
Another smoke.
A moment of pause.
Rejigging the U-Tilt.
It's still the same finish.
The Kindert's still here.
It's so quiet on the rest of the map.
They're just two rounds away, but that is going to fill Aurora with confidence.
Get a brittle bite and you broke into that site up against the stack.
The individual output there, that's a team effort.
Hold it on the cams, take it a moment to pause.
It's not round, it looks like it slipped through the fingers.
Yeah, the right read, the right stack,
you just couldn't connect the dots.
I'm just leaving the side awfully late here,
bomb's gonna go off.
Now make that safe haven. The H8 saved. They didn't want any of those Molotovic late-round
hijinks coming into play on the big stage. That's the trade game. Looks good. And Macho
takes down your kinder, Woxic. Nice shot. The side player, and Zintares, holds the rotation
at bay and makes sure that they can get in, get that bomb down, and secure at the 7th.
You win this one. Fury's money is busted.
Xbox and mid-door smoke.
You can't blow a hole in this one, Molladoi.
Give it your best go.
Finally creeping through middle.
So I'll fly on the weakest of the weapons, the MAK-10.
Looks like they just want to take this short space and execute into A.
options for the pivot at Aurora. This is a pack roll team, grouped up, ready to
erupt.
Now it's a launch on the flashbang, now Yikinda's got so much work to do.
Anticipates the flame on the rampside, progress from Solfly. Look at how much space
he's taken on that Mach 10. Has the cover, nothing from Yikinda!
This is going to be a save. What was that a position? Aurora found the perfect timing.
I don't want to try and take this away.
They'll make their life an awful lot easier going into the next.
As mentioned, Furia, I'm in a position where they have to take that eco.
So these saved guns give them an opportunity for the double dip.
The Great Colt from Maja, they catch the timing. If Molotow is playing car, if he's playing ramp,
that's a different looking round altogether.
The last second scavenge for Yuri.
Holodoy spotted that with the AWP, really had the information and made that possible.
This game has been about the details.
Holodoy, interception.
Tries his hand at us, some aggression. Will Mantle up in the Xbox and looking for his counter part,
Woxic on the other side of things. This is high-risk and high reward!
Woxic's gone! Not a guarantee. Fallen is up close. He got Santarés trying to clear
corners, spots the shoulder of Gabriel Toledo. He's got problems. Multiple targets.
Overwhelmed. You know your kid is on the corner, but are you ready for K-Sanago? No, you're not!
Double on the far-mass. Madge are on the back foot. Can't commit the bomb. His teammate Wakanya disconnected from the play, but he wants to bring the fight.
He's testing K-Sirata! Catches him as he jumps! Perfect timing! No help for the rest of this one matchup.
One man on a mission, Ulceria C-12 on your map picking this semi-final.
The bait play on Long.
The kid has found himself a gun now as well.
This doesn't get any easier for Matchup.
The Long move around the world has been cut off.
He isn't, he knows it, he knows exactly what's up.
He just runs straight back into the bomb site to fight on his terms with his AWP, but he's
ready to close.
That's what you want to see from Molodey on the major stage, starts it, ends it and puts
12 on the board for Furia.
And made the most out of all of those saves.
The fact that Molledoy is playing like this is a fear factor going into the next map.
Here's playing some Liberator Counter-Strike, not shine away from the stage, stepping up
and delivering openers, closers and everything in between.
The AK, the Famous, they make the most and Aurora, they are rocked.
And they are going fast, long side, wants it ahead, throws out the extinguish but will
reveal thanks to the flashbang.
Golflight takes the space, they do have this control.
Head to head here.
Your kinder, not ready for Wokadia, an off angle and the knife tear not graded!
Big Naid, Wokadia swallows, gifty damage, a boost over, Molinoid may be unprepared for this.
He's been caught by the spam of Zantares, still dangerous game being played.
And he's managed to cast Zantares on the edge of the smoke.
A smoke break exposes another and it results in the loss of Molinoid.
Advantage, Aurora.
Oh, did by Woksik!
He's not going down without a fight here. Four rounds demanded in consecutive fashion if Aurora would hope sustained us to
Converted in their favor
The thanks to finish in his 2v4 pivoting bang Yuri tends to be cancer other slips through CT in the meanwhile
up. The path of least resistance. It's been found as Cancerato try and make a
player. Is this the long game again? Is this another CT side save? There's a bit
of cash in the coffers. We'll go a long way.
But the bomb going down with Woxic posted up. We know what that means.
I don't think Molodoy asked for
that HE.
In the pressure moments.
Stakes will happen.
At that risk, there's no reward.
A couple of clean ones from Wox.
It keen eyes.
Southpaw Sniper.
There's a team.
They are drawing this back into just a three round game.
game. Bong goes off, 12 to 9.
Down to stretch that light bite. It's put in Furia. Strong enough position to buy again.
Saved guns, pistols in play, that round win.
The wrist taken from Fallen, printing with no armour, or so ever.
There's the orb, and fours in the hands of those who need it.
And both teams, expending all of their timeouts from this moment forward.
Unless we find ourself in OT, the coaches have to sit back and watch.
They've got the best seats in the house.
This one here, new model, I think, costing you can dip.
Yeah, there it is, highlighted.
And Woxix contributions on the long side.
Okay, you're first of the four demanded.
Oh, they want to stall that mid to the E-Play here.
Excuse me, the lower tunnels pushed with those mollies.
So your kinder cannot make that move.
Magi takes the space swiftly.
Yeah, casually.
This is going to be five man through tunnels once more the wolf pack of Aurora up against the fans.
K serato Yuri side by side up against the fire that committed to this.
And the other one is just a bit more of a transition to the game.
So this is going to be a big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big.
And it's going to be a big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big.
K-Sirato, Yuri, side by side, up against the fire that's committing it to this side,
debate the switch, Yuri controls the spray, he's got two!
K-Sirato finds another!
Just Madgeur and Woxig of what remains!
Smoke to delay, Ykinder on the door side, Woxig spots a smoke, can't hit the shot, Madgeur can!
Just Madgeur, up against the reed, and he goes down!
Ykinder seems to lead, taking Dust 2, finds Ykinder, following the facilitator!
The Kingdom of Malaga, they're the final and they're one map away from the grand final!
First low stop from Furia, they turned this ship right on around and it felt like everybody was popping off for the Brazilian squat.
With a gun at a quaterado who wants to win that major trophy, and Jango, he is doing everything in his power to ensure they get that step closer.
Yes, it was a little bit of a rough start until he showed up to that T-side for Furia, started it and ended it.
But this was, I believe, the best Furia we've seen yet in Cologne.
Absolutely, by far. And I think the other big thing too, as it goes back to where you kind of told us after the quarter-final, CT sides are rock solid.
Look at the way this half began for them, when they switched over to defensive side of things.
I was absolutely no nothing that it felt like a ruler could actually do to penetrate that defense
and start putting significant numbers of rounds on the board. I thought it was really solid CT side.
A super rolling match throughout the game. I think both teams were very proactive once they turned to the CT side.
They didn't want to give up the space that every single time they lost territory, they were trying to find it back somewhere else
whether that being on the extremities or the, you know, fighting it out, like the space they all already given up.
But you know, both teams fighting with two to zero for every single one.
Yeah, let's dive right into it. Let's go back to the beginning, because when you give
Kocerado a Hero Reca, he has the opportunity to send the momentum in his favor straight away, right?
He does, he does. And you turn your attention to round number 4, where we can see a Hero Reca in the hands of Kocerado.
The man we just highlighted having a phenomenal game, and he really wants to go into that grand final.
And you know, if this round is where you really want to be handling out the A-kits with the guy that you think can do the most,
what else does this bond that he has, I think Aurora gets a little bit too eager to fight him
when she actually gets to pit, but he actually finds a 4K of this one.
And then this is where I get a little bit worried, Fury, because this is the early science of a bit of lack of discipline.
Where like, Molotov doesn't have to go over this one, it actually almost slips out of their hands.
Falling was called like Catwalk and couldn't really do anything else, it had to find like this perfect timing to find that flank, but
it's these small details of disciplines that I have been lacking a little bit for Fury, but they turned it around and did so much better throughout the
interstate again. But sure, they want to pick up their guns, but at least the first thing you want to make sure, once you play this game, is to secure them out.
I thought it was really cool from K-Syrot too, because when we saw in the 9Z series, that game was a little bit more grindy, a little bit more back and forth.
It felt like K-Syrotter really needed the success out of Yookimdur, out of Molletoy to create his openings.
And this one coming in with the AK, he's just like,
Oh, immediately I'll have impact. Immediately I'm going to be the guy for us to get us started.
And it's a lovely luxury that Fury has where it can go that deep to find that impact.
Also great when K-Syrotter gets an ace later on in the game, as well, Yanko. That's things you like to see up on the beat.
It's also so many times. I mean, first, we saw this yesterday.
or two days ago on Overpass, right, getting kills through the smoke now, B tunnels, he does it again.
Perhaps just if you know Kcerado is on the other side, don't go for it, right?
Just stay away from it and yeah.
I mean, from B going back towards that A fake and usually players are very good at denying this final kill,
but he was just too good, nothing Woxy can do in that scenario.
And that's what you love to see if you're a Furia fan, right?
I mean, just nine out of the 17 kills coming from those two rounds, putting in Q's work.
Yeah, and I mean just the impact. I mean, it's just the critical ones as well where they come in and then obviously
I'd buy his time in Maladu
I kind of start stepping up with the AWP later on let a little I mean I'm gonna get a call last gasp from Aurora
But at that point it feel like fear was all switched on and I just echo a yanker
So this is the best fear we've seen all event all those questions
You might have had of them going up against some of the softer opponents in a debate, you know that their stage 3 run wasn't the most impressive
This is a team in Aurora that's been playing super well
So for you to come in and handle business today after such a shaky look against against 9z very impressive
Let's swing back to the T-Side conversation you were bringing up earlier because of course
Rocks all head on the CT side, our Furia, T-Side is where we had questions though, what did you learn?
Yeah, I said this is the most important half of the series for Furia and they were cooking. They were
cooking fallen and said you're gonna see here right the B split, the smoke is missed intentionally
for doors so that the players coming in from mid have an angle on guys here towards the left or
even on the box outside of tunnels. Although they had a smoke for CT spawn so they can't get shot from
And this is all working out great. They're going to find an engine, but then lack of discipline for Molotov is going to cost them.
After that kill, you can see him turning his assignment, you see T spawn. Just hold that.
Right, KSRR is supposed to trade fallen instead. Molotov turns, dies to major, major then kills KSRR and you can't do anything.
So even though they lost the round, I think this was a really cool concept, a really cool idea for Furia.
and we saw them have a lot of good plans on their team side that, as we heard from Sid, were executed perfectly.
I agree with you on this one, that he obviously has to be covering C.G.
But I guess this is just a showcase of stress on happening on the stage, right?
Because the guy, I think he's also running throughout through the smoke that happens in Winter, right?
And I think they just get surprised by it, so it's probably very chaotic and team-speak.
And Molo, I think he doesn't catch it when C.G. is rotating, he turns around at the most unfortunate moment, right?
And, you know, that's just part of the stage conflict.
stage conflict but you know in if you want to play like the perfect counter guess
he should have just kept his attention on CT. Paul and Will have something to say
about this. Since game is about this you have to be more patient than your
opponent right? Like you have your thing if those guys die there that's not your
responsibility right like that that's on them like but you cannot die like this
in this. Also you'd like in that kind of a situation Maul would like to have the
confidence of even if his teammates go down in mid as long as he gets this
playing CT spawn he's got plenty of time to help recover the situation and
whatever it is, the 2vx scenario from there where you have intel of what the B defenders
are positioned in. So yeah, a slight mistake, doesn't really punish them this time. In a
well played but they never let a roar get into this game in a significant way.
Some of the patients that we talk about, they did show it in the second half. I mean, when
they did lose rounds, they didn't throw away guns, they just conceded, you know, the round
and then kept their head in it and it ultimately allowed Molotov to find some of those openings
with the AWP and win them a couple of rounds and that's what makes it difficult to play
the second half on the T side or rather easier for the CTs, you know exactly how many rounds you need.
So when you're playing with a big lead, you don't need to go for every single round.
And I don't think Aurora played a bad game. I think they just got to outplay it.
I think also, I think they really, I think that K Sarato round was really deflating.
I mean, you're a little bit reductive, but I think like that whole thing of like the hot start
that I wanted to see Aurora get out to you in the pistol, you convert, and then you go into
there and K Sarato kind of rips that away from you. I think that would be their biggest strength
in this matchup is then being able to kind of take that advantage and run with it.
They're coming into this one, I'm like a six-map win streak before losing this one as well.
Their series up to this point have gone 2-0 all the way through and now they're gonna get tested.
Now they have to bounce back in a series.
Just a retention point about the T side maybe being a bit lackluster from Aurora.
I was just looking at the round distribution there and it was you know very hit or miss and it's totally right.
The patience coming up trumps full furia because then you get to save his weapons
and then you have more of an opportunity to kind of hold any momentum from Aurora.
Fioria, Aurora didn't do bad. Fioria did better in key rounds. That's why you see, you know, all these resets is because whenever Aurora really needed the round to break the economy for Fioria, get some breathing room, like, they couldn't make it happen.
And that in the first half, obviously, they won the pistol and the first gun round. Like, that was just the hero A.K. from K. Serato. So, that really hurts your chances, you know. I'm happy with what they've shown.
But they've shown, yes, they end up losing, but I wouldn't count them out just yet.
I think they've already actually played a decent game as well. I gotta agree to that one.
I think the most important thing for me is that they have to play not to lose.
I think that's what stands out to me. When they lost territory, they would be pushing into middle,
trying to find openings. They were trying to push into tunnels to limit the space that they would give up to Fury.
And then you did turn your attention to Fury. They had some really great calls.
Well, I saw a lot of the things that I've been looking out for Fury is that they take this space
and then do this cross rotation throughout the map
and going to be, they did this multiple times
this game around and I think that's,
it's hard to do and it requires you to have
more patience than you've already shown.
Yeah, I think it's totally fair to frame it
as it's not a bad game necessarily for a World War,
but I think this goes to say what we were talking about
in the pre-match segment, right?
The fact that they haven't gone up against
an opposition of this caliber, Jason,
and that's exactly where you're gonna get punished
when you go up against a top tier team.
Yeah, and I mean, they're throwing a bunch
of different looks at you as well
and Major never got to get any kind of a rhythm.
When your T-side is that kind of stop and go, and Fury is winning the important rounds
as an IGL, you don't get that same kind of feel for how exactly you want to work him
around the map.
And I think for that, the major, his playbook surely just collapsed around him.
You also didn't have the performances on towers that you're used to getting, not as
strong on the entries, but still decent enough.
But I just think there wasn't enough in the tank for Aurora to come back on that second
half.
If Furia, then might pick Dossla and wait, that's going to be a little bit of nuke.
What are you thinking for this one, Yanke?
Why have they gone with this?
Well, more of a punish pick for Aurora than anything else.
is saying that they're comfortable on all six maps that they play and anything
is really an option for them and I think maybe they looked at the bad boom game too
that Aurora did end up winning but there were a lot of situations there even on
Aurora city cyber looked a little bit lost you know maybe communication wasn't
exactly on point so I think theory are just while they were doing their
preparation saw that they could exploit some of those things on you. I remember
talking to you in a couple of minutes back when he said that when this identity
crisis kind of hit here, Nuke was the one that would you know turn their
intention to where things seem normal. And that's why I think it's also one of the
reasons, one is the pick that they can punish their opponent, but at the same
time that's why they feel like they can still play their own identity and the
same identity that they've been known for and what they've been good at. So it
just makes perfect sense for both your opponent, but also for themselves. And I
think, you know, for a fear you're coming into this match, you're starting, I mean,
this is that point too that we brought up in the pre-match, which matters less
now that they've taken Dust 2, but now starting on that T side, there is a window
of opportunity for Aurora to get back into, but I'm more concerned when you
switch sides, the upper boss out of Aurora, what scare me the most when you
You have someone like Owakadi, when you have someone like Azantars with the way they've been playing,
opening up some room for Wox, if they didn't,
whenever Major wants to mix those in, those can be very, very deadly.
What you even said about the CT side versus Betboom,
wasn't watertight by any stretch of the imagination for Aurora,
and that's a completely different caliber of opponent.
There was the Wikadia, equal rounds, some more kills,
and sure, they also lost some clutches to Boomage on the other side of that,
but just when you're looking at it from a macro perspective, it wasn't the best.
But as we said, Aurora is still playing well.
I think that is the danger here for Furia is to get a bit complacent just because core line wise
It wasn't mega close, but I think if they drop off a level then Aurora even a nuke can make this game super competitive
Got about one minute before we get back into the action
So Jason is this the last time we see a war?
I'm just gonna say no I actually came into this series of thinking Aurora was actually gonna win this year's I thought they were
Gonna cause the upset today
So I'm just gonna stick with that out out of just faith of the way Aurora has been playing and say they're gonna fight back here
on Nuke, I know maybe it's a comfort zone that Trio can go back to, but you know
you're in this kind of a scenario and it's not always been a comfort pick for
them, they have had their own struggles on Nuke at various points, so I'm just
gonna put some faith in the roar to bounce back here.
You buying this Peter? You buying this Nick Will?
I'll buy it a little bit, just a little bit, come on, he's just my car, right?
I don't want to rule anyone playing, so I think there's a case that they
kick off break. I want to see Fallen in the final, baby, you know, and Trio is
playing their best counter strike at the moment, I feel they can close it out on
Well, let's see if they can indeed continue that momentum and things looking likely as we turn to the ground of new the map pick of Furria coming into this semi-final
It's going down in just a few moments
Connect in Steam.
We used QR code in 2026, you guys will not actually see my account name, someone's to
hack me actually, one time I got hacked.
You got hacked?
Hello everyone, you asked for Ilya, Moenzi, Ossipo settings and he's here with me.
Hello Moenzi.
Hello man.
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you.
We are going to be doing your setup completely, talking about peripherals, all the settings,
all the in-game settings that you have, tell us, what you have prepared for us.
Let's go.
Mousepad.
Very easy.
It's... Yes.
Just mousepad, nothing special.
For the eSports player you need keyboard.
Perfect, perfect.
Some mouse as well, you need to aim.
I think when I see this mouse on the Internet, I see your face next to it all the time.
Is that true?
Yes, it's true. It's true. It's actually a very good mouse.
I like Logitech overall.
Since I started playing in Ivy, I've been using Logitech because they had this Gpro X series voice.
Yes, I use it every time.
I will plug your cables.
Thank you so much, Pofan.
I see that you're using the older version of the Logitech.
Yes.
Was the SuperStrike any reason?
Just preference.
Just preference for now.
Maybe I will start using later SuperStrike.
I used it at the beginning of the year,
but I decided to switch because I was used to this mouse before,
because I've been playing for a long time.
Also, wired keyboard, I use cable for some reason.
I don't know.
Just feel more comfortable.
How about your seating, by the way,
before we dive into the settings?
So, the way I sit, I always pull the chair down, all the way down.
And this armrest, I don't really care about it too much.
The only thing I don't like is when, for example, in some tournaments, the armrests, they hit the table
and I cannot control the height of the table.
So, if this is the case, I remove them, but if they don't really bother me, I just leave them...
And about the height of the table, do you have any preference there?
No, I usually just have the way I set it up.
I put the monitor always between 7 and 6.
So it's between 7 and 6?
I put it a bit in front and after I understand by the feeling how high, yeah.
You're putting it between what do you say, 6 and?
7 and 6.
7 and 6.
Tell me how you sit comfortably so I can measure it kind of for our viewers.
Okay.
where your head and eye level is in the monitor level as well.
I just do it by the feeling, I like when, how to say it,
my legs are like kind of touching the ground, you know,
but I see just very comfortably and I understand
when I put the monitor between seven and six,
I need, I understand how table should be set up for me.
After that, I put the mouse pad more to the right
of the monitor, so I leave like a little bit of gap here.
The mousepad is hanging off the...
No, it's just kind of...
Because it's on the edge, okay.
On the edge of the...
Yes, on the table.
I move my keyboard a little bit more to the left.
I turn it slightly to the right.
That's how I just always was playing.
I remember when I was a very small kid, I was playing like this, you know?
But after I started turning it, because I started playing on some LANs, you know?
Yes, you need space.
I don't know, yes, I need some space.
I don't actually care too much about the years.
I have G333 Logitech with the Logitech sound card, I don't know, I have these in-ears for
4 years almost since I joined G2.
Hey, Langsess! Are you still there?
semi-final Saturday and Dust2 in the bag for Furia.
Can we continue to see the poetry flawlessly executed?
Can Aurora put up a fight of Furia's pick?
Hey Langsess, why don't you make some noise for counter-strike?
It's going to be a city star for a while.
They will need every piece playing to their prime.
As we head to that sea, the creek, seasoned captains on both sides of the server.
to start on the offense.
Soldiers have the chance to set
the tempo.
Once a furious run throughout the
It's W. Four times for Aurora. Three-one record, and set it for a top par.
Speed or smoke.
That drunk is possible.
Looks likely.
Oh, he sets it on.
The Guardian gets a second as well!
Okay.
Spam it up heads, Kase the R2B to kick the cut out of the round.
There's one back into the warehouse, down the van,
you'll rear a little bit underneath them.
They have no idea, surely.
Now they do, Zataris has caught him.
You want to get that bomb down, you've got to get past Saltfly,
falling out range with the glock.
Can't find that follower bullet.
Just Molledoy, last seen warehouse.
And walks around in the corner for a clean click.
That's what Aurora needed to start off.
Nook, and you can see what it means to match up.
trying to bring the energy early in this one.
See if their mental can hold on.
That's the start they're looking for.
Should spell the eco for the Brazilian core, and this is great for the party up.
This is Digglegrounds against Beth Boone.
Really got the party started.
Nice one there from Moxick.
Slime-sniping.
Final frag. Yeah, it's a clear intent here to bring this energy. We'll see how long they can keep it.
the force, not the eco. Besides most, we're going to get down secret with pace. Let's
run as a cross. Tarris is already down to deal with this. While a part of this is likely
the B finish.
How many is he getting?
It's going to be one big burst.
And he's got nothing! Empty hands for Zuntaris!
in the code, there's Softlands and Tara's in combination to finish off that Kisarato.
Buri, oh, head on the ankle, Softlight rings his bell.
The bomb launched something, but I think the round is out of their grasp.
That's going to get hot, four-fold, falling.
Zedio flushes it in, flashing his face.
Smaller noise gone, once it closes it down.
Shaky moments there, and a couple of those fights.
To that set up was strong.
They played two ramps, they acknowledged the cross.
Tataros goes down first, but two players can immediately descend and take those fights.
So very well done from Aurora.
That's a stabilizer in the early stages.
That's right. I'm trying to stop him in the choke there.
Leave you a bit of pressure.
He goes down and it finds the form.
This man made his mark in Counter-Strike.
Now is the international venture.
now trying to take Turkey to new heights. This isn't a full shove.
Harshal off the plant for Furia. Enough money to get the buy into the next.
More threats, more problems for Aurora.
U-Tills in the sky, a second smoke wall.
There's an investment that you need to be fearful of.
Wax it with the orb up in the heavens.
Try and breach in the topside.
Yuri looking like he'll beat the late piece, dropping main.
Another squeaky snipe.
Does that change the go signal?
Guardian has to flash.
Horses away by the flames.
Zatara's perfect possession, but a nice trade out of Yukinda.
Searching into the site.
Trading blows.
Good one from Matcha.
That's your stance and scour out.
And you're in this late piece.
Sure, you fell so fly, but you've got a minute
to try and piece together another clutch.
And that's kind of a new specialty.
Does he have the capacity? Does he have the time?
Adrian Wachs it. We'll have to start
acknowledging the possibilities in a moment's time.
ramp to heaven, and outside to main.
So, I could strong the bomb under their remit.
This is tough to break for Uri.
No time to go ahead, that has to be the main plate.
Still, he hasn't announced his presence.
Walks himself close a little.
He did. Mischoff from the upper.
Now, he knows where Madge is, and he's running out to do another Uri special.
Just Madge to stand his ground for that third.
He's done so much work, and he does it with more!
A determined captain clutches up, keeps the sheet clean for Aurora!
Couldn't get the hands on the AWP yet.
Enough money to bring it out, but under pressure, Aurora.
The pistol rounds.
That's the most solid of the lot so far.
Last two have had their moments.
The attempt there from Yuri.
They have been able to drop the AWP thanks to Akadia's extra funds.
Get back in now with the full vibe.
CrossFit pays the bombs a part of this.
He stays silent on this descent.
He's always paid him like a buck, beautiful.
Case it off and call, there's soft flight.
A whole lot more work to do, a whole lot more targets on his screen.
Mother doing well to remove his head.
Fallen lingers hard, they're keeping his trickies and tall rays if he finds Mollenoid, furious hopes and dreams down with it for
Just to crack their silence on this T side. You got the card yet? Not looking the right way, big one back from Yuri
But if they pivot, they're not aware of matchup
Fallen, he's saying it's clear little do they know Yuri will you get the info will you buy time for this sweep from Fallen?
He's told wait, just wait, now we go!
That's a tricky way to get your first T round on the board.
Haven't planned. They're going to give this one a look.
HP on more. No, they're not.
Lots of risks.
The M4 with the money already shattered.
Got the kit, but they don't want to give this one a chance.
Patience.
It's the key in that one, giving fall in the time.
At least I have something to contend with in the next Aurora.
It's a bit of pill to swallow for the Turks.
You often talk about manipulating rotations while a demonstration from Fury up.
And the communication clearly flying as well.
This is the fire right here, you're in, surprised.
Mkhartya trying to make the play that wins the round.
Place one step too far, the rotations go with it.
Get to the mic before the money's gone.
MP9, 5-7, that's the lower.
Mkhartya on a fan, that's not great.
with some clear pace and intent with yard crosses.
We've seen them with the Tech 9s, now the AKs.
Just charge yard, get to space.
So Aurora want to play ahead.
They want to play for some yard control.
You quick extinguish, there's a Taro's chip in it, but Bacani is out as well, but...
Stop him in the choke!
Lost in the smoke, we'll back away!
The hampered eyes fury is T campaign round five on a lick of damage dealt to the defensive
side.
Deep smoke thrown out by Zintara is to delay on squeak.
So much utility invested for Fury to find that opening.
If that didn't get nothing with it, this is going to be a very tough round to get back
into.
Looks like Fallen's got a plan.
All of the ways a big part of that, especially if you're refining Mercadia, hang on.
Suddenly they just let loose, charging in towards that side.
You've got Sintaras, has to beat somewhat of a rock here.
Support from Soulflug.
Takes on our space away, the Nade.
Hampus and Torres down to half, he's been spotted.
That information is relayed. He's still able to find one.
Then your kinder caught off guard, thought he was safe to plant.
Soft flight, good at chipping.
Scuttles out of the Nade, falling to Molenoid side by side.
Student in the master.
The roar are invested.
Every panic.
Molotovic can come up, touch, all for naught.
Softly spotted, here comes Woxic, though.
There's the first isolated, they're trying to overwhelm him.
Strength in numbers, surely. Strength in numbers.
It will prevail.
Another CT round for Aurora.
Can't fall for that, they'll open up.
They set him up.
They check back in.
Limited U-Till, flashing Wakandia into the fight.
4-1. Nothing consecutive.
The Brazilian call. And well handled under pressure.
So up to the task on Aurora at the desk, highlighting they are playing well.
Regardless of the result we had on fold on map number one, they are here to play today.
Furious shove. Right on the A-case. The little heavy.
It's time back to the yard antics.
It cannot be questioned. Aurora do have their stakes legs.
As they stand further than any Turkish team has ever been.
In the major circuit.
Vox, it knows nothing's crossed.
The kinder looking to take some space.
First man, Makadia knows this is a possibility.
Little hangs in the balance of this.
The move from the kinder. This fraction on topside.
Just one back. Magic does go down.
Accelerate, has Wakadia unnoticed, 14 HP from Heavens and Torres with empty hands
A bullet between his eyes from Yuri's galil
Soulfly makes his presence known
Watching behind the smoke main
Flash is available to get Soulfly back in, it's Wakadia to set him up
Can he do what Zantares could from Heaven?
Looking for that, Frax links on out, KSorato to receive in and that could be Furia's second
It is Furious 2nd!
Here's Blin and a shift right now, two massive kills to draw them back.
Natura and Wakandia, they find Obing incisions.
Uri with the double, once felt shumble as the attempt to go back in, it just felt meek.
So far on design, it worked, it didn't look that ever connected there.
So a hard part of the attempt from Aurora does continue the seesaw of the Finances.
The end continues like this and you're a great serve, your landslide of Browns that'll follow
and look at the reaction there, that's after the flashes came in and he was well dead watching
that unfold and those are the frustrations that you have to avoid creeping in if you're
Aurora.
That becomes some of the saves.
They're the opposite of the mix.
Block utility.
Can't want to be full force.
Bamboos and Torres.
Man set up for success by Salfwai.
The impactor joined on the yard right-flop.
As gambles have to be taken in a round like this, Turks cannot just play a standard round
with a bite.
It's hard to punch up on the line, smoke about to fade.
And we've got this ramp stack.
Yeah, this is what self-likeing positions are dealing with. Now they know about his close enemy 9. They don't know about our second man.
Centaura is being set up to succeed. It's self-like debate.
And Centaura is there should be that life. Oh no!
There's absolutely nothing. Match up, look at that. Oh, this will collapse.
Ups!
Wompy trying to hold on to his honor, hold on to his orb.
He's dropping through.
He wants friction, he wants to fight.
He's telling Mikardio I can do something here.
Just wait and see.
What I can find, he goes fishing.
Mikardio pokes his nose in, spots it now.
Yuri is low HP.
Oh, he's hitting.
Falling rocked, an AWP bullet through his boots, can't adjust Molodoy, co-acting!
And that should secure it.
And that's it, an AWP for Molodoy right there.
Uri with three big ones, I can.
Back to back rounds, this man is finding impact.
He's ain't clutches, he's a clawbacks.
Down to one round game, he goes down with the ship.
Another gun saved, and a threat on the board.
Again, Aurora's bite.
Has to be light on.
This is Taka Rack.
I think Soul Flight, he played that well, he valued his life,
but this second one, Zintara is going to be kicking himself.
Magic, the same.
Able to finally validate.
Faber, you can see his reaction in the background there as well.
You can see from Magic's face, it feels as if he's leaving his grab.
This one shouldn't be too much to say just we're cardio bit of a one-man army or four
It's not my position to get something done. There's a lot of bodies here
City duck. There's the trade aka denied and surely the rest of the round will fall into place. It's just the starter pistols
And it's Buri that are picking up pace
Reminds us of the moment
Roar up.
Broke new ground for Turkish Counterstrike,
but this is the first time they find themselves
in the semifinals of a major.
In case Serato, they tasted it before in the most
heartbreaking fashion, Rio.
Fallen, you all know his story.
It's a stage experience, a lot more lopsided,
and you compound out with the success.
They just need a piece of the final moments of this together, but again, Fury up.
Force for thought, poise on display.
Pull-Kammer collected, not getting drawn into a back and forth force by a fair.
Continuing the crisp game plan.
Santaras, Woksyk and Salflatt on the pistols to get through.
25.
Here's Asataras, Fury's approach from Heaven, makes the angles awkward.
Woksyk's vulnerable and they will fall.
We're going to tie it up again, folks.
Full round, Seaside New.
Not far off the mark.
I'd even be happy with that.
And that's without the pistol.
So put in the high craft, put in that financial war of attrition, and now looking to put
a little bit more pain downrange.
Get with his pace on yard.
Maginda surging.
Acting bigger than he is.
Woxic's already down towards secret to plug this gap, so he's right for his note.
He's got the line.
Ramp and Tot need to hold strong.
His match up.
Arm is up.
