And then sometime around May you suddenly just started grinding, bro
You were playing like 10 games a day every day
What kind of what what triggered that like was it was it having some freedom with like college and stuff like that?
Was it the the fact that you know like Brazilian teams started to rise up again?
Like what what kind of bought you back so like here in Brazil the college
You'll get a break in the middle of the year and in the end of the year
So I saw some HLTV comments on that, like saying, oh, no, he didn't, he didn't stop playing.
He was playing faces, but like, I was not playing for like trying something professional.
I was playing for fun with my friends.
So like, I didn't even get, I think 100 hours into weeks.
So it was like 20 hours into weeks.
So and then after the break, I unstopped the game again.
So I started grinding in December because I noticed that I started playing well.
and I was like running face it so much that I think I got like 25 kills average and 2 kd
in the last 30 match. So that's why I received an opportunity because I was performing so well
and then we started playing the tournaments in Brazil, tier 2, tier 3 and we won some,
we got qualified to the closed off PGL Estana as well and it was a good experience for me
because I didn't even play a single match of HLTV before 2026, you know.
So yeah, everything's happening so fast, but I think I'm ready.
I mean, so you guys have actually had some time just kind of playing in like South American events,
right? I've seen that hasn't really been like any any reach out to the international.
This is the first time for you and for the first time in a little while for the rest of the
team. What's kind of the vibe going into that you excited to play versus some of these
squads that you've that you've watched I mean like you say you were set up there
is that cool I'm going to play against you you know I think like I say this to
everyone that asks me like I will play against the best in the world and maybe
the best in the history of the game you know because they are like some so good
in doing the basics they are like I think they got top one on HLTV and top
three right pop since I was so it is a dynamic duo is the best doing the
world right now. So it will be fun. I don't think they know my game, but I hope I can show
some skills in like in the game.
I'm excited, dude, man. All the best, genuinely. This is fantastic. Yeah, that's the new boy
on the block, Ren2. Is that how you say your name, by the way? I want to get this out
of the way.
Yeah, you can say Ren2 or...
How would you say it?
Hento.
Oh, shit.
I can't do it like that, but I'll give it my best shot, bro. Yeah, yeah, genuinely.
Good luck, good luck this event and dude, how cool is that?
There we go.
He was sat right up there and now he's playing here.
That's crazy.
You speak enough English, man.
This is gonna be good.
Yeah.
Okay.
All right.
Here we are.
It's the lobby.
It's bait.
Dude, Kenzo, you are looking fresh, man.
You got that kind of...
Yeah, yeah, yeah, you got that Brazil style, you know?
Yes, thank you, thank you.
Do you make this effort everywhere you go to kind of, you know, uh, get in with the culture?
I want to know, man, how's, uh, how's this year been for you guys?
It's been great.
Okay.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Cause I noticed when you guys went to, was it the parking event?
You won that and then did that kind of give you a bit of confidence because you you guys were good out in Bucharest
Well, that only ended a couple of days ago. I think he have very good confidence
Yeah, yeah, very good
Yes
Okay, so what do what do we expect him to be here playoff run glasses in the playoffs you think it's you think it's time I
I like this dude, I like the energy you guys are giving it a day, yo, best of luck brother,
best of luck, that was a good nap as well, that's a good one to end on, you ain't gonna
get that twice.
Mr Norbert, Mr Norbert sir, yo what's good, I mean, you're good, and excited to see
you in this team, you know, like we've seen throughout the years Norbert has gone
on many an adventure, landed in Hotsu, and I'm interested to kind of understand
What weather team is that right now? I see that Moe and Mizi have been there forever, but you're a newer name. How's it going?
It's shaky a bit, because you know, the Viria system is very good.
We were top 20, now we're outside top 50. But it's fine.
And now we're just playing.
A lot of LANs, tier 2, now we're tier 1 LAN.
The chance to gain some points for the next season,
because we missed the major, unfortunately,
but it's fine, we're just grinding.
Grinding, grinding, that's what you're doing.
Going to all these LANs, going to these events farming for VRS,
is it difficult when you're playing against a lot of unpredictable teams?
Do you miss the predictability of Tier 1 a little bit?
Do you find yourself going, what are these fucking idiots doing?
Does that happen?
Of course. Even when I joined them last year, it was kind of hard to play LANs and online events.
Because I used to play against Tier 1 teams and when I'm playing against lower teams, I don't understand what the fuck are they doing.
And it's kind of hard for me to adapt my playstyle against them.
It's built to play against a certain type of player.
So that's tough.
And to climb back out, we've seen a lot of different teams try and do it.
New rosters are born and then they try and chase the VRS.
It's a brutal world out there.
But I mean, opportunity to play against some high-ranked teams.
And do you think you've got the ability to surprise?
I hope.
Because I don't know...
We could play like on Pro League, you know?
Like, we can surprise everyone, or we can lose to 0-0 and fly back 30 hours.
Both options.
Both are options.
I don't know much about the new guy, Kalash.
What can you tell me about Kalash?
What kind of player is he?
Vanya, how is he going to be in English?
He's crazy guy.
Yes.
Okay.
Like in the game it's good but outside of the game you can scream like without reason.
In the practice room we can see it.
Okay, Norbert's telling me you're crazy, is that true? Confirm or not?
Yes, yes, sure, Nacho.
I like screaming, Nacho, let's go.
Without reason, without reason.
He's joining TeamSpeak and saying,
Yeah, that's it, Sam.
I had a bit of a dissing this week.
OK, OK.
You know how you ruin it?
You just start going, eight, nine, eight, nine.
That really kills the vibe quick.
No, no.
OK, so nice to meet you, Sam.
My name's Alex.
Pleasure.
My name is Kallash.
I think it's a sick nickname, bro.
I think it's a sick nickname, honestly.
Like, you know, like, Duke for Shora is pretty cool.
It's pretty cool.
But Kallash.
Sounds good.
Why is it funny?
Am I saying a bad word?
Is Kalash your bad word?
No, no, Kalash is a good word.
Yeah, exactly.
I like to say it because I feel a little fancy.
He's got the Kalashnikov.
And I'm like, oh, I know what it means.
OK, no, it's a sick nickname, bro.
Nice to meet you.
How are you doing, bro?
It's good to see you.
Likewise.
Me, it's feeling like a lot like last year, this year.
You guys are winning an awful lot.
Pretty good feeling, I guess.
That's not bad.
When you do such a good year,
even though it will be possible to replicate it. We started on the right way. Maybe it's not going to
be the same, but at least we show that it's possible to do two years in a row. I mean,
starting a second good year as a lot of people didn't expect it. And I heard some
interviews that the reality won't do it again, but it gives confidence.
You guys are doing it again. Dude, I want to know because you've always had a lot of
reverence for like the the history side of Counter-Strike and kind of finding your place in that obviously
the duper major ones is one that you're looking to kind of close the gap on you're right behind him
but I also wanted to think Grand Slam you guys would be the first organization to win it back to
back and you would also have a guy who's won it the most out of anyone it's it's kind of cool
no yeah I actually think that's Grand Slam is harder to win than the major because you have to
win, first of all, one of the biggest trophies, yes, either with Krakow or Cologne, and you
need to win four events out of 10. So for me, it's harder to win a Grand Slam than a major. So in a way,
if I get to two Grand Slam, yeah, it's getting good. And yeah, having Robin having three as well
would be awesome. So that's the tough task we have to do in the next few months, weeks or
days, we don't know. I was also wondering, there's one event that you guys always
fall down on actually right at the start of the year. Blast Pound is, yeah, is it kind of a good luck charm for you guys at this?
