IEM Cologne 2023 has arrived, and day one of many Play-Ins was action-packed. With ten video games of Counter-Strike performed, we’ve already begun to see who’ll progress to the following stage of the competitors. After some ludicrous particular person performances on the server, let’s have a look again at day considered one of IEM Cologne 2023.
MOUZ and Fnatic First Up
Credit score: ESLCS on Twitter
After taking part in a best-of-one and a best-of-three, MOUZ and Fnatic turned the primary groups to qualify for the Group Stage of IEM Cologne 2023.
For the MOUZ IEM journey, a nervy opener towards The MongolZ was trigger for concern. Nonetheless, torzsi and frozen’s kind noticed them to the end. Credit score to torzsi, who posted some really absurd stats on the server. The spotlight was profitable all twenty of his opening duels for the day throughout three maps, together with one the place he dropped 50 kills.
In Fnatic’s case, there was one CS:GO roster change that made all of the distinction in these IEM CS:GO matches. Bringing dexter in as IGL has allowed mezii to be the star rifler we all know he might be. The distinction was each rapid and stark. In his first map, mezii dropped 39 kills, and 30 within the second. He was a degree above The MongolZ and 9INE, and it confirmed. Simply check out this unimaginable Deagle 3K he managed whereas on eco:
It’s a contemporary begin that the Brit will probably be mighty happy with.
Astralis’ Buzzkill
Credit score: ESLCS on Twitter
The brand new-look Astralis acquired off to a robust begin too, defeating outdated rivals Liquid 16:10. Everybody performed their half – dev1ce was as much as his personal excessive requirements, blameF acquired the calls excellent, b0RUP seems to be an ideal match. However for Buzz, we need to give further credit score. The younger gun has confronted loads of criticism since his arrival, however this felt like a coming-of-age efficiency from Buzz. In a number of rounds, he pulled out large clutches, which is one thing we’ve by no means actually seen from him earlier than.
There’s nonetheless a best-of-three earlier than the principle occasion, however Astralis now look properly positioned to make the Group Stage of the newest IEM CS:GO occasion.
FalleN’s FURIA on Fearsome Type
Credit score: Stephanie Lindgren | © ESL
It was a superb day on the server for FalleN’s FURIA journey, with a victory over Grayhound. The Brazilians entered the competition as favorites, however confirmed no indicators of latest workforce nerves to dispatch the Australian workforce with ease.
With Monte up subsequent, it’ll be one other nice check of this contemporary roster.
Main Underdogs Thrive
It was wonderful to see Apeks and Monte, two of the underdogs of the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023, proceed their good kind into the second half of the yr. There was a worry that Monte having misplaced BOROS and Apeks dropping jL might have a huge impact on their endurance in Tier-1, however each groups put that concept to mattress right here.
Credit score: Stephanie Lindgren | © ESL
Monte put Imperial to the sword with a dominating efficiency on Nuke, with new addition br0 holding his personal on his debut. It wasn’t a flying begin for the younger Dane, however there’s a transparent platform to construct from there.
For Apeks, dropping jL to NAVI was large. However CacaNito seems to be a superb choose, ending second on the leaderboard with a robust opener. Contemplating they have been taking part in BIG, it’s one thing Apeks might be massively happy with.
IEM Cologne 2023 Day Two Schedule
With six extra best-of-three video games going down on the server, right here’s the total schedule for day two of IEM Cologne 2023:
Keep watch over esports.net for all of your newest IEM Cologne 2023 information!