The Turkish prodigy in Bukhati, yeah, and just smoke so I'll make the move. Just yep
It does give them a little bit of staging area
As tires is the man
To fill the void salt lines across towards red pole around explosion. They're ready. The Turkish terminator stopped this
He has to
Find that stage while I shake it off
only the one
Territory lost. Magier accelerates forward.
Yeah, Kinder gets the reaction they were waiting for.
Lover extension puts Furia back in the driving seat.
Woxig onto Fallen.
K-Seratu vs. Mikado standoff.
Magier's forward position could take that bomb off the back of Molotoy.
Barrel spotted. Magier ready.
Guess the InfoSafe people with 28 seconds.
That bomb carrier needs help.
No one nearby to lend a hand and we're going to the piece of art.
Oh, no, it doesn't!
Magistrate, who's the god, he's shot. Hang on a second, it's up to Magistrate.
Both of them are there. Jumping, what's he doing?
45, this is tense. Should be a dead man.
Should be dead.
This is agonizing for Aurora for being strung out.
They're being toyed with. This rotation's pushed, pulled.
I can't believe Woldog is a loose bomb there. When the barrel-sported match is in the off
angle he gets the info and they get the round. They're so calm. They get the staging area,
they take some space, they force the rotations, they're putting so much pressure on Aurora
and it's just mounting now as every round slips by. Or a more pressure locked on top.
four consecutive five of the last six and that cushion that's just from the
pistol this one here so fly moves thinks he's the man who has to try and take
some space take the risk gets some information and match up attempts to
play the clock forces their hand doesn't want to fight
are the cracks starting to show pressure mounting emotions start to
overcome you you need a cool head on your shoulders to play your best
counter strike an audible dismount
this brings you back into a mentally if you can somehow scrap this one into your
favor but just with the pace. Yes. Fury were playing fast. If they gave you a chance, they
gave you some chaos. You'd feel like these upgrades have an opportunity. But if you use
their advantages, the weapons, oh, great success just like that. That'll do nicely.
They don't have a chance.
Taro's towards attention to himself at the vent break. This round's going to go down
flat for a wall run. Just feel like being toyed with at this point. Yeah, like a cat,
a ball of string. At least you're in one place, in one place only. You have to start taking the fight.
You need to play for yard control. You need to start shoving lobby on timings.
But you might be playing right into their hands and a small adoy.
A quick flick, a slip, a small tumble, a little bit more pressure shot. You can do
Fall back open and taken underwind him.
It's all flying along for this world and now he seeks for a fury out.
I can't see the tight game at the half.
You've got to feel those fury of fans.
Now that final round around the corner.
Is there any bounce back?
Is there any resurgence or is this the mental collapse that we had all feared?
He kind of is going to quick down the fence.
Rats problem, Salford as well.
Removes Moloboy, falls back into watch for the safety of the B-Sci.
We're cardiac charges in, that's the aggression you were talking about.
Caution to the wind, proactive on the defense.
Nikita definitely has playmaking potential in his position.
That's fallen in case Serato is not knocking on that door.
A missed shot from Fallen with that AWP.
Has he still got it?
With the big gun, a distraction from Profits.
Nikita, oh! It's got the second on to Woxic!
That's on damage!
He's just popping pixels!
Playmaking potential and he lives up to it.
Your kinder gets down the vent instantly,
lies in wait, binds his time and he strikes thrice.
This is the second big round with the rifles in hand
where Aurora have had a huge advantage.
Another 3v5 slips through the fingertips.
What a piece in this Burial Machine, Nick, if there is...
Fresh is at its highest.
He's down the vent in the first 15.
I don't believe it.
6 and around 11 in their own right. One of those in a half on the side of Nick. And then
just he just heats up. The hot hand in this round. Yukinda has given them the lead before
the break. And Aurora, it's nothing they can do to sit back and watch.
The star, you'd better be a kid now.
Okay, needed that from Centauris, stops the bleed.
Salflite, loses his head, aggressive.
Not a lot of finish, stop by that Wox Ignatius chaos.
Otter pandemonium.
Crunch lobby, recede, three on three.
If you're a rower, you really can't have that halftime score,
read eight to four.
This fear feels like a necessity for their campaign towards that grand final
already down a map.
Just a scout to get past but it's what's it on that scout does miss his first on
the sliver gap. Don't make that same mistake twice, tags up falling, falling back,
looking for that shot, can't quite hit it, but dips away, maintains his life,
Friction elsewhere, leaves us in that 2-1-2, they know where they both are.
Both seem ramped, Wukandio finds his way up towards the site in time for this pivot heaven.
He's in the perfect place, they shouldn't have a chance.
He's perfectly set up to succeed over the right spawn, drop, Uri in the clutch, hang on!
walks in with a scalp. It's ugly. Not the weapon he wants in a 1v1 with such
major ramifications. An AK will work on him. Better! But there's Yuri! Their heart is breaking in real-time as they
feel that grand final dream fading away. Furia again on these T-starts. Eight on the scoreboard.
Fiora driving towards this grand final now, a wall up shadows of themselves that we saw
in the quarterfinal that we saw on Dust2.
A pistol, some celebrations, and then a collapse.
Furia with an eight round haul on the T side of Nuke.
Let's wait, Carlos Schreit!
Kid is aggressive, Costa Brett.
He's got a lot more than just the one on Silo to deal with. Zintara's whipping up B250 with Cardiart removed.
Still all the info before you came to here.
Mike in a second if he's not careful. Moxie, that is. Warning shot. Here, Daniel
back away. Confirmed there's a beacon of intel on the secret stairs and his names
you came down. And some stars in his hand!
Alright, alright, Mangalore mental wreckage right now.
In a half-time break, one team dreading was to come the other frothing with
It's an anticipation.
I'm only looking to return.
It's a major grand final after a near ten year long drought.
3v5 can they buy back in?
Play this one by the book.
Time is already against them. 35.
Okay, down to Wauksick, an important one back.
Didn't see him, didn't react.
You had all the time you needed to hide a bad shot.
Softly sliding up mains.
This ain't a warm-up.
This is a major semi-final.
The area have controlled the tempo and tied in this game
from the outset.
They are looking cool, calm and calculated.
And soft in this team.
If it's getting in their way, they keep playing like this.
The first round is a huge step
close up. No plant, no chance.
To the eco.
Just look at those player cans
taking the body language.
This is not a winnable round
short.
The match up as a lead up
and with a lifeblood of the team
I'm just calling strategies, they're here to unite the force.
Now he is the engine of a waller.
I'm hoping to get them started.
How much can you say, what can you do?
You know you mince me in this one.
It might be in the hands of Gabriel.
Hands him up, dips down.
He knows his life is more valuable
than a couple of Eco-Frags,
Mollinoy getting run at.
Retrieval by Costum, no?
Okay, Matt just managed to dip away,
But he's lost his teammates in the process, and he's just going to throw it over the fence.
The best of a bad situation, didn't match up.
Right now, this is looking like nightmare fuel.
You can ask him to dig deep.
You can demand a response, but your players have to deliver.
On man can only do so much his players have to believe.
Open move, progression for your kid now taking space, not giving them anything.
Master secret ready on the brakes, three players fallen out here as well as the
AWP starts ramp. They want to shut this down before they can pre-rotations.
You can see the game plan to be disruptive on yard.
Oh, is he just to break the smokes? Slow the timing.
I try and keep Zintara's quiet.
He's got company.
Reoffred.
Zintara spots them towards up break, but it's formless mode.
He's got a 3B in the back!
Zintara's removed!
Spots laying on top of something!
They're all a crumple!
The target is still a whisper of hell.
Match is taken, a couple of bullets on the fading smoke, he sticks and stands his ground, he knows bloodshed required and it's him that goes down.
What is Mccardy supposed to do as Fiora continue to make magic happen?
A mismatch.
Or maybe Fiora just wants it more.
The first round of this round.
This round will come out with a
win part and it appears the
pride of Turkey the same.
Conversation around this team
was always the mental game.
The question of can they make
the playoffs was in it plenty of
times.
we get from them when the heat gets turned up.
The best disgusting we talk about it. I thought that quarterfinal was going to put hair on
that chest and steady their legs on this big stage.
This isn't a young team. Zintara is manja wapsik.
All story individuals of Turkish Counter-Strike. How many times we get to taste a lancess.
And as this, how you want to go out, or fury up, then I'll give you a choice.
This is a 10 round run from Furia. Two more for the close.
Is there any discrepancy Aurora can create?
The game plan has been so clear from start to finish for Furia in both these maps, in both these halves.
Both of them connected bullets there.
his four position on main now noted.
Heading towards Rampus, Moledoy with the 8 of UP.
Bacardi will get across.
He seems got it.
And now goes Santarez.
Moledoy can tip down to the side.
Yuri to react.
Softly still clear in corners.
Moledoy's playing for a second one here.
And Yukinda is in hot pursuit with Garnier.
None the wiser.
Into the wall.
From his M4.
Abinemother's meeting on Ramp.
Moledoy can back away.
It's much just a matter of time.
Hacha pivots to help.
Once you can start and fly back to lobby, try to turn this into a top pincer.
45.
Hacha leaves the charge up.
That ladder is all about the timing here. Is Yuri on the angle or not?
Does he have his peripheral? Down goes Macha!
match up and the Furia run to this grand final. Their opponent completely hamstrung since
that fall. Falling onto Woxic Dall. Anything for soft light absolutely nothing. 4-0 up.
They're getting dominating, absolutely blacked.
Three kills in the second half, four rounds deep, no resistance.
A run of 11 straight rounds.
The belief is dead.
And Furia, five frags away, fallen in his disciples.
I set on the prize.
I'm gonna guess the infill on the cross-yard.
Down goes your kid, that's a change.
Wiccardia has provided the opening to extend.
Clay, Cacerato, close back.
Mollonoi on the wall part.
Looking for that flag, he's found Wiccardia.
Problems exacerbated for the Rola.
Fiora's loyalists, over eight years, Kei Sarato and Fiori were in that jersey, chasing the
dream of having just a fraction of the legacy that their captain has, and in the very same
arena, the very same cathedral, that decade-long drought of major finals before falling.
And he can be the one to secure it, denied by a self-fly, you've got K-Solo, I'll take
that, and that's why he was here, to fight and secure it with a front kill!
The cryo is in the cathedral, the pain, the legacy, this story is made in Brazil.
Fall of Luminosity lights the way as Furia finds Final's form.
Aurora absolutely dismantled piece by piece.
The mental game.
They were not here to play today.
Notice it's not crazy celebrations.
They've got another objective in mind
and that is on Sunday.
For Aurora, heartbreak.
You didn't manage to pull up the fight.
You dreamed up.
This was business.
This was a clinic.
And this is a major finals verse for Yikinda, Molodoy, Keisarado and Yuri.
And they get to go to battle with one of the absolute best to ever do it.
The godfather of the region, the man on the retirement tour.
10 years after the FATS, 10 years after putting Brazil on the map.
This man is back here to do it again.
It's a party in the stands on one side and completely opposite of the other.
Your chasing legacy, your chasing trophies, and Furia, they deny.
Well congratulations, but Samba B has carried you into a major grand final.
Congratulations.
I appreciate it. I don't know what to say. Honestly, grateful for this opportunity, not.
I've been playing CS for more than, I know, 15 years and this is my first Grand Final in a major, bro.
It's crazy.
We speak with a lot of hyperbole when we talk about winning in Cologne, we talk about majors.
Does it feel different as a player being here, being in the Lancest, knowing that you're in a Grand Final?
Well, honestly, for me it feels different to play with these guys.
That's the most important and different thing for me.
Throughout my career, I haven't had these incredible teammates
and this incredible support from the fan base
and from everybody who's besides Fyria.
And I'm very thankful for that.
I mean, we can see over there, we can see your fans,
there's drums, there's whistles, there's balloons,
there's people bouncing up and down.
How much, I mean, obviously, you can see them in your eye,
like, how much does that help during a match?
Well, listen, I think it's easier to play as underdogs
when everybody's bullying you,
But honestly, knowing that there's always going to be people behind you,
always supporting you, this is something that gives you strength, consistent strength.
And I'm super thankful to everybody here in the arena, not only the Fury of Vents,
the whole crowd, the whole stadium, thank you guys.
It is amazing, it's turning out to be one of the great events, isn't it?
You mentioned before you're enjoying playing with these players,
it felt then, it felt like you've really started to click.
I feel like we started to click the first tournament we played together, which was Astana.
And throughout times, we just were trying to fix the details, fix the details.
Sometimes we were overcooking the kitchen, but here we are after a rough season, after
rough pass for many of the players.
Here we are in the major finals, and honestly, it feels amazing.
I have to ask this question.
We talk about Fallen, you know, he is legendary in the scene.
He's done so much.
one here he lifted that trophy 10 years ago how much do you and the other guys
want to win this for him well you know when he announced his retirement it was
a very sad day not only for the Brazilian CS or our camp it was a sad day
for a gun strike and of course a man of his figure deserves to go out with a
bang and it will be great it would be amazing he would be the first one to
win the loan three times I believe and that that's our goal and that's our
goal well listen it's been great chance you what can we expect tomorrow in a
grand final well depends who we playing I hopefully if we play spirit I hope the
don't is gonna get sick or something and if we play Falcons well we lost them
last time as the both of these teams are very strong and I don't know man are
you ready for it tomorrow of course we are yeah well listen it's great I want
you if you take this pen to sign
your name into history and we'll
get around applause for this
amazing audience. We have our
first grand finalist. Thank you
to kinder. And furious.
Fangs out for Furia tonight as
they command a spot in the
cologne major grand final. If
we're being honest, this run to
that best of five felt more like
a sprint in his first semi
final. The first time that Yuri
We're going to press beyond a semi at a major and of course we've been talking about it all weekend long finally 10 long years later we get the return of the king here we've got fallen up on the desk last first of all massive congratulations on that one.
Thank you so much guys pleasure to be here.
Big experience, so many emotions before the match.
We do all those interviews when we're doing media session and we're talking about the tournament
who is going to go out, but it's only when you're at the stage, when the match is about to start
and you have to think about how much it feels, how much it's worth.
And then it's impossible not to feel the adrenaline rush and all the things that come through.
So yeah, what can I say man, so many emotions and I'm so happy that we won it.
Does it feel the same as it did ten years ago? You looked at the trophy ten years ago,
Final was in 2015, so 11 years ago, does it feel the same stepping on to the stage now that you have a lot of your, most of your career behind you?
Is there a different perspective now for you?
I'm gonna be very honest, it's so late, so long ago, that I don't have any idea how you can tell how it looks right now, and it's damn good and it's so hard.
It looks like something unlocked after you were able to beat 9Z.
Today seemed like the best furrier we've seen all tournament long.
Yeah, definitely played a very good counter strike today. It was not easy. There were some key moments that bring the match back to us.
We're losing those two and then I decided to give him the key to Brazil to hero AK. He gets four kills and then we're managing to find those mid-round situations.
So many interesting matters as well. So the whole team is playing very well and I think we are playing the counter strike that made us win last year.
That is a counter strike where we're connecting the dots very fastly and we're in good understanding of how we can help each other and then that's where we're scary.
So yeah, I feel like we're playing good CS right now.
It's kind of been the story for you guys, I know you guys have like a kind of a strange season to sense from the outside
What with you know, you're not gonna be in the playoffs of EPL, you know earlier in the season you announcing your retirement
So some of the ups and downs we had it was hard for us to know exactly like where to place you guys
So what is what are the changes like how how did those changes come about exactly out of that situation?
How did you identify what needed to be moved around?
Yeah, honestly, I have been playing for so long that I can't identify when you
Actually suffer from success. I have seen many many things I passed through and it's just something that happens
And I think we kind of separate a little bit in the beginning of the year.
Some of the mentality shifts, a little bit of some of the kind of builds on situations
that we had to deal with on daily basis.
And I think we got overgone with those things, we learned some lessons from it and then felt
like we could recoup and play as we want to play and only focus on the game.
So it was important to go through this stage for growth of the players, for creating more
chemistry between the players and I think that now it's finally paying off that we're
getting to the same spot that we were last year.
Absolutely.
I think it's been, what, since 2019 that you've been trying to get Yuri and Kei Serato on your team, right?
So in the end you had to go to them, but now you're on the same team and tell me a bit about Yuri, man, because it seems like...
What can I say?
When we played the game, the major, this guy just steps up so much.
Oh, honestly, Yuri and Kei Serato were insane. We knew that when I was in 16-17 and we saw this new generation coming in, we knew they're different,
and over the years they're just very strong individually. All situations to put them in, they're just so calm.
There's a run from Caserato in this new match. I'm watching him. I'm dead. I'm watching him from his POV.
Then it needs help from Hutt. The guy is pushing Hutt out of the way, killing. Then it's 28 seconds in rate of the bomb.
Caserato, not even flinching. He knows there's someone else and he kills the City Vents guy who eventually had to go for a pick.
So there's so much patience and so much skill in those two guys. They're very smart and very good players.
Now you're getting to the talent of things. You're looking at a world in which you're going into these grand finals
And I mean you have a chance of taking that third trophy the only player to do it
You've got a lot of legacy in this game now
So that's got to be a cool feeling we talked all about the chase that apex has been on and vitality has been on but you as well
This is a legacy. That's gonna be hard for anyone to crack down the stretch. Yeah, definitely
I mean I of course is cool and it's it's a statistics and but for me what's more important is to bring another team to the top
That's much more important to me
Having a chance not to play a finals if you're in Casa after you know this winning a major is reaching the top of the competition
Everyone is dreaming of this. This is the tournament that people remember.
I haven't played for long now, right?
What do they say?
The opponent has two minutes, right? That's what they say.
So that's what matters most, and it's going to be a healthy match.
We have Falcons or Spirit coming in, and what can I say, man?
Those things are super strong. What did they deliver yesterday in the games?
I was watching, I was watching, it's just incredible.
And hopefully we're going to be able to deliver a great match as well.
Ganko, you did have a moment, but you wanted to pick Fuln's brain on there.
Yeah, it felt like T-Sides weren't the best this tournament,
this tournament, but you had special things for this one. I felt like even on New York,
I saw around the first one that you end up winning. I'll remind you a little bit,
you're going fast outside, making a lot of noise, Keisaratu is supposed to go down vents,
and he's going to get outplayed here a little bit by Vikadia, but I feel like this is by design,
that you're the second guy in there, because everyone knows Keisaratu. He's the lobby guy,
that's it, we're fine, but then there's space for you to play in this round. Was that the plan?
The plan was to go outside secret, to try to cut rotations from Vance, but of course the plan needed to be changed.
And I saw that Major was re-smoking Dora from site, and I had to take this one over again.
And he went Dora, so I think he didn't expect a second lurker on HUD.
And then from this moment on, Yuli was offering a smoke Dora, and I was like, bro, wait, he needs to be Dora.
Like, where can he be? Wait for me, wait for me.
And then he started, you see, the team playing with each other, and then he's working the kill for me, and then from that point on we're in.
We had many strategies that we created for this game, but overall it felt like they were not working.
felt like they were not working in the beginning of the match so we had to
change it up a little bit because their door defense was pretty good and many
things that we went to do there we did it wrong or it didn't work.
Janko just reminded me before we came on the stack segment you guys were both coaches.
So yeah we spent some time together we've seen some things.
After that he started the last dance with Imperials.
It tells you you know how much he despised Counter-Shift.
Okay I'll do one marketing tour and I'm done.
Fallen for you. I think the one thing that's really cool about walking out into Cologne,
right, when you do those workouts with the team, is you always get to walk past the trophy as well.
What kind of emotions should you feel when you're glancing at that walking past it?
It's amazing. I know our name is there twice and when we won those tournaments we're playing for
SK Gaming as well, which is basically here in the city, so it's always especially been Cologne.
I have much love for Ian and Alex, who were at SK at the past and gave us so much opportunities.
I hope they're watching right now. I'm proud of you guys. Thanks for all the help in the past
And it's an honor to be here and representing Milan one more time.
So yeah, it feels amazing to see the trophy up there and knowing that we can lift it again tomorrow.
It's amazing. It's a dream come true. Let's hope for the best tomorrow.
How are you feeling about Prospective? The best of five obviously depends on the opponent,
but do you think you're about to fall deep enough right now?
Yes, it's finally time to play on Lubis.
Oh yeah, baby. Now we're cooking.
We'd like to hear that one. Just one more question for me.
Every time I speak to you, we're talking about the retirement and you're saying,
Some days, I'm ready to do it right now.
Some days, I want to extend it for another year.
So, what's the take right now?
Right now, I'm feeling very good during the competition.
Of course, it really makes it much easier, of course.
And right now, honestly, before the match, coming into the match,
I'm not going to lie, a little bit nervous.
A lot of things, you know, it's impossible not to get it.
And when we're about to enter the stage,
so much different energy, so much different components
that goes through your blood during those moments that I kind of realized like
where I'm gonna get this phone later right it's gonna be possible this is
like one time one of all the life and opportunities right and it's just I'm
feeling good I'm feeling comfortable I like to play with those guys I feel like
we're in the right path and I just want to play the best yes we can tomorrow and
hope for the best just want to give you the opportunity to say anything to
through our fans in the arena at home as well first yeah for everyone here in
the arena it's amazing to play here you guys make it so fun thank you so much
for enjoying those games and plus for celebrating Contra Strike.
For the Brazilians that come up, thank you for having our back every time.
And in Portuguese,
Galera do Brasil,
Obrigado pela torcida sempre, satisfação representar vocês.
E amanhã temos a chance de fazer esfora mais novelhas juntos.
Espero vocês na torcida e vamos com tudo.
Deus abençoe.
Many people in here, big fans of that.
Thank you so much for your time, Paul.
And that's very a locked into that best of five grand final tomorrow,
which means it's time to check in with our DHL MVP.
Who will be the DHL MVP?
You decide. You can participate in the DHL MVB vote as it happens.
Make sure to be tuned into the Twitch stream and be ready to have your say.
Maria making that semi-final pretty fast indeed,
which means you guys have put your fingers on the polls very quickly.
Use those Twitch channel points, get voting.
You have three potential options to be choosing from,
and I wouldn't be a miss, Yanko, if you are already eager to choose.
Yeah, he's so incredible in the clutch and in these big games, he's so composed, he's so effective.
Really has been the difference maker a lot of times for Furia and he was such a big piece of the run towards the end of last year.
So him finding his form is great news for Furia fans.
Second option coming your way, no surprises here, it's Keisarato Jason, he looks like he's picking your attention.
Yeah, absolutely. He's he was excellent in this series and having been solid for so it's crazy to think that at one point during his career
We were like his peak performance is being wasted. He's not lifting enough trophies not getting enough opportunities
And it's also just incredible and impressive that he's been able to maintain that level and maintain that peak to now get to this point
Where that opportunity is now within his grasp and such a luxury for fallen for fury to be able to call a game
Where do you have so much talent that goes this deep because even if even if the other guys aren't there?
K-Sirado delivers today in a big way.
They deliver redemption up for Yikinda as well.
I mean, he talked about it up there on the stage with OJ.
He's never felt a team like this,
and that translates into frags and pure impact on the server to bring.
For sure, and also the first time he makes a major grand final,
that's got to be counting in, and I can only state again how important Yikinda is
for this lineup with all the spaces he's taken through,
like the opening that he's going for.
He's also been one of the most vocal class in the team,
so obviously he also has a lot to say when it comes to calling,
We can hear him time and time again that he's always bringing in a lot of energy
But also a lot of ideas to team and it's rightful
So also a guy that we need to be looking out for the general of the CT side as well
That's your point. Yeah, that absolutely locked down. It's so crazy
I mean obviously falling up here so story been so many majors obviously lifted multiple troopers there as well
But for all four of the remaining players, they've never made this leap before like it still blows my mind that case of Arlo
And you read this is their first time touching a major grand final stage
Yeah, I mean they've only started finding success in any sort of a tournament once fall enjoying right and that just shows you how
Much leadership is important when it comes to tier one connoisseur. Yeah, just when you came there as well
You have to remember he got removed from VP and they go on to win the real major, right?
Like just as he's left out of the team
He had that rough stint on liquid took a page yelling sort of lost himself for a while and just
completely rejuvenated in this fury a lineup like finding his sweet spot is
that secondary voice it's obvious how much impact he has for fury and now to
be in a major grand final I think is a testament to sort of his work ethic and
and the bounce back that he's achieved. Yeah actually I'm glad you mentioned I
am real because I was gonna bring that up to you like I know Kceroto and Yuri
have never been to a major grand final I don't want to minimize that in any way
but we have played in a major in an arena in Rio in that environment in your
home country with how loud that is they know what it feels like to be in a crazy
pressure arena. It's impossible for a Brazilian team to win in Brazil.
It's so hard. It's so hard.
One time it happens it's going to be crazy.
It's going to be mental.
There's so many distractions, there's so much pressure.
And that was the one maybe for Denver. They had the easiest pad for the city tour to happen.
But that's what they've come with, Asterix.
It's this time they are like a legit contender.
Yes, there's no easy opponent awaiting on the other side be that Falcons all spirit who'd be progressing through that second semi-final today
Unfortunately there for Aurora unable to win stand the pressure. So let's get a few closing thoughts. Let's see a measure
Measure unfortunately the end of the road here for Aurora. Where did it go wrong today?
A lot of things to be honest
We didn't show really anything to be honest. We we play very poorly and
I want to apologize to everyone here, our fans, our loved ones, because we didn't fight nothing.
This is what makes me very sad today, because it's not the face that we showed, and this is our demons.
Today the way we play is our demons, and today the demons beats the angel.
Sometimes it happens like that, regardless, historical result for all of you, right?
And I know it's really hard to take a step back now, I'm sure.
But do you think you will be able to internalize that a bit, that there were steps taken forward
here that were huge, but obviously in the face of this defeat, it probably doesn't mean
that much right now?
Yeah, I think as a 5-Turkish guy, as far as we can, like here in this major, we try our
best.
I'm sure a good construction sometimes a lot, but I really did give my best today.
It was not enough.
I want to thank Foli also.
They play really well today.
That's all.
That's the end of the story.
We will see for the future.
See for the future indeed.
We'll be looking forward to what the future brings for you.
Thank you.
Yeah, I hope you guys don't mind if we just go straight for the elephant in the room.
The room has happened circulating as they've been.
one case confirmed of this change coming for Aurora and I feel like kind of
really between the lines from matter in the interview kind of knows what's
coming next. Yeah they might not know who and when but they know it's happening
I think it's one of the reasons why they were able to make such a deep run and
listen and whatever happens if this is the last time we see them with a full
Turkish roster what a ride it has been I mean first you know fulfilling the
dreams of just having the Turkish players on this the best Turkish players on
the same team from the Space Soldiers times and making majors and getting some good wins
here and there to being a staple at Tier 1 tournaments, to being a consistent playoff
team, to now even making the semifinals of a major, I think they've definitely made
their country proud with the results that they've had.
Those are some insanely emotional pictures.
Yeah.
I've never seen them in a state like this.
Yeah, I agree with Yanko 100%.
And I think part of the devastation that we saw from Madra up on the stage during the
interview in Waukesek right here is, this now is just the story of the game.
of this Aurora team. This is an incredible run to the semifinals and the things they've done with
grabbing a team out of Turkey, but this has been the same issue they've had for what the past
two years is unable to build up enough trust to sustain a high level in these big pressure
stage matches. So when you come in here today, and I mean, honestly, I casted them a couple times
around stage three, they were playing excellent team Counter Strike, and here we were commenting in
the green room watching all those bonds of teamwork and cohesion just fell apart and stripped away
during that game, during Nuke we're watching them make individual plays and I think when
you go out in this fashion as major you're just like this is what we've been working
on for two years is to get over this problem and now that problem is just the identity
of what this roster has been for two years.
It's just like it's also heartbreaking seeing you know they've spent the last two weeks
in this bubble believing in themselves and they also found themselves in a bracket looking
at them thinking there's a possibility like we can actually maybe do this going all the
way and this is the furthest the Turkish team has ever done it right so it's also just
like the kind of reality check that they just get here right. One thing is that they fall
back in this old slumber of not really finding themselves on stage but at the same time it's
also now that this is probably the final end of the road for this team and you know maybe they
don't even know who's getting caught right so it's also the fact that they've lifted a little bit
of a fairytale for the last two weeks and now you know they hit reality right. That's where I want to
pose the question if you don't mind Janko like what are you doing with this Aurora roster moving
We obviously don't know what's on the cards in terms of the players, but where would you be placing your tokens if you were a role?
I think for me it's difficult, you know, when you know that you're changing the coach for sure
You wonder if the coach wants his own IGL, right?
Like does he have his eyes set on someone who want that full change in leadership?
Or do you maybe want to give an opportunity to major and I mean I hate to say it
But I think you need to look at the entire is because some of these sort of emotional outbursts and some of these
moments where he's taking matters into his own hands in rounds like unfortunately
like these times have passed where you can be getting away with that just because
you are a very skilled player like you need to be a good teammate you need to
be a part of a unit and I think the best Turkish player isn't Zantara's anymore
it's Vikadia and I think with a core of him Woxic and Soulfly you know keeping
that VRS core I think you have a decent building block there that you can work
No, I just feel like also the fact that you need to be bold once you go in to make changes like that, you know, you need to dare and actually go and make that change that people will be thinking, oh, I did not see that one coming, just, you know, Santeres has been such a pillar for this team for ages, right?
as a new coach coming in you also got to be looking at if this guy is the problem
then you also got to get rid of it or he's not like you know not putting in
the effort that you want to be seeing out of him because he has dropped off
compared to what we've seen so it's it's all about unique curves as a new coach
coming in changing such a pillow for a team and it's also I mean I think you
look at it too if you're a coach coming in the number one problem you get a
get over is whatever mentality gets brought into these games right and
whether whether is that mentality shift and break down caused by Zontara's
tilting is that is that caused by someone not agreeing with how things are
being played with someone who can't get on the same page as a teammate because they just
have a disagreement, a different philosophy, and that's the thing you're going to have
to root out.
So, yeah, if that's on Taras, then yeah, that needs to get removed because the mentality
has been the biggest block for them, not talent, not skill.
It's been mentality time and time again.
It's such a good point.
Unfortunately, the end of the line.
Once more for Aurora here at the Intellect Street Masters.
Cologne Major 2026, that is very up-progressing to that best of five Grand Final, but we
have to find out who is going to be their opponent tonight.
sneak his suspicion but this one might be a bit more of a competitive affair.
It's spirit versus falcons after this break.
You're baiting every round, talking about my head.
I had so many trades trading anything.
You're my only one.
I was right.
Carry two.
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.
24 teams, game to crack off.
The only seats remain.
Switch to the Acoustics!
What's up, Magics?
How are we doing, fella?
Hello.
How are you feeling today?
Thank you.
You kicked you already and played you. How do you feel? Thank you.
Any questions?
Yeah, actually, yes. So let's talk a little bit about the crazy comeback from A4 yesterday on Mirage.
25-22 in your series, ins and ot. You were a big part of that. Cool stuff on Mirage.
Tell me a little bit about that game with Team Spirit.
Oh, this one was kind of hard. I don't know why.
I thought that 9Z series was the hardest I've played, but there's always something harder in the future, like G2 match.
And overall, we have shown the poor city side, but on the T side we kind of caught the momentum.
And when we made the game towards the score like 8-8, we were playing just fine.
fine, you know, and in over times like I think I feel like it went down to the
you know the experience or whatever because you know game is getting exhausting
for both teams and it depends on who is capable of like you know keep their
cool. That's an emotional rollercoaster ups and downs when you get into overtime
it gets scrappy. With Spirit finding success yesterday with with having all
all the things that you guys needed to push past G2.
Will you look ahead at your game today versus the Falcons?
Are you expecting the same roller coaster?
Oh, I think I want to want 25-22 game again,
but we have to give our best to save Counter-Strike.
Anything you wanna say to the fans, Boris?
Thank you.
Thank you.
We'll let the others pass.
Okay, we're going to welcome back to the Langsess.
She was very happy to see you yesterday, right?
How was everything?