Because dude, you uh, you didn't win it the first time that first outing with Robs didn't get it this time
But the years ended up being the same both times over. Is there something going on there? Are you superstitious?
No, I think that um bounty is a tournament to prepare the season. Yeah
I mean the way that
Plus, they know that it's not the most important event in a way, so for us it was just to see
where we are and what we have to improve.
And I would be under the truth is I think the players also, they need some pressure,
they need to pressure events to do well in a way.
When you have a player like Zywoo that won four times, first, best in the world, like
Robbs or whatever, like those players need, they need like big tournaments to play good
and I think it doesn't help to play a small tournament for them in the head, it's
just to see where we are.
I remember I was a bit worried in a way again this year to to not play good there
But they didn't like worried they say yeah, we're just getting better and it's gonna be fine for the next ones
And yeah, they were right
They were right. Oh, dude. I I always like seeing you guys because the vibes are always good
Kind of hard not to be thing. I really like about this team is you guys all seem to really appreciate like being in this kind of moment
Right, you've obviously been playing a long time now. Like, you know, there's there's downturns
There's up turns you're in kind of the biggest upswing ever and you're on your way to being like the most accomplished CS player
Of all time, which is kind of cool. Then
Yeah, I mean I am already I think even though I mean I have the trophies. I just I don't have the majors
Like the group is still up there, but I have six more trophies in him
So that little head to head between you and him at a blast with the with the middle finger. That was good
I like that
And then we play together, so of course, I mean, he's a great man and now I am in for me
I try to set up goals for myself and for my team all the time
I'm trying to to be sure that the team is not relaxing at all that we are giving our best
Because yeah, it's crazy what we do and it's crazy what we can do as well. We're not done yet
We show that's in between 26. I think we are even better than 20 25
I don't know if it's going to happen on the long term because last year we won 7 trophies in a row, we're already on 3 right now.
Break your own records at this point.
But that stuff, I would be honest, when I'm rethinking about, wow, we won like 7 trophies in a row.
Like that's ridiculous. That's just not normal.
And because when you see now that we won already 3 and I'm like, if I want just to work all, I need to win the next four events.
That's too much.
The the last thing I'm wondering is someone won an MVP that isn't named Xayu. That's kind of exciting
When are you gonna get yours?
They were good jobs
Yeah, dude, thank you so much and good luck lot on the line for you guys this tournament
So that's that's apex. We're gonna go try find some more guys from vitality
Oh, who's gonna win the MVP next everyone's wondering?
I hope it's you it's about damn time
I don't know about that. I think it's gonna be pretty tough. Look man
All I'm saying is like he's got his one now and rops is about to be like the most accomplished guy in terms of grand slams
He's already got that. You know, he's eating pretty good. So I always had enough
Danny Danny up for it. He already said he ain't up for it. It's about time. UK guy got an MVP
I think it's time. I think it's time. How you feeling dude fitting good. Nice to be back in Rio
It's always a cool vibe and I mean hopefully make playoffs here. It's
Yeah, it's always a crazy, crazy atmosphere.
So I'm looking forward to it.
You sleeping good?
Yeah, I mean, with the family back home,
it's I'm used to getting a birdie and make a birdie sign.
It's fine.
It's crazy in it, right?
Like how suddenly four hours sleep is actually like way more
than enough sleep, you know?
I mean, now you get to go away and sleep even more
than that.
Like what are you capable of now, bro?
Being away is the best.
I mean, it's so much sleep.
I don't know what to do with it.
Yeah, I mean, you just get used to being tired.
It's tight, it's the new bit of energy, so it's fine.
You fly here in business or like I saw,
I saw a couple of business people
as I was going through London.
Yeah, I mean, business is kind of required.
It's very much needed for these long flights
and then you only have a couple of days
to, it's before competition,
so you wanna make sure you get the best rest you can
or feel as comfortable as you can
on the travel day as well, so yeah.
I tried to upgrade, but the flight
was full of eSports pros and I...
You gotta be quick, you gotta be quick.
Dude, you guys caught me slanted.
Yo, I'm just kind of very excited to see you guys go throughout this year.
Just spoke to Dan about the back-to-back grand slams that you could be picking up.
That's kind of crazy.
First organization to ever do it, you'd have a bunch of guys on two.
Robin on three, which is kind of insane.
It meant to be the hardest thing to win and he's just done it like three times.
Yeah, stacking gold bars at home is this guy's the king, but it's insane.
Like, to think, yeah, a year ago, pretty much we were winning our first one,
the first Grand Slam in Melbourne, and now it's, yeah, it goes so quick,
but then, yeah, we're in a position now to get our second.
It's, yeah.
Do you ever think you were going to do this back when you were like on Fnatic
and stuff all the years ago, bro?
No, I mean, back then I was happy to make a couple of playoffs here and there,
And now it's like winning all the trophies and possibly another Grand Slam and these majors.
It's all these bloody majors I don't know what to do with it.
It's crazy. It's crazy.
Yeah, thank you, Masi.
And good luck. Good luck to the rest of the guys, too.
That's vitality.
So one of the biggest questions coming into Rio is, can anyone stop this vitality boys
from winning a Grand Slam here in Rio de Janeiro?
You're our only hope.
You might be our only hope.
Do you reckon you and the boys are in a position where you could you could turn the tides of battle?
Yeah, we were just looking for the extra. What is it? 100 K?
Yeah. 100 K. 100 K. Yeah. Yeah.
How are you doing?
I mean, coming into Rio, you guys have obviously got yourselves the stage three star in the major.
Everything's good. Feeling fine.
Coming into Rio de Janeiro, where are the goals?
Brazilian barbecue playoffs?
Like what's the what's the checklist?
Yeah, I mean, stage three security.
It's nice.
I think lately we struggled a little bit.
If we look at the results, it was not the best, but we had a lot of expectations in ourselves
and a lot of time spent with each other. It was a rough beginning to the season, I would say.
But I think we found some solutions and I feel like we are back on the good path.
I think we are looking to get into playoffs. We take it game by game first and then we
we can talk about the players. But before that, we just focus on the first games.
Yeah, it sounds like a grounded approach. That sounds like the right way to approach things.
Just talking to Torgie, you kind of framed it all nicely that you guys had a very rough start to
the season, but you found solutions and you're taking it one game at a time. Would you say
that that's how you PR trained him? Is that a good answer? Yeah, he's perfectly trained.
There's no denying the last few weeks for us were rougher than it has been in past, right?
So yeah, here we need to find some form again for sure.
Yeah, and I was saying like, you know, the question is, is anyone going to be able to stop Vitality
getting that extra million from the Grand Slam? I feel like you guys are top candidates.
You'd have to have an upswing in form perhaps, so you think you're in a place now where
we could see that killer bonus, an extra 100K in your bank balance. Prollens is perked up,
extra 100K, what do you reckon? What? Extra 100K? If you beat Vitality and deny the Grand Slam.
Sounds interesting. It could be good, a bit of extra cash to splash.
Wouldn't be bad. I told the guys before we got here. We should all remember that no one does second place better than us, right?
So yeah, not that we're taking that one, but
Lots on slapping over there. Yeah, and we're definitely flying a bit on the radar right now also also with the last tournament mind
Yeah, no 100% I think definitely wants to watch and is this a new jersey my trip was always gold was the mouse always go
Gold new gold go on for the first place. That's right. I like that. How you doing man? Good to have you back
You're not showing up late to an event. No stand-in. It's good to be here from day one
It's good to be here without these issues. So I'm really glad to play here
Especially in this kind of counter and this kind of people around who is cheering and upset VCS like fans
Yeah, I do dates. It's very good to have you here. I'm sure the rest of the guys are loving it as well
Honestly
Dude talk to me a little bit then we've heard
Zonix being stricter, that's one thing. We heard that you guys have been working on kind of doing the right stuff for the team, right?