I was fantastic to be back in the Langsess Arena.
I can't remember.
I think 23 or 24 last time was in the playoffs.
So it was a nice feeling yesterday.
Yes, I can imagine so.
So I wanted to ask you about some of the strats, the anti-stradding more particularly, right?
It seemed like so much prep went into that, can you tell me a little bit about that specifically
because you really seemed like you had Vitality's number?
I mean, it's always a balance of how much you want to strad, I think Vitality is really
good at what they do, right?
And even though we had advantages, they came back in the end on those two with Winni3 and
5, so of course there was some preparation, we had a few days and we were well prepared
for the maps that came along and they helped you free.
So yeah, think it was a very fun game to play.
It was amazingly fun to watch as well, but obviously my follow-up is going to be, you
were here for a long time, you had to wait for Spirit G2 to finish, you guys took a while
as well, so how did that impact your preparation for today?
I think it was very late when I got back to the hotel, obviously prepping a little bit
before going to bed, I liked to prep the day before, but had to do some prep extra this
morning but also making sure that we not overprep and just keep considering our streak energy
level is very important when you're that deep in the major as well so yeah I hope we can just
I think we found a good balance that's right that's what I want to say. Speaking of a good balance
people have tried and failed to make big personalities all in one team work but you seem
to have cracked the code at least for now with Falcons with that match yesterday what do you think
it is about your leadership specifically that makes that work because it isn't the first time,
right? You did it in phase as well. I think it's a question you have to ask the players. I think
I'm very vocal, but also give freedom, right? So it is always a constant, every day I wake up,
every day I have a fish wrap, it's a constant battle in the balance, right? I need to be in
control, but I also need to give control to the players. So when the game is going good, a lot of
people want to do some stuff, a lot of freedom is given, but that's also where the games can get
if we are now not playing together and of each other.
So every day we start a game, first round I will always see how the team is.
That's also why I'm saying I need to learn the team, I need to learn their flaws and also their strengths.
And by every game I play I learn more about myself, how I need to lead this team
because I cannot just only be myself, I need to adapt constantly to the team
and they have to adapt to me and so far so good in this tournament.
It's looking good but now Spirit is waiting, you have unfinished business with them from Astana
but also from a certain major final, right?
So how are you approaching that one today?
I'm not so thinking so much about that.
I think we knew Astana final would be tough
the way Spray played in Astana was great.
We had a close map against them on this too.
It was a very fun game, the first map of the final.
So I think we are more prepared now, right?
We're a team that will learn from every game we play,
every win and also every loss we have.
And let's see if we learn from something.
but after yesterday and how normally my major runs are,
it's always gonna be interesting.
And one way or another,
we'll figure out which way it's going today,
but I think we're in for a really good game.
At least that's what I hope for the viewers,
because the Dota Simifinal didn't deliver
as we all expected.
Yes, well, it was very entertaining yesterday,
and we're hoping that bullshit is back on the menu.
Thank you, good luck.
In Steam, we used QR code in 2026.
Yes, you guys will not actually see my account name.
Someone's to hack me actually one time, I got hacked.
You got hacked?
Hello everyone, you asked for Ilya,
Monessy, also people settings, and he's here with me.
Hello, Monessy.
Hello, my man.
Nice to meet you, nice to meet you.
We are going to be doing your setup completely,
talking about peripherals, all the settings,
all the in-game settings that you have.
Tell us what you have prepared for us.
Let's go.
Mouse pad.
Very easy.
It's yes, just mouse but nothing special for the eSports player. You need keyboard
Perfect. Perfect. It's a mouse as well. We need to play him. I think I think when I see this mouse on the internet
I see your face next to it all the time. Is that true? Yes, it's true. It's true. It's actually very good mouse
I I like Logitech overall since I started playing in Ivy
I I've been using Logitech because they had like this G pro G Pro X series. Yeah, yes
I use it every time I will plug your cables. Thank you so much
I see that you're using the older version of the Logitech, not the SuperStrike, any reason?
Just preference, just preference for now. Maybe I will start using later SuperStrike.
I used it at the beginning of the year, but I decided to switch because I was used to this mouse before,
because I've been playing for a long time. Also wired keyboard, I use cable for some reason, I don't know.
Just feel more comfortable.
About your seating, by the way, before we dive into the settings.
So, the way I sit, I always pull the chair down, all the way down, and this armrest, I don't really care about it too much.
The only thing I don't like is when, for example, in some tournaments, the armrests, they hit the table, and I cannot control the height of the table.
So, if this is the case, I remove them, but if they don't really bother me, I just leave them...
And about the height of the table, do you have any preference there?
reference there? No, I usually just have the way I set it up. I put the monitor always
between 7 and 6. So it's between 7 and 6. I put it a bit in front and after I understand
by the feeling how high, yeah. You're putting it between, what do you say, 6 and 7 and 6?
Seven and six tell me how you sit comfortably so I can measure it kind of for our viewers
Okay, where your head and eye level is coin in in the monitor level as well. Yeah, I just do it by the feeling
I like when
How to say it my legs are like kind of touch the touch the ground, you know
But I see just very comfortably and I understand when I put the monitors between seven and six
I need I understand how they will should be set set up for me
After that I put the mouse but more to the right of the monitor
so I leave like a little bit of gap here, the mousepad is on the edge of the table,
I move my keyboard a little bit more to the left, I turn it slightly to the right, that's how I just
always was playing. I remember when I was a very small kid I was playing like this, you know,
but after I started turning it because I started playing on some LANs, you know.
Yes, you need space. I don't know, yes, I need some space. I don't actually care too much about
I have G333 Logitech with the Logitech sound card.
I don't know, I have this in years like 4 years almost since I joined G2.
Usually when I go on the PC, when I start setting up,
I go on Nvidia control panel immediately.
Usually I play 600Hz if there is an opportunity on the online,
because at home I have 600Hz.
I also play 600Hz.
Here I changed to full screen GPU and I marked the overrider scaling mode set by games and programs.
It's an adjust desktop size and position. I always do it by default.
So I use the GPU scaling, not the display one.
After I go to manage 3D settings and I put everything by default, I restore defaults.
I don't like to set up anything here. I just do it by default, basically.
I know that at some point you were putting maximum performance, right?
Yes.
You're no longer doing that, so that's new, I think, for your setup?
Yeah, I don't put anything in power management mode, I don't put anything in quality, here there is high performance.
I just leave everything by default, and I don't really care, because nowadays you have very good PCs online,
and I don't see the reason to put everything on performance.
Color settings here also restore by default, everything here is default, besides the decks upside down position.
Okay.
After, also I always put, usually it's by default online, in graphic settings I put the hardware
accelerated GPUs to show the ring on, I just remember someone told me it gives you more like,
it just improves something in the game, yeah like, not HPS but smoothness in the game.
Could it be maybe like a latency thing or something like that?
Latency thing, yeah, but usually before it was off on tournaments, now it's on, so people may be
understood. I'm pretty sure if you're wrong, someone will tell us in the comments.
Yes, yes, yes. But yeah, it was just an advice from people.
After the most important thing, we have to connect in Steam. We use QR code in 2026,
so we don't have to write any account name and password. So you guys will not actually see my
account name. Someone's to hack me actually. One time I got hacked.
You got hacked? Yeah. Someone stole your skins as well?
No, actually nobody, because Valve added the 7-day rule, you know, that you can...
Oh, protection?
Yeah, protection.
Thank you, Valve.
They knew someone will hack me.
I go always in properties, I disable the controller, the Xbox controller to the station.
I don't know why I do this, but it was just... I don't know why I do this to Dennis.
And I just connect to... I just go in CS.
Go in CS?
Yes.
Actually, there is a trick.
If your CS is updating here or validating, you can always go here, right-click, Steam,
press Counter-Strike because you can't launch here, but you can launch here.
Just a trick for you guys, if nobody knew before.
So, my settings are...
Boost player Conscious is enabled.
It's disabled, but I was thinking to put it enabled plus boost.
I played enabled plus boost at home and in this tournament.
I prefer to have it disabled.
Okay, that's interesting because I think if you have a really good PC,
it should be enabled plus boost.
That's what I at least saw people do.
Yes, but to be honest, I prefer disabled.
Okay, that's fine.
So yeah, FPS maxed in the game 9.99.
I got told to not put 0 because the FPS should be locked.
Just got also an advice from people who know how PC works most likely.
That's enough.
Okay.
And it's also 9.99.
8x I have and I never change anything here.
Besides, I was thinking to change to 16x, anisotropic.
I got told that it's also not removing the...
It's not affecting the FPS in the game, but it gives better quality of the things, like of the tech texture, you know?
Maybe more grenade lineups as well, it gives you?
Yes, maybe. But I was thinking at some point to change it, but I never came to this point.
Okay.
So, Billignard, low, low, disabled and quality. So, these are my settings.
I have them since 2024, after the first season, I changed to this and I never changed.
So if you want to change some things in your conflict, for example, sensitivity or video settings, do you do that mid-tournament or you wait for the off-season so you can have some way to adapt to it?
Yeah, I prefer to change it before the tournament so I can have some room to test it, some days to test it or to play with it and maybe to get used to it.
But if you change these kind of settings, I don't think it gives you some insane boost.
For example, boost player contrast gives you, you can see, like, maybe motors far away, better, you know?
But, like, I don't know, changing these kind of settings will not give you any boost or anything like...
It will not give you big difference, you know?
Yes.
But, for example, changing video, like, to, I don't know, to 16x9 from 4x3, you need some time to get comfortable, get used to it.
So, about the resolution, what do you...
About the resolution, actually, there is also one more trick.
Yeah, if you come to LAN usually you always have 16x9 immediately full screen windowed and first never change resolution first always change
Advanced video so you can change it faster if you change from 8x to 4 it changing immediately you see
But if you're gonna change resolution to 4x3, I use this one
It will out up your game, you know, you have to wait longer and longer
So if you want to change videos advanced video, you can just change it
With full screen windowed so you can change it way faster
Now it's bugs out.
After I got to the game, I put Radar, Radar is zooming dynamically, yes.
So, in the game, if my teammate is on the other side of the map,
my Radar will zoom accordingly to how my teammate is moving,
because he is far away and I have to see him.
And I think it's very cool also for IGLs, you know, for everyone.
But it helps me a lot in the game.
You have a whole review of the whole map, basically.
Yes, yes, basically. One more thing.
Damage prediction is all on. No, I don't use damage prediction. I don't know how it works on land, but at all, I don't like it.
After accuracy for sniper show in accuracy, I play 0. I don't use it. I use it in Rio. I played with it on land. It was nice after Salaamu Alaykum.
Rarity color 1. I like when my skins are on different colors on the right side. Seattle thing, hood. Yeah, everything is fine.
fine. 2.3 sensitivity? Yes. What's the DPI? We didn't talk about that at all. So I have 2.3
sensitivity. Zoom sensitivity ratio is 1, DPI is 400 and I use 2000 hertz. 2000 hertz, pulling rate.
Okay. Maybe some primary binds I have. Maybe for grenades maybe? So let's say for grenades because
Because here it's bugged, I have binds, so flashbang is F, HET, smoke C, decoy uses snade,
mode of X, graffiti menu H, actually very important as well.
It's important to put the graffiti after the clutch.
Yes.
Switch with model left and right hand is nice sometimes, I use N, don't use it too much,
and the second player being its mouse 3, that's it, and I talk in the game on mouse 4.
Do you have perhaps radar bind that you zoom in and zoom out the radar in the smoke?
A lot of players have it, because they then know when they're stuck in some player and they can shoot, free kill, you're a nerdy guy, so I assume that you will have it.
No, no, no. If I would play in 2018 or 2019 where Astralis I think was using this rather hack when you were taking the fate in the smoke and you could see red dots, I don't know who was doing it first, but I was also using it in one place.
but I would use it, but now it's for me, I don't like it.
Monitor settings, monitor settings, I go menu, I use Gamer 1, color black equalizer 12,
color vibrance I have 10 or 12, sometimes I change it, if I want more colorful monitor.
So I use 10 by default, low blight 0, gamma gamma 2, color temperature I have normal,
I use premium, brightness 100, contrast I use 50 or 60, but I prefer 50, sharpness 10 and AMI have high.
Perfect.
These are my settings, I have them since 2000, I don't know, 22, 23.
I don't like to change monitor settings, I like to have the same colors and these colors are...
I'm good used to them but
What I changed for example in 2024 I started playing with Diak
Before I was playing with I was playing off and that's it. Okay. Do you have you ever tried OLED monitors?
I think yes. Did you like it? I I like them as well. Yes
Usually usually when I play the game I take off the jacket because I don't like the sleeve you know
You don't use any sleeve, of course, but someone on your team does, right?
Yeah, I think Viko.
Viko, right, yeah.
Maybe Fiend as well.
I don't think he's using it.
So now you're in the deadmatch, is this purely for warm-up?
Sometimes you go into the deadmatch to actually practice something specific?
Or are you just feeling the game?
Are you just running around?
I'm just feeling the game to balance.
I don't really have anything like...
I don't know, instant routine or anything.
I usually play face or aimbots, that much I don't really play a lot, you know.
But if I come to that much, I just try to practice my cross replacement.
The most important is just to feel the keyboard as well, the way you press stress when you take fights.
Do you use any mousekates?
Mousekates.
Or are you just doing default ones?
Yeah, I have default ones. I don't like to change this kind of things.
things. People use different mouse skates because for example the normal maybe the normal skates for
the mouse maybe very slow for you and you want to maybe faster skates and people like use custom ones
but I prefer to use default ones and just change like the mouse maybe like maybe five months or
six months. Did you copy someone with the mouse grip? This is getting very technical but this is
just how you always used to play? Yes, I never changed my grip. Let's go spectators.
I don't have any specific grip. I never used different grips in my life. When I took the
mouse first in my hand, I just felt it was the most comfortable one. And to be honest,
I cannot lie, I don't remember even the past like 10 years ago, or like five years ago,
I used the grip like this. Okay, maybe not five years ago. Five years ago I remember because
because I was not, so I remember that I use always like this, but like eight years ago, you know, I don't remember
maybe I used like this or I don't like this, but for me it's always like palm grip
I just take the mouse the most comfortable way and I don't have to copy anyone
how people are using, for example, I know that for example, Donk is using like this, yeah
Like a claw grip?
Like a cloak, yes, it gives you like maybe more, I don't know, you can aim, aim
how to say it, like by the pixels very...
Yeah, micro-adjustments are maybe easier.
Yes, exactly.
But for me, it's not comfortable, you know?
And I don't want to copy players just because they use like this.
And it's comfortable for you.
Don't change because someone is doing different, you know?
The most important, how you feel in the game with these settings, kind of.
Words of wisdom to end this.
Thank you for guiding us through your setup.
I think it was really insightful.
A lot of valuable knowledge that you shared with us.
and I will, I wish you good luck in the tournament.
Thank you, thank you so much, guys.
Kurt's got his head in his scythe, they come to the gap,
chip damage, get away, the clock is on their side now.
Zyrus clawing back in, can he get it again,
can he save them again, it's just side arms
with the most of them, you're damaged and on the falls,
kick some of your guard, nothing enough.
They're on the diffuse, he can't stop me,
can't get them off it in the smoke.
Ah!
Oh my goodness!
I can't let you down, I can't let you down! Let's go boys!
I think people would always focus on the fails in a way and especially in the moments like this in the grand final.
Miss shots, I don't think I'm the only one that is missing a deal shot but I think when it comes to me missing a deal shot
people just make it a bigger deal out of it. It just caught me off guard because he just kept running and they even knew about me that I was in the windows as well.
This is what I always said, as long as people talk about you all the time, it means that
you matter to the game, you matter to the community, so for me, I kind of got used to
it, you know, and it was a frustrating moment for sure, but I still believe that even when
I'm in after that round as well, it's just annoying to lose these kinds of rounds in
such a crucial moment.
It's one of the things that you just try and keep face on the next round, the next round,
and so many moments where you think it's lost,
and then all of a sudden, like, say, the clutch happens,
or we make a team retake or something,
it's really tough mentally to keep concentrated
and focus on the next round.
That's when mistakes happen,
and the messy counter strike happens,
and that's why CS is a beautiful game,
because even when Falcons probably should have definitely
won this round, it's sometimes luck is on your side,
and sometimes things happen, and the stars align,
and that's what happened here.
We feel like we're getting into their heads,
We feel like we're getting on top of them and I think that's the most rewarding thing
and the nice thing about it because you kind of feel like you're breaking down the opponent
as well.
No one outside. Good with that. You should be on Vaman.
Nice in our left. I don't know if you have Vence by us.
Oh, Niko's here.
No one outside, no one outside, no one!
No one outside, no no no no no no!
Niko down! Are they really doing six consecutive 2oC?
Looking good! Robbs! On the wrap!
Hold on, falls down into the fight! Magnus should have him!
Takes another with him! Bounce to a crest but the damage is done!
Robson's impact reverberates on ramp triple kill. Just magic now, but all of that
six opportunities to win one round squandered and survived by vitality.
No!
If you want to go down as one of the all-time greats, these are the types of games that you have to win.
Keep going!
Let's go!
Tessus is about to play in a major semi-final with Falcons, so first off I gotta ask, how are you doing?
Because I know that you didn't have a lot of downtime between yesterday and this match.
I've spent a rough night's sleep, really. Your body is full of adrenaline and caffeine in the body,
so it was tough to fall asleep, but I'm all good and I think everyone is feeling the same.
If you don't have energy for a mid-summer final, something is wrong, so I'm excited.
Absolutely. I asked your IGL a question, he said to ask one of the players, so this is what I'm doing now.
I asked him, why is his leadership so instrumental in bringing all these different personalities together,
because you all have a lot to say, you all have a lot to do, so what is it that makes his leadership so good
and helps you cross the finish line yesterday?
He makes everyone put the team first, the team above everything.
everything. If we have a bad game individual, any of these superstars, we have to be able
to look past it and just help the team as much as they can. And I think this is what
is kind of lifting our bottom level right now. Every game we play, our playing, is really
close and he's there mentally strong and making us feel like that. And he's pulling us over
these lines every single time. So everyone just has a lot of belief in him.
Yeah, it seems like a lot of the, you know, almost famous rounds that Falcon sometimes
wasn't able to close out. Is he a key factor in switching that narrative?
I don't know, it's not like he's directly affecting it, but I think it's just more of the overall mentality and team feeling we have.
It's completely different and it's just a joy to play right now.
And it's a joy to see you play as well. Oh my god, the numbers you've been putting up, I know we're always talking about the Superstars,
but for me you're very much a star in your own right. Tell me a little bit about how much you found your place here.
here? I'm really happy. Karrion came into the team and put direct lines on how he wants to use me.
I have a very good understanding of what he wants and how to utilize myself now in this roster and
in this system. So it's very helpful to me and I think I have developed a lot in this team and
I'm just trying to make myself the best for this team possible and right now it's going pretty well
I would say but I have to keep it up. Everybody's noticing what I also noticed a little bit. We have
little nickname for you stresses because on some of the camps yesterday when
something wasn't going your way I saw a lot more out of you than usual in terms
of tilt but then you always brought it back pretty quickly so do we have to be
worried? Actually I think you're right I have been more stressed that usually no
I don't know I somehow just care more and I feel more and I'm just living
myself enjoy the game more and being in the game so maybe I'll be seen like I
I seem frustrated one round, but it's just because I'm so much in the moment and I'm so much in the game and
When the round starts right after I'm back in it, you know, so it's just because it means a lot
You say you care more in comparison to what? I don't know
I just I just realized how important all of this is to me and how much I want it
So I think that's probably it
It's been lovely to see you play the best of luck today
today. The Intel Extreme Masters Colonial Major 2026 is brought to you by ESL and partnership
with Intel.
Acer Predator.
DHL.
Jax.
And Zoe.
Our first Grand Finalists already locked in now it is time to unearth their opponents.
And after an absolutely absurd quarterfinal yesterday, Spirit return in the pursuit of
defending their chalice. Not a major when they earned it this time last year, and that
only brings the pressure up a gear, particularly when your next opponent just slayed a demon
of their own. Falcons now the only team able to take down this vitality four times in a
row, but this was the one that means the most. Kyosuke delivered on the big stage, and Karagin's
cooling made all the difference. Their crusade continues into the semis.
It's Falcons vs Spira and it's our last semi-final here at the Intel Extreme Masters
Cologne 20-26 Major. My name is Ferres Piers, we've still got Yanko and Dupri to bring you
the action, but we've stolen Stiko back from the sidelines for what I think is going to
be the banger of today. How excited are you to get into this one?
Absolutely excited. What we've seen yesterday were two matches of greatest counter strike
we have ever witnessed and it begs to have that again with this kind of a matchup. Falcons against spirit,
holy hell, what is going to happen?
Siko, you were suspecting spirit versus G2 was going to be the most one-sided effect all the quarterfinals, how are you feeling today?
Wow. Thank you for putting me on the line like that. Yes, I did predict that. It was very far from being so predictable.
It was the closest match we have probably ever seen in the quarterfinal like that, but
But I'm going to be giving it to Spirit right now as well, that whatever they pulled over there, I think they actually can go pretty far into the final.
I think looking at the results yesterday on all the maps overpass does feel one side and the other one side.
Yeah, that's crazy. What was that? Every other map was 13 to 11 in a second series of the day as well.
Let's dive right on into it. Let's get some examples from that Mirage and Code, because a couple of opportunities, a hell of a lot of opportunities,
so both teams should be closing it out. What did you want to pick out?
I think yesterday it was squashed like the doubts about Magnus can this whole coach conversation 12 9 down
They took they take a timeout right and this is what they have cooked up nothing cheesy nothing gimmicky
It's a default opening to guys going underpass on takes outside a two guys top man
You can see the buy it isn't ideal the utility it isn't ideal
So the second wave of smokes comes in right they want to get to near up window
Don't is even going to die here to Matt
So now you've lost your best player in a 4v5, but the round works so well, because the Nier activates, gets the kill on Nerds.
Son takes incredible patience and a crucial kill here on Heavy God, right, Nier gets one more, now they're in a 3v2 and he's able to get two more kills.
So this is what keeps them alive in the game, really, initially, and I think you were wondering if it gets closed, they'll lose team.
Ah, they'll run out of ideas, but actually we saw the complete opposite from Spirit.
But that really feels like that's been the story for Spirited.
Every time we think that now, that's it, you're out, then they find their way back and this was a great example that they just keep fighting.
It's interesting to see how they keep doing it, but I think Magic has to get a lot of credit for what he's doing,
specifically when they turn that attention to overtime throughout this game.
That's where he really thrived and had some really good goals and that's the beauty of it.
Yeah, and I think now it's 17 overtime.
Well, surely he'll run out of ideas now.
But no, he won't. And also on the other side of that coin, the composure of the entirety of the team.
Because it's not just the calls, right?
So we go into what? Round 46.
Same sort of default opening. Players going underpass, right? What's different is there's an extra guy towards A,
Shiro in apps, Zontik's in ramp, G2 is reacting, playing close ramp. They want to get some space.
They want to be more aggressive. So Zontik throws this weak fake, right? Just to create some space for again,
to near getting into the window room right so the goal is the same they go
about it a different way don't smoke jungle applies more pressure just so
to near can activate but he won't find anything this time around is killed by
nerds magic straight but now look at the composure from spirit from this point on
shiro aware there might be playing close Molly comes in dogs waits to see if
anyone's there zontics who went all around the world back through mid gets
hunter is this the Joker player there and shiro has a freebie on some pious and
That looks so easy, so clean, but the level of focus you need in what was a five and a half hour series, you know, the communication needs to be crisp, there can't be any panic, and if we saw anything yesterday, that's that spirit will not break.
what an immaculate call there and in the first day that you were brought
bringing up magic had six kills and the second one when he had like thirty
kills so it's it's the way he stepped up massively with calling
in the
in the overtime as well as fracking
in that department
that's not easy to do that, right? Yeah, that was a long time ago. I can't remember it.
Should we recap it actually before we jump into it? Let's revisit it.
The bomb plant is going to be left in a clutch. One deep fall for the captain.
More like a try and slow this down. But magics know is that might not make the difference.
Go in the heart, go in the heart, he's a hero, he's a hero, he's a hero, he's a hero, he's a hero, he's a hero, he's a hero!
Boris doesn't bother! Boris doesn't bother!
That reaction would never felt absolutely amazing just as much as him pulling off that play.
If you're gonna get Donk reacted to a play like that, like, you're a god, you're a god at this point.
This is the life of IGL. You have an insane clutch like that in a major quarterfinal to keep your team in it,
and you can't even celebrate properly like you have to think about
we have to call the next round in the timeout just to sort of get your composure back
from the g2 perspective as well because this is a this is a weird one to break down nyanko like
i mean completely misplayed by by g2 in the situation i can't say completely the first low hp guy is
going to swing right and then it's just it's always a combination of a little bit of luck and just
magics like being incredibly solid you know the third player that dies had the best chance but
It's Hunter on low HP so he just gets clipped immediately and it all falls apart for G2
This is such a good position because I don't know if you notice but magic's good
I should actually think in that whole sequence, but because he chose chose that position the it looks like it's just a thin wall and
Yeah, damage is just so hard to deal through those like kind of furniture in the kitchen
I don't know how to really call it, but I just watched this and I had goosebumps once again
Wow, what a play graffiti worthy 100% graffiti worthy
And I also think that the way that he just decides to play, you know, he also had a Molly in that give-a-run, you know
He could have like try to jump back into halls and just play from there
You know, but the fact that he's in a one before he knows that as soon as he kills the first guy
I think he's gonna give up his exposure and I think also maybe the teammates call some of them a low like you know
Just going all in for it
I you know if he doesn't want to give up his utility and his position because if he does so then he's just gonna be
Granted out and I think he played it out in a in a fashionable way
That's just bulls is still to do that
That is a bullsy play. I've seen plenty of different designs of graffiti on Twitter as well.
So please, please, if you listen, just give us just give us one more.
But just turning to the resilience of spirit in that one as well.
You'd be amiss to imagine that, okay, no coach behind them to take those pauses,
to calm them down in those moments.
I think that's what makes this extra impressive a spirit to achieve.
Absolutely, right? That was the big question we're going into.
Oh, if they lose a couple of clutches, if the game gets really close,
they're going to tilt, like they're going to fall apart.
or how are they supposed to keep coming up with stuff on T side, all on their own,
and they play 4-5 over times, but they've just proven everyone wrong,
who thought that was going to be an issue going into the series,
and it was really a team effort, and then they shut people up.
I do think, by the way, that this is kind of like a perfect storm for Team Spirit,
because we noticed that they're like no emotions, dead insights,
all things is never going to smile, Magix as well is going to give you a rough time in the interviews,
And this kind of shows that yes, they are stoic and they're kind of like this with this approach
But when the really intense moments happen in overtime in these long rounds and these long matches
That's where it doesn't kind of affect them that much. So it's kind of like a double-edged sword there
Yeah, but the till of course is always effective, right? And obviously they I think they've had the composure throughout the most games
And they had some really close ones and I think the game yesterday will just give them even more resilience, right?
Even the 9C gave it their all, it was in state 3, it's a team that's also learning to work without that coach, it's not going to be something for the future, they will not bring that coach, but they work with what they have.
Just for once, because of the time limitations, I just want to skip over Donk for this section, he's in own quantity, he's been looking like an absolute phenom.
I guess the other side of the coin is Shiro, what he's been delivering on these playoff stages.
Eric, he's their second star, a guy who's been super reliable, great in the clutch,
but once it comes to the majors, there's a big drop-off in his performance from groups going into playoffs.
Under the pressure, it just hasn't been the best.
Even yesterday, in that G2 game, he had an average series.
Obviously, he had his moments in the amount of rounds, and it's not even like,
ah, he struggles in playoffs because that's where the best teams are.
No, this is just against top five teams,
What you can see in group stage games against those teams, he's unbelievable, he has a 1.4 rating, right?
And then in playoffs, he becomes pretty average. So yes, yesterday, you know, it was a crazy series, and Don Condas, too, had some wild moments,
but Shiro will be much needed today if they're going to beat Falcons.
It's going to require the entire team. Like, one thing is, sure, not showing up, but also things in Nia is a guy that we need to bring up,
bring up because he looked very stressed yesterday when he played like a lot of
the times when he was forced he would go for like just swinging out tools he got
flaccid a couple of times by his own teammates he just looked like he was not
really in his zone right and I know that you know there's a lot on stake when you
play on the stage and then it's a big match right but they can't afford to you
know let don't down this regard because if don't doesn't show up they don't think
it's gonna be very hard time for for spirit in this one. So hilarious seeing in when
and Dastu went to OT, Doc just started playing pit in the first round.
That's what I mean. Listen, bro, just go pee.
You know, I got this, right?
So it just tells you that that's a lot of pressure to have to do it.
But hey, that's what majors are all about.
I mean, totally speaking of the pressure side of things,
obviously the head to heads between Falcons and Spirit,
we're always talking about that kind of dog versus Shiro Juro versus that.
Amika, minusing how they always had the edge.
But there is a bit of a record to read into in terms of the games that quote-on-quote
matter in this one, right?
Yes, it does, but I don't think this matters all too much, right?
Because Kerrigan, as we see, has changed completely the complexity of this falcon state.
They just don't lose in the way they do, and they don't win in the ways they do either.
And Astana won is obviously with Kerrigan in the lineup, and that was a 3-0 win from
Spirit, and it was the first event that Falcons have had with Kerrigan.
It's not like they had a ton more time since to just practice, but they definitely had a lot more official games, you know, they're more on the same page.
So I think at the very least you can expect Falcons to put up a better fight against Pirate.
And putting up a fight is exactly what Falcons has been doing. I mean, out of six maps that they lost this major so far, five of them went into 23 rounds or more.
It's always incredibly close, and that is something that Falcons, you know, were struggling before as well.
Sometimes they receive those blowout losses, but with Kerrigan as much as he's integrated over time and over time it's being really, really, really close, and every map that they lose feels very much winnable.
So you really read into Kerrigan being enough of a difference maker, even though it's time and time again happened when it's been a match that means something between these two teams, you think he is the difference maker here?
I think he is, because it's also conveniently, we start looking at it from the Budapest Major and the quarterfinal that they lost.
I mean, Falcons have beat Spirit many times before that game.
And I think also if you look at the raw stats, like you see, oh, it doesn't look that great.
But if you look at the best teams in the world that Falcons have played,
they won all their games except for the Spirit one.
They've beaten Furia, they've beaten Navi, they've beaten Vitality.
Like if you used that filter here, I'm sure you would get different numbers.
They played to the level of their opponent.
Like they will struggle against some of these mid-tier teams, right?
Like it's not as clean in those games,
They will play their best Counter-Strike against the best team.
Maybe we should take a look at an example of how Karrigan kind of likes to call with Valkyrie, picked out some in for us.
I just wanted to quickly showcase what Karrigan just brings to the table.
Prior to this round, they were just stomped in mid by a forced buy.
Then, directly after, just aside in the beginning round, go for this mid-pop.
He just doesn't stop once he gets going. He knows when he has the opening, so he has his base.
So that's what he's going to be bringing into the team.
And that is the thing with Kerrigan when he's the guy calling.
It is a lot about, you know, playing in the minds of your opponents, it's about creating
opportunities in his head.
You know, his playbook is solely his head.
He doesn't have to share with his players all the time.
He just creates rounds out of thin air.
And that is what makes Kerrigan, in my books, the prepping fit for Feltons.
Was it like that back in the day when you played with him on TSM?
Yeah, I mean, like the first time we picked him up, you know, we didn't even put too much
evidence to start creating taxes, because he was just like, guys, we're just going to
default then.
Now, you tell me what you see, what can I actually work with?
And then he creates a mid-round call and he's just so good at that, you know, and that's
also why I think the results so far for Plagas has been looking like this, because he is
a guy that just works a lot within the chaos, right?
He doesn't have to have a playbook that everyone's coordinated into.
He just needs to go in there and make his players believe in the way that he calls makes
them play better.