Do you think you've made some good strides over the last couple of events?
I know it was weird with, was it Bookrest you were late for or was it Rotterdam?
Yeah, yeah, like with the, I think you came in for play Navi, that was Rotterdam, right? Yeah, yeah, yeah, okay.
Is it kind of, feel like you guys are moving in the right direction?
Yeah, we are moving in the right direction.
I think everyone of us feels more comfortable in the team right now.
And yeah, I think you said right, we are moving in the right direction.
And we are trying to fix our issues that we had in this kind of certain games,
like in playoffs, I think your cycle is the most.
So we are trying to fix it.
And where would you kind of rate you guys right now?
You know, it's a hard question.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Like, do you think you're one of the top teams,
like one of the teams to be here?
Where do you guys kind of put yourself?
right for to say right now we are on the team like we're on top team but we can lose to anybody
and we can win anybody i think it's right for to say it lethal but also can get beaten just
surprisingly it's it's fair man i mean one of the things i can imagine it's kind of probably been
weird for you is you know even joining this falcons lineup it's a lot of it's a lot of big
names it's a lot of stars you're still trying to find like how to how to kind of mush it
all together in a nice way. Yeah, I think when I joined, I think it was the hardest moment
in my career because I couldn't speak English properly. I can imagine that adds to the stress.
And people were like, I asked me on English and it was hard for me. Now is I'm getting more
comfortable, more comfortable with anybody. I just feel more comfortable in the team,
just just the vibe inside the team. I feel more comfortable. Yeah, I think that's very,
very good to hear, man. And you certainly I certainly see that in you, like just
Walking around at these events. I just like the maximum never spoke to him
Dude, I feel like I'm today's blessed
Let's speak to that guy now. I can speak to you. How you doing? I'm honestly doing good man doing good. Yes
How how's how's the vibe within the team right now? Maxim saying it's really good. He's saying things feel really good actually
It's it's fantastic. Yeah. Did you see what happened a hunter?
Yeah, he broke his leg. How what the hell? I mean, I know I don't know if you guys are still tight
I don't know if he posted anywhere, did he even tweet or anything?
I know why, but I'm not going to say it.
No, that's fair.
You don't actually have to dox him.
Once he will say himself.
Okay, that's fair.
Dude ahead of this tournament, obviously you guys have a little run up as well to
kind of get in shape before the major.
All the interviews we're hearing, everything we're hearing from the likes of Zonic, from
Niko, it's all saying, you know, you're building in the right direction.
Have you been feeling that yourself?
Yes, on practice, yes, definitely.
Is it going to translate to officials?
We'll try.
It's a hard question.
We'll try our best.
Yes, very short answers.
But yeah, that's how I want to answer today.
OK, no, that's fine, man.
You're having a short answer type day.
How have things been for you?
Everyone I'm speaking to right now
seems very positive, actually.
Saying things are kind of going in the right direction.
I was just saying, to be honest,
You have a couple of events before the Major to get in shape.
Do you think you're kind of feeling things are changing in the Prax?
Yeah, I think practice has gone really well.
Also the past like, I would even say like one or two months,
practice has been going really well, but we need to transition it into
the official games as well.
The good old classic, but we're working on this.
Does it, when you guys are in, I don't want to, I don't want to do this.
Like, but I'm gonna, when you guys are in like a 5v4, let's say,
Or maybe I'd say 5v3, but the first guy dies.
Does it ever end in your brain, like, come on, Matthew?
We can't have another screenshot.
No, it doesn't.
Maybe after the round, if you lose a 3v1, you're like,
oh, this fucking radar picture is going to be a lot.
It doesn't play a role.
I wouldn't say so, but of course, after the games,
when you see these radar pictures, it's ridiculous
because they don't view of any other team
like they only do from us.
And I take it it doesn't ever go down like that in practice.
You're normally pretty well drilled.
No, it happens.
But it happens for every team.
Yeah, yeah.
We heard the Xonics being stricter.
How are you finding a strict Danny?
You just looked at us.
I know.
He's always getting the bell out, Ray.
He's always cool.
He cannot be messed up.
How are you doing, Danny?
I'm doing OK here.
Man, what is a stricter, Xonic?
I want to know.
Because you've always been, I know.
I've always thought you're lovely.
I couldn't imagine you being straight.
I prefer being lovely.
I prefer taking care of my boys.
I'm their father, you know.
But it gets to you when you lose a bit of tournaments
in a row.
So that's why we started out with the face-up ban.
Face-up ban was a good place to start.
But you know another great place to start?
Not having a stand-in at a tournament, man.
So many teams here have stand-ins.
But you guys finally aren't one of them.
Does that feel kind of good?
because I can imagine it's frustrating when you're trying to make these changes in the team,
you're trying to kind of revamp things a little bit,
and then it's like, oh, well, that practice, we can just forget about that for now
and just take the game as it comes.
Like, it doesn't seem like that would be super motivating.
Oh, of course, it's good to have the team that you are practicing with at home
at the press and at the tournament.
So yeah, it was, I mean, we knew this coming into the season.
A lot of tournaments in Europe, the Xing Visa is an issue.
So, yeah, we knew it was part of the thing, that's why we tried to integrate Mate as much as we could in Newcastle.
So, yeah, it is what it is.
And in terms of the run-up to the Major, because I feel like you're maybe the best person to know this,
is like, what's the goal in these, like, couple of tournaments on the leader?
I know with Falcons, we've had stuff with, like, not having a boot camp.
And then when that didn't work, it was like, let's do a boot camp.
Do you think maybe the guys prefer, like, set a tournament on the run-up to the Major,
get in shape that way? How are you finding the kind of schedule on the build-up to Colerne?
I think it's a bit tougher than what it was in the old days because now you kind of have to
plan your season based on the VS points. So I think it's, I think right now we have, what we
have been initiating this season has been more of you know the groundwork behind it and that
may be taking a bit of a hit on our run I would say where it was a bit more random and
then we would miss out on the semi-finals because we did something stupid and here
Here we're trying to really work with the players, putting the team first,
I think we have improved when it comes to the clutches and all this,
but especially against Paravision, we just didn't show up.
And now it's been two times.
The first time it was more of these losing against full Ecos,
losing a one-on-two that we shouldn't lose.
The second time it was just us playing bad.
And these things happen, but of course we're really hungry for that.
i mean that that's good to hear and it did lead to at least one good thing
there's that fire nico quote where he says
i think we make paravision look better than they are and
i like it i like that there's some rivalry star in the build it feels like
at least from talking to the guys
i'm getting a good sense of like camaraderie everyone thinking that the
moves are being made
in the right way you know like you guys are starting to implement some
changes
are you kind of feeling that from them as well as everyone being super
receptive
Yeah, I mean, especially the two Russians, I know in the beginning they were,
when it comes to these new initiatives that I have put out,
they were not too happy about it, they were not just a face-to-face thing,
there was something else as well.
But I liked that they're buying into it, and I think they can also see the benefits of it.
And I think it is also proven, but it just takes time.
It's always been the thing with you guys,
when so much money goes into a team, people think results instantly or not at all.
You know, it's like anything else is a failure.
So that's always been like a weird thing to try and wrestle against.
You know, I can imagine, you know, like there was the whole even like the skits
with, you know, like Kiyosuke coming in or monocy on the team.
There's a lot of like public knowledge about this team and how much went into it.
So I can imagine that sometimes leads to extra scrutiny, let's say.