And that is exactly what he's doing.
And that's just, that's why the fit is so good, because when you go back and look at
Kixson, he's been raised by Saul, you know, the his system, that everything has to be
put into place and everything.
And I think that's also what Sonic has always been relying on.
I think it's very refreshing to see that Kerrigan comes in, and he knows how Niko wants to work.
He's played with him multiple times, right?
But the fact that he can go in and tell all the players that,
guys, this is how I want you to play, this is my system, this is how I want you guys to work with,
I think it's working wonders.
I think it's pretty cool that we get fallen in the first game and Kerrigan in the second,
because both of these guys at times were getting seriously doubted about being washed as in-game leaders,
not being updated with the meta, not knowing how to call.
Maybe they just needed good pieces around them,
Because you see what Karagun is able to do once someone like Kiyosuke steps up finally.
And Karagun is a big reason for that because he has been his sort of, you know,
decoy in a way for Kiyosuke to find space.
But I think also he's freed him up in the sense of,
he's not scared anymore about making mistakes, about whatever.
Like it's still not going to be the cleanest of games,
but at least now you're seeing some of his potential in this big playoff games.
I think the one that stands out to me is that he,
like usually coming into the playoffs didn't have a great turn.
Now yesterday, that's why he really popped off.
I think this moment right here where he gets that 4k in that,
but you just look at the way that Kerrigan reacts over it, right?
That is exactly what the captain should be doing
to a guy that needs just a little bit of more confidence.
A guy that needs to be put in the right spot, you know?
You can just tell the fact that he's enjoying it so much.
And I think that's also what Kerrigan really has brought
into TMS, that he can cater to the young players,
specifically Q-Sirke, you know, cater him,
tell him what do I need of you, what are you good at?
You need to use your strength.
And it's just a beauty in the words
that he can actually turn things around and make him a great player player because that
is exactly what Falcons has been missing.
These highlights are just high impact kills for him in that series.
This last one was in a 3v5 to turn it around, four Falcons, the one on the newbis was to
close out the map.
In a game that every map was 13-11, that's a huge impact that Kyosuke had yesterday.
Speaking of the maps, what are you suspecting in terms of this one?
reading into the history books at all between these heads or do you think
there's a potential for Keregan to pull a pull a wrap out behind this one? I think
it's interesting that the stars align in a way that kind of like both themes
from a band each other's weakness so they will whatever we will have in this
best of three it will be kind of like a great battleground to throw to show a
true skill true calling skill true individual skill and this is kind of
what excites me the most about this matchup especially with Keregan and
Magix we've been highlighting them whole segment here but I want to see
individuals show up, step up and these maps that we are going to be seeing are
perfect method to do so. For me the big question is does spirit go to punish
potentially a weakness from Falcons or do they stick for what they've played the
most and what's worked for them the most in this tournament? Right? If they want to
stick with that they're probably gonna pick something like Mirage because they
will get us too as the decider. They want us too but they know they'll have it.
And I think Falcons just write it out with Anubis. I mean against Navi, against
You pick it two times and both times you have to come back on the T side to close it out being you know behind
So they've shown that resilience and yeah
I think for spirit it comes down to do you pick ancient or do you go for something like mirage?
If Kerrigan picks an Ubi's and they win it
He's a genius because they literally have not played it before this event with this lineup
And now they picked up two huge wins where they were almost out
But Kerrigan pulled up master class T sides
I really think that the game against Na'Vi where they did get to play a new game, I think I said it back then as well, I think it was a good trick.
If they win this one, that would be a strength card for them who are heading into the playoffs and that's what we've shown so far.
They go in and shield, they maybe don't have the most like the biggest official result, but maybe they look really good in practice.
It's one of those maps outside Dust2 that has been working for the team with the limit of time they had.
I think it's on the side of Falcons, obviously it comes through again, so it just shows that they believe in this one, you know.
And they did look good against Vitality in the greater portion of the game, right?
But I think also for the likes of the fact that Spirit doesn't play Sorinferno,
that also plays into the hands of Falcons that they don't have to play the probably weakest maps so far they've been showing.
I think Falcons, I think that's too as the decider here regardless of what Spirit would have banned.
You know, Falcons wouldn't go for Ancient if that was in between the two maps.
These are arguably Falcons' three most successful maps that they've had, so they'll be really happy with the veto.
I think for Spirit, the name of the game here is when it comes to their CT sides, like you saw it especially on the Nubis yesterday, the fakes from Karrigan, like late round, you know, you just need to have that patience late round, not to over rotate, not to bite, too hard on some of these moves.
And I would also expect Spirit to try and be more disruptive in the mid-round, take the fight to the Falcon.
That's exactly what worked for them yesterday, like being disruptive, whoever was playing
the CT side, who was active, making plays, looking for openings, they were winning the
rounds.
It was both Falcons and it was both the other team.
Do you think they have what it takes in the tank for Team Spirit in this one, considering
we've seen the maps and they are kind of siding in the front, or Falcons for good?
I think it's very important that Spirit don't stress out if they lose an UB, because they
do have a Mirage coming up and they have looked very solid in the 2, so it's a lot about being
to stress out if it doesn't turn out your way because Falcons they come in prepared
on the newbies and I still think that Falcons will go up in this series and then I think
we will turn into just too far a very broader match.
Any final thoughts on this one, Yanco, before we get this game started?
I'm just looking forward to this one right between the individual level of these players
as well and how monosy has been lights out, Kiyosuke stepped up, Donk is having a historic
tournament even for his own standards and all of that is just such a great prelude
for what might be one of the best series we've seen at the major.
Any takers of who you think has taken this one, Seiko?
I don't think that if Dong starts doing Dong things, the maps doesn't matter,
and Spirit will take it.
Well, either way, it is time to get our second semi-final star edit, Spirit versus Falcons, live from the Lancers.
Alex, yeah, I just woke up, man. What's good?
Hello, mate. How are you feeling?
Quite the performance last night. One for the ages.
I don't want to know. Look.
I mean, it started off pretty tame until Sasha arrived and then you two did get a big carried away and OJ just dipped, so...
Alex, Alex, please. What do you mean you can't find OJ?
We were about to call it a night, to be honest, and then production rocked up after the quarter finals, and you were just giving it large.
You were the man with the plan. What is he after? I feel kind of bad for OJ.
I don't stress you know anything, just you are kind of keeping 15,000 people waiting.
Please tell me, you can give me the clone right now.
No, calm down, alright.
I've got a backup plan. I know a couple of guys.
Alright.
I need that shit.
Come on!
Move!
Get back to me!
We're coming for you!
This is extraordinary!
I'm on my way for him!
Let's get out!
Woo!
This is extraordinary!
I'm on my way for him!
Let's get out!
Woo!
This is extraordinary!
I'm on my way for it!
Let's get out!
Fuck yeah!
Go back!
Come on! Come on! Hello! Do I have your attention? Hello? Come on!
Only two teams are remaining here in this tournament. We've got semifinals upon us.
The biggest game that you could possibly ask for in the world right here, right now.
Live in the flesh, if you're alone, you're doing the right thing.
If you're watching at home, there's nothing better for you to do right now.
Now, let's sit back and get ready for Team Spirit.
Please welcome to the stage, your second.
Please welcome to the stage, it's Team Falcon!
and I'm going to show you how to do that.
Cracking the vitality code in the quarters for Falcons. You might already feel like you have slayed that final boss, but do not be fooled because this is a spirit who have displayed on holy levels of resilience already here in Cologne.
number in the games that matter. This is where Karagan Janko, he must show this is a new face of Falcons.
And he's been here before Freya, the first CS2 major in Copenhagen. He took down Tonk and
Zybu on his way to a grand final in different order albeit so that's when he does his best work
going up against the best players in the world. Both these teams are chasing greatness here and
it feels ever so doable right now with Vitality being eliminated and Furia waiting in the final
this match kind of brings that extra spiciness and with so much skill between
these players are bound to see some crazy clutches, crazy calls and crisp openings
and those calls are exactly what I'm looking for between magics you see on
the screen right now and Kerrigan who is filled with experience and can create
round seemingly out of thin air whatever happens right now let's break some records.
Just one more superstar that has always been an airgiver we're looking at the
likes of Falcons but who would have thought that just the fact that we get
Kerrigan in the fray that it's not a superstar but it's a super in-game leader that is now taking Fragons to a whole new level
He has his chance of making the third consecutive grand final for Fragons and on top of that
Kerrigan as the first player in history has the chance of making it his sixth major grand final appearance
And why not make that one today?
Kerrigan is back, him and Equal reunited at a major but at the other side
Destroyers of dreams and team spirit. They don't care about your storylines and their came today to play
Glaring absence for Nico that beckons to be filled a title attained for John in his rookie year
Yet chased by Nico for over a decade Titans collide in the Cathedral tonight
221, Stocking his second and last major final, infamous for all the wrong reasons and that
clock still marches on.
New talents rise, new stars are born and times they start to change.
The one trophy that defines legends has remained out of reach.
Enter Donk in his rookie year, hits like an explosion, collects a veteran's trophy cabinet
and major trophy, and major MVP, world number one ranked player.
Apart from the same clock, the same DNA, and only this time, the pace rapidly accelerated.
Now on a collision course, the veteran has been racing the clock for a decade,
versus the prodigy that outrun it in months.
Tonight they clash for their chance at the major grand final!
9 times in a row, Niko and Monosy beat Donk in a head-to-head across G2, across Falcons,
but at the major stage in Budapest, everything changed.
Spurr got a leg up, they humiliated Falcons on that stage, and they have hit hard every
time it matters since Rio playoffs Astana final, a BO5 spirit swept over this falcon.
And so the question today is do things change for the falcons? Can they finish what they
started? Taking down the world number one yesterday is great, but it only matters if
you continue on this trajectory. Team spirit had the fight hard to get here. A never ending
a five-hour match against G2 in the quarterfinals,
left them bruised, left them exhausted,
but hungry as ever to defend their trophy here in Cologne.
Anubis our first map, Mirage next,
and thus decide that Lancis, are you ready?
Let the semi-finals begin.
T-side Spurr gets to be the guy set in the pace, set in the tone at which this semi-final
operates.
Already they're wasting no time making their presence known.
Quick play out towards main, but this is all a little ruse.
Bomb laid back over towards middle.
They're going to keep Falcons guessing throughout the start of Anubis.
The E-Call of Monacy haven't moved a muscle.
He's in the call from the get-go.
He's tense.
And eventually the onus is on spirit to make this move.
passes alone in the heavens. Spirit charge in.
He goes straight away, but honestly lives up to his end of the bargain out here in middle.
Those don't go at us. Turn through Team Spirit.
As they go looking for any semblance of control, who net only grows tighter.
Round Spirit to start the semis.
The Falcons choke him out. Pistol round secured. Fire the live at the end of it.
There's still two struggling teams in pistols across this tournament so far.
Even into the playoffs yesterday, for Spirit, it was decided.
Of course, play is more often than not.
So important for Falcons to lock that in, because they have struggled in their second rounds.
Team Spirit take the breather. Full eco coming in, glocks across the board.
Consider this a two for zero start.
You can't say spirit don't have that experience and I'm not even talking about last year,
just yesterday spending five hours in a battle against G2.
It was meant to be a lopsided quarterfinal.
Spirit were put to the test.
They still have some levelling up to do against the Falcons, who have that faith, and that
goes a long way.
I think it's almost hard to quantify when it comes to Team Spirit with the game they
had both to get them into the Lices, but also their first one with this squad up on the
stage to very drawn out games versus opponents you might think they should be
beating easy but in one hand they show the resilience right the ability to
pull it back they do that without a coach
and I think that's a key takeaway for me it's the fact that they did win those
games right you could credit or you can question the accomplishment of spirit
how difficult those games were how difficult they should have been but at
At the end of the day, faced with multiple over times, multiple elimination points,
Spirit still weathered the storm. That is resilience.
That is what you need to win. That is what Falcons have struggled with prior to Karaghan joining this roster.
So Spirit, no, they can win from any position.
First come round now.
Falcons have a couple of moves in play.
flashes on this B site get them aggressive.
Now Tony is hanging around for exactly this.
This is a move that Falcons like to pull in.
These are flashes that Monosy coined.
Now contact from the back of it ends in a stalemate out towards B.
It's time and attention wasted it draws for it into this B bomb site.
Don't grab through that molly just to stop the Falcons push
And that first duel might be between Donk and Kiyosuke,
static on this B site, playing in the open.
Spirit keep up appearances, utility into middle.
Magic's kicking up a fuss, but this B bomb site is the object of their desires.
And Kiyosuke has fallen for it.
And Karakin here.
Round against the C of Team Spirit players.
Smoke's gonna buy you a couple more seconds,
but the rest of the Falcons are a long way from home.
Now, Karuna clear our middle.
This one smoke has bought so much time.
They can move now.
So they start to rotate bodies over
and a lot of them are that.
Spirit losing the timing on this site here.
Reinforcements arrive.
It's Kiyosuke with the spot.
Nikodo, first to strike.
And this chokehold has to get broken.
Duncan Shirou come through with entries.
Magix now spotted.
Knows about Karrigan, Captain's Clash and he comes out on top.
But look at this, it's Boss flank, trying to reel it in.
Time really low, they need this kill and Dom fails them out.
I don't believe Spirige is in that round,
Fog is in everything right at the start.
They don't fall for the tricks, they re-clear middle,
they had a stack on that B bomb site,
but they give away so much space to Team Spirit.
Spirige just walk all over them.
Very impressive, a late round clutch out here from Domkin Cove.
Malcolm Scott celebrate too soon. Successive pistol. Already coming down to this one money
breaking round. Always trying to make a move. Always trying to push the boat out of an Elko
into all of spirit, open as gifted, and he might just look to try and play this one with a bit of pace, two quick entries.
Oh man, lies in way, it's Niko on the chopping block.
He makes it again, one way away, it's Niko.
He needs to do something spectacular, it's damaged, but Donk's gonna best him in the head to head.
They're in a so comfortable and in being patient in these scary moments, they get a lot of entries, they get spotted, Falcons are moving all over the map,
over the map, they're flanking from B, he's purrifying to sit back, relax, and acclimatize.
Get that second wave of utility in.
He goes, you're standing there stuck in the open, not knowing when he's going to get swung
and Spirit able to do it with ease.
This is a really good time for Donk starting strong.
It's super hard to characterize that game from him yesterday, because while he goes
and gets 40 kills across Marge, it didn't feel like the Donk that we see every day.
He was getting traded a lot, G2 had a lot of plans on how to deal with him, one-for-one
in many, many rounds.
and we know that Don, that's not what he wants.
So already starting off of both these gun rounds
with a couple of massive entries here from Donk.
Has put Spirit in the right place.
Falcon saving guns, that's all they'll have next round.
Slow and steady for Spirit.
Yeah, no issues here,
falling out of the gate.
The slower style lending itself well
to the aggressive move that Falcons
have looked to make.
I'm staying on top of the board. I mean, it's everything you like to see if you're a spirit fan.
The two hero guns to work with here, Karagin. Here's Suke.
He's found playing together here, and worlds apart, but carrying him dead first, that's
one of those rifles that were removed, even though you're going to scramble a stack in
place here, play a bit of a gamble, Spirit are in no position where they've got to commit,
plenty of time left.
They may be expecting a stack, Donk will hang around.
We'll swang that proves to be one too many, Zontik's going to try and tame them here,
that molly forces you back now weapons retrieved spirit of between two minds
they want to stop these guns from getting picked up they also want to run
the bomb away so while they get this empty B bomb site they still are trying
to fight main will that be more weapons to the Falcons is running decoys for them
manage another kill no way does this all on his own look who's ahead of the curve
on this rotation he called already a position this is not allowed if they were
He's got the time to go for a bomb plant, but up until now, this whole round has been built around setting up Kiyosuke.
Three players about to face him, and that first shot not connecting.
Oh, here's the plushing blow, Modesty don't want to deal it.
That is not the round that Falcons are meant to pull through on.
With every step in the way, they've got unshakable faith in their rookie.
He just tests his wide swing and Kiyosuke peeks off of him.
Honestly, does the same.
Everyone puts their life on the line for this rifle.
You'll find the glory.
And Kiyosuke, with three kills, gets him out of there with ease.
They run so he can walk it over the line.
That's a shocking round to lose.
And you see those POVs of spirit looking shook,
trying to track that spray.
And while with Falcons of the past,
we so often used to home in on the unthinkable rounds
lost since Karrigan moved in. It's the unthinkable rounds they win and this is
where I think the lack of a coach for Spirit really could come to hurt them.
We've been given Magic's a hell of a lot of praise up until now. He's played a lot
of close games on this run to get to this semi-final. His first outing at the
Major as a captain. But if there ever was a game where you're gonna really feel the
burn, the lack of a coach, it feels like it's destined to be this one. At first
time in the Langtis as well for Magic's it's almost surprising to hear, right? We
saw this guy on a major stage back in Team Spirit in 2022 against Karagin in that Antwap
game. And so experience but also incomparably so to the Falcons captain. Already a spanner
in the works here with Falcons winning that eco round spirit. I'm going to keep it tight
here running low on you to already a slowly gaining space they've got that
big control backwards haven't really vied for it at the beginning of any of
these rounds the magics has got the read he's pushed all the way through a
spirit get ready to assault V on a scene Qs UK here side by side it's the off
looking for an opening and they'll strike in tandem on a seat between a
distance between himself and main this spams coming close
This is what it's for, and Shiro gets through to that AWP.
Blank is in.
This is all the while, Magix is working an entirely different angle, out through middle.
Bomb rotates around to try and join him.
And he's in a position to try and throw the timings through a loop.
Carrigan dead on that rotation.
This boost allows Tessa to catch the ball.
And so a bit of ingenuity goes a long way.
Tania again thrust into a clutch.
This time he's got two 1B1s in front of him, player from main, player from mid.
He'll battle forward, goes looking for Tessus, and can't reel him in!
Oh, Nico having to set up his players, even setting up his support staff.
Tessus over the top with a triple kill, and Teneir in another clutch.
That's not the guy you want in the clutch here, but Team Spirit, he's looking uncomfortable.
He was meant to be the hard-headed entry, keen to run in first, be alongside Dong,
taking over one of these entry duties on the two side at times.
but looking very uncomfortable in these 1BXs is Tania.
He was the whole yesterday in Team Spirit's bucket
on that CT side.
So you do not want that continuing here in this semi-final
as Falcons pounce and win more and more difficult rounds.
Spirit finally broke.
Triple B on the anti-eco.
Again, Falcons lean away from the middle of the map.
At what point will Spirit really start to abuse that position?
and that's the best for selling up so many uncertainties on this map for
Falcons mainly because only saw Karrigan pull it through here at the
major didn't touch it at Astana three wins in a row tight wins but wins
nonetheless for the Falcons here at Clone. They got two rather narrowly
vitality both going into overtime.
Time set for this B-play, but that's where the stack is for the Falcons one step ahead.
This is a mow down, not an inch of ground gained for Team Spirit.
So a commanding lead building up at the start of this semi-final.
Breakthrough round coming off the hero guns.
That's where the Fortunes have changed a bit for the Falcons.
They're able to respond even on the back of that Magic's mid-flank.
now in control over the money.
They've got spirit in a vulnerable position,
trying to collect as much as they can on this CT half
before the swap.
It's lucky, very calm right now for Falcons.
This is one of the more aggressive moves we've seen.
Niko pushed up close in the middle. He's got support of Orp.
Honestly, never far away.
Kiyosuke really all eyes on him on this B side because side by side the character who
yes has added a lot of the uncangibles for Falcons but we've still seen the struggles
as an individual especially on his CT side holding positions.
Go down Molly for a sheer shallow.
Spirit avoid the extra damage, magic's already down low, Sonic's got to be careful.
That made his non-determined eco from playing this aggressive stance out towards mid.
Available for a quick drop down should they need it.
Mali misses huge.
Yes, okay, we'll get flushed out of there at least.
It's going to give over this control.
Dark taken by Team Spirit.
Eyes set on the B play again, and the real object of their desire to start this semi.
Three strong for the Falcons.
They're in position.
They're ready for this.
Smokes obscure.
The Smurri get to play behind the Popey.
The Chance Spam can't connect.
Doc doesn't need to leave it to Chance.
One Ratley through.
Carrigan's play through. The Smokes gets denied.
Niko, he's done a lot of damage.
He finishes Doft Donk in that head-to-head.
And Monacee and Tess says that he still feel interested in this.
They lose Monacee on that check.
Niko swung a spirit by back.
He's down to 7 health as he gets that first kill over the smoke onto Kiyosuke no less.
Shiro triple in that post-bar, hunts down Modesty hearing you jumping about in 10 pull
and even takes that AWP so now we have Shiro armed and even more dangerous here in this
playoff game.
He's big things from Shura today.
Des talks about his struggles on stages at times.
The drop-off or not, him and Don Carp are undeniable.
Still reassuring science from Doc to kick off this game. No reason to pull the alarm.
This kind of stressful position that the Falcons have put Spurr in, could dissipate very, very quickly with another well-placed rifle round.
Suddenly you're back on top in this T side. You'll be able to streak some rounds together make something of it after all
That's very much hinge on winning this one
Yeah, make no mistake Falcon's heart is already done. I've already locked in enough
This is all just bonus play at this point on CT side of Nubis
You don't want to lose that momentum going into a pistol round
Spirit again so instead of you may mean
Shira holds, looking for Monosy, who has been in a new position every time on this AWP.
I may be running the triple B for a little while.
Not uncommon to see you make a bit of a play for Info, but that doesn't look to be the case.
Instead, Karagin leaves on rotation, goes back to pick up middle.
That means this two-man hold isn't getting any support anytime soon.
Luck being thrown in for Tamiya tonight as Falcons trying to gress through main.
It's a one for one right now.
Arjun with a very awkward fight out there towards middle and Tess says getting sandwiched.
They're on either side of him.
He plays out towards main.
It's Shirou closing in on that all, but a free kill out in the open.
This is a layup for this A-plan, 3B2.
And even the Falcons are moving over, their money on the line here, they're now going
for this and coming up short, Gibbs Spirit are way back into the half.
That re-smoke just denies it, it immediately cools it off here, four Falcons, unless they
find a kill on a lurker, they're not going for this round.
So Spirit with a bit of extra utility, it goes a long way in ensuring this round and
sending Falcons on their merry way out.
This is already looking like an exciting head-to-head in-middle between Karagan and
Magic's definitely an ugly fight for Karagin, but gets there at the right time.
That's Magic's who continues to exploit this gap of middle.
No one really playing it late in these gun rounds.
So he's able to go right through on this A-split.
The machine of Team Spirit chug-chug-chugging along on his T-side, getting the job done.
I feel like maybe they've been a little too blind in some of these rounds that have gone
by.
They were scared out of going for this early on, what would Spirit just holding this default,
ready to punish any aggressive move.
Alcantus felt like wherever they have tried to get stuck in, they've gone away and they've
gone into the waiting spirit forces.
This time it's a far bigger grouping out towards middle, maybe trying to catch
Magix on some of these mid-legs. They hear space getting taken away out
towards main. B is on an uncertainty right now for the Falcons, they've got no
idea what's going on that half of the map. They're really only prepared for this mid-fight.
They have an A side lean. So as the bomb links up with Magix, it is going in to the Falcons,
but they're moving away.
They're doing the worst possible time on this.
Tess says with the spot.
Monacee's AWP's already gone.
Mid now taken.
Where does Spirit want to end this?
They've got Zontik floating around May,
but it feels like they're going to walk this bomb through Temple.
That will put them with an earshot of this Monacee AWP.
Maybe you're thinking, it's just magic,
so not ready for the whole squad right now walking in through this beef rank.
Monacee takes space.
He knows someone's coming in at least,
So Falcons trying to clear out more of the map.
They've realized that nothing's down in water.
Does that save them? Does that help them?
It doesn't look likely.
Karagin picks up the big green,
but Spirit up all over this bombsite.
They can run him down.
Utah flies in the face of Karagin,
and he's already thinking about that save.
Is his team ready to get cut off?
Kira missed shot.
Excharging him down.
Might need some help here.
This is a double orb here for Falcons.
Something for later, maybe.
As Spirit take the round,
Falcons leave with Lute.
Realization was there for Falcons, it just dawns upon them too late.
So perfect call from Magix, we're waiting to see if they will be exploited. This is the perfect round for it.
This is a real game of cat and mouse right now between these two squads.
Everyone trying to find these timings.
And right now, it's Spirit coming up with them.
Magic seemingly securing every gap.
Four-team Spirit.
And now you've got this double orb to work with.
Wasn't really in the repertoire.
Wasn't really what you were looking for,
but gifted an AWP from Shiro.
Falcons decide to play with it.
Carrigan picks up that second orb.
That should be on the B side here.
Modesty's going to be floating.
Might go for a pick.
I'm just set up a main.
Good U-Till in the middle, the Falcons want to probe this part of the map now and keep
some presence there, so Spirit might just go for something called out of spawn, it's
looking like they're surrounding this B-bomb site where it hits.
Alright that's quick from Karrigan, Kiyosuke here to help him out, and he's now scoped
ready for a swing out three-doll, gets the spot at least, actually goes back to late for this.
Carrigan, what?
Ake in magic, happened on the AWP.
Donk left up.
Well, the Carrigan ought to be able to stop him though.
No! Donk's on his way to something, that might have seen my top.
It takes fire to fight fire!
Stubbs Donk called in the clutch.
Oh my goodness, a 1v5 coming out of nowhere.
Donk with a beautiful spray, and of course it's you to stop him,
because you can't out-shoot this guy.
Donk nearly doing something darsedly in this B-bomb site,
but it's the Karrigan's second orb that keeps Falcons above water.
You can almost feel the monosy influence he's been watching him a lot.
That was quick.
That is not what you expected from the Karrigan's secondary orb.
Oh, why?
And now he's feeling it a little pushed all the way through Nane,
and Kiyosuke in behind him trying to go for that early pressure again.
But once more, it's handed away these openings.
have done that set up a couple of times. They've been waiting for that move. They know the Falcons
have a couple of tricks up their sleeve here on CT Anubis and so a double B push shut down
by Spira and the round just falls into their lap. The only job now is to just not drop it.
And more Falcons could make a full gamble, hedge their bets. They are still uncertain to do so.
Niko hangs around in his position.
Monacee ready to react.
And Tessas wants to play his maids, so he gives up a main.
Timing miss for Monacee.
Teneir on the edge of the scope, but the time is good.
Hits that shot, now they hear that Utile come in, they know where Spirit are going.
Monacee's going to get here in time through that Utile.
Tessas bites through a couple more seconds.
Monacee all pop. Next!
An elbow can't quite find it. Still, this 53 body is getting squandered now. Falcons in
bold position. Takes on Tix and Shira to try and wrestle this one back under their control.
And all the way through to Nico Falls. Spirit regain control. And this semi-finals living
up to the hype. We are split right down the half to start things off.
I
Oh, wow, there's the first box break.
He can get a double.
There's still two players left.
He's got no help.
13 and three.
Oh, my goodness.
How did he do this?
How did he go for it again?
It's all on the line here in the Lancers.
Two teams vying for championships Sunday, a best of five, and a major trophy here on
Counter-Strike's biggest and best stage.
team Spirits looking to defend their title here in Cologne, or Falcons looking to win as finally promised as Carrigan joins this roster.
You think the hard part is done, they took down Team Vitality yesterday, but Spirits saving themselves, we're just getting started.
This one's heating up, slow and steady, Anubis first map, Falcons pick in their pocket, but Spirits in here, halfway.
Yeah, Spirit, we're down to try and foil some of the Falcons' antics with slow, grueling
rounds.
Well, Falcons inject a bit more chaos into this T side.
Shirro, he's certainly making an aggressive move.
As are the rest of Team Spirit to open up in this pistol.
It feels like that drop-down was heard.
Falcons don't commit anyone out through the ropes yet.
Now they get this spot, they see multiple players down here in the water.
This is where the round is fought or lost. Traits back and forth!
Magix turns the tide!
Ooh!
There's something to hang around. He's got teammates nearby to try and cover this.
It's Kiyosuke and it's Niko.
They're new and the old.
Side by side for the Falcons.
Long count of the pitcher, Shiro as well.
These are the two heavy hitters for Team Spirit watching from the wayside.
As this pistol still hangs in the balance.
as much time to Magix as they can.
I know he's got the element of surprise right now.
Bombing from planted open.
Magix could try and swing out to deny this,
but they get into these post-plots.
Kiyosuke with the spot.
And so this big element of surprise move
that Spirit were waiting for has now been rumbled.
Next two to play.
Zontik's into near, side by side out through the camera,
into this crossfire, and it all goes against him.
Magic's 1v2 and it's not going to happen, Keisuke delivers big in the pistol.
Massive round here for the Falcons, both pistols in their pocket in this map, Vic.
And very calmly done by the capable Keisuke.
Nico walks around the world with him, Falcons swim ahead with the lead again.
Paulico again for Team Spirit. Falcons are just redeeming these 3v rounds.
And that was chaos. That was the Karagin call. Come through that stair smoke.
Everybody jumping down rugs after seeing Spirit take control. Falcons not afraid.
Team playing with Bravado.
And with the confidence of a squad that just beat the world's best.
Karagin's just a probe here, trying to figure out if this site is truly clear.
One can come in, or they can rotate out, depending on how hard Spirit rotates to this position.
They've still kept magics on the other side of the map.
And Karagin's calling.
He has so much room.
He is up in heaven, and he hasn't seen a soul.
He takes two Wiggins through the smoke-cum pistols, but Balkans no problems.
4v2 this was a lock Don't Eagle patrols up here towards heaven
he's got four rifles ready to try and deal with it as soon as he plays his
hand see how close gets spotted. Ron can't get a fairing on that eagle and
with Magik's dead no issues there for the Falcons
to clean conversion and a lead locked in.
Yeah, I'm not looking scared in the slightest, but does that change hitting full rightful rounds here now for spirits?
Shura off, we'll have to wait.
Team spirit, a couple of cold players, a couple of slow starts.
Donkenshire are punctuating the scoreboard, but otherwise, still waiting for more.
He's gonna get the support here, not alone as he tries to hold down Metal Magic's nearby.
That Nade keeps the advantage belonging to Spirit.
now here towards Main. Niko, taking ground, smoke slows his roll.
I'm sure of hiding out towards the fountain, gets here very, very quickly.
A move not spotted by the Falcons, so as he plays out, that catches them by surprise.
Guns come through for Spirit, and with it, a key round to try and turn the tide.
A lot of the decisions made very quickly, but may perfectly hit for Spirit.
Smoking that Molotov from Niko, they pull back, they're able to recommit.
Sontics has a great bait for his teammate, costs him his life, but on the easy trade
for Team Spirit puts him in the advantage and Magic just keeps pushing the bow tie,
keeps flanking, he keeps poking Falcons.
There's a lot of nuisance here is the captain of Team Spirit.
As the Falcons bank empties out, it's Karagan, Glock, Armour, Niko the only AK.
the hardest challenge for the team that makes it all the way.
It's hard to avoid the elephant in the room that Niko is eyeing up, that major trophy.
And what a difficult one it would be.
Vitality, Spirit, Fury, Counter-Strike, Elite.
Can anyone on Spirit stop this play?
It's not a bad way to get the ball rolling.
Monasi responds with two of his own.
And so quickly this triple stack is reduced just down to Shiro.
He'll hold the line for a moment.
Or maybe more than a moment, Shiro gets it done.
Magic's arriving just as he's supposed to.
And that force for the Falcons doesn't leave much of a mark.
a minute mark and walks right
behind the falcons. Only to
tell you it's going to be an
April. He gets a free kill in
middle. It's all team of fast
rotating and shiro's rifles have
been very commendable across
these couple of playoff games.
He's had some big moments on
AKS and M4. So did the same
yesterday with an ace against
G2 massive moment from shiro.
Magic's not getting scared yet.
He drops into the water. Spirit
start to take space for the
water spirits start to take space back. You can imagine it's a very jarring
tonal switch here between these halves. Spirit went from being super passive on
their T side to now really aggressive across this CT half and it's magic's
acting as the tip of the spear. This is a rookie captain been in the squad for a
a long time short, re-added, given that captaincy, post his removal, and he's called some fantastic
rounds across this major run. But to do it now versus Karagin, I mean that would just
be groundbreaking, wouldn't it?
That's not the guy I meant to out call here, especially the pieces in play for the Falcons.
Magics at times, he even said he didn't feel like he had the trust of that 90 game that
Put Spirit in the playoffs.
More overtime, more madness.
And more doubt lingering for Spirit.
But how can you doubt him now?
Time and time again.
Got them through the overtime against G2.
Called them back out of a 12-9 map.
Magic still has to hold his own as an individual,
but as the players walk through the smoke,
those kills are on a plate.
Magic's and Stone combine for a double,
and Falcons' round goes out the window.
Hello, Niko. A little bit of a timing.
had to take it though through that con smoke the longer he takes magics now
got on it gets his head ripped off Fox in trouble he's low
he's honestly here alongside him and Miko ready to play out at a moment's notice
he's in now looking for Teneir oh I'll find him he gets the swing out for a
couple of freebies now as long as he left in the clutch
Surely not. Five points of health.
Look at this and say it's impossible. Bomb dropped over at May.
He might just have to win this with these gunfights. Smoke down instead.
Honestly tries to turn this into a long drawn out round.
Five points of health, one smoke spam.
Any point of damage, that's Modesty's round over.
And a lead building, 14 spirit.
What's the read? What's the angle? Where does he think Zontik Sinchiro have gotten to?
two. They're coming back. If he's caught him in the open, this one's done. Needs to be
clinical. Oh, nearly misses that timing, but just about skirts away in the dark. Still,
they're out through the temple. They're in the bomb site now. They're tightens around
monosy. A shot away from certain death as the sport and on that swing gives it up.
There's just so much respect in this server. Every single player must be feared, must be careful.
Spirit do that so slowly, so cautiously, tracking him down in the 2v1. No one
willing to swing out on their own. Look at the sweat on Sonic's forehead. This one's
getting scary now for Falcons. A key gun round shut out by a little pocket play
pushing through that B main smoke, put Spirit in the 5v3 and they convert
despite Monosie's best efforts. And so four rounds in a row since Spirit found
guns on this CT side of Anubis. This was meant to be the magic for Falcons
coming through with this punished pick. A map that don't himself and said he
doesn't like. It's good at random. Right now spirits slow and steady on just three
rounds away from stealing it away. Pistols now for Falcons. Do we get any
explosive rounds in this game or is it all cat and mouse?
I think I was trying to back them into a fight, hoping you could find something with the D.Galelli when that's not provided.
You know, you just got to leave this to your site here. Team Spirit playing very reserved here. No, they're only up against the pistols.
Okay, I'm going to attempt this boost in the mid-round.
There's no one here for Monacee to find on this eagle.
Everywhere the Falcons have looked, Spirits stayed out of their crosses, they've remained
elusive.
Is that about to change as Tenea skirts out towards mid.
Just went for a clear and then leaves.
That puts him in the right place.
over towards B 14 spirit. Another correct gamble, but that's one hell of an opening.
Kiyosuke's Deagle delivering one, Taniya comes barreling through, trying to offer up assistance,
but they've spotted him, they beeline right for him, pick up on Magix, Taniya needs something,
can't regain control. So there's fleet of entries provided by Kiyosuke.
Puts the Falcons back in a fighting position.
Tits and Shiro still looking interested.
How committed can they really get to this?
The odds so overwhelmingly against them as they brace for this retake.
There's that swing and this decides it.
Everyone peeps together.
What a piece of suitcase.
Golden round.
to try and stop this spiraling out of control.
It's on to dunk as well.
What a cracking head shot from Kiyosuke
to open up that B-bombsite.
These are the two top T-side performers of this stage.
Kiyosuke and Donk.
Phenoms in their own right.
And Kiyosuke constantly chasing him.
On that round overtakes him.
Falcons still in this game winning their eco.
Cheeky.
It's not ready to trade magics if things go awry.
That Molly traps magics in position.
Easy shot for Kiyosuke.
It just well blocks the door.
Don't could not come through.
Good D, unpunished.
Falcons just sit back and relax, they shut the door again, smoke down.
You can't have this 4v4, you must sit in a disadvantage.
So they're getting very commendable in these 4v5s.
Changing their mind on the gamble, this is nice, they just reclaid middle,
they're gonna go put their pieces in the right place.
Still, you've got to fight your way out this round.
You come up short, you're broke,
suddenly your hand falcons back to the lead.
The stack is in the right place,
and this round worth so much.
Long only good for one,
Tenir tries to make the round saving play
through these smokes, he'll get spammed out.
And Shiro, on the other end of the map,
has no part to play.
and now a tie game. And the
wealth of talent is making the
difference here for Falcons,
right in these moments. So many
different players you can rely on.
Nico comes out with two kills
there. Monocles had moments
sneaking up there. Spirit with the exception of a couple of multi-kills from Donk and Shiro.
It's been a team game. It's been magic's his cause. It's been strong positions.
Shiro does hold his all. That's something here for Team Spirit.
The Falcons have leveled the playing field.
And you worry now is that they've done more than that, right?
Shiro has this AWP. Money isn't really there.
And anyone else to put much into this round?
We are going to get a couple of pistols at most.
Shero, try to inspire. It's fight and talk.
Can he walk the walk? He's the guy with the hero gun.
He's the guy with the golden orb.
An aggressive line to try and start this round.
The Falcons just walk in though.
Should be fine by Flash.
Patience on this T side.
Good grenades.
And an aggressive Flash shot up here by Teneir so if something wants to just jump it he can.
Off the back of Shiro's shots.
They want to make control of the Falcons and they're doing it.
Plainting around with no one's here again.
Just Donk moving in, but P250 armor's all he got to play for.
Falcons have found nothing.
Maybe this threat of middle is enough just to walk back towards B main.
Leave a lurker and trust in your numbers.
That smoke will keep spirit guessing.
It's a nice idea for Karagan, right?
If you're anticipating an A with lean,
If you're anticipating a stack out towards this side of the map that draws all the attention over the way seeing that smoke down in temple
And so this has been a game where magic said a bunch of fantastic calls
But here we get to see a bit of brilliance for carrying in that one smoke just misdirecting everything as for team spirit
I had no intention of using middle as you're so late in the round spirit have to make the gap
Oh, they're surely if they're blocking temple they come a camera, but no one was entering middle there for falcons
It was just a means to an end an MTB bomb site team spirit coming in to try and scramble some guns at the end of the round
Look to inflict some damage
Sure needs to keep his all
otherwise
Anyone else free range send him in
Thanks spirit letting Falcon save all their guns here might come back to horn them later in this game
really good. I mean, look at the money. It's already in a problematic spot, right?
You've got Kiyosuke Karagin both at five plus grand. It's gonna tick on up now
and as you get later into this game, the idea that your opponent becomes
unbreakable, that is a terrifying feat. Just a dream to have a lot of money.
It felt like they needed that armor to buy up four in this round. We had four players
with Kevlar, so Spirit in order to get rifles and four maids. That is the
decision they have to make. We're gonna keep those SMGs, keep some for later.
Shira keeps his all.
But make no mistake, this is a must-win round
for Team Spirit or Falcons will pocket their map pick.
I like that we also heard Shira just talk in that timeout.
You know, say, look, it's not our map pick.
And not acknowledgement that this one was never meant to be easy.
You're relying on your home ground and garage and dust
to end the decider.
Wouldn't it be nice just to make a game quick and easy
for once if something, Spirit, haven't experienced
steering floor. Not since that second stage. It has been a grind. Every game going the distance.
Spirit really want this first engagement in middle. Two SMGs are there.
Falcon's giving him nothing
So report comes in spirit reposition go for yet another gamble
Shiro with a very well timed clear right as Niko left that position and now Donk starts
to walk on through hot on the heels of an A-play with a backstab.
This Utah will come down in mid.
You know that Spirit are going to be a little uncertain.
That's what Hell of a catch for Niko.
Line up for 10 years.
Ulti's, hopes he can save a bit of face here.
That's a massive double.
Will it be enough?
Monosik, as hard as magic comes, flying in from nowhere.
And Niko dead.
Team Spirit do not go down easy.
It looks so good for Falcons, but I will say those SMGs actually
more hard, more good than harm.
Again, what a damage on that connector.
Zinnia able to just spam them down, making them soft and easy for Zontick's body shots
and Magix jumping the corner. Well, that's Magix all over.
Spirit survive.
Set it a second ago. They're not going to break Falcons in this regulation.
There will be back-to-back buys coming in.
That has kept Spirit in this first map.
And they do it again without Bonk, without Shiro.
The evolution of the team in spirit is clear.
You see the trust they have in each other in these moments, right?
It's something that had to get forged on this grind of a run that you talk about.
You talk about they do this all without a coach without some veteran long-standing still behind the team with them
That's a you you've got to learn to trust the guy sitting next to you
Like the idea of just walking down mid here for Falcons right it's been a chasm on both halves
No team has really played consistently towards the doors that smoke comes in Falcons do what I call its glove
They all want to something. Nade will do damage, but today he could just get peaked here in camera. He's going to keep it up.
Not sure he got that spot. They're shuffling away. Falcons are getting closer. Good shot from Teneir. Keeps this round of light.
He's got more in store. Double for Teneir before the trade, but that's bomb in middle and Monacee can't lose it.
Magic's doing what he so often does. The moment this info comes through, he instantly gets aggressive.
And he's just going to play for the space. This is such a smart move from Magix.
Doesn't commit to the flank. Doesn't commit to the backstab.
The longer he waits, they're going to come to heal.
Karrigan! No way!
It's a hell of a time to find your sixth kill.
We have 23 rounds deep. Karrigan has just put them back in a 3 on 3.
Where does this end up?
It's the question spirit are asking themselves. They've gambled over towards B.
Leaving Zontics alone, should have been the catch for Monosy.
That would have been an empty A bomb site, but now Zontics gets the fall back along this one out.
Try and play for the round.
Don Kuturo nowhere to be seen, no moves being made.
Monosy starts, Pete Padone swings out the connector, finds that kill.
3v2, Zontics on his own.
Sneeko and Carrigan.
The shock reunion, trying to see through that 12th round for the Falcons.
And they've got the full might of Team Spirit to go against.
Karagan, they're coming through right behind him,
gonna get himself into a position out here towards Heaven.
Niko waiting back there in Main.
He's not planted for him.
So he's gonna be pretty active here.
Has to be involved as they look for this cross.
Niko can't chain him together.
And so it's handed off to Karagan in this clutch.
Oh, this would be a time to find his playing on this stage.
It's so quiet, it's shut down by Shiro, nail-butter in the deep views, but Spirit just got it!
Amanda hyped him up, rounds ago, Shiro delivers in his clutch,
and Spirit now with the chance to close on Thulkin's map break.
This would throw the whole series into jeopardy, this would flip it upside down, this would put Spirit heavy weight, heavy favor for that defending title.
Garrigan did so much, but he even got Shiro off the bomb and re-swings in the 1v1.
You'd think he wouldn't fall for it.
Shiro stunning shots, and Team Spirit take map point first.
You don't break Falcons easy, they have more money, they have another buy.
Do they have an overtime in store?
Can't ignore the difference Monosy could have made on that AWP.
If even one of those shots are connected, it's got one more chance to put that up to work
This guy's meant to be a secret weapon
I mean donk has been avoided in this game, right?
Here he sits on this B site surrounded by Falcons that entry from Nico could change their tune
They start to pull back a bit
Karagin checks mid the monest he still moves forward looking for his pick
Donk waits, unwavered in his position. Falcons coming in.
He's facing first right in at that up. Donk crowd testers comes through with the opening.
And two kills away from overtime. Falcons breathe a little easier.
Shiro trying to make a hero play comes through that smoke but doesn't leave an impression.
And Teneir coming to terms with it. Surely this is not his round. Falcons doing more than enough.
Look at the salvage and overtime. And after a straight misses from Modesty,
Boyd is in rise to the occasion in round 24.
I could say you can't get rid of us with that easy into overtime. They limp their way there.
That was getting scary and hairy down the stretch, but into bonus play.
And isn't it just where Karrion does his best work, so let's see what Falcons can do.
Starting off on the T side again, they keep the good time trawling.
T-Spirit get tested on an underplayed map.
Dog throws himself into the water and they don't know where to look.
Double-handed, Dink!
Montessy's still bound to!
How has he done that?
I mean, he's so worth it.
10 points of health, but the contestant's going to look at the room he's taken!
And he's saying to Montessy,
I'm gonna hold the fort as long as I physically can!
Bring that bomb over right now!
Montessy is to be careful and considered every step of the way.
A shot away from certain death.
Full belly, you tell, as he makes his way over.
Even the chance now to use...
Spirits own the util against them down here in the connector.
Spam for Zontics would be huge.
Does he want to give away his position?
Break on his smoke.
This is always hungry to try and force a fight.
So low.
The bomb's going to go down.
They're expecting a reaction. There's no move yet for Spirits.
With each second they waste, Heneer closes in on this backstab.
They don't know about him in main.
He's got the full element of surprise.
Zonsik's drawing so much attention, it falls down, and Tessa's now to try and save this.
Teneir down that corner, and the last thing he sees that he came, Tessa in his hand,
firing off for the first in overtime.
I can't believe Zonsik's goes there, he absolutely sells Teneir down the river, that was a perfectly played slow 2v2.
Teneir gets there in time, Zonsik swings out backside, giving away that kill,
and Tess is what a heroic play coming out to be made there.
Talking about the difficulty of trying to be stable, to take risks,
but to also just be a safe pair of hands,
towing a very fine line.
But Tess finds the space, makes the play,
and wins the round for the Falcons.
He is head held high, 22 kills alongside Monocene.
Tess has just been having a monster majorise some of these games,
or he's just stood tall and delivered.
It's the type of output you expect from a star.
Maybe a bit of a pace change here for the Falcons, this one coming in quick.
First level game.
He's been very drawn out rounds and to now, in OT, a round to the good,
and they feel like they can swap the pace up.
Niko's shooting ghosts.
And that keeps up his position, just ease back into this 5v5.
So, hoping to make a move. Decisive with the first, the lips to tell the tale, but not for long, it's Carrigan on that spray!
Lefto Shiro. Can't lose your wall.
It's nice to waste him. Money on the line, it's a round, he feels like he can't attempt.
A clutch player's short, but if you kick that all the way, it's not coming back!
Flockens back to my ground, in OT, and Spirits are broke.
But as a frustrating one, sure, he knows he has to save that interview.
I can't believe he's going for it as well.
That's the pressure of this moment in this overtime.
They are full broke for this last round.
2MB9, 3M4, desperate times now, but Team Spirit as Falcons surge ahead.
Spirit had their chance to close this map.
But Falcons grabbing back control.
And Monacee can remember his misses, but he's hit some spectacular shots to save
Balthans in these rounds.
Magics are close, we saw MP9's got them through before, it's going to have to do it again.
Bonk, danger, caught by Monacee, Magics can't save ya!
One more man here, it's Shiro, but how much can he really desist this?
They're all around him.
This SMG put in a box!
Rotate start to arrive. More hero plays might be required, and they're gonna struggle for one back on this Dark Flank.
Falcon's far from comfortable.
This one doesn't even feel like you're gonna get that bomb down. It's gonna come in with these fights.
That's what it comes down to.
Niko will deliver his...
...attention now...
...as it's Niko and Monosy, 2v2.
This was the duo, the signing that was supposed to elevate the Falcons, ended up needing a
bit more help.
But these were the two that were meant to battle against Robson Zywu, Shiro and Donk,
these big duos in the top squads.
And they have outmaneuvered Team Spirit.
They've got them doubting. They've made them second guess.
Open bomb site. Open bomb plant.
And Falcons with all the time in the world to get comfortable.
And Pally drops out for Falcons. They have an entirely open bomb site.
There is no kit in play for Spiric. And I have to find one.
They threw themselves round corners to get into this 2v2,
But you have those star players of the Falcons in this late round situation.
You wouldn't want anyone else.
And shot from Monacy.
Gonna swap off to the rifle, to me playing very late on this flank.
Nico Holzer, the line, locks it down with a clinical head shot.
To near, no health, no time, no chance.
This is a brawler's half in overtime from the Falcons.
times been magic to obviously not had donkeys clutches. You really do. But
spirit car match the output here in overtime. Whoa, Nico has got moves. Three
opportunities to close on your map pick.
Karrigan bringing out a classic to the Org in their first and three.
Had a quiet game, also had a couple of massive multi-kills.
Not hit a frag, hit a lead.
Here to get Falcons to a final, here to lift the trophy.
And round by round that's feeling more realistic.
Steve's spirit just have to sit in it, meaning a flawless half on his D-side and starts with an A-attack.
Magic's late mid-laner, going to sprint to life now.
Monastery dead after one, it's Donk, keeping the advantage, belonging to spirit.
Hasn't been left alive in a lot of these late rounds, he's said that earlier, but here, no trade on Donk.
He will be a problem to deal with later in this remake.
Magic still causing chaos, finally dealt with, but it doesn't leave you in much of a fighting position.
Flash is a good, Shirou conceals himself, tries to hide away, has no say in the matter, but this is where you've got to deal with Donk.
His test is up for the job, doesn't look like it! Donk on a turn!
It's pickable time to kill for Donk, he doesn't even get a secondary act, nobody does see a head behind the site, yours is off.
Donk double on that entry and stops the clutch in its tracks, a much needed round win to keep Spirit in this.
And the game lacking of timeouts because it has been neck-and-neck the entire way
Sonic calls his troops backs takes a breather here in this overtime as Falcons look to not bumble their three-round advantage
That's been a bit real variety in this spirit T side, but I think one of the main consistencies has been these magics midlugs
They were game defining, it felt like in that original T-Sci campaign, even now he's double out towards mid, helping to turn the tide in that post-plant, stopping Falcons from amassing the retake fast enough.
I wonder if they want to try and stick someone on him.
Just so much space getting taken every single round, and you know Falcons being out and then we're throwing double mid-center, we go for a fight, we put some pressure, some presence, but Magic's never been caught by it.
And look at Monossey, he's just out on an island here watching for any mid control.
Ali Volly of Util, trading that out with Team Spirit.
This time they don't leave mid open, they always have a player with eyes on it.
Yeah, Monossey has absolutely been a better AWPer and his match hero has done more to rifles I feel than his AWP
and has definitely pulled off in these recent few rounds.
rounds. Now would be a time to change that as he holds for the same. This mid-fight
with the AWP not being given away. Magix takes that space again. Pressure on this B bomb
site. Keep Falcons flustered. They throw their Util. Spirig and that Con control. They're
about to dart in. Open up for Kiyosuke. Why don't they get a double? One back for Teneir,
but they're fighting a losing battle here as they go into the stack. Jiro has reclaimed
One on the other side of the map
There's more where that came from you're gonna try and long this out you realized you were walking right in
to the talons of the Falcons
That's they try and change direction to near and shiro
The last hopes to keep this game alive
Oh my goodness, she's gonna get it!
Shiro!
Stutterstack hits that shot, Bombs gonna go down, spirit.
People to stabilise in this post pass.
Don't tell me Shiro's gonna do it all, they boost up one for the flank,
but Karagin's still gonna come in through the water, so this should be a free shot for Shiro.
Nails it, no doubt, no time.
They've misread it, they've completely misread it, they're in the open.
They're in the open.
Oh my god, they don't know!
Shiro hits the flake!
Talk about a savior!
That almost goes very, very wrong.
Team spirit with a misunderstanding.
And Shiro saves them again.
We just said he was quiet in these last few rounds.
Well, that is one hell of a way to make yourself known.
Two versus four.
Shiro finds every single frag.
And the game-saving flake of the AWP keeps Spirit one round from another overtime.
Valkyries have nothing to show for it. They bring speed to this round. Niko drops in quick.
This was how Donk opened their CT.
Half in this OT, aggression.
But Shira holding for it.
No looking, a set of foot wrong, still riding the high.
There's big round in the one prior.
Instead, I didn't even leave an AWP for later.
5v4 up against a broken Falcons.
Hanging up a run back into another overtime.
That's been Spirit's whole thing across these playoffs.
Well I think we're gonna go away. There's a B-stack right now for the Falcons.
And I think they're changing their minds here. The walk-back.
Hying up this A-bomb site.
Tess has started to feel the pressure as the mollies reign in. The full onslaught, a utile.
One from his Beagle. Can't find any more.
And so, bomb plant here, left to a retake and man down.
That's a crazy shot for Karrigan. Surely that kill isn't the one that gives you an edge.
There's the backstop for Keenysuke! Zontik's clutch required!
Inspired by a complete answer, they've got him trapped, they've got him boxed in!
Zontik's shut down! Keenysuke with a massive clutch to save the Falcons!
They're on their map pick.
They're rookie.
They're strong.
So much faith in him.
And it's time to time again.
He delivers.
I
It is said, a trophy tells the story of its era.
This is our history.
Vita, chrome classic, spiring, and then of course you have the both modern era
Blast Paris major 2020 prey.
And so we, the DHL eSports Logistics Division have decided no more
lifeless geometry, no more sterile sculptures, a trophy should breathe.
Behold the future of eSports accolades, the world's first liquid trophy.
Why is it bubbling?
Because it's a live year ago.
And breathes competition.
It's burning.
The world's first.
It's beautiful.
Now due to its fragility and intricate brilliance,
I will be hand-delivering the Cologne Major Trophy myself.
Or we could ship it.
The team expects it by 6pm sharp.
We miss the window, we miss the major.
You're joking, right?
Frank, this isn't a laughing matter.
DHL have entrusted us to deliver eSports history.
And we always deliver.
And with that, Freya, here you go.
You're riding shotgun with me.
What, really?
To Cologne?
Yes, so strap in team.
As the old saying goes, all roads lead to Cologne.
Oh
Oh
Mission Control. This is fly direct to machine one. We have five clicks away from Junction
7
4842 minutes
Roger that love machine. We got eyes on the payload
GNC confirms you're about eight minutes behind schedule
If we don't pick up the pace to resect it be
It's much too over
Don't ask
Whoa! Careful! Nothing's fossing around like a fishbowl!
Drive steady! Any movement to completely destabilize the operation.
We're late already.
What's going on?
They're currently out of red light.
How much time do they go?
Uh, about it leaves in 52 minutes.
It's a love of gabin they're never gonna make it
We fit turbulence they are literally in a van job
There's a four cylinder state of the art diesel vehicle trace
Okay with new machine one how quick do they have to drive to make it
About a hundred kilometers an hour a hundred kilometers they can still make it
Machine one, time for a pedal to the metal.
Full throttle, engines engaged.
You can still make it.
We're not going to make it Alex.
GPS says 45 minutes.
Oat leaves in 30.
I will make it.
Gigo, engage thrusters.
Watch that, sir.
It's leaking again!
Machine one, talk to me.
Talk to me, what is your position?
I repeat, what is your position?
Come on, man.
Whoa.
Why are you stopping?
Look.
I'm believing it.
Ha ha ha ha.
Ha ha ha.
Oi, get a move on.
You know who we are.
Oh, I know exactly who you are, Mr. Richardson.
Dear, oh dear, I thought I'd seen the last of you people.
What are you doing here? Look at me.
I've escaped this e-sports nonsense.
Why can't you just leave me alone?
Let's go, let them breathe.
So this is where you've been barring your head in the muck, is it?
Yeah? Running away from your colossal mistake.
Oh, great.
Yeah, look at that. What's the matter with you?
Price tag, not your fungible.
Oh, you just had to bring it up, didn't you?
You know that hurts me.
Mission Control, this is Birdie Girl. Looks like we've hit some destruction.
Copy that, Birdie Girl. We'll assess and report back over.
Please leave us all behind. You can come join me in the woods.
Oh, what? Playing with the sheep? How cool!
Oh, you're pathetic. May have had enough of this. Good luck to you.
I've got to hang out with your sheep. Sick one, mate.
Yeah?
Sheep man!
Wait. There's a Deer Child Depot two kilometers north-northwest.
If they come through the field, they can still make the drop-off in time.
Wait, you want them to abandon ship-chatting?
Yes, Trace.
It's time to go on foot.
Machine 1.
Star Command has found a depot two kilometers north-northwest.
Please proceed on foot.
I repeat, please proceed on foot.
That means run!
Run!
No, absolutely not.
We're running out of time for that.
This is it.
Copy that, Spongebob. We're going down.
There it is!
Oh my god! I can see it!
There it is!
I'm not ready for this!
NOOOOO!
Careful!
Watch this shit!
Oh!
No!
Embarrassing.
You're so close!
He's dead, we have a problem.
So what do we do now?
What's the last years?
What's cleaning up a little bit, Charlie?
Machine one, we've had to abort mission.
Trace has gone ahead and delivered last year's trophy.
Over and out.
You see, I told you, we always deliver.
I'm surprised you didn't burn your skin, boss.
that's the thing about leadership finger you've got to have thick skin
Some constriction to talk about this people, and that's also what's going to happen to you.
Now it's time! We are back!
24 teams came to crack off.
Only 6 remain.
Let's test the E.C. stage!
I'm not gonna lose!
I'm gonna keep on fighting!
New year 2015.
And that was the year where my brother gave me a counter-strike.
The first thing I wanted to do is just blind destroyer round.
I was very happy when he ran from the computer.
He started to kill all this data.
You can go into the game and tune in to Dota.
I did a few other games that were interesting, like World of Warcraft and Dota.
In one year I started playing Dota.
Watching International for example every year was traditional with my brother.
I started enjoying playing Dota more than CS for some reason.
I had a friend with whom I played online.
All of a sudden we were playing one-on-one and I won him like once.
I won him second time and the next days he just directed me and he said I don't play with you anymore
and I had no friends I'd have to play in Dota.
So I started playing CS because I had my school friends.
Yeah, we shared the computer, I can't do that.
We bought something from Vati, they were constantly going to the Dach.
I thought back, I should have bought it, but I didn't like the decision.
He didn't like it, it was the main thing that we bought, so that he could play without me.
Is everything okay?
Everything is fine, trust me.
I can't wait for two months.
Clown, do you want to buy a Diggle?
Yes, drop.
Yes, drop, drop, drop.
Yes, drop.
Yes, drop.
What the fuck are we doing?
What do you think?
Just kidding.
I'm actually gonna go around the world to come back through middle
Oh shit
I'm gonna go around the world to come back through middle
Oh shit
I'm gonna go around the world to come back through middle
Where's he off to?
This ain't just for impossible
This is the longest rotation
What are you doing?
What are you doing?
What are you doing?
Oh no, oh no tech issue
I know, hit around
This wouldn't happen at last
He's playing off his teammate's screen
He's still wins
Oh, they're gonna have to run this down long.
Right on top of that.
Straight up, Sprint, and there come the Bollies.
They created a passive, a perfect line.
She's already off the flashy peaks.
Oh!
Oh!
Good sparring.
Every T's dead, the retake's under way, but the guy on site isn't the one with the kit.
This is over now, there's no time to get this done.
Oh, Magic's just sprinting as if he still has time at all.
T's dead, CT's for the retake, but the kid's not where he needs to be.
Wait, no, wait, why? Oh, what the heck?
They pick it up, they find it on site in just the right amount of time.
It's a delivery by Magic from the heavens.
What's your name?
I'm Lukas and Lukas has been coming a lot to the events, always making these amazing
displays but I hear that you two have been fans of Counter-Strike for so long and you've
been to so many events.
It's a lot of events during the years.
It's a 506?
A 506.
I think it's 6 Major.
6 Major, yes.
6 Major.
Where are you from?
Denmark.
Well, I was gonna ask, yeah.
But the thing is you're wearing the Falcon's jersey now, so I can only assume for one reason.
Is this Kerrigan?
This is not Kerrigan.
Well, of course.
We follow Kerrigan, of course.
And you also follow Kerrigan.
Yeah, of course.
For years now, like, eh, I can't remember when I started watching.
But it's like, I don't know, almost 10 years now.
Hey, Kerrigan is just the ghost, come on.
I miss all this years.
Exactly, exactly, exactly.
Come on, exactly.
Making friends.
That's only one ghost, that's Kerrigan.
Forever ever, forever ever.
The best in-game leader, but we also miss Kadean.
Kadean, we miss Kadean.
So Kadean, take yourself together.
If he's watching, we miss him.
But tell me then, how is Kerrigan gonna win
the Major for Falcons?
How is it going to win?
Is it going to keep calm?
Because Falcos need it calm.
They need it to be calm during the mid-rounds and Kerrigan can give it to them.
That's all they need.
So the most important thing, it's Neagle time.
It's very important.
It's Neagle time.
He deserves it.
He deserves it so much.
He deserves it.
Neagle deserves it.
And you work for me, I know.
Yeah, I think we all agree if you're a Counter-Strike fan.
Thank you all so much.
The Falcons sit a map away from the IEM Cologne Grand Final, a ticking clock rages on as Falcons
try to fulfill a destiny. Potential first major final for Monacee, the first for
Kiyosuke, the first in four years for Tessens, and the first for Niko in five
long years. Karagun is laser guided, laser focused with only one
destination on his mind, the major grand finals. The spirit expected this, a
Anubis was always going to be tough, it's like the home ground, a 7 map win streak on
Mirage and Anubis in the rear view, they're here to defend their title, they have unfinished
business in Cologne, they're chasing their own glory, their own legacy, Team Spirits
This map team spirit's chance, this semi-final is far from over!
Do we get the bounce back?
Spirits are teeside
Very reliant on their defense in this litany of wins, but
No strangers to strong starts
Need don't performing out of the gate in this game
So spirit decisive pistol coming out under a bit of a pressure on this a site keeps Falcon's eyes misplaced
Obviously dead first as Tania leads the way in this pistol, not before a quick tap back
for Niko.
Bombs heading in through the apartments, kind of pull the wall over the eyes of the Falcons
here.
Karigan's the only man that hasn't moved a muscle.
Little boost in the mid-round, that will catch them by supplies and Karigan holds
his own over at B.
There's the follow-up and that's the bottom ground of Falcons, run amok in the pistol.
That is now every pistol in this series going their way.
Yeah, Faleco's from spirit, has just given Falcons those early four rounds to the both halves being played.
Will that continue with no bomb part from Team Spirits?
They get caught off guard. I love what they were doing. The call was great.
They got back behind enemy lines, they could have split market, gone for this flank,
but they call it off, trying to escape out under.
Some banging shots connected from Nico and Karagin, and keep Falcons in the lead.
That full eco comes through again here for Team Spirit. Don't look a bit flustered in this game.
Honestly, he wants that up as soon as possible.
And of course, as in many games of the Lodge, we're going to see a lot of hits on this B-POM site, carrying and getting tested.
Yeah, a lot of scorns like to try and exploit him here. No, you're gonna find him on this half of the map
No, he is the weakest player on the Falcon's squad
But interestingly enough spirit was still really handy with their B pops yesterday with a physical matters in that position
That was not an easy fight. That's not a weak player. They have hunter on short. That's a hard site to hit the spirit
It was still really key and just running B site pops all game. So
expecting more of that today. What kind of support will Falcons offer to this
people on site? This is the question anti-eco cleaners could be as they have
tended to be for the Falcons but here comes Spirit Guns.
slow start pill is unacceptable at this point
spirit of god i kick down that door
Flash ready, spur of wait for reaction on middle, nothing's given.
Karakorne holds his molly for some time and Magic's waits for Niko's mistake.
is given. Only taken. Nice time to boost, but Kiyosuke is on his own.
No kill found, it's Niko breaking that silence, him and Tessa's trading contact and Shiro
can't reel it in!
Sontics and Tenea worlds apart here and the bomb lost out on the catwalk and this is now
a desperate grasp of the 2v4 in Kallagin!