Yeah. And I mean, yes, I can see it from the outside that if you look
at the paper, I also believe that we should.
But it's just we have different issues, you know when it's really critical open
We have to go first who's gonna actually sacrifice for the team who's gonna put the team first
So yes on paper it should work
But I think we have also had enough knowledge, you know in traditional sports to see that it's not easy when you put
You know, let's say the five best players in their position together because you know, we have different issues
You know after work a little bit about the ego you have to talk about you know with the team and yeah, it's it's different
That was lovely. I don't think we've ever spoke to you on the lobby, Danny. We might be hitting you up even more.
This is a really compelling audition tape, man. Best of luck, dude, and a delight to see you all.
So good luck. Good luck in the tournament.
Four teams already locked and loaded into the playoffs, and today we discover the final two.
We welcome you to the final day of the group stage at the Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2020-26.
Alex, the top four is already looking very tasty, isn't it?
I mean this is just kind of a follow-on from that first day of play where all the favorites won and I mean yesterday
It was a bit more up for debate, but yeah, it's looking stacked. I need to ask you yesterday
That's how to teach you to game. I was on the sidelines watching it every single round of basically the end of the second and third map
That was crazy. What was it like from your perspective? It was really crazy
I think my main takeaway was that like, you know having a bad game a pixel to Twitter saying that was there a bad game from
them. But it was their tenacity. It's their tweet. Even more. Even more. Perfect.
okay
don't
why are you still there
smile
don't smile
smile
and we're looking for
You're having a bad game, Apex took to Twitter saying that we're
I think my main takeaway was that like, you know, when you're having a bad game, Apex took to Twitter saying that was there a bad game from
them. But it was their tenacity. It's the way they're so hard to put away. Multiple opportunities
for G2 to end it in two, opportunities to end it on the third. And you just see there's always
something. There's always someone that can step up and be the difference maker. And it was just,
if anything, I'm in awe. I remember the Astralis era and they were also that team that was just,
even when it looks like it's going horribly wrong, they find a way to make it right.
Exactly. Just impossible to be putting away, which segues us on. Quite nicely to these
gold bars. Of course, it was almost a year ago to the day that Vitality were able to claim their
first set back at IEM Melbourne. I want to ask you about that Astralis run though, way back when.
I remember talking to Dupri and he said when it was announced, he thought it was an impossible feat.
I can't believe we're at a moment where a team might do it back to back.
Yeah, I mean, you know, the the the eras they they come and they go. So when you're in them,
it feels like it's going to last forever. But I don't think Vitality are under any
illusion that this is something that they can just keep cycling through. But yeah,
I remember the Astralis boys picking it up. I think actually the one that stands out most to me was just the 63-day liquid run
It's just you know was back-to-back events
You know lifting the trophy straight in the cab straight to the airport and doing it and lifting another one
But yeah, it's cool to see I do think this is a great marker for when an era is truly established and the back-to-back
You can't you can't mess with that speaking of insanity. I have to ask you about the prospect of furia being back in front
Of a home crowd we always see president team struggle to do it in Brazil. Could it be different?
I actually would echo the sentiments of Yankee while they was talking on the desk
It's like it's not about lifting the trophy like it's just about being there
You know all of your friends and family, but also your fans have booked tickets
Is there opportunity to see you play so this for them? I feel like this was primary objective
It's you know second secondary objective is you know extra hundred K killer bonus in the final that would be nice
But I think primary objective was get there and you know it was a bit hit and miss that was a weird game versus
Yeah 100% either way it's time to get this show started. It's the final day of the group stage at the Intel Extreme Masters rear 2026
And Ace is the champion of the Intel Extreme Master.
One final.
Still not quite done.
He's gonna take the strike for a three second flip.
All those two rounds, I don't think he's gonna start it by a three a C.
Our next is the last he's gonna possess.
But he's got content with just the Nexus kill.
He will get down!
She's gonna get it!
And it's all done!
I'm falling for it!
Unbelievable!
The
The Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2026 is brought to you by ESL and partnership with Intel,
Acer Predator, Chex, and DHL.
We've got 3D Max taking on G2 to be opening up the day here.
Lucky, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me.
I just want to get a brief overview of 3D Max's run so far,
because looking on paper, rough start versus Falcons,
great recovery versus Liquid.
Talk to me about the journey here in Rio so far.
I mean, Falcons started really good,
so we were happy about that,
but then we fall flat on like, the Trilocites,
so that was really frustrating for us,
because we knew we had it in us to do more on there.
And against Liquid, it was like,
a lot cleaner, I would say. We do three good sides. We just struggle on the T side of Nuke,
but we managed to come back once again. I think we're happy. We've been able to consistently
come back on some of those maps, so that's a good point for us.
I'm sure you've reviewed the G2 game versus my talent yesterday. That was a crazy affair.
Can you tell me the key points that maybe you pulled out from watching that game?
When you play with a standing, maybe you have more freedom, like players start to lose
maybe some crazy stuff, they are more confident you know.
So we are like ready for this kind of stuff and obviously we kind of know how they play
with Hunter and maybe it's going to be similar so let's see.
Yeah I was going to ask you, is it easier or harder to play versus a stand-in?
I don't know.
It can be very scary I think so we're not taking it like lightly for sure but
We are ready for chaos, I would say.
And just final question, I know that if you win here, obviously it's not a qualification guarantee,
just yet you have to play another game later today.
Can you just tell me about the mental prospect of that, knowing that it's going to be a marathon
if you want to make it into the arena today?
I think we've been used to it with all the past lands we've been doing.
We've been away from home for like a month now.
We've been playing like a lot.
So I think we're ready for it.
Let's see how it goes.
that's here. Lucky. Good luck. Thank you. All right, another day of play. Lock it in those
final few spots here at IEM Rio. It's a big one, though. It's the Gauntlet. It's all about
the lower bracket here today. You've got eight teams over two groups playing six best of
threes for two spots that remain in the cauldron. We're here in Rio, and we know
it bubbles over once you get into that arena. But you got to get there first. And it's
a long journey ahead for both of these. I'd say regardless of the outcome, unless
Red can it's good ball off a bit of an upset spirit of the favorite of group A of the bottom four
You know coming through inferno the pick of 3d max for just discussing there with lucky helping stunter versus Falcons
They had a nine three first half verse falcon ton inferno
And then it all fell apart from there within the series dust to the pick of G2 could have got across the line yesterday against Vitaly and
Anubis as the third and decider
But there's some similarities between these two teams at least here in Rio now
It's not that they both have stand-ins. It's that they both have been playing with their balls
Yes, really?
Yeah, that will be aggression, Alex.
Now, they're not doing health checks.
They love to get stuck in, right?
This is the 3D Max that we know and love.
They have Masuta replacing that a body.
And in his time in the roster, he's the highest rate of player alongside a lucky.
Interesting.
Yeah, I mean, yes, the work cut out for you, Shaw,
when you are in this group A lower bracket,
the fact that Spirit will be likely getting through the canids
and so that will be...
You hope so, don't you?
You would.
Especially with what we saw yesterday.
That's it.
we saw yesterday G2 should be
winning this one. And going off
of what we saw yesterday, red
kids could win that one. Wow. Yeah.
That's a good point. If spirit
continue that level of form
through it was Donks career
worst performance in the spirit
Jersey. Lightning doesn't
strike twice, though. It's not
going to happen. I just I
don't see a world where
team spirit have the same
underperformance from their
superstar. It's a flash in the
past in my estimation and a
completely different level of
this one because the winner of this one plays the winner of that one later in the day for one of the final spots in the arena coming up next. We will have the same thing happening, but for group B. So you get your navies down there, your auroras. But let's lock in. Let's focus on Inferno between due to with TAC, the Academy roster standing in for Hunter, in-game leader watching from home.
should be proud of the boys they pushed by tired yesterday they broke the 24 consecutive map streak and tax hanging with the big boys
You know inferno as well a map that he had a you know a rough start on it was his opening map and had a very poor performance
Yesterday up against vitality. No less playing rotating rifle. He had impact. Yeah, it's such a tough role to play
Right, especially for someone who's just used to getting stuck in so we'll see how he fairs
He's getting more and more reps T side start for 3d max careful. Lucky you drop your pistol there as well as the
I do expect that to be
Right that unbridled aggression still from G2 if they decide to play more totaled up because they feel they're playing a lesser opponent
I think that will actually work against them. Have you got with a flash ready to set tack up who backs off
So they're opening move
They've been warded off of that. I haven't seen what they've liked to kick things off
So nuts jiggling and then if he gets info on half wall Mattis is hoping to chunk them with his he cocked and ready
Nertz gets the info, that is by his time, and he'll release.
Junkie indeed! Damn, over 100 damage inflicted.
Still gonna execute towards B.
TAC rotating over, he has that flash.
I have a block smoke, but if they push through it...
I feel like they have to.
Yeah, TAC's got that flash ready to go.
Nertz can unload if you get this right.
If you can time this flashbang and the julbarettes for that smoke push.
He's thrown it a bit early there.
They're coming now.
No, it's gonna be tasked with a lot of heavy lifting here.
Does very well for the double kill, tack as well, contributes.
Finding Maka, tapping the head, and Lucky, he's got the bomb and he's alone.
He's not running through that smoke willy-nilly.
He's gonna try and sync up with Exorcise.
And there is a gap on the long side.
Exorcise is gonna hoover up that space, but you can't lose the bomb.
Lucky's gonna be making his way back through middle.
Oh, and he's audible.
I like it though.
It's good bait for Exorcise.
Better know he's here.
Oh, still considered.
some pious great awareness and heavy god just pops the head of lucky for a g2 pistol okay well done
there nuts yesterday if people missed it he started very slow on inferno i think it was one and seven
at a certain point but ended up towards the tippy top of the table slocking down b great for the
banana regressions against that of apex and flamesy and here he is again yeah he's under
so much pressure with the molly they're very well done but a good read of the situation and a
solid start for g2 is going to be the eco coming out of 3d max the frenchman
I think to just get a Diggle on Macca the rest to be down to the glocks and we likely get a slow round ahead of us here
Let's take a quick glance at what the veto is looking like for that B string game
As can go and check that out
It's gonna be Mirage ancient and overpass at the third and to Sider if they need to get there
You know, I'm wondering as well with tankies that you think is like Academy teammates are watching and sending him, you know, like
They're kind of cheering him on, you know, they're all sitting there on team speak kind of watching the games
And you'd hope so right? Yeah, because I guess it's a weird thing with the Academy roster
You're not going to be able to play all of the top tournaments because well your main team is going to be there
But you are essentially the prospects of the future if G2 ever need tanks
So you're also in competition with each other but for different roles
Yeah, and then you're also trying to put yourself in the shop window if let's say another organization wanted to come
And buy you so you're a team
But you're hoping for promotion so it is it must be a weirder environment
a good way. Oh, here we go. Triple boost. Why not? I suppose. Boys, I don't think we're
close enough to the corner. Footstools a little far away from the wall. Should we try this
one again? No, I think, uh, I think we'll have a go. All right. You can see now it's
just sorry, masses. Excuse me. Once you just get stuck in with an MP nine. That
This has had some really nice moments for G2 over the last couple of days. I think the biggest concern of today is the
Multiple best of three. So I always say that if you're playing your first game
I was saying right now you want it to be as quick and easy as possible
That's going to give you a longer period of break to go back to the hotel get some food prep for your opponent get a bit of arrest
And you also don't have to exhaust yourself by going through Idris over times
So the gauntlet of the final group play, later on the a-stream though we do have the seeding matches
You'll have to be tuning into the b-stream for the second two best of threes of the day or the last two excuse me
But if you got guns around, mack up
What about charging up middle? It's called it off
3-2 spit at the defence right now, attack joining at us, and nerds over towards B.
And they're hanging around, right?
This isn't just a let's fight for banana control, this is on a later timing.
They secure half wall at about a minute 20, in no rush at 3D max.
to the still T stairs with a flash ready for lucky if he calls for it.
Oh.
Wow.
That goes down on the smoke spray.
It's a nice oak, no?
So they get a kill on Banana and they get brackets control.
Looking strong for 3D Max.
TAC is gonna have a test here versus Xercese on the fade and Xercese bests him.
TAC is a good angle for that and so now long he's lost.
He's slipping to CT and Mattis is gonna have to worry about that.
Doesn't seem like he's actually concerned in time.
Flank from Exorcise just in time!
Matthew ties around, but number two arrives, Gravity Trades!
Host up an honor though, Sampias and Heavy got make and moves!
Well that's the bomb Lucky!
He goes looking, he went to the Fronaise, good one back from his Suitsa, Sampias!
Oh!
Hops the retrieval or tried to rather.
And that should mark the end of the round of the first gun round, going the way of 3D Max.
You can just see the Fortunes favoring 3D Max in that one.
The spam threw good stuff from Lucky, takes down Nerta at the same time, that long pressure.
So, well done, well pieced it around.
The good reactions off of the kills that came through.
Mac is the only one not to find a frag in that.
And to mention his name,
he's taken back over the in-game leading duties from gravity.
It's actually quite rare to see a split B so quickly.
Like the flank came in rapid.
I think it's understandable why Mattis
was still primarily focused a sole member
of the B defense.
I think also when you're plating it,
if your 3D Macs, one B defender notes dead
and the rotating rifle dead, right?
Maybe there could have also been some pys on that arcs like he could have been the player cheating, but they piece it together quite quickly.
And they get themselves on the ball, so well done for the Frenchman.
We'll be able to get into the by-going. Nurtz, heavy god.
Addis all able to get rifles back in their hands, it's just Taku's, it's a rifle, but not the preference.
Unfortunately for him, it's a fan. It's a little bit lighter on with the Nades this time round.
That is just like all of us, isn't it?
Yeah.
Thank you.
Oh, well, I just got split, six.
Starting 3D.
Garging, boosting.
So they really want to deny Lucky and Masuta for getting this control, but I mentioned Masuta
normally is part of this map control pack in Banana, but because they've walked three
silently into holes immediately. This is telling us something a little bit different from the norm
for 3D Max. So so much space for free, nobody forward for info. Sure they have relative banana
space with nerds and matters but tack against along that side of the map and we're getting close
to that minute mark. So all the pressure at the moment is felt over towards Ace and Pius and
and heavy god they're calling out this mid control. Just two smokes remain for the block
of flash on tack again. Still have it all at 50 seconds. There it goes. Well timed on
the flash bang. Only able to get one though so now Mattis will tug. Tack plays forward
and it seems to be fun on him back into heavy god on some pies on the A setup. XSC still
lingers in the apartments quick smoke towards the library side like heavy god heavy god nailed it
perfect clean headshot some pious picks up onto gravity for the trade protections on the way yeah
bombs loose in middle as well so that information flows exorcise does manage to come through through
the short side joints mack are temporarily mack and removed by the famas of tack just exorcise
in the clutch 18 seconds to piece this together he's got to fight mattis on site so it better be
one hell of a flashback oh it is catches mattis manages to tip behind the box with a low vision
But still not one can go down
Tack in the clutch. What can we do the super sub nails the made puts him down to 25 a spam through even
No ammo, no hope for exorcise tack steps up. Okay, nice round from both teams
I know that seems a ridiculous thing to say but you can see the decision making the one that's most important for me
Is some pious waiting and trash for tack to get there for the double swing on that mid clamp down
So playing together playing the trade game
to get the open up, but also
get a lot of information right
there. They will have noted
that matters as smoke comes out
from the sandbags trajectory.