I'm going down for free over at this B site, dealing with every single player that's come his way.
I mean, it's not a good sign for Spirit of Carrigan starts holding his own in every single position.
He was really getting warmed up towards the end of the new best, getting some key frags and CT side.
And now on B site, holding his own in this round, and his only one is sent Spirit back to save.
Sontics is going to hold his AK and Falcons go 3-0 up.
Nice re-aggress in middle, Obukiyosuke's contact.
Niko comes through that con smoker,
is a fearless Falcons play again,
and finally Spirit call a pause for the first time
in this semi-final, feeling the pressure.
You know, this is a sign that they're recognising
there's a bit of tension right now within the team.
You've seen Spirit be very sparing with the pauses,
what with them not having a coach.
Ok, doing a lot of the talking.
I've not been immune to TIL, saw that in the 9C game, stressful one, matched with the interview
from Magix at the end of it, an emotional match that took a real toll on this squad.
at the end of that G2 match, you heard that, you know,
but one for the protracted tech pours,
giving them some time to kind of dial back in.
They were getting in their heads.
They were getting frustrated.
They've not been above that on this major run.
It all happens, but can you use it in your favor?
Can you weaponize it?
Or does it just knock you out of the game?
Can spirit keep their focus?
And what is feeling like a very shaky match?
Falcons staying calm.
3 round lead.
AK saved. Donk, the Eagle searching B with nothing given over.
And lucky for him because Monosy is on this line, so it's going to have to be an execute here.
Four spirit to make it work.
Smoke to cut this line off.
Monosy already moving back to the other side of the map.
It's far too quiet.
Spiritor in no hurry.
Honestly, surprising to not see Dom get that AK-47 off of the save.
That's something the spirit have always done, right?
Whether it's called or just assumed.
And there it is.
It was a matter of time.
Give yourself your best possible chance to win.
Although we've been credited Karagin with some good B-holes to get this one going, but
in this round, Kiyosuke is not close by to offer up support.
Karagin's still delivering that opener, now Kiyosuke arrives,
and Karagin's the only piece that's holding on.
Trying to buy time for his teammate,
but he doesn't need them!
Karagin, on for the ace!
Cut down one shot, I'll be able to say he's not enough,
is it understatement?
Soak it in, but that's not an every game thing for this guy.
What does this mean for this series? If Carrigan's having rounds like that to
start the Rage. He's snapping dunk on that beat hits making it look like it's
nothing. Clinical shots from Carrigan, you know how much he wants this willing
to depart phase mid-season just to keep up a major streak just to get back in
another playoff. Just a fight for the final that we so often see Carrigan in
in four CS2 majors, three Grand Finals featuring this man.
Say what you want, you can't say he doesn't want it.
And so no better time to show up than this second map,
this sanctuary for Team Spirit on Mirage.
And right now it's no contest.
Just worrying signs for Team Spirit across this series.
Will they get better?
I don't feel like I have that punch right now that we so often associate with the world's
best rifler.
One and four of Donk.
Two players yet to frag.
I think if you're a teamist, sharp of spirit, you know, having Karagin be the guy that's
wrecking you right now is its own unique type of burn to the mental.
In the eyes of a player like Donk, I'll put it bluntly, Karrigan's a bot.
And yeah, here he is.
You know, meant to be the guy bringing the tactical prowess, he is hitting hard.
And that's how they get to fire up the Falcons.
Karrigan's best game at the Major thus far, 15 kills.
Did it twice, 1B Vitality, 1B G2.
He's on track to have his best individual map of the Major, and we're only five rounds in.
What's Dogg going to say about that, huh?
Quick kill, monosy trades.
He's going to connect him.
He comes through the smoke.
It's a mess.
Zontics will keep this round alive.
Monosy has to move.
Aggressive.
Pushes down on the ramp.
Tanea's tracking him.
Where's he gone?
Can they figure it out?
He missed that timing.
Monosy crouched.
This is so weird now.
Tanea in behind enemy lines, but who gets the better of this timing?
It's left a chance.
He's about to cross his path and we think to check it so open up for Tanea
This is cheeky spirit are getting very cheeky some of these mid rounds. I wonder if they will do the right or wrong
As a man waits back sites
To me as a steps goes in for another fight here, so okay
It's too quiet and he realized as Tanea finds that frag. Karagum might feel flustered. Okay
And we really see how wild this ride is, Carrigan hears them coming his way.
1v3 clutch attempt from the Falcons captain.
He has held his own in every one of these rounds.
Finn Carrigan Anderson, team on his back, but shut down.
No magic in that round as finally Spyrin get on the board.
It's nice to know that all limits here to this man,
does Spyrin at least do something.
They get themselves in this game massive entries for Teneir the patients pays dividends
Wait out monosy feeling shaky in his position and Teneir
Profits with two more kills on that a site
Give spirit the best possible chance to close out around Karagin or not
So team spirit, they don't wait forever
Honestly, I need a flick who peeks first.
Ooh, this test has into the off they go.
Honestly holds a wrong line and Tess is traded as well, so Spirit can cool off.
Or they could just go right out of round. They push this one through.
You get two entries like that. You might just look to play with a bit of pace there.
They're kind of hesitant with Shiro going back,
But the rifles look to get stuck in, look to get committed.
Carrying in the guy to try and fight first.
And he's gonna best dunk again in the head to head!
It's happening!
To me, I'm wrestling one back, but in comes Kiyosuke!
And now him and Niko, side by side, hoping to recover this man down round.
It's handed off to Kiyosuke! Spank connects!
Magix with the response!
Alright, it's a captain's game, huh?
Magix showing up with a massive kill over the stairs.
Spams a second, keeps Spirit alive in another very scary round,
because Falcons are quick to rotate, they know what's a fake,
and they know what Spirit are going to commit,
so those two entries are too easy to say no to.
Spirit reset the orb, they send it into a...
Falcons now forcing back.
Spirit have the chance to break them and really build into this game.
A warring star could dissipate.
Just start to breathe a little easier, don't you?
The idea that you can launch this into a level playing field if you win this round.
Again, now come in the way of Karrigan.
Well, time to block, but it goes deep, and it feels like Tenir is more than willing to
just walk right through that.
They're coming Carrigan's way.
Rotations a long way out for the Falcons.
Can Carrigan buy them any time, or bearing down a pot?
He's going to catch Shirou, brings him down low.
A little too much.
As four players adorn that B-side, Carrigan's got nowhere safe to hide.
And a save called Niko, Monosin, Tessus just hoping to get out with these guns and armor.
Team spirit.
Bit by bit start to enter the conversation again.
And they will have an AWP and M4 to go up against in the next.
This is where the strong start from Karrigan.
While it's nice, you want some of these superstars switching online soon.
Your biggest mistake would be to doubt team spirit at this point in the matchup
Just because I've had a slow start it would be a little shaky at times. Donkeys
Should be warming in now. All the kills on this hunt. No off save. Nothing left for Falcons
2.5 in the bank. This is an eco. This is spirit
evening up
I mean, do we remember Maus last year, took down the world number one, took down Team Vitality
in the semi-finals?
All right, Lucas. Went on to that grand final. Felt like they'd done the hard part, then Spirit hit harder.
Can this round get any more weird? Because Donk is out in the picture.
Kiyosuke is controlling and the window is given another!
5v3 only pistols for the Falcons and they keep that lead!
Kiyosuke trying to get ahead of this goes over to pad out this B site.
Tess has aggression out through top mid, spots that bomb, now they know it's late.
Yasuke's fantastic round, brought to a close, and that bomb, getting away from B.
Now a moment of doubt, because Teneir still holds the bomb site. They don't know where Niko's gotten to in all this down time.
He's gonna help him out, go back up, check under, clear this for him, make sure they can group up and trade the kill.
Niko, here's him running away. Does he know what that means? They recommand, they do it loud. Niko in position.
He's going to try and get himself tucked in right before this hit and gets there just in time.
There's so much uncertainty in this. Now they know where Niko is.
And they look to ice him out, play that together, play to their strength in numbers.
All right, great to see Tamir find success in these late round situations.
That is a massive 3K. A lot of thought behind it.
Knows he has to push the boat out on his B fake.
Does so well, it draws the bomb back in and they hunt that final kill together.
Very, very important round for Tamir.
We were getting shades of Falcons winning that full ego with just Eagles.
Like they did yesterday on Dust2 but not here.
Not now.
Spirits save themselves in A2v4.
Falcons can ride it off.
They've got rifles and they're riding on them.
I'm going to try and stand the bleeding soon, right?
This is a big streak, 14 spirit, warming into the T-side.
And even back on that first map, they were prepared for this series to go the distance.
They know they have what it takes on Mirage.
So you don't want them feeling too comfortable, you don't want anything feeling too certain.
Lockdown through mid.
On to Magic's playing it together.
Magic's actually set out first.
Donk looking for trade.
He comes back down the dwell time.
Donk just can't find any piece at the start of Mirage.
They look for the B here
Karagin, Kiyosuke this time side by side in the bombsite. Karagin's gone right away. Kiyosuke burning!
Silence by Togir!
Rotate starts to arrive but this is starting to feel like a losing battle. Break on the smoke, next to nothing.
If you're not given a reason to go for this, if you're not given a reason to believe, you might have to ride it off.
Niko goes looking for his entry.
Magic's floating around up close.
What steps had Niko with the trade, but it's not the invitation they were hoping for him and Monosy 2v3
And around they've got to reconsider
Team spirit keep the street going five in a row
Absolute form flip on the day as well. We have to near absolutely carrying spirit through these rounds
Well, donkeys just get off to nothing
Spam through the smoke by Niko
He didn't even get a chance to play this round and to near finds Nico at the end as well
Triple kill 12 and 5 to near standing tall in this high-impact game
Winning round after round for team spirit on the T side they take the lead
Falcons use a second timeouts
It's just wild to see is that I mean this guy's been a real focal point for team spirit throughout the major run
Had some really rough games in there where he certainly looks a little uncomfortable now in the highest pressure moment
He is giving you a fantastic game.
Spirit cannot afford to waste that.
Yeah, you can mention on the desk coming in,
where we saw Teneir pushed off that long position
when we hit one of the older times on Dust2 yesterday.
Donk said, look, this is mine now.
I need to do it.
You're not holding your position.
We saw some sloppy holes from Teneir.
And so what a time to flip that on its head and stand tall.
There's still time for Donk to get activated on his T side.
Few more rounds in the face.
the team spirit. Falcons just
have what they saved. A WP.
Some light upgrades. A spirit
go for something standard a set
piece.
Exeq getting lined up here for
team spirit Falcons playing
close with four players.
here on this CT half, but with a hero orb comes heroic moves, Niko with another, why don't
they get the double? Naive orb, takes the risk, takes the chance. Have they given
Shiro an opportunity with that ballzimoon about a monosie? So let me give it in at the orb.
No better gun for the job.
We can close this in, seeming determined to try and have more impact is the Falcons,
Captain!
That is really, really quick!
And so now the going gets tough for Nico, health-advanted sure, but it's Shiro that's
well on his way to that B-bomb site and open the post as weapon of choice.
This is far from an easy round.
But I think quickly, and that might be...
What's the...
It gets there just in time!
Unstomped, he cleared it, he thought he had it.
Falcons get saved by Monossey and Nico.
The two superstars do what they do best, and that is win new rounds.
Two from Monossey, triple from Nico, and an absolute shut down here from the Falcons on a low economy round.
So quick, almost, and too quick to unscope in that 1v1.
round streak broken here by Falcons on low eco. What can they make with it?
I see one down range. Very much feeling inspired after that round prior.
We're getting left out of the action, hasn't had a chance to play. This is Falcons
Trying to regain control over Mirage.
And they do so by brawling, they do so by fighting.
Feeling like they've got the edge on spirit in these heads-up engagements.
Yasuke sitting back over towards the connect, a bit of quiet start for this guy.
While Modesty and Niko have arrived, you're still waiting for him to get going.
On the side of this smoke, there are a lot of crosshairs trained on this position.
Which leaves it to Chance.
Chance!
Chance is a fine thing indeed, he's out of there.
Can't hunt him down now, he has disappeared, Niko goes searching, he's at least going to clear mid and that opens up a timing if he wants to take it.
It's absolutely where Magix has gone and so Falcons roll the dice, they opt to gamble, they trust in the flank from Niko and Monacy moves into this site.
No matter where Spirit go, they are running into a trap.
The moment you see that monosy orb, you know you've been rumbled, Niko's backstab might
just beat them to it. There's the orb firing off, Niko closing in. No one left to hide for
spirit. Falcons take the lead. What a beautiful move from Niko in the late round. It just
walks it right down under. Perfect flying, perfect read. And Niko has had one hell of
game here in this semi-final, searching for that one lost trophy, the one that always
eluded him.
We say captain set the culture within a team and I think this is carrying it all over.
The idea that he really does give his stars and he's not shy of them, are in this falcon
squad and have a lot of room to play.
He's always done in fact at his lowest moments. It's been where he's actually assumed more control and had to kind of over micro manage
When you're dealing with veterans of the game like Niko prodigies in monosy and Kiyosuke and
Just captains players like test says you've got a tremendous amount of faith in these individuals to make the right moves and react accordingly
That makes them very very flexible indeed
Kiyosuke playing it forward
Awkward fight for him.
Good teammates.
Gives Niko a love tap back in the connector and dies after one.
Round still hot, Spirit.
A lot to play for here with love to split this half right down the middle.
Steve got us into overtime back on the Nubis.
Spirit searching for it, they're going to leave Zontik's in a strong position.
Still utilizing middle, coming up connected to near.
Tessa's hiding out.
Where has he gone?
It's Niko who has to win these fights.
Head on, Spirit coming through, he goes searching those kills, but they read it well.
Don't discount the possibility behind that smoke, he carried my guy in front of the Molotov,
but Shiro says not today, Tess says the only player remaining in this site, and they got the spot as well.
There is nowhere to hide, as Shiro shoots him through default.
Monosy an impossibility in this 1v3.
Now through the window, but they're considering this, and with a miss from Monosy, Spirit honing
On this split half, their major lifeline relies on a Mirage recovery.
They go to the defense, their better half, a spirit still in this thing.
I
in the Cathedral, all counters tried the Lanxess Arena, giving us two semifinals,
Furia already waiting for a B05 and Falcons and Spiric surging for success.
The Spirit is defending champions for Falcons, it's reuniting on Niko and
Karagan, looking to do what they never could back in Boston. It's an even
game, safe to say, Spirit have woken up a bit but Donk has still gone cold in this
second map of a roge. Yeah he has been a non-factor never really given the room
to play the receiving end of all these farms all the trickery out of the
Falcons and unlikely candidates sitting up top of the board it's
Karrigan helming that top spot Niko there alongside in the veterans
performing on this all-important second map. Donkus Falcons have a magnet for
made every HG thrown by Falcons landing on his head it's now the time for him to
change his fortune or is this just a bump in the road for Falcons on a glorious
run to this grand final sure I rotate in gong is out of commission in this
pistol Falcons are lining up and executes are going into a stack three
strong here, the team spirit. So you really hope this is enough. Balkan's
flawless pistol track record in this series. Is that about to change? Kiyosuke
doesn't think so! Three from him on the entry, and Karakuen lengthies! Fight up against
Donk! And they might just decide it. Down to this, a 1v1, and the two
generational talents ready to go blow-for-blow. Niko has got experience.
Donk has raw speed. Let's the silence do the talking. Niko now with the spot. A
pistol round that shapes the momentum of this charge for the final.
He always did is a destined head to head for Nico nine times in a row.
Did him a modesty beat Donk and will that only change at the end of 2025 Nico is back
on his BS looking to send Donk another rung down.
These are two players going head-to-head on big event MVPs, Niko holds nine, Donk holds eight.
Trying to challenge Niko, trying to take it away here in Cologne.
And look at Donk at the end of that round, he cannot believe it, he had Niko look in the wrong way.
These are not mistakes you see out of a former world number one.
Don come in, he's broken every rule, every record, the most consistent player we've ever seen in the few years we've been watching him.
And to see a game like this is uncanny, it doesn't make sense, it doesn't compute.
That could have been his way back into the match.
MP7 out on short side, they go spamming, Don takes one, but the entry still comes in. His B-bombsite is under threat.
Honestly, a fuzz up a double there from Kat Wolff before he's dealt with it coming in
over towards being Carrigan just got some by with that bomb in tow.
That was really the best chance for Spirit if they wanted to make something of this force
by AK now retreating for Taneer sitting top of the board at 14 Spirit.
A guy that's been at the focal point blamed for a lot of the problems, blamed for a lot
of the shortcomings, got some very quiet games here, and the clutch is handed off to him.
He makes something of this, Spam out of Karagin!
He says, not today!
He goes by shut down, and so Falcons off to a rip roaring start in the second half.
Doesn't it feel like destiny? Doesn't it feel like it's all there for the taking?
You're getting a spirit on a shaky day, you're getting ganked.
Dead after one, and you have won every single pistol you've converted, every single pistol in
this series have Falcons, something that played them at the dawn of this roster. It was comedic,
how poor they were. It was supposed to be 50-50 rounds, well now they've won them all.
Chasing that legacy.
Niko is having none of it.
supposed to be this close. They have demanded so much of Niko to start this
second half from a clutch in the pistol now off to do it again.
This won't be some big bombastic finish. Niko's got to test his brain here as
this is a drawn-out 1v1. Soren were comfortable to do so versus Don, but
This is Magix, the captain, the thinking man in Team Spirit.
Westeves heard, and that's all Magix needs.
But it's not the answer he was hoping for.
Feels like now he's in the wrong position.
Niko trying to fake him out.
Rifle retrieved for Magix.
As this is a tense moment.
I don't want you to finish this!
Niko can't piece it together!
And a spark on his face!
As Magix knows, their round can reignite the fires for Team Spirit.
That gives them an opportunity here.
That gives them a chance.
That breaks the money fully on Falcons after their pistol win.
Magix gets one up on the top performer in this map.
And that has got to feel good with the rounds.
And Niko has delivered here for Falcons.
Magic stabilizes the game.
Doctor is dying breath, cheering every round, cheering every teammate that has kept him in this series.
Trying to buy enough time for him to come alive in this semi-final.
And this is when the stress hits.
Because suddenly it's an uphill battle.
Money broken, 2 AKs, adorn the Falcon.
Spirit have economic advantage.
They have the utils to go for a draw now round here.
It's how punchy the Falcons try and make this.
They send one of their rifles out with Tessers over here towards A.
It's okay.
Really trying to force this opening on the other end of the map, but he meets Util head on.
And that is an edge that Spirit will continue to have throughout this round.
this round. Putting all this pressure on early. Trying to draw as much as, as much as you
You can, out of Team Spirit, on a set-up donk.
Cancelled out.
Double-naze, land of ramp, Falcon's evading capture.
The magic, see, I mean, of all players in the playoffs,
He has the highest successful flashes coming into the playoffs, knows what it takes, set
his team up for success, but in this round he is on his own, he's missed a jump twice
now.
He needs to hold his position, Falcons are coming in.
They have no utility to stop him.
He has nothing to stop them.
It's coming down to gunfights in this B site, 2v5.
First steps now heard and they know that it's on its way, Tess has sent in first, Niko dead.
First set of openers going the way of spirit and they'll continue to do so as it's only Modesty left.
Only has this one B1 available for a little moment, these Rotates are on their way so he's looking for it as fast as he can.
Modesty with big damage but the Rotates alive! No clutch today!
See how difficult it is to get out of the apartments when you don't have a speck of util even a default site smoke does nothing to stop team spirit
full vision and full faith in their crossfire holding that site and very strong indeed falcons full of broken
Spirit the lead is up for grabs better. Take it what you can
They burned their timeouts very, very quickly, so going to use this as a chance just to talk
things over.
Are the Falcons, there's a big task in front of them, is Spirit.
Thanks to that clutch from Magix converting upon it, now in a powerful position on this
CT half.
Yeah, who knows what these next few rounds will hold, but if Spirit were to win this
map with the game we got out of dunk with the 4-kill first half with the
whiffed pistol 1v1 you would bang on him winning every single time. If Spirit
actually win this map, what does that even say about this team? The fact that they
can do it together, so little reliance on their star shows the evolution of this
squad that we've been seeing from time to time with magics in this role, with
the Zontics back in the server, which heroes step up on all guns and to me it led them
through this T-Side to get here with so many multi-kills. Team Spirit, this one should be
easy.
The chance of the Mogao for magics.
Oh, luckily here for some six.
Good body.
Stop that bomb plant and that's really what the Falcons were looking for in this round.
No worries here. Clean up, clean is in.
Come on. Spirit back in the lead.
But for how long?
That's the billy door question here.
The Falcons have the answer.
Nightful has come back out. Modesty's AWP will be delayed.
The Falcons are still reeling from their third round of this half.
Back to mid control. Sontics makes a move. Shiro makes a move into ladder.
Sontics on the A side for a change.
He's going to support Donk and the connector to that hole, looking quite together to that molly, pushing Shiro back, Donk is on his own, he wants more.
That's the most terrifying factor right now, the idea that Donk can start rolling in this series, and all lines up, the stars align for Shiro!
And this starts to feel decidedly different to that first half.
Full control with the rifles, Tessas and Nico not together here in this 2v5.
Tessas trying to open the back door but this bomb is dropped, this bomb is loose out in
middle.
Irretrievable.
the ball. How interested even are you? That says, giving him a fight here is on ticks.
Doesn't necessarily need to hang around and take this, but you know if you get rid of him,
round is dead, Nico still aggressing down through those lower tunnels, slowly closing
in. There's 30 seconds left in this round, you almost have to win it to the kills at
this point.
He can't follow up, Tom gets the better of him and Tess says he was living on borrowed
time throughout all of that round, two for Dong, Collateral had a shiro, proves to be
more than enough.
You could see the way in the info was power there for Spirit, they had such powerful positions
they didn't have to commit to fight, even if Dong dies there in the middle, Zontix knows
you can stop them picking up that bomb from the window position.
spirit set up very well in that 4v2. Thank you Shiro and Donk. Those two
fighting for and shutting down the round here. 14 spirits. Much needed.
Put Falcon's back with pistols.
Pop out the ramp, smoke bit of pace here for the Falcon. Shiro steps the bleeding.
Closing in, but Shiro just keeping them at arm's length this entire time.
Anyone that's made it close to the spawn is on the receiving end of this all.
Niko Deagle will now save them and Matesta has brushed aside spirit and making moves.
Awards and a Siding Map.
Kong's looking different, he's looking alive now isn't he?
These shots are connecting, he's converting a beautiful spray out of the open, trusting his aim.
He's still got the confidence of the world's best rifleman.
And that can go a long way with skills like this 11-8 quite the streak amassing here for team spirit
They say Falcons if you want those finals you're gonna have to come and get it
Here's that, knows about an aggressive move here out of spirit.
More informed, thinks twice about going around that corner.
Spirit aren't done making moves, this is more than just ramp progression.
They just haven't played the B-side in this half, in the last few rounds Magics has shown
it down so they're just fine to leave a solo player in that position, it gets on six meanders
over.
Spirit have the right call. Can they connect the shots?
Everything on the timer, I'm just waiting for these smokes to fade, but if Falcons do commit to
this A plate, they're going in it to a spirit stack. 30 seconds left on this round.
This time is becoming a real problem here for the Falcons, going to force them to commit,
force them just to go in, to uncharted war, it's right in to this stack.
Donk, only good for one, Taniya's got their back, deals with Tess S on that backstab.
Stay alive.
Monacy locked in a fight over here, but that bomb's going to go down, he wins his on Shiro.
Still bomb loose out in the open, no time for Monacy, no miracle, no angle to work.
He is spent looking another way with Mirage!
You can't bang Christmas, team.
They look dead in the water. They look done on this stage.
They look like they had nothing left,
and Bonk had four kills or half-time,
but somehow, Spirited are here.
From 8-6 down on pistols,
that clutch of magics reignited Team Spirited.
They have not lost around since.
Falcons are banging their head up against the wall,
stack after stack, successful 14 spirit. And this might all be decided on dust.
Suddenly that smirk from Magix at the end of his clutch gets a whole different meaning.
He knew what they were capable of. And now they're going to come to Jalaparte
through the apartments. You know this guy can low you down at this
his feet bombsite to Falcons I think twice they got no other options here
though the only path is to walk right in front of him into the hail storm from Magix
gimme gimme gimme I'm getting the ball
Nothing left in this for Monacee, bomb lost, magics on his way to an ace, and a mirage
to pass them by in an instant.
From close and competitive, to spirit running away with it, and it all happened so fast.
only right that it starts with a magic clutch it ends with a magic slowdown and as soon as
modesty rounds this corner he is a dead man team spirit hold it together they keep themselves
afloat don't a non-factor in the start of this game but individuals there keep it alive long
enough to get back on line you've got to kill the dragon while it sleeps it is awake it is roaring
to life, Donk is coming back, Magix is leaving this team and the grand final is still up
for debate.
Control, regain by spirit and we are going to distance, Magix turning water into wine
in that crucial clutch moment and spraying down Falcons to end it all. Ever since that
moment, Janko, nothing left in the tank for Falcons.
He just loves a good clutch on Mirage, doesn't he? He did it yesterday, he did it today as
well and on a map where Donk was human, spirits still extend the series.
Another guy that was surprisingly good was obviously Kerrigan and even though they won't
both restaurants, Kerrigan is activated and he will stop dragging the first half, they
They just didn't manage to convert and it's worrisome because the fact that they lost this map is just a lot of signs of trouble, especially in gun rounds.
I mean, looking at the T-Round specifically, I think the last round is a good example of the I think Karagang is running out of ideas.
I think going for that approach towards Ibiza seemed like he lacked a little bit of ideas.
They've tried so many different approaches but nothing seems to be working at them.
I feel like also the fact that they gifted a couple of rounds over to the spirit camp
but that's notoriously the anti-force round, which they have been struggling with, has been a little bit of an issue.
And it's mental side, you know, it's about resetting now and going into a map that they are very known for.
Yeah, not over for either side of the equation, but let's talk about this one in a more linear fashion.
We've got round number eight from about, what was a pretty broadly first half, Stiko?
What are you pulling out here?
Yeah, and this is just to exactly underline the point where the Falcons were just struggling on those gun rounds.
This is the round where it felt very much winnable.
He was okay, liminates, don't go top mid, then he finds another gap onto magics, and now after pretty good trade on short, 1 for 1 here,
it leaves in a pretty, actually very vulnerable situation right now, but the way they slow down everything, the way Shiro lurks around this map,
Snier takes a lot of space, they know they were on eco, they know they don't have Ted Lars, he's just being activated with this MP7,
and MP9 sorry and the way how they just slowed down the whole gameplay and in the end anyway hit B side which was by the way they
their target full T side they were just targeting that side even though Kerrigan had a good game and they just are able to convert these rounds
and it's just a miracle how they're able to bounce back in such an un-favorable position again and again.
I think most of the time you can probably tell the fact that Shiro is always lurking somewhere or at least like finding himself where he's not part of the pack right.
This is the third time he does this in the game, and it's very sure as that he decides to be a little bit away from the pack.
And then he punishes someone pushing him whenever they're going for the information.
And that creates like another avenue. This was one of the examples. He also did that on the New Pizmeria Cat's Monastery of God.
And I think it's the way that he's doing it. It's very frustrating to go against a player that will always do these kind of things.
But he also got to be prepared for it, because he's always been doing it, and he's still going to continue doing it.
That's the way that Spirit of Fun is going back at these games.
He's reading the game really well, because in Mirage, when the numbers are getting low
and low for T side, the opportunities to rotate are no longer through CT and kitchen.
You can actually push and go through underground, go through top mid.
That's when Shiro actually slows down and he's catching them time and time again,
going from connector up to short, going from connector down to underground.
It happened multiple times in this map alone, and I just pray Shiro for reading the game
so well in clutch situations.
We pointed them out, this is usually where he struggles, right from the big stage.
He had a great tenubis, he had a good mirage too, but that's where you see some of the
sloppiness from Falcons, right there in a 4v2 situation and it's just one by one by
one, the remaining players who die and it's not going to be perfect for them but on this
map they give a little bit too much to the side of Spirit.
It was a map where Donk looked human, as you said, Janko, Dupri, that's not a feat that
happens often and if you Falcons you want to take that opportunity hands on, doesn't
come back.
It's quite a statement from the likes of Spirit, I think, the fact that they can win
in this game where Dong doesn't really show up, you know,
this is Dong not showing up in the fashion
that we know he is, right?
You know, he even gets three kills
and then do end up in 14 and 17, right?
He still had impact here and there,
but as far from what we know,
Dong can bring to the table, right?
And I think even like when this game ended,
multiple of the Spirit guys, they walked up to Dong
and they actually gave him a hug.
Like, I think they wanted to comfort him a little bit.
Like, I know that it looks like the Spirit plays out
rather than he's not feeling the game right now.
And they know he's gonna be important
moving on to those two.
And even the piss around where he whiffs a little bit
Nico, you know, it's just not the dog that we know, but I think he knows himself that he's maybe leading the guys a little bit
Down, but it's good to see that they can take a turn. I'm sorry is always 20 20
But I guess we should take a look at what ultimately was the final now in the coffin moment
This is a one-by-one between Maddox and Nico
Seco, why don't you run us through this one and how maybe this wasn't played the best?
This is again full ego almost coming from team spirit
They somehow convert they have a brawl in connector through the smogs
They again make it good trades the guys on a are just dying coming out of abs
immediately don't deletes one then it deals a good amount of damage on the second one.
Actually, Shirou here is able to finish the kill off and after all Niko is
getting himself in a pretty good duel. Okay, so this is one-on-one. Let's pay in the
picture. He goes back to pick up the C4. Magix knows that something's off. He
knows that Magix is B player but the way he overtains and overcooks it in here
is again kind of worrisome because you know they're on Niko, you know they don't
have any Kevlar, you want to take the duel whenever possible and the way he
place this in an arena where when there's audience and there's going to be a lot of
cheers revealing some of the positions you just cannot do that that was not
Nico s one-way one clutch you have want to bring that capacity of your aim a
little bit forward and just take the dual head on and search for him instead
of being searched well I mean it's the big player he does know where he is he
suspects it's ever close to be throw some utility hoping to keep him there and
goes to the other side it's very hard to deal with no information I'm more
wondering why are you fighting connector at 125 in the round when apps on A are smoked?
Where's the communication to just hold and wait? You're playing up against an equal,
you're taking fights for no reason that you don't need to take and you already found one kill.
And I think this is where we're seeing, you know, some of the deficiencies with the Falcons and
Anubis has been great, us too has been great, but some of the other maps is where you see
weaknesses and then maybe just not being on the same page enough, not having enough time.
On the other side, you have a team spirit that's quietly on a third team match, win streak, all best of threes or best of fives.
Ever since that loss to Vitality in Rio, they haven't lost a game.
So that's a ton of reps that they have with this five-man lineup, where, you know, they have an edge over Falcons in moments like these.
And obviously it was kind of the tea side where we had questions, I guess, for Falcons.
It's what we were all hearing that Caroline was brought in to be fixing here.
I guess this was a bit more of the Falcons evolved.
Like, they kind of put forward a compelling case on some of these other maps.
I think it's tough. We always talk about winning pistol losing second round, right?
This has an even bigger swing because it's an eco so spirit has money in the bank
They get the win bonus. Falcons don't have as much economy behind them. You could see the round after that
I think they had three smokes when they bought, right?
Like there's not many plays in your playbook when you have that sort of a buy like those rounds are very hard to win
So you try there you lose then it's an eco then again, it's a buy we'd want to see no AWP, right?
Like that's not a scenario in which you want to be in and for spirit winning rounds having a big economy all of a sudden
You can't take gambles play for a do this through that and they're very very good CT side team
Like they're very smart about it how they go about these things especially when they have a lead and that's such was too much for
This falcons team to overcome on a map like Mirage the main reason for me why I brought it around 15 is that yes finally?