They know the attack flash. They
know that they head back
towards a they can be playing
to be four. Getting attacked
by the bugs. I've got some
bug spray. Some repellent in my
bag if you need so we've all
the complaints. Yes, and
there's a book about flying
It lands on your monitor randomly. Come on.
I've swallowed many a fly in my time.
Maybe we get down on an eco because...
Yeah, okay.
3D Max.
That's a good conversation needs to be had.
Back in with a bike.
Gravity down to a Mach 10.
And this time it's a heavy lead towards Banana.
They really want this control earlier.
Dips back.
Nerd's trying to act like, you know,
you wouldn't be doing that on his own.
But it's true.
Because they've been playing 3D a lot
and now they're playing a 4-1.
And...
...it's a slink at him.
There, he's ahead of this!
There he is!
This has absolutely smashed it!
They're already on their way in!
Still alerts does well, catches the second man in.
It's a shallow CT smoke.
The smoke break works, and he's gonna catch Gravi's legs on the sprain...
...the spray through the smoke.
That's spray and spam.
Spram.
Still harassing right here, so...
Exorcist with this extremely light look.
I don't know if he's gonna get anything done.
Doesn't look like it with the parting of Heavy God, he's already departed and Thumpius can get safe through Arch as well.
Well they can start piecing together this retake of the site, Nertz has all of the U-Tilt.
Or at least he did, suddenly juggle it across and the longer they take, the better it is for this Exorcist lurk.
They don't know about it but they need to make a move now G2.
Yeah, funneled in.
Nertz will have to defuse the only kit.
Exorcist could take him down as well on this flank, Thumpius could be evicted to the flank.
Easy find, easy for 3D Max, rocking him up, mis suits us round.
This is his round. He walks through the smoke, catches the time, and gets across ahead of Nertz.
Guess the info, guess the space, and gets three kills.
Beautiful work. Okay, so money will be a big issue right now for G2.
They are in forced territory, so it's going to be just tossing together a couple of different pistols.
Nertz could operate with a Famous, maybe an MP9 if he wants the U2 to go with it.
But all in all, this is a pretty rough round the edges by and could lead to multiple rounds for 3D Max on the trot.
It's felt right. Obviously they don't know that XCCs are still on that look. But it took
quite long for them to be able to piece together the retake opportunities there.
That's being with the MP7, of course, should be my first thought, but Masuda opens up the
account again this time over towards A.
Well, heavy guard. He tried his hand at trying to be a disruptive force early and
going for that one dig headshot dip back to site instead. Give it up the round. Yeah. It's
one or the other, you know. It was already quite a low percentage chance, but it becomes
zero with the easy conversion from a suitor. Guys, it's clear, but the bombs still teased
there. So lucky. He's always nerve wracking. It is going to jump over. You promise me
you cleared up. You promise you cleared up everything is safe, right guys? At this
point the penny will drop. So just doing a 4-1, we know how this unfolds. If they go
to your stack site, you have an opportunity to hold on.
You've been swallowing flies, like just voluntarily?
No, so being from a hot place and working in a trade, you know, you're outside, you
dig in holes, you're breathing heavy, flies are all over you, maybe you take a big inhale
through your mouth, which you shouldn't do, and you swallow a fly.
I think on bike rides, it's suddenly you've brought memory back, you know, when you
go in a bit fast you hit the velocity.
Yeah, your mouth's open.
Your mouth's open and a couple of extra calories.
Yeah, and it's more the feeling.
Yeah.
Apparently we eat spiders in our sleep or is that a lie?
At some point, probably, over the length of our life and the amount of time we sleep,
but I think in terms of what they've reported, how do I know?
Yeah, who's doing that study?
A place with very limited spiders.
I think that's just big cockroach trying to spread propaganda
Well, they'll survive anything, right they said
The saves come through for G2. It's not glamorous P255 7 MP 7 Diggle
Have you got the man who goes down the only kill within that one and likely to see him not investing into the next so
Three max with a real opportunity to take the lead on the early stages here on inferno
It is the T side so they should be looking for that again
9-3 yesterday, not yesterday, sorry, opening game versus Falcons.
Yesterday they sent liquid packing.
Yeah, that was a nice return to form from them.
Not liquid, obviously.
I'm just curious how Heavy God's gonna solo hold A with a Zeus.
This is my main focus for this round.
So he did invest in something, didn't he?
Yeah, he's treated himself.
Obviously it looks like there is a little bit of friction.
Is he on the other side?
Yeah, he is.
No way.
That is not the move!
I think it's a lighter by!
It's crazy, they can lose this!
Nuts gets two MP7 feasts and now you're channeled into the dangerous Zeus in apartments.
They've got a lightning, alright let's see what he's got.
I mean chances are Exorcist goes towards the balcony position.
Oh no.
Hold on!
Have you got it? Is that the right range? He looks a bit far away.
to the right. Oh, it doesn't
matter either way. Does it
tax to hit with the dig young
gun? What do you got? You've
got to hit this heady first
bullet. Actually, the body
shot would work on to Mac
up. Oh, this is his chance in
the jumping Mac and now
position revealed spam comes
through gravity controls it
nicely. So threatening an
opportunity is sure if you
got one there some price come
over give the one be to a
go but holding onto the
AK the better the options
with whether finances
right now and that'll be
to be round for 3D Max to add another one to the tally as they're able to convert three consecutive and a lot of that
The hard work being done by winning out the financial battle. So good stuff to them and it's
Pretty decent team efforts. There's another round where four different players have got kills within it
No one just mauling just yet, but you'd rather get it done by committee
Yeah, I think this GT roster is growing in my estimations. Obviously, it's a caveat this
time. But I think the Nerds edition, you see Nerds, Heavy God and Mattis, that's such a
solid rifling claw.
Yeah, it's interesting that the Mouses didn't work out in a team. But Nerds already looks
much more comfortable. There's been some position changes since his edition and they
They did play some smaller lands regarding the Harrison Major stage assurances.
This is lucky by the way to jump.
Yeah, I don't have a problem with that move on the rifle rounds.
I do have a problem with it on a partial buy and no harm, no foul as we say, but it's very out of the box.
And you're giving them exactly what they want a close range jewel, not using.
Have we got a heaven flash?
I saw the bright light. I was going towards it.
You have to go back. You have to moonwalk out there, man.
I was going towards it.
So what takes his time out?
Again, they save this safe case.
St. Pius holds on to that. They're juggling the weaponry.
Matt has had a famous at one point.
It'll end up on heavy god.
Makes sense. He not likely...
Will it end up on heavy god?
No, they keep juggling these guns.
They're able to turn that famous into an M4.
Everything works out.
That's better.
That is much better.
Gravity's still wielding a Mach 10.
And could work to great success.
Four players with that head armour.
Four G2.
Masuda over to a second bit again.
This is telling it's going to be
feigning banana control into something more A heavy.
Lucky maintains this
top banana position.
So that's great territory.
No, the CTs are in the dark.
Have you got a got a got a test here in the head to head this time he's well
equipped it's not just an unarmored Zeus a fairer fight just to get out of control
quickly oh mm-hmm twice didn't catch that flashing there's not gonna be any
good every past six oh what what I guess exorcise is so worried about those
steps he's heard inside he's a bit more focused on some pious in that
situation how's everybody going on that's all the one he won on mid
yesterday versus Apex coming through that smoke.
Okay, it gets a bit weird for 3D Max now.
Another round than another G2 opening they've been doing pretty well in that department.
It hasn't necessarily been the wind condition.
Okay, TACC.
Another chance on your rotation.
You're in the right place and your teammate gets nothing.
Oh no, the double, those exposed heads.
No helmets and so, Mac 10 shredding.
Opportunity for heavy gun racking up a multi
done significant damage.
Masuta will drop in and hang on,
the rotation from Matus in sensational double
sprays him down.
I'm inside.
Masuta can scoop that up and go for the plant.
Now let's can partner up with Matus
play for the trade.
Masuta you're in so much trouble.
Oh he's a dead man, he's a dead man.
Jiggling, please that head shot,
get it on those couple of attempts so Mattis leaves with three high impacts on the retake from Mattis
Tough on there if you give you gravity right the fact that you're getting two kills on that mac 10 right there
That's extremely good output. There's so much cash
I could have been with an AK for sure and they're unable to convert this one
Have you got bottlenecks them in pit?
Mestudra a little bit late to that and then no you till to block off library time out called by lozing
It's interesting. I wonder, right? They had this bloke as the coach and then when they
made changes they brought in, you know, and then they brought him back. So there must
have been, you know, it's the classic, the grass is always greener. And in terms of what
somebody brings as a coach, it's obviously it's existed in the game now for a long
period of time, but it's still the most shrouded role.
Yeah. I wonder what was there sinking, you know?
Sometimes. Oh, dear. OK, he's here all week.
Rather veal.
Orps are out. It's an orping round.
Round nine, we get to see both St.
Pius and Macca with that expensive sniper.
Good spawn for a little mid jaunt as well.
If you fancy his chances, St.
Pius might have a glance.
A glance he shall.
Uncrouch at your own risk, gravity.
Nuts pays quite a heavy price.
Forward position on soundbites down to 39, mathcap.
Singed a little from the incendiary towards that log's position.
TAC is gonna be over towards the B site as that third man.
Three flashes invested and they go on the third, no one home.
I feel like a heavy investment of flashbangs for very little gain.
Did they double smoke logs there?
I don't see the second one.
Oh, yep. Just faded now.
Thanks, Rush.
He's quick on it.
Yeah.
So that's a little extra resource, but not the end of the world.
Sub one minute. No opening kill matters solo.
He smokes out towards half wall.
Maka sounds off with his presence.
If they return to A3D Max, they will be going into a stack.
Sampias on long side with the AWP has his vision removed.
It's Nerts on low HP playing a sleeper agent on the A side.
Mattis did hit a nice HE between Lucky and Masuta there.
Oms getting picked up now, 35.
Tack found the opener, that's the lurk down.
Sampias is already on his way.
No U2 to help Mattis right now.
Boy, he's got himself in his Zandio to buy just a little lot.
Oh, it's made it.
He's spooned it indeed.
And across.
The Ole Miss has been shot.
Caught on the jump up though now.
The second is available.
Mattis onto lucky.
Oh, stunning from Mattis.
He flicks up with the hot hand.
What was the last one?
Last one to the face.
That was instant.
I need to see that again.
I really need to see that one again.
Take the.
Hey, sir.
OK, so second one flicks up.
Yeah, great.
The third one.
Third, fourth.
What?!
They're all grey, but the four-
Oh, that's so quick!
That was really good!
Grabby's pierced, run him over to the mag 10,
cooked by the flashbang, Matt is feeding himself.
Now he's found his game.
Double kills, shuts down the French, low HP, burns down to Ascender, Makarimusutra on the
clawback, takes the top banana fight, successful.
Fax still here, full belt of nades, but mine don't want to give away as much as you should
put the blocks.
That's nice.
And that's the problem though, if he gets searched out he is going to be in hot water.
You have all these nades, do you want a block or do you want to just let them
in?
Like they could molly him?
Yeah.
Well, have you got heading over?
Because this has happened so early in the round, the CTs have so much U2.
They're in the block U2, that's nice from Heavy God, so it means the tank can't just stay hidden.
Just a clumsy smoke though.
Yeah.
Ecstasy's still keeping the door open for an A pivot.
Does he want to play first and see, yeah, okay, so Ecstasy's might be able to find
them a way in.
Sampas is rotated as well.
Sampas gets back to Library ASAP.
He can have the line from Library towards the Short Cross.
However, that can be removed.
multiple smokes. Masuda could smoke off Moto if they want to announce the
presence or do they want to go contact? They know that likely heavy god is the
man who's meant to be left here tending with this.
Yeah so they're thinking pit, they're thinking bunk, they're thinking
sight box.
Sympyce is here but is he on the line? Yes he is.
Yes sir.
Smoked off.
Timing. Oh! Perfect from Masuda. Just a feeling on to Masuda. Excuse me.
Just catches the perfect timing on the pull of the trigger.
Now the bomb will get planted.
Disadvantaged for this post plant.
Maka and Exorcise looking to try and pull this one across the line in that number disadvantage.
You can wait for the smoke to fade.
You have a kit.
You have two.
There's no rush.
There's a full belt.
He's holding for this.
Oh, just swapped to his nades.
Goes down.
Important from tack back.
Here's the audio.
Knows that Maka's trying to retreat back towards the site.
Have you got tucked in?
This is going to catch him off guard with his back turned.
If you've got an opportunity,
tack trying to draw his attention and then peek.
Just like that, team play on display from G2.
And if you're Mattis,
you're going to be sighing a sigh of relief.
You felt like you'd won the round
in the opening 10 seconds.
Yeah, Nerts commits after those kills.
He gets brought low and there's two mollies.
So he can't actually pivot back.
He commits to Kari, goes down for free.
But they do hold onto that one.
So six to four as money does become the conversation
for 3D Max now.
So Mattis got six straight kills.
They were all headshots,
all absolute blinders right there.
He's been having a phenomenal tournament, some really big maps of play so far.
They are able to hedge in again.
Flashing.
It's probably just us, and we seem insane.
All more insane than usual, yeah.
Lucky's having a tough go at things.
For him to be the banana control player only with one kill in his name.
Second half is going to have to be a whole different look.
Right now, just down to a tech nine.
Galil's from Asuda and Gravity.
and gravity and case for the other two set up for some type of banana pounce
you're gonna go through that yeah I think they want to try and capitalize on
them being stranded in no man's land thinking they're safe by the buffer of
this smoke maybe just on the fade hope the flash is a good and you can play
this one with pace Mattis in two minds as to which angly wants to adopt less
frequently Molotov'd. Here it comes. He gets mispositioned. They did molly the log side
so Matt is with empty hands. They can break this and go. They will. Nuts. Demanded to
find a multi-hit. Loses vision but still does remove Lucky again. Now one and nine. Supply
through the smoke for one. It's still alive. Only for a second. Exceive catches him.
Flushed out by the flames. It's great. Util from 3D Max. Look attack. Needs to
way for heavy god he's walking through the smoke he's done very well he's done it sensationally well
tack with the triple through the smoke runs through arm from the kid very well done there a chaotic
rounds but uh getting their seventh this is looking great for g2 damn that is a high impact one from
tack yes eight and four and we said it was difficult for him on rotation the other two
outings he's had an inferno so far looking much more comfortable i think getting to play a bit
bit more of a higher tempo game is also something right you're having more moments we can capitalize
it's not always chessboard. Yeah, this is the chessboard that kind of been tipped over
and playing twister right now. Nice entry from Miss Suiter, hands the haircut to Mattis.