Falcons won the T side pistol round and now this is where you are building up the whole game plan
The fact that they crumble so early in that half is weird because I don't know if everyone is aware of this,
but we always place overpass on Nuke as the most CT-sided maps. Here at Major, it's Mirage.
Every, like most of the good T-side things actually crumble and this is the most CT-sided map
we've had in a long time and obviously it's just by slim margin over overpass, but it's a new trend.
Overpass was never the CT-sided, so you have to get the ball rolling early on T-side, which they did by the winning pistol round.
Nico in amazing one-to-one against don't wear. He was out positions, but don't just miss the shot
Nico it just it just is really really well
But then you have to bring the callings and obviously the individuals to step up the T side that did not happen on the other hand
It gave the momentum back to spirit beacon off that CT side
That is where spirit are going to be starting on that third and final map of toss dust to set me up
Yanko, what should we be expecting from this defense?
I think we'll have to wait and see what the approach for falcons is we saw almost an ear struggle yesterday
but he stepped up tremendously today on Mirage for his team, right?
And yesterday that was one messy game for the Falcons, also for Team Spirit.
They had to come from behind and win the game in overtime, right?
Don't play towards that B bombsite, you do wonder, like,
wouldn't he be better used as an A rotator so he can be everywhere a little bit?
So we saw G2 actually take the fight to Donk.
Like, their game plan was to go B a lot early on,
and they were finding success, but have to see what Falcons planned to do.
and you've split up your two best players, like, and Syr is having a phenomenal game right now, you know, and that's gonna be,
that's gonna be very important for Spirit when Falcons turn their attention to the A side.
But, you know, it's also about the fact that Donk, you know, I don't think Donk's gonna have two bad games in a row, and even like,
this is not even bad, like, but let's just put it mediocre, I don't think that's gonna be a case, so,
the fact that you have Donk on one side, and you have Syr on the other one,
that's at least where you're gonna be like, why do we wanna put RX in the basket, right? And I think the G2 approach, like,
either you're just gonna go all in, and you're just gonna, like, over rumble, like, Donk,
Or then you should not try and avoid him, but then you're going to turn your attention to him.
It's interesting because if you go away, like sure, he's not there, but it can be a 3v3 retake.
If you go to him, you have a 5v2, right?
That's a killscene, but you can get to him, and then you play a retake, maybe even 2v3,
but at least you neutralize Dong.
Exactly, yeah. What approach would you take, Stiko?
A few Falcons in this very moment, starting T-side.
What do you think is going to be the most effective?
Alright, I actually looked into some of the stats around Dong and I noticed quite a trend that whenever he has an AK that's when you avoid him, when he doesn't have an AK, that's when you can actually try to abuse him.
And this is one of the players that is just notoriously known for his first build accuracy and the way he is able to string out his multi-kills with M4, not that much possible, right?
But with AK, I honestly fear Dong.
And everyone in this arena should fear Dong when he's on the AK, but obviously we've had a little bit of a quiet game
And yes, then it might come into play here on us, too, but I still think that
Falcons is here to play obviously and Dong is going to disrupt the most of the game plan that they're trying to bring
Less than a minute left gentlemen. Where are we putting our eggs in? What basket are they laying right now?
Yeah, okay. I think
Spirit is the favorite to take this in the last three months. They've only lost it to Vitality in that Rio final and to
Aurora in this stage three game. This is another they're just so proficient on they can do a lot of different things and
This is where you feel like after a mirage don't will be back to his usual form
It would surprise me if it goes a bit to our time
It's it's math that both teams just really love to play and if it goes to our times
Why not pick out this well it all comes down to this this third and far decided to see who steals the spot in the
Cologne major grand final versus Furiya. It's going down on dust two after this short break
What were you talking about?
I had so many trades trading anything!
You're my pro-
I like Harry, too!
Tell me one round!
Hold on!
I 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.
Hello, Damien. Here are some gifts from me.
Nicola Ković. Damien. Thank you.
Open. Check it. Enjoy.
A book.
The Art of War.
One of the most influential works on strategy of all time.
Good thinking. It was actually on my list of readings.
A book?
Learn Mandarin Chinese?
No, it's always good to expand your horizons.
Oh, for the Chinese fanbase. Now it makes sense.
Masin Braham, give a gift to Nikola.
That one.
What do we have here?
A checker's port?
Yes.
Zonikol is told me that the lathe was a mastermind.
Don't worry, bro. We actually got another one for you.
Don't you? This thing.
You will love it for sure, man.
Take it.
Yeah, open up.
What about me, boys?
Don't you worry.
We're saving the best for last.
The tent?
Yeah, I mean, you never know when you need a tent, right?
Super useful.
Let's see what this is.
Do you want me to do the team building expedition?
For example.
Nico, come on, bro.
Oh, boys.
The management has spoiled us this year.
Everyone ready?
Oh, oh, oh, oh!
Brother, let's go!
Blyat!
Maxim, it's your bestie, no?
Come on, guys.
There's not enough space in this team for Donk, not by kicking Tezos.
Who said it has to be Tezos?
War is a strategy.
You never know when you will find it.
Don't expect it.
You're quite right.
Don't you worry, my friend.
Ah, Nico Nikola Kovac, classic.
Shout out to Russ for the sleeping bag though.
Real comfy.
After a newbis it felt about time.
Time for Karagun to appear in his fourth CS2 Major Final.
Time for Niko to make his major dreams reality.
But now, time slows down.
Spirit Resurgence hits Balkans like a bucket of cold water.
Clothes defending champions are not rolling over.
Captain C continues to impress, and Karagin's biggest test yet in a Balkans jersey stands right in front of him.
We go to Counter-Strike's classic map on our decider.
Dust 2. And so it is time to find a finalist.
Cologne! Are you still with me?
And you couldn't pick a better battleground to end this series on.
This is where Spirit had some of the most stressful games in spite of a good track record,
matches that have gone the distance, the last two times it's cropped up, the Falcons also
success found here on Dust2 at this major, for one this will be the map that secures
the final, the other, the resting place, the heartbreak, just a map away, now pistol rounds
have not been the bread and butter of team spirit, they've lost every single one of them
in this series, it's a track record they don't like, they don't want to keep up, oh!
And maybe maybe they're gonna say in the matter jump up here as they find this three-on-three
Drawn out fights and that's exactly what shiro wants. There's a hop skip and a jump keeps them in this pistol round
Finally by success with the pistols
And the most opportune and off times
Couldn't be a better time here for team spirit to show up shiro has just been
Sneakily sneaking up the scoreboard his entire series. That is a massive triple kill to open up his game for team spirits
Frontrunners indeed on their go-to map
A map that almost never lets them down at 20 wins to three losses of this year alone
Falcons are rolling the ball up the hill. One wrong step and it will crush you.
The outside of the monarchy scout meant to make this exciting, but with an opener from
Kiyosuke.
5v4 for the Falcons, this is meant to be an open and shut case here.
There's no weird can they make it.
Shirogunofinda heard no issues here, that Scout will deliver one back, but how much
more can Modesty really do?
Well, Kimon is barely out of the lock!
No way!
Don't pop that seal stick deal right into Zontics!
Calm as ever!
Carcasses go out of guard, can you?
Will a smile from Monacy?
An excellent sequence of kills.
Keeping this game interesting.
In the second round, it should have just been a sweep.
Zontics make sure that Spirit won't miss that opportunity
to convert a finally won pistol.
You better make the most of it.
Jump too far.
Keep Spirit heads high.
And full buy out for the Falcons, his character takes the hits.
You know you have a world of opportunity here in this first gun round, right?
Chance to just level the playing field right away.
Thanks to all that damage with a monestee scout, you can make sure that even though he didn't win you the round, it's all not in vain.
Those efforts can pay off in the long term.
Magics locked in, will be challenged late.
You can't control taking two long lurks, often catch you off guard, you might just find the
The first one is counter-second, let's see if they go together, Karagans up short with
that 10-9, need to be feigned here by thousands.
Insurgency for spirit.
Donk on A is a change.
And now his defense isn't budging, three strong out towards the A bomb side, Magix is waiting
in this corner on his perch, out towards Long.
The very top of the round gets out with a one and done, but now this becomes very all
But these two players now on ramp, Tanea living on 4 in time and Niko trying to end this with a backstab.
Shiro left up at the end. Is this a risk? He feels is worth the reward. He's very decisive in his move.
P'Karrigan's taking the space back though. This is good timing for Karrigan.
He's just getting the info and living his massive.
All of them in the fight. No clutch today for Shiro.
A very nice round out of Falcons, but I do feel like Spirit really missed the post on that second long player.
Not reacting to the call. He was charging down on that long position. They both looked the wrong way.
Only just saved on a trade. Never needed to be that costly.
This is where that highly impactful scout round for monosy can be so valuable.
This next buy for spirit is lacking almost everything.
The only thing you've got to work with this rifle on Donk, little helping of Util for
the rest of the team.
You're almost at the full mercy of the Falcons here.
And so a chance at an early lead thanks to that earlier damage.
Again showing a keen interest out here on long.
All host of players waiting out towards these doors.
Already noticing just in these couple of rounds, Don Conne, this one it makes sense, right?
It's a hero rifle, it's in the right place.
but I wonder how much Doc's position will adjust in this game.
You expect him locking down middle and B.
Are things changing in this game in front of our eyes?
Stonk looks to keep them on their toes, push back on the catwalk,
spurred hate space.
These nades long forgotten.
Falcon's all on A.
Duncan arrived with that hero M4.
Which painted off to Karagin, and only the one and done for Donk is Shiro's Deagle to maintain the advantage here.
Right about now they're trying to walk on him, Tess as closing in, and pressure alleviated.
Magix trying to edge around the corner of this smoke, and that's exactly what Tess as wants.
Eventually falls to him to get this bomb down.
some takes tries his hand at the jump shot can't hack it and now magics thrust
into the clutch
to ride it off heads for the hills and so Falcons big opportunity and early
lead on dust to on the decider
The magic may have won some phenomenal clutches in the spirit jersey but that gun can be more
valuable in the next round.
Falcons get spirit out of position on that eco
And just walk that one in
Don't carry over the M4 immediately
Yeah.
I mean, Magix has always had such an unshakable belief in Donk.
Hard not to, I know, with the games he's given us since he exploded onto the scene, but...
...this guy saw it all straight away.
Realize he's capable of things other players simply on and so no question he throws that M4 over
We've been pointing it out with Omsk and Spiderman, every one of these A-side takes for the Falcons
so this time switching it up back to his usual tricks out here towards B.
That's on Tix trying to set him up for an opening here, hoping for a trade.
Oh, it's better than that. They catch Nico with Util in hand.
What's gonna force Falcons to hit the go button on this A-play?
He can't wait too long, so you've got to move in.
Don't want to hemorrhage any more players, they get past Shiro with ease.
Perfect reaction, they see the rifle, they know that's all that Spirit are having this round.
So let's just chase the USPs, get away from Don and get this bomb down.
down, Malcolm to put himself in position to close out this round and spirit have to ask
the question do we really want it that bad or should we save our guns?
Truly the latter, the temptation of damage here for spirit on the way out.
Factor, may as well go for it.
Wait, wait, whoa, whoa, wait – oh, this happened so quick!
Where did that come from?
Spirra just killed everyone, but they don't have a time.
They don't have a chance.
Four kills and an instant.
But nothing is guaranteed.
Varkin's still in that round.
All the Falcons
thinking what a screenshot we just dodged lead taken but you barely feel
good about it that's very keeping the pressure on the damage was their goal
yeah you feel a little sour you never had a chance of the defuse but my word
do you feel good with the results go fishing there for damage at the end
all is fine Karagan reassures but it won't be if they lose this round
Falcons money dangles in the balance.
Donk, back on B, Shiro's AWP, finally.
And he gets up on cap, but they hurt as well.
They haven't thrown the scaling nades.
He might be surprised at the pace of these players.
The tag goes through the wall.
Falcons might just jump on this though.
He's out of position, or rather perfectly placed,
as Magic's nades land on the head of Falcons.
It's such a quick reaction from the captain of spirit that keeps him in this round.
There's about three Falcons running all over this A site.
Karrigan sees that Molly into the door, feels like he's got a timing, but with a double
swing spirit left nothing to chance.
You know the Shiro warp is here, you know it's waiting for a chance to get involved,
Not quick enough for the trade.
I give him the fire.
I'm sure he's just playing to evade.
You know how fast Monace is.
Why make it easy?
Why give him the chance?
Backdoor shot.
Zontick's here to try and stop this save.
Notice that Monace wants to hold on to that orb.
Isn't allowed by Team Spirit.
I mean, it's looking like a very different spirit
in this map.
They're making moves.
their U2 is landing, players are sacrificing, flashing for each other, it's looking very,
very clean right now for Spirits. Winning their first pistol, Falcon's still finding 3 rounds,
Spirits maximising damage, putting them again on pistols. Everything's coming up team Spirits.
This is a...
Okay, we got a lot of this off now, but we need to lock in now, everyone lock in now, okay?
Yeah, you had our fun little bit face-up, Flignos.
All right, serious.
His Falcons are in a predicament.
His force has come through.
Yeah, it's a wild force to go for, right? You've been trusted a gun on a Kiyosuke.
Karen can even don that scout, but wasn't able to find anything with it.
Now it's handed off to Monosy.
You might be shocked at the presence of a buy here.
And seeing that scout on Carrigan doesn't tell you a hell of a lot.
Is the rifle still yet to play its hands?
Shot from a honesty info game.
Donk realizes it doesn't have time to deploy.
You tell these epistols coming in quick.
Doesn't make it any easier.
Oh no.
Tom takes these results because his team are falling like flies.
They have a man trapped, they still can't get him, modesty with another!
And so the risky four-spy, a man down in it, 4v5 for the Falcons and they pulled through.
This is just a nail-biter of a star, no one feeling comfortable yet, at the dawn of Dust2.
No one is safe at any point in this game, Dom just goes run over there, perfectly placed
flashbang and you see there is just no roof error there in that B bomb site
Zontics is getting played with by the Tunnels player
And hunted down even punished on the way out. They would have loved that AK that feels entirely unnecessary if it's in here
I mean look the both these squads are doing it right they're both going for maximum damage in every one of these one rounds
Because this economy battle it's very protracted. It's very drawn out
Whoever wins it gets off to this dream start on Dust2. We're right rounds here
Then no one's had that clear edge yet. No one's had that clear breakaway round as both squads are trying to force it
Magic's holding it back to his position a spirit keep you guessing. You don't know where they're starting
What a time to change positions in a semi-final of all places.
Because if you try and avoid Donk, you don't know where he'll turn up.
Positionless CT side here, the team spirit catching Falcons off guard.
That was a chance, but it's wasted. Donk jumps on it, and Monosy looks for another massive clutch that Falcons require.
Time has not let yet the problem from honesty still has a lot to work with but it's
Positions all across the map owned by spirit right now. Oh my god
That's rock down. Hey forced for zonics crazy
That is crazy
But around all the same as these two squads still go blow for blow
Chance that another one of these forces if you wanted to rely on the hero gun again
That might cut the mustard there, right? Would you really force it? You're gonna have like one AK max
It's a mess with our control. They're players of low economy, but this is such a high-risk maneuver
It's gonna keep digging the trench they're in
This one's ruined before but this one's even worse at this point
You kind of made your bed, right? You've set that standard that you're gonna fight for the money
You're gonna fight for the only controller, so they can't back down now nine rounds into the T side
They feel like they have to do this. They lose the hero gun to open these up
up. There's a max damage made as well. Suki does not get away scot-free with the
rifle again at 4v5. I got like a miracle last time they were able to pull this one
off. Is it something you can replicate if you're the Falcons? Where's this spirit
finally taking that edge?
Sontek's jiggling, he's not amazed about this B-side. Niko and Eagle will not connect.
Kiyosuke is still holding this AK on half health and Falcons thrust into what
feels like an impossible situation. Man down! A couple of smokes remaining. No
control of the map, just middle. Spirit don't buy it. You see that mid to be
smoked? Nothing follows. Karagin hangs around as they go back to long.
Shiro, surely this opening shot is his.
He's away.
Right into it, right into that AWP.
And a round that's going nowhere quickly.
If kills, then suddenly a mound for the Falcons.
You've got multiple pairs of eyes staring back at you on this long cross,
and that's too much to ask.
And shut down, convincingly so.
and that is a breakthrough round at this point of the game. Falcons have two care players.
They have minimal loss bonus. They have no damage in the last round against Spirit. They
don't have them in any threats. And so Falcons just have to sit in it. It's a perfect time
for a timeout from Sonic. But at this point, Spirit are searching ahead in this semi-final
on their home map.
20-3 in 20-26, not much worse last year either.
Now the sinking feeling of acceptance for Valkyries just having to sit back in this round,
Chats it out
There's just such a threat about losing out
On this money so late in the half, you know you have one more by round if you don't win that
You're taking a force into round 12. You're looking at an 8-4 lead for team spirit
There's a tremendous amount of pressure of weight on this next rifle round for the Falcons
Don't want to feel like you gave it all away chasing the dragon
Here it's just pistols chance for to near the feast
He gets his one, Shiro gets his triple, lockdown on long.
Team spirit a step closer to their chance to defend the title here in Cologne.
Team that have had their own major woes.
Frustratingly close game against Vitality back in Budapest in that semi-final.
A disappointing outing in Austin following from their Shanghai victory.
Robb said, the colonist at only trophy hasn't won twice while Spirit feeling a similar way.
This round makes all the difference.
Yeah, this is the one for all the marbles.
The Spirits just take a super commanding lead, feel mega comfortable.
The Falcons this round is their way out of this nightmare.
Donk gonna open to near with another 3v5, spirit in full control.
And there's not a single pressure point left, they fade away.
The gamble right now is Nico out in this B site.
Trying to keep the round alive, he's gonna tap some back it up.
As Niko just saved them with these entries, Don Karaj, my way is supposed to.
They're already at the window.
Kiyosuke in the site trying to hold on as Monosu makes his way over.
On Planet, just don't decide to go.
They're going to wait. They're going to hold off on this retake because Shiro's a long way away.
They don't want to jump the gun here. The only advantage they have is this mad advantage.
bad advantage, B site, infamously hard to retake.
Tried to flash, sent Donkin, flank coming in.
When they're held, you see the eyes on it,
and hear the tunnels playing,
Kielsen gets his modesty with the transfer,
and in this all-in-point round,
it is the stars of the Falcons that keep them in it.
And Donk says, I left B for this.
He started cat, he found Karrigan,
Niko walked through a large smoke, he saw the gap, he saw the bigger picture, he knew the only way in.
Niko on the extremity and an extremely important round delivered by the Kovacs.
He opens the door and Monacy slams his shut-inspirants face.
When Niko from bottom of the board gives you a 2k like that to reignite a must win 3v5
You can't fail the capitalized
Now they get a bit of wind in their sails chance to pop their chest out 4v4 here with Tania reclaiming one
And Ryze firmly fixed on no place but B. Oh dear. Donk dead, leaves on tix here alone
Kiyosuke providing the openers
Doesn't feel like his job is done
To near fast through the tunnels, there's a spot for Monosip.
Smoke causes a whole host of problems, so you can't wait.
Smoke's head and hands. That smoke comes down.
You see him on the camera, he puts his head in his hands.
He knows this is impossible.
You can't win this retake. You are blocked by three smokes.
You've got a hope for a major failure, a protocol,
a major individual step up.
Magics and Tenea start to pull that way back into this.
This is meant to be an impossible round.
The crowd is so close!
It's so, so close!
But Team Spirit, with milliseconds, the difference, somehow pulled through!
Don't give it up!
The throwdown now is over!
And yes, somehow, someway, Spirit prevailed!
There's the flash, that's gonna catch Crimson out, they're gonna push off the run, and
MPK gets one, but Krypt is right out of the stick, sits out of the triple!
The fun never took a dot on yet!
Can you believe it?
A sinking feeling for the Falcons, a position Nico and Monace are all too familiar with.
Estuo, semi-finals has been the height of a spirit holding a lead,
playing as close to positional as CS as you've ever seen.
Donk roaming around them up.
It's a style that was always hypothesized, rarely put into practice.
Bringing this out now in a major semi-final took serious falls.
Yeah, you could feel the Falcons didn't want to just go to the B-Slam,
off the B-Slam that so many teams do.
They thought like Donk was there every time he was not.
He was everywhere.
Cat, Loa, Long, Bean.
Donk, a nightmare for Falcons.
Shiro and Tenir dependable upon this third map and now Falcons must play their best half yet.
Until Dust2 started they had every single pistol in this series to fall back on.
Spirit finally bought that trend here at the dawn of Dust2.
This could be your lifeline if you're the Falcons. You want all the others but this one
on that as most. Modesty, thanks, Gabon.
Yes, through Team Spirit.
Zontec's clutch, they're demanding a hell of a lot,
and he can't manage it.
Barken's close in, and with that,
a lifeline has been presented.
They looked dismayed at halftime.
They looked defeated.
That will invite a new energy into the second half,
and a new task for Magix to call his way
out of this game again so many rounds. Is this major run for spirit? Stage 2, they lost 10 rounds in 3 matches.
Ever since that point it has been over times, it has been third maps, it has been never ending games.
the ringer at this major.
Time and time again, held his
head high. Kept him in
Mirage.
They dust who that feels
destined to go the distance to
find our grand finalist.
grand finalist.
You're looking at the Falcon score right now. You're loving what Kiyosuke and
Monosia bring into the table, but a curse is hung over Niko at these majors for the
longest of times. In the beginning it's that he couldn't lift the trophies at two
few stabs at it in finals but as time's gone on that curse has gotten worse it's
been semis at best
Triple A into Shanghai.
Favourite.
So you don't want him quiet here into the Siding Map.
Chance for a shutdown up against the Pistols. Just a build of a compliment up.
Nice for Tessas.
He has been quiet here on Map 3.
A tie game now, that pistol.
Providing a way back in for the Falcons.
But in come the guns, 14 spirit.
This is what they've been waiting for. No risky force, no fight for early control.
Only open the server right now belongs to Monosy.
Shirai doesn't get to Don his yet.
Almost 16-7 rounds, Team Spirit win on this map, are off the back of the T side.
So in the perfect place you'd like to think, this presence is all but a ruse with Tenir
and Sontics holding the tunnels.
That is the way back in, Donk doing a lot, throwing all the Util, getting them up Catwalk.
Magicz keeps it coming, but happens a boosting out behind the smoke.
He saw something on that jump.
Danger, danger for Nico as he's felled by Magicz.
Be hit coming in.
Get all that info, feel like they're out of position.
You go quickly, Kiyosuke.
Next man to rotate out of it.
It's messy.
You can't find a thing.
So messy.
Garaging dead, modesty thinking about saving.
And even that door might get closed right here.
Shiro gets his orb! Spirit to the lead!
You don't wait long for spirit to arrive on this team side.
They just pry everything away, every advantage, every gun,
every shred from the Falcons.
Donk double entry, straight to the head of Geass UK.
And of course Shiro fights his orb.
That's Valkyrie, it's going to be a lot easier to get through there, I think there's more pistols in play.
The gap is going to get wider, the task in front of the falcon is going to get harder.
The spirit go from strength to strength on a comfortable half, on a comfortable map.
No resistance here, as this stack looks to get dodged.
Still the world descends in a mid to beat.
Maybe if Nico can hold his own, stop Magix.
They're already out over to Ward's middle.
This is nothing more than a ruse from the captain right now.
There's a shot for Kiyosuke.
Nico's up and left, so Magix has a lot of room
out of the catwalk, and they're gonna start to reconsider.
They're looking to dodge the stack right now.
Another good move from Magix in this mid round.
Niko is the only point of resistance and he's been spotted locked in a door he didn't want to take.
Life falls retrieve for Spirit. Try and force this advantage.
I'm now planted. He's back in with three on three.
Mades find Karagin as he arrives on shore and so the prospect of going for this out the window with that kill.
Spirit dodged the stack, Spirit dodged the danger, and continued homing in on these grand finals.
It really is just fun to watch Magic's move on these T sides.
He's so often putting himself in the most important position, finding these gaps, going on little lugs.
Look at that Maragh drown yesterday, a set call that we've seen Spirit even run a couple of times at this major,
where he just rotates off of a ramp with a bomb and walks into an MTV bomb site.
He is fine to put himself in those pivotal positions, and he finds a gap in this round again.
B-Stack avoided. Beautiful D-Shop for Kiyosuke, but it matters not.
It's Falcon to out-positioned on their eco.
They look to Zonic for answers again. Another rightful round. Another chance.
I'm scared to do it all with no one looking over their shoulder.
They're just running out of time.
That clock is ticking down.
If Falcons do want to recover this...
Spirit feel like they're only picking up momentum.
Niko's still sitting bottom of the board for the Falcons.
Yet to really find his place in this game.
One workout towards B, and you've been looking at the young guns to be the difference-makers Kiyosuke with an opening
Feeling that pressure to perform forcing these fights out through middle
He can wrap it back alongside. They missed this timing on Taneer
We can sit here
He can be very very patient because the bulk of this hit is coming in on the count walk
You can wait for them to go first and you're going to be in a power position to try and shut down this long side
Not aware about this cross. He's gonna walk right into the is cross hair
He plays the trigger discipline doesn't just want the one worried that sweltering the crowd could have given something away
He takes his freebie
Honestly never saw them crossing and Niko now in a world of hurt
You get a suitcase trying to close in up the left side, drop it down!
And now left to Shiro.
You weren't expecting it to go this wrong if your team spirit, you thought you had Falcons
right where you wanted them.
Three players in this site, tap on that bomb, forces a swing, and each missed shot is going
to cost you nearly Shiro.
Shiro won't get them off that deep use in time. Falcons are able to recover with a huge helping hand from Kiyosuke.
This kid trying to move mountains to keep Falcons in contention for those finals.
He feels the burden of responsibility and boy is he delivering, forcing so many engagements on the CT side, putting himself into positions to succeed.
Kiyosuke, right there with Falcons needed.
Keep the neck and neck with Team Spirit in this game.
What a monumental step up
for a young player.
Only his second major stage.
Rivaling spirit's best.
Kisuke leans back into that bebop site.
Spirit get them in control they bargained for.
Smoke to put out a premolotov.
Magic goes for the jiggle and the monosy forces shot.
Full magic's wanted.
Push that all back.
The pressure on this A site is spirit eye up.
up to a different destination.
Magics has read this set up like a book in this round.
He was ready for everything, ready for the oil, ready for the nade.
He knew the protocols, he knew what was going to happen.
And now likely aware that the stack for the Falcons is on the other end of the map.
Still, Kiyosuke is in position.
Damage done, big damage to that. Kiyosuke, the walking wounded, 9 HP.
Now you need a bit of help from Tessas.
And the one feels like it's enough, they stop this spillover through the B site.
And with the momentum sucked clean out of spirit, nowhere safe to turn, Falcons tie it up!
Resilience we have not seen from any other Falcons roster, still, they keep themselves in this semi-final.
Unbelievable.
I missed opportunity for Kiyosuke and it matters not.
Tess is that rock in this B-bomb site.
Just a captain's player through and through, right?
Having to try and be that safe pair of hands where everyone else gets a bit more freedom
than he does not.
to keep it up. You just want
to get out smoke. Miss so to
make it just walk out doors
here. They've got a corner
smoke, so perhaps some support
to get into position. This is
not what Falcons bargain for.
Considering the retake utility.
It's better already out and
about. Going around along. You
still don't have any answers
here, right? You don't really
know if this was all the rules
out towards long and they throw
it in this retake. You tell
looks like they want to try and
fight for it. This round
The aim is shaking, Montessy does what he can.
The shot, now they're closing in, Tech Knight's getting closer, Montessy provides.
Still donkeys armed, and where donkeys armed he's dangerous.
They're so focused.
focused on one right now!
One more!
And we're done getting shots like that.
A dream round in front of Spirit,
only one player left, he's going to try and challenge.
He doesn't know where Shiro is
in any of this round.
He would, would he?
Look at that smoke.
Would it be a death sentence?
That says Nails the first,
Here's the first steps. Is he really hitting the ball?
Falcons out!
The United Subs hold the run!
Falcons in the ring!
Spirit had everything going for them.
A hero rifle put them in contention.
Donk thrust them into the line by and still,
Tess says, the rock, rock spirits world.
Ten rounds now to the Falcons.
This felt like this would slip through their fingers.
Again, they keep them coming.
Three rounds in a row, spirit up the pace.
We felt like they found their pressure point, right?
They like the results out here, the wards long.
So they go and take this space early.
They're not worried about the resistance from Karaginon Niko in this position.
So a foothold already taken.
but is this one asking too much as Magix fakes the long side a 1v4 on this
site don't coming in for the kill great timing on the smoke drop they're coming
right through that test says in hot water and donkeys quick to close in backstab
opportunity now for Magix went from selling this luck potentially doing big
damage.
He can't get Harry, it's coming through!
Harry gets caught in the down!
Oh man!
What a run of the coaster!
It's still behind this wild ride and Shiro!
Magic!
Oh!
Now just Shiro!
Makes it across, but there's an enemy in the side.
He's not around!
Let me get a shot, sit down!
Try and get out of the steam!
Falcantor closing in!
Harry has just saved the game with a horrific end of the two-play.
The real individual play!
Magics makes the perfect call!
And Carrigan throws caution to the wind!
Chaos through the smoke!
The Danish captain!
Bails Falcons out!
How is that the round?
Spirit cannot believe what they just saw, they cannot believe that's the round that
might have cost them everything.
They picked the right bombsite, the lurk had its desired effect and a hero play from
Karagim has put Falcons within touching distance of those finals.
It would be so spirit just to punch a pistol round in this B-bomb site and pick it up, wouldn't it?
It's a fly power there. Can they break through?
Kisuke here this time tries to fade away into the smoke in behind
and they rise, they can't find it, there it is, he stalls with all the entries
Inco makes his way over me, he's the only guy fighting for this, no one else is nearby
He just kicks it all away
What?
It's been called!
Falkins have divided off!
Team Spirit with an instant bounce back!
Just a middle finger in your face!
Team Spirit still here, surging towards that grand final.
Unbelievable.
It was their only option.
A required entry, Spirit, run it through that B site, they come hunting for guns.
Slowly moving in, knowing taking this AWP out is something that Falcons may not be
able to afford.
Karagun holds a line, shots connect, Modesty just needs to live and he can't even do that.
drops that takes it for himself and team spirit around behind there is more
twists and turns in this semi-final
I'll say that those guns has cost you a buy. Monacea had a lot of extra money
though so you come into this with one thing and one thing only it's monacea
on a hero AWP. Hosted and waiting for a mid-peak that Shiro will not give him.
This is a weapon that Spirit think they removed. They don't know exactly the money on Falcons.
I don't know if they're aware that Modesty has this all in this round.
How much difference can one man, one gun make?
If you find it, you can avoid it. As long as Spirit don't get that information too
too late in the round, they see it on the long cross, they can bail back to a mid-to-B,
they know they have advantage, we saw Falcons through similar things when they found Doc's
position. Team Spirit, do they only find out when it's already too late, when they're
committed with this execute, stack in this side. Team Spirit coming in, monosy, these
are not easy shots, especially not with smokes and flashes in your face, but he has got to
do it that's what he's here for tries to get across he's made this position
there's no second guessing it now this is gonna be all monosy first shot connects
but that's gonna be a sign of things to come spirit making their move closing in
and now he's feeling the pressure not a miss for monosy won't be able to make up
for it. That makes the match here. Team Spirit go right into the belly of the beast and they
live to tell the tale.
Everybody home and Spirit of Victim one by one by one.
This game has given so much and can you believe it's going to come down to these final two rounds.
Two teams demanding, deserving of that final but only room for one, whose destiny will
is Nico fated to never find that major trophy.
Can Carrigan drag them all the way?
Will Spirit defend their title?
Our answers are right in front of us.
pressure hits harder for the Falcons right now because they are all in this
is all their money if they lose this they are broke spirit have a chance to
close and there would be nothing in it for the Falcons fighting back with
pistols and so if you want that nice easy route at the end of a brutal best of
three win this round team spirit
Magix is called an absolute blinder. He's been keeping pace with Karrigan, a veteran IGL.
One of the most revered captains in this space.
This is Magix's first outing as a captain at a major.
So he has to do his best call yet.
Any trick up your sleeve.
Any round that just feels comfortable, feels right, this is the test, this is the time.
First on base, Tonya gets his entry, long locked off, monosy, he can make up for it.
He has to make up for it.
On his own in this site, Nico not far away, his spirit erupts.
Full blind, they've already crossed, monosy, how do we adjust? How many can he take with him?
There's the help from Nico.
Oh my God!
The Odyssey!
And they can't go down!
They must win!
The round that might have shaped it all!
The Odyssey is in an uncomfortable sport every step of the way!
But until that split server is shut down, you are not safe, your job is not done, spirit
bring the pace again.
They try and end this with a very fast pace, they're looking for overtime and they go quickly
out of these long doors, they have no position anywhere else on the map.
And that's Falcons discovering this right now, they have cleared the tunnels, they know
Where spirit are?
Look at the call.
Look at the reinforcements.
Four strong out towards this A-bomb site.
A spirit closing in.
Falcons could not have more info.
This is the best chance you've ever had since being on this roster
and making the finals, stuck in the right place.
Now it's down to the shot.
Monacy gets rid of Dunk, Spirit's big name, won't play in round 24.
Niko fouled him through the malatops.
And from down bottom of the board, he's just put up a big double.
But the job's not done.
It's handed off now to Kiyosuke.
the man the spirit once owned they give up to the Falcons they hand them a loaded gun and they take it away
to the spirit right through all the times again
the game they kept on giving
across every map of this series
Not a second of certainty, not a single guarantee, no advantage too much.
We wait for our answers.
Spirit's resilience.
It is unshakable. It is unquestionable. Hundreds of rounds of play across just a few of the
three. I've got a few more in them. Honestly, pressure on this B site, tries to escape. Donk
does not finish his job. It's a 5v4 for Falcons in round 25. Honestly, his position known. Does
that send you elsewhere or into this b-site a site you know is not stacked
It's the call from spawn they wanted to end up this way the exotics here earlier fell prey to that monisty orb
This is where it is always destined to go 14 spirit
They know about the AWP
Well, the situation has to drop into the side, but now Molly forces in a concede position.
Let's get closer.
Hey, wait.
And Stamir closes in.
I'd start for Kiyosuke.
Gets wind of that flank.
Now they set up.
Let's put this down.
Patrick's has kept them in the conversation.
Patrick's has kept them in this.
Hands in doubt by flying Kiyosuke and Shirou.
Shut up!
Hardest side to retake, the Falcons do not let it get that far. They keep the pressure on in that bebong site.
While Spirit try to set positions, Falcons uproot them.
First round of overtime in their pocket. Such important cover from Kiyosuke.
If he doesn't get that, Tanayah has the double right there. They are side by side.
Rubbing shoulders at the car. That is a spirit round through and through.
It's a balkan's trying to pull a bit of a block here, and I feel like after that result
over a B there's no way that Spirit go back to it.
It's still a very quiet map, but they're gonna start scrambling back here so we can
move from that long position here, it's trying to cross back.
It's too late.
Spirit are jumping the gun.
No time for you, Tilt.
No time to think.
You don't get a moment of respite, and there's still a B defender.
That's how they lose the point and Mico is looking to come through, flashbang out of
his team, send him into the site.
He's slow but only for a moment.
Shirou.
Oh, Steve!
Oh my god!
Kiyosuke!
Relentless aggression.
And the rest of the Falcons don't follow through.
He's done enough.
Monosian Karagin.
They've got one kill.
They're going to streak around in this overtime.
They decide to make this next move very carefully.
And that has given time to Taneir.
Is he cooking or is he burning the dish?
Back to Jack Tunnell's recommit to B.
It's not a flank round the world for Taneir.
He wants to play this side out, but that smoke fades.
Karagun Szilane opens.
So some orping from him on Anubis.
You're going to have to pull that back.
To make it initiate, time is not on his side, he is running out of options.
Now they know, and they're going to play quickly here, straight through those doors, facing him together.
Mischoff and Carrigan, but there's so much left to go right.
And it's an air-filling short fucking shame to get the rounds in overtime.
and now spirit arrived at this third in OT with a broken bite on Plango somewhere to
leveling that out but this is a golden opportunity for the Falcons to go flawless.
Sure spirit won their own shocking retake of this B bombsite at the end of the first
half of regulation but Falcons know the answer to these B hits it's not let them get to post
It's not let them get comfortable in B.
Every time Spirit have gone for these B-Pops,
if Falcons have players nearby, they will charge window,
they will charge door, they keep the pressure on.
His team is playing aggressive.
They are playing to win.
Another move made. Kiyosuke in lower.
Honestly, stays aggressive with him, side by side.
Oh, you're shot. But no punish.
Just don't leave Giyosuke in a bit of a vulnerable spot, so there's well to get out of there.
Oh, dear.
Everyone's so tense here.
Falcons know the chance in front of them, the idea that you could go floor this on the half,
give yourself so many opportunities to close this, that's massive.
The spirit feeling like they need anything to hold on to.
Hold on to Niko's in a perfect position here.
Actually, he might go back.
Sontics re-enters the tunnel.
Spirit sign up for a mid to B and Kiyosuke again,
called into question.
Human test says on this B bomb site,
it's the entirety of spirit.
Spirit needing a single round in this half of overtime.
Niko spam connects.
It's already a man down.
He's starting this beat takeoff on shaky ground, Kiyosuke able to withstand more than that.
What a good survives!
Magics has had some unbelievable rounds, but this is feeling like one step too far.
Madison passing down, Falcons go to the wall, three opportunities, three swings at those finals.
How many will be enough for the Falcons?
This is their chance.
This is their destiny, this is their opportunity.
And it is in their hands, a caragon, a teeside, a chance to call these superstars over the line, something Falcons could never do.
A team with an empty trophy cabinet.
A team with a checkbook out of pages.
But was it money well spent?
Spirit of shown unshakable resilience across the major.
This feels like a bridge too far.
15,000 people you can hear the pin drop as everyone waits on the opening drag.
That flash signals the go ahead, that flash signals the push, they're coming to dunk on
on his bomb site, gotta put up numbers.
Nothing found on this b-roll.
Holy God, Tex.
And the promise of those finals might finally be delivered.
They are right there.
Let's go, let's go, let's go, let's go.
Spirit at a time, spirit at a chances.
The hardest we take in Counter-Strike.
That's what's in front of them.
And as Falcons wait, they rub their hands together, years in the making, years in the waiting.
This is their moment.
Those finals are right there, and you've just got to reach out and grab it.
There's the kill and blow.
And Falcons reach no heights.
Never before seen, with this roster!
A fairytale run!
They beat the world number one!
They beat the heavy-wearing team spirit!
They defy every expectation!
60 days since he joined this roster!
60 days for Kara going to work his magic!
And he reinvigorates this super team!
Resilience the likes they have never shown before!
Come the turn of game three, it's Kiersuke, it's Monosy, it's these young guns that get Falcons through it.
And now half a decade on for Nico since his last final, he will make another appearance with Karagin by his side.
A chance once more to fight for a major trophy.
Reunited from Boston to Stockholm and now Cologne, it must be different team spirit.
their prodigy versus a Falcons prodigy.
And today, the defending champions here in the Cathedral of Counter-Strike called Shorts.
An incredible run from Team Spirit.
Resilience never shown before.
A bright future for this roster.
But today is not about them, it is the Falcons.
Forcing their way into the finals.
Well, the sort of series that I feel you need smelling salts afterwards, it was stressful
to watch.
What was that like to play in?
It was great.
I had a major last time in Shanghai.
It was last year, 2011.
This time all the time.
I remember this in Shanghai, I'll never forget.
And when we came towards, I was like, this is how it's supposed to be.
And the way we managed to win four rounds in a row, I'm so impressed by the team.
It was amazing over time.
What is your heart rate doing?
You get that plant at the end, you know it's a hard retake, you know they've only got
a couple of players left.
What are you saying to the team and what is your heart rate doing?
I mean, we just have to follow through what we're doing.
I mean, this team is so good.
I said when I joined, this team is special.
I think we're showing how many times it looks bad, but we managed to come back.
And when we're getting the highest pressure you can get, yesterday's from a title today from Spirit,
we can withstand that pressure. And it just feels natural to be in these games.
Yeah, it feels natural to be in these games. It feels natural now to be in a grand final of a major here in Cologne as well.
I mean, you've done so much in your career over the years.
We've seen you win, we've seen you at different teams, you've been successful.
What does what you're doing right now compare to that?
I have no idea right now.
It's hard to believe that two months ago
it was not supposed to be at the Cologne Major.
Now I'm here in front of this amazing crowd
and making entertaining games.
And tomorrow there's a grand final.
Thank you very much guys.
Yeah, what a grand final it's going to be.
I mean the storyline is the first major for Niko.
final ever one from Fulham I mean tomorrow is going to be something special
oh it's gonna be special I think this is my fourth season major I like to win
one now I think I have been in waited a few times now so but few is playing
great we managed to come through this bracket but final is a 50-50 I always
say it and tomorrow it's gonna be a very tough game again and what is it like
I mean you've been jousting with him for years now, years and years and years, so many different legacies both of you are leaving.
What has it been like taking him on?
I mean he has done a fantastic job in few years, what can I say?
I have huge respect for him and I think he has huge respect for me.
We were there in the beginning fighting each other and we are still both fighting with people complaining about age,
but yet both of us are in the major finals so I don't think age matters that much, maybe only on scoreboards.
And if he's watching right now, what do you want to say to him?
Let's have some fun tomorrow.
I always love playing him and that's the best man to win.
I love it.
Congratulations, it's a major final for this man right here.
Carragans and Falcons are your grand finalists.
The Miracle Man for Falcons, we all thought Carragans was missing out on his 22nd Counter
straight major after phases failure but now he leads Falcons to their first ever
major grand final. The first for Manasi and Kyusuke, a second shot for Tezos and
a third chance for Niko at the trophy that has always evaded him. An incredible
showing here tonight that just feels like a date with Destiny. We do have Manasi
up here joining us on the desk. Can you just describe your emotions right now?
I'm so emotional guys and I'm so happy. It was a very tense game, very precious game to go on.
And we were doing a lot of things that could have gone wrong, you know, but they worked out, you know, they worked out.
You said when you joined us up here on the desk, it's down to this man.
Can we see on the screen? Explain that perspective.
Magic man, magic man.
Every round when he's doing something, you always believe it's gonna work out, you know.
And those things that he was doing on D&D, there was nothing to do with the smoke, you know, doing these kind of things.
It just works for him, and I'm so... I don't know, I'm just so...
Hey, I don't know how to explain.
Ever since Karrigan joined, you guys have played nine overtime maps and you won eight out of the nine after this Spirit series.
I mean, before with Falcons, you just wouldn't see that sort of resilience. Is it really just down to him and what he brings?
I don't know. I don't know. Could be. Could be. I mean, I mean, I mean, everything is working fine.
I mean, all the things that we're doing, he's calling, we listen, we are also adapting.
And I think we're just enabling ourselves a little bit more in the game, you know?
What about the fact that you're in your first major play-off, like, how does that ever feel?
Like, you know, you're going to be playing in the Cologne and it's a major play-off.
And just tell me about how does it feel?
I don't know, it feels insane. I just always like to go on the stage.
That's what's not motivating, but pushing me to perform better and play in front of the crowd as well.
In the launches arena, I played here in 2023 when we won Cologne, and we know how to win.
And just arena is insane. So many people here supporting us, watching the teams that they support.
Feels amazing.
I want to go back to Kerrigan because I think we can all see what he's doing inside the server.
And you just explained very well that he's a magic man at moments, right?
Yes.
What has he done for you guys outside the server?
Because I think Danny has also been talking about he brings a lot of good mood and he's also elevated to play better in playoffs.
Can you just explain to us what is it that Karrion can do outside the server as well?
What's he's doing, Jim? I mean, he's doing a lot of things, but I don't know how to explain, but we are just working on our weaknesses that we have been struggling for a long time.
And those VPCs I think we are just improving and we're keep, like, we started doing better, you know, since you joined and we're also adapting to his playstyle, you know, to do these rotations, you know, mid-round and those two, and Anubis always, we're never gonna finish the, I don't know how to explain it, but it's gonna be always key to the game, you know, so...
Do you like that?
I like it.
Yourself?
Yes, I like it. I like to build details.
I also wanted to ask you, against Pirate the last two times,
didn't really go well for you guys, also there does too.
I mean, after Vitality, they're probably the best team in the world.
So what made the difference today for you guys?
What made the difference?
I think we were all five players on the server.
We were all there, you know, we were all feeling the game,
we were all communicating so well.
And I think those five players and the coach behind
made the difference today.
You're talking a lot about Kerrigan, you mentioned that round, I think we have it, so if we can play it and they're just here, what was going in your head while this round was happening?
I have no idea. I have no idea. Just everything I just see, she's just going.
I don't know, sometimes he reminds me a little bit of how to say it.
I already play on the stage with the STW2K, you know, in Dallas.
That's a good example.
STW2K would always cross the smoke with the right kickflash or something.
And sometimes he just not reminds you, of course, but these kind of plays are so nice.
Magix is shooting at you in the back. You guys were 4A, they go B and somehow this happens.
Yes, look at this guy. He just crosses the smoke. He doesn't care, guys.
He has believed in himself, always. That's what you need to have in the game.
You always believe in yourself, you're always confident and you stay until the end of the round.
You had a lot of really fast B-rejections in this game because it felt like you guys were like...
You wanted to hit them before they got into the post plans and everything, was that his idea?
Was it just because of the game flow that you guys went so fast?
I think first of all, I think Rene, Tesis, he was very good at shutting P down.
Sometimes he was dying very fast, but we were all there already because we had Phil who pushed from behind.
push from behind, we're all in the position to do this, you know. So I think the positioning
of ourselves and reacting faster to do things, I think allowed us to do these kind of things,
like fast retakes. I'm already there, I'm holding the flash for Maxime and for Nicola,
they're breaking the smoke, they're ready to commit. So we're all there, that's what I mean,
we're all communicating, we all heard each other in this game. Ilya, I've got to ask, as Janko said,
so many overtime maps, you managed to convert. In this one in particular though, when was the
What's the point where you actually believed you could do it, because Spirit, they looked
like they were teed up to take this one.
When was the point that you started believing?
As soon as I walked down the stage.
I believe we can win.
Even though we, yes, we had very rough, not rough start, but we had rough game on the
second map on Mirage, and it felt like we were just, after that eco round that we lost
other connector when Don't Kill the Diggle, and we started just crushing, you know, we
lost the, not believe, but we lost ourselves for some reason, you know, we start, we were
adapting ourselves. But as soon as we walked on the stage.
Tomorrow you're born in Estonia and there's another grandfather waiting for you guys.
How do you feel about this one?
I will see. I will see on the server.
I will see what they cook for us, what we want to cook for them.
We're going to come there prepared.
And this is the most important. And we're going to come there with all the belief.
Honestly, I've almost never seen you in this kind of emotional state, right?
It's amazing to see. I mean, not to give anything.
where we were talking on media day, right?
And we were talking about your lack of trophies
and you got pretty emotional when we were talking about that.
Yes.
How amazing does it feel to actually have this fire
back in you?
Because we can see it running over your face
inside the server, outside the server,
like just walk me through that.
I don't know.
I just found myself back again.
Good timing to do so.
I mean, I'm just happy where I am right now
and I'm happy that I'm in this kind of, I don't know,
environment.
to explain it but I just love fans as well. I like to play on the stage this was just always
motivated me you know to play in front of the crowd. And they love seeing you. Yes. Do you want
to say anything to them before we like get off and prepare for the game tomorrow? Yes love you all
guys support your favorite teams and see you tomorrow. See you tomorrow. Thank you so much for
your time I see congratulations that was such an entertaining series. Hopefully we get another one
for the ages tomorrow but that does mean we can let you get off and go celebrate with your team
to get prepared for tomorrow. Thank you so much. See you tomorrow.
Yes, see you tomorrow in that best of five. Man, that just felt like an absolutely insane
series. Like, I can't even imagine the emotions he's feeling right now. I mean, he couldn't
even put into words a lot of those moments, right? But for them to actually get the job
done where spirit showed so much resilience, backs against the wall at so many moments,
that's a testament to this new Falcons. Listen for me, if you know me for anything,
I'm not a very much kumbaya, hold your hands, type of a guy, right?
But I think you see with this team and the way they're playing, the power of belief, right?
And they're just a different team.
Whenever they walk out on that stage, the statistic about the overtime speaks for itself.
The eight out of nine wins in overtime.
You go back to that Tastana final, the result on Dust2 was identical.
Just flipped seven, five halves into a 16-12 win, but for Team Spirit then,
and it started with that crazy round, we don't going around the smoke.
You know, and all it takes is a short amount of time, and it shows you the power of believing in yourself, trusting your teammates, playing with confidence, and that's what got Falcons into the Grand Final.
I really think it spoke to itself with how happy he was, and how he was, you know, you just feel all the emotions coming out of that.
It's just a team that started to believe, right? You know, it's been, I think it's been a very tough journey in Falcons for a long time for the guys, you know, they're finding themselves and having a lot of pressure on themselves.
but now they find themselves in a major Grand Pharma.
You know, that's like when things are starting to fall into places for you
and tomorrow there's going to be another big game, right?
And that's the one where we really hope things are going to fall even more into places,
because they've earned it so far.
I mean, I take it down my tail, and then today, take it down spirit.
I mean, it's also close to the perfect one that you can actually have.
Yeah, on the seventh time of trying, Ilya finally makes it to that coveted major Grand Pharma.
But I'm curious to see if he is in contention for our DHL MVP.
a lot of humongous moments going down on this very
stage tonight. So we've got some compelling cases put forward for your DHL MVP vote. The first up,
Janko, you got to take this one away. It's Nico. Yeah, he had a great series. Finally,
the Major had some opportunities right on Dust2. Rough T-side, outside of this round,
you really didn't see that much, but he kept his head in the game, was able to find much more
impact on the CT side and be one of the main reasons why Falcons got into the Grand Final.
Yeah, and that third grand final awaits in terms of majors for Nico.
Going to be very exciting to see if you can indeed achieve that feat tomorrow.
But of course, you said it, Dupreeh.
A first time, four minus E, a shot at that major trophy,
and he put forward some incredible impact in this one.
He does, and he always does for the team.
He is one for the future, and he's been there for such a long time.
His impact of April is also found in a lot of the rounds,
but he would find the openings, but also just the rounds
where he would fail, fail, fail, set a situation.
But he didn't think that we're going to be back.
He's such a vital offer, he's such a vital part of this team and I think it's just like at the times, you know, he deserves to get on the stage, get to play a major grand final, I think at this point, you know, he's probably the best player in the team.
The third and final option in contention for your detailed MVP, Twitch channel points is none other than Kiyosuke Stiko. You wanted to see him perform on this fixed stage and so far looking incredibly good.
I'm so glad we're seeing these Anubis skills, because honestly, that Anubis really held on their shoulders.
The amount of entry kills, he got even from this connector area throughout this whole game, he was extremely impactful.
And yes, maybe he was not always impactful, as those guys that you mentioned just before, but he was just playing out of his mind.
All the times when he got a chance to do a little bit more piddling with multi-kills, with impact and just pure brilliance.
It's going to be so exciting to see if any of these individuals can continue that form versus Furia tomorrow
Of course the biggest of stakes in that best of five grand final
But I do want to touch upon the opposite side of the equation in terms of team spirit
So many opportunities where they could have pushed us one over the line
And I think it is an admirable feat considering no coach behind them
Magics his first major playoffs as an England leader as well
They put up such an effort today. They fought valiantly and it was impressive the level of
composure and fortitude and poise that they've shown on this big stage right
without having a coach behind them and Magix as an IGL you know Donk has the
super started here but we did point out Shiro and he stepped up in a big way
for his team it just in the end you know it's about the slimmest of margins and
they just didn't have enough in the tank. Yeah they came into the major with a
bang I think you know the amount of rounds they managed to just not lose in
in the group stage. That was phenomenal. And once they took the chance here to the stage,
you know, it was very close games after the game against C2. It's just like they could have gone out
in that game as well, you know. So for them to be here and to fight their way through, they can be
proud of what they achieved regardless. And you know, it's just, you know, spirit building upon
the greatness that they already achieved. Specifically in this game, I mean, those pisterons were
really hurting them. They were one of the weakest teams in the playoffs that actually couldn't
really get the ball rolling at the beginning of the game, at the beginning of the map and the
child as well but I have to give it to them whatever they were going through
they were going through it together. Dong was actually very impactful during the
pauses as well when he was like voicing his issues with the team that's
something that we didn't usually see him do when the coach was behind and I'm
interested to see how this one goes obviously the coach should be back soon
but but what an effort. Obviously we can talk about you know how proud they
should be yada yada yada, resilience, buckles and spades but let's be real if
you're don't you're pissed right now you are so disappointed in yourself he
He takes every loss, so personally, not least up here on a Cologne and a Major stage.
Of course he knows what he's capable of, right, and that's why you can never really
doubt Team Spirit as long as he's around.
Like, he always has that ability to turn the game on its head, and yeah, in this one as
well, had a lot of great moments, not, you know, the out of this world maybe moments
as much, but that's how it gets in these games, you know, the other team also, everyone thinks
about going into a game how do we limit this guy you cannot stop him but how do
we limit him and perhaps Valkans did just enough today to get him over the line
it must be so tough to be such a superstar that you know that your
opponent is always going to try and find that specific thing that's gonna
counter you or you put in much much pressure on you I think obviously today
like I still think Dong had a had a decent shared a miss maybe a little
bit under his like normal standards but I still think that you know it's what
is he takes it a very person right and rightfully so I think it's also just a
that they lost and they didn't really get blown out the waters they had a lot
of situations specifically on B today on Dust2 where they could have closed it
out but they just couldn't and they got a little bit surprised of what was
thrown at them and you know that that's what Counter-Strike is sometime that's
sometimes. He will be pissed about us too though. He will. He will. It was what
under one rating in the end right but it was a tough game to play and you
cannot expect him to go above and beyond every single map. No, I don't think we can
put the failure in terms of this you know team spirit run on dog's head I mean
just to go back to your point prior to this the series streak that spirit
found themselves on as well it really shows how thin of a margin that they
they didn't want to slip through by. Yeah and this is where you know we said
that the coaching issue hasn't been as big you know they shown to be very much
capable but it is in a series like this where it's you know you're losing two
over times where you wonder if just some time out to keep their cool a little
bit more right to maybe in those in this last overtime and they're losing
round after round to take something give them a call you know have just that
outside perspective for Magricks it's simply very difficult to do when you're
especially if you are alive until the end of these rounds now you're dead the
round is over you have 20 seconds to think about everything that's been
going on give your players the call maybe remind them of something like
especially if you want to do something quick like that that's incredibly hard
to do and he deserves a lot of praise for how team spirit look like there's a
team in this tournament. Like them or hate them, the amount of entertainment these guys
brought to this whole major and to this playoff is actually remarkable. If it wasn't DONG,
it was MAGICS. If it was MAGICS, it was SHIRO, particularly in this game we just saw. So,
props to them and obviously we will have a new reigning champion of I am CLONE. Just
touching upon the MAGICS point once more, like, I was just thinking about, okay, how
many players have transitioned from just a player into an in-game leader successfully?
Like, right now at the top of head, obviously Apex is up there, but so many people attempt
it and so many fail like for magic to achieve this already in such a short
span of time so impressive you know I'm kind of mad about his personality that
he's such a big troll because I think like he's a really smart guy and I think
he could actually give a lot of great insight almost but you know it's just a
sort of the personality that he is he likes to troll a little bit and
everything but from the early looks of it it seems like he has a lot of
potential to turn into a great in game leader well let's hear from him obviously
heartbreak into feet for the side of Spirit but we do have a few closing
thoughts courtesy of Magix. Yeah is that unfortunate time when we say
goodbye to Spirit and in the same notion Magix is so graceful to give us some
words Magix let's get ahead of it man let's talk a little bit about let's
talk a little about this game overall to you it was a very tense it was a very
stressful game how did it play out in your own words? I mean this one was kind
similar to what we had with 9Z and G2 last couple of matches and you know the
only difference is the outcome. And so I mean obviously with the outcome comes
leading the major but I guess my question is for spirit you guys have been
riding such a high you know it's been a great season for you guys otherwise. How
do you put that into feelings you know what does it make you feel like? You're
We're always going to have mixed feelings or bad feelings, you know, when you're losing.
So it's kind of mid, but overall like last couple of months we have shown some like some
glances of form that we might play well or play good or whatever, like we had in Rio
and the Stanna and you know you know we're just getting better from what we
have had in the beginning of the year. Yeah it's a pretty young lineup it's an
exciting project not just because of Donk I mean even you play Mirage
sometimes which is pretty cool. Magics if I look at this series overall you know
16-14 in the first map we go to Mirage let's just run into D2 to Dust2. What
do you think of when we start talking about the map Dust2 in the series? I feel
like that we have lost a couple of weird rounds on city side and you know going
into the T side we had like an opportunity to you know to catch to you
know the moment but we lost a couple of touches like you know in few situations
the communications were not clear and you know that's why it's been kind of
shaky like it could have gone like either way but you know in the end we have
something like Counter-Strike diet today and humanity lost.
Look bro, it's always exciting to watch Spirit play. I know you guys come into
interviews sometimes you have some attitudes like there's sometimes there's
an approach to the big game the big picture that is Counter-Strike with Team
Spirit and it's an exciting team to watch. Is there anything that you want to say
about Spirit in this season? You know we have a little bit of a break is there
anything that you want to say about spirit performance in the season and how this major
ended up? Well to conclude the season I would say that we definitely improved from what we have had
and there's only way up and see you in Singapore. Yeah give you that anything you want to say on
the way up? See ya. Ciao thank you very much Major. Thanks. Yeah end of the major and the end of the
season unfortunately for the side of Team Spirit but that does TSR4 quite the best of five tomorrow.
I can't quite believe I'm saying we either have fallen realising a major 10 years later,
the one he hoisted in 2016 or we have Niko getting his first. Like the script writers,
you cooked on this one. Yeah, this is going to be I think a glorious day for Counter-Strike fans
either way, right? Like there's so many cool storylines. Yes, fallen is the big one but what
Not about Jury in case Serato, I mean being so good for so long and not getting really
close, not getting to a major and grand final first and foremost and then on the other side
obviously Nico but Monace, I mean someone like Tessus who has a chance at redemption
after Rio and losing to outsiders is a big favourite, tomorrow is going to be crazy.
What about Eikindar as well?
And the redemption arc from Liquid when everyone was writing him off whatever he was trying
to do IGL, link entry, everyone was pointing fingers. Myself included, I'm gonna throw myself out there.
Yes, it was, I think, valid criticism, but what a turnaround of a career. Moldoi, one and a half
year ago, he was playing on the Amkalf still, you know, it's what a turnaround and what a step
up, massive step up from everyone on FURIA roster to bring this home. It is absolutely crazy.
Stika, we've talked about in the green room with Chad, I think, curious about the best of five
records for Fallen as well. Obviously, didn't happen back in Crackout, but he's got quite a lot
under his belt, right?
Yeah, so Foulin is a best of five specialist, whatever he has in his mind and the professor
always delivers, this is absolutely crazy.
He is 14-2 in best of five finals, you know how cracked it is?
I didn't even play that many best of fives in my life.
That sounds like a huge problem.
And we're not in Poland.
Are we good?
Oh, yeah.
That's the curse.
That's the curse.
We cracked it now.
I think all the players that's going to be playing more obviously deserve some HN.
I think the big storylines are always,
it's Niko finally, she's finally gonna get that one right?
But I can't help to not think that,
what if Karagan loses another major grand final?
That would be very difficult.
What about Molesi?
Or is it like 10th?
The thing is, grand final lost?
Oh, now we talk major grand finals right?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Yeah, I know what you mean, yeah.
For them it's a weird scenario.
I think it wasn't the expectation
to be in this final and being in all these finals,
But then once you're there to lose them all, it's devastating.
So we'll see.
Either way, somebody will indeed get theirs tomorrow.
That is the best of five grand final coming away at 5 PM
if you're joining us in the local time zone.
And this is exactly how the bracket fell
to get to the situation of course.
Valcom's taken down by Tyler E.
Now slaying the dragons of spirit
that teased them up versus Phyria.
Gentlemen, I just want to say massive thank you
for joining me up here on the desk today.
This has been quite some semi-final Saturday and have a suspicion the best of five will be delivering tomorrow
We'll see you at 5 p.m. If you want to be joining us for the Intel Extreme Masters Cologne at major Grand Final
I focus I got my
This is not a fight you'd expect, but no!
That is not a nice special!
Quicks go, neck broken!
I want more!
He fits to the second tips down!
You can detrack his prey and execute the rookie!
Every time he looks at me, somebody will tell me we ain't the same, are we ain't the same?
It's the time, right?
There should be that right hook!
Oh no!
It's absolutely nothing!
Nothing, match up, put him down, and it's a collapse
He can be the one to secure it, denied by SoulFly, you've got K-Cirrus and all
And that's why we're here, the fight secures him with a clock kill
We ain't the same, we ain't the same
We ain't the same, we ain't the same
We ain't the same, we ain't the same
Don't move with the rest against the grain
I'd have been testing through the pain
to Niasse side by side out through the camera into this crossfire.
Kiyosuke is not close by to off-rock support.
Karagin is still delivering that opener.
Now Kiyosuke arrives and Karagin's the only piece that's holding on.
Trying to buy time for his teammate.
What happened? There's a Niko!
Karagin!
That's another go against Tuff and Niko.
He ain't the same, he ain't the same.
Quickly, that might be us.
We ain't the same.
And that gets there just in time.
Honest, don't be clear there, he thought he had him.
This is a tense moment.
Oh, wow.
Expecious!
We can't get a piece of together!
Oh, oh, oh, oh.
We're always picking up the tunnels,
quieting, kissing, kicking sticks,
what is there with the transfer?
Trying to close in on the left side, drop down!
This is Nails the first, now he is the first steps, is he really in?
Oh fuck it's out!
Carragans coming through, Carragans coming down!
Oh man!
Oh, what a scene!
And you can't come back at all!
This is the moment!
There's the killing part!
I die against the rich, the old, the hights!
No sa, no sa, no sebo se me mata
Ay, se supego, ay, ay, se supego
Delicia, delicia, asi vo se me mata
I cannot speak Portuguese, sorry for that
The Intel Extreme Masters Clone Major 2026 is brought to you by ESL and FarshipWhip.
Intel.
Acer Predator.
DHL.
Checks.
And so...
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 holiday for each of them here at Galamitza.
Now the double beat is getting the shot.
But it is a little faster now.
Something special to tell you is to keep going.
And that takes a little bit of future.
Galamitza!
We are back!
I'm on the concrete now
I can feel it all around
I'm gonna call out people coming in
Another brush of a dead-time dress
I can see all the foam, but then
I see the storm give out
I'm a ruler with another single claw
I can see the storm give out
Where is my tail?
All, all the time
The company again has come to an end
Look over here, my dogs, and I'll walk to your house
I don't know what I'm gonna do
I don't know what I'm gonna do
I don't know what I'm gonna do
I can feel it all around
I'm gonna go up people cave in, yeah
They don't talk at me, they don't have to stand
A word took to cause the sun to come out to play on me
I know it's the long we met in times
It's more than the man he hid in my life
Already time to sign a code
Of all the riches we hold
For me, you don't have to try
I'm all breathless now until I last goodbye
We've got so much time
I don't need to dream of fantasies
I can't stop just to realize
I'm ready to decide how I'm gonna reach this game of hope
I live some life, it's helped me to love it