Now it's getting over run and just like that the tech 9s flood into the site and 3D Max
have got themselves a perfect post-plant.
For the retake, it can happen, actually.
On heavy god right now.
Yeah, he knows Exorcise is alive.
He's touched TAB.
Have you got on the clear?
Seem very well aware of his favorite lurk spots,
but now it's just some pious attack
in a 2v4 retake of the B site.
Five, looking damn good for 3D Max.
And they're both audible.
They know what's up.
Having a look.
Back through Dusk.
Making Lucky's life miserable.
Forced into the back corner.
Enables him to isolate the first.
Gonna swing on it.
USP could have for very well finished the job,
but there's just no time.
Ending the half with five.
3D Max, not bad.
Hall for the T side of Inferno.
This is just the beginning.
I
haven't been keeping up to date with that result so far,
but you go and flick it on the telly because,
well, let's just say things don't always go to plan.
Holy moly.
Mac is going for a walk down middle.
And he's nailed it onto Matt, it's just uncrouching.
So they still want to keep pushing
after you get the opening kill.
Masuda in ecstasy, so this is very,
Okay. Oh yeah. If you shoot like Masuda has been, that's fair enough.
I mean, you could still lose the B bombsite, right? If gravity and lucky mess this up,
it gets awkward in a three on three post plan.
God flash, not blind, not blind gravity.
Oh, they've lost the site.
3D mags with a two man advantage now in the bin.
That's their own smoke that's fading in front of them right now.
Rough.
No, I can't eat that. This is not comfortable at all.
The suit is on his clears. See if you can hit another headshot.
Oh, just started looking considering.
Ah!
He's only got a Dunham with a jumping block headshot.
The Spaniard's got moves.
That one's spicy.
Okay, okay. Well, pistol round number two in favor of G2.
is a bit of a mere for 3D Max. You could say that. You really could say that. I don't
like giving him away there. I'm fortunate for Masuda. This is two of the highlights
of the game have been right there. Ridiculous. All right. Oh, that's such a fumble. That
was sick. Force by 3D Max. This is your map choice. That's tack. Just charges. Lightning
fast up and honor applying so much
B pressure early. Trying to
bring the front side look smoke
back his notes. I think he's the
only one who's running this.
There's four here on B. Nails
the hedge on to gravity. There's
a lot more where that came from,
and it doesn't seem to matter
initially. Matt is heavy God
out at the back of sight. not cleared. He will be found at least. Mattis brings him down.
Sorry, Sympyce, but we're all worked out. Well, do you...
Okay, do you go hero and foreign ecstasy, eco on everybody else?
It is very likely 10 to 5, but then the guns will come back out. So we're looking at,
Look, for G2 yesterday, they're undoing, losing to low buys against Vitality late in the piece,
but also, their strat book is going to be a little bit thinner. And it's not just, oh,
what was that? Maka? He just, I know Rush saw it. He just accidentally underhanded a HE in front
of him while running top and under, so it must have been just an odd misclick there.
Anyway, it's not just because Hunter's not here. There's no one to call it. The
the strats would be to say, but it's the tack is not going to be familiar, right?
They're going to have to be a little bit more outside of the box with some of the
scenarios that they're opting for.
But I have to say, I'm impressed with what tax been putting down.
It's a little comfy, isn't it?
Absolutely.
Not that I'm expecting, you know, there to be a gargantuan gap between an
academy player and the tier one, but there is a gap, you know?
For sure.
There's also the pressure factor.
It's playing against the top tier counter strike players on land.
Yeah in an environment where everyone else is extremely comfortable. This is home turf. This is a new experience for you
Well, it gets something on the boost but
The bomb isn't committed. So this isn't
Necessarily a bit of finish matters is on the way now
Smoke towards the coffins would be welcome
And thrown
Okay, now they're in so
Bomb will go down
Heavy God vs Exorcise on the other side of the map.
Yep, there's another one of those.
It was the Robson Heavy God you loved previously,
but it is always that little standoff, especially on Inferno.
It's much more apparent.
I got a farmer up just to suit and gravity fine, but that 10 rounds.
4G2, just two kills away.
And then we can start taking a look at how the gun rounds go on forward.
Macca will be able to bring out an AWP if he so desires. He has
just about 6k as the kill bonus comes in.
What do you want to do, Nerts? What does he want to do?
Probably something banana related.
Knowing all about Nerts, just what type of configuration are we going to open with?
Yeah, so Lucky has got a real tough map of things, having a hard time on the T side
I did in that space, but it's going to be him and Masuda paired up again for banana control and that's Macca wants to take his
Orp over there.
Oh,
I thought he was getting in with the AWP. It's going to be rifle heavy. So
Macca all out the gates. Is it going to be a three two to 3d max one of I for banana space early?
You have exorcise
Shanker over towards A, so there's going to be gravity or Makar assist in the B defence.
Have you got with the decent spawn, Maktan in hand, now there's only, actually there's
no players on 3D Max who are lacking head armour so it will not be as potent as what
you saw gravity pull off.
And he's heading over towards second mid anyway so you won't be seeing him via for
any banana space.
So a 2-3, actually more like a 1-4 as Masuda goes back to spawn, whether that's to get U-Till or whether that's to stack heavy A out the gate, there you go, it will be the A stack, and they're fortifying middle right now, 3D Max.
Max is under the porch, gravity tucked in the pocket, back over towards alongside just spamming through, seeing if he catches anybody because you saw yesterday G2 played this round where they walked up into their own lurk smoke, three players stood there and on the fade, ready to take multiple fights.
That essentially gives them this banana control for free.
A lot of talking from nerds in this one.
They're ready to explode by the looks of things.
Have you got to be calling all this you to use top middle?
The flash will confirm top mid presence. You're up to the B now.
And they were all lucky down with nothing.
No, it's despite our flashbang from Macca able to find it
Avengers has fallen comrade, but it seems the round is already look at heavy gun. Yeah, nothing coming
Guys, I love this right. He's
He's guaranteeing the round with this
There is absolutely no way, you know, I know it's with the Mac 10 and his law on HP
But he's not he's not playing silly
He's not giving them an opportunity to get a kill turn to a 3v3
Try the retake because 3d max they've got kits
They could have had a real opportunity and giving that one ago, but the game getting away from them now
So three guns saved with the loss burners will mean two drops
Like getting blanked so far
In this second half on your map choice. This is not a good look for the Frenchman
They had poor second halves yesterday as well
Falcons come back
Yesterday, excuse me day before yeah the Monday that they they made a lot of work a liquid it felt like
Okay, we're gonna take middle and then we're gonna search long afterwards
Does have you got keep his Mac 10 yeah, why not give it another guy you're successful just then
see what they did just there 3d max it wasn't bad it just it thought if the
read was we think that they're going to try and comfort brackets control and
we're gonna clamp down on a couple of them together opening kill will be able
to trade they read the scenario or they predicted what G2 are gonna do in
correctly right so it's not that their move wasn't bad it was it was a team
move it was pieced together they made a decision now to spawn that that's how
they were gonna operate but sometimes you make the wrong call and that's what
that was so it's very frustrating because you haven't given yourself a big
buffer of rounds to work with in this second half so when you take something
that's a little bit more out of the box like a 4-1 and it doesn't land you
I
That's a set they monitor be that's his followed himself off there and
Even burnt himself down a little bit
I'll try that one again. Yeah, that's all right. I'm sure the observer wasn't watching all right. They were probably worried about something else
Have you got a friend in apartments and this is that mid-control and then some pilots wanted to search long gravity
Cheating over towards be macro on the long side exercise over towards pit
So here's their bracket control. Molly porch, smoke, long, flash up, space taken.
Interesting smoke, you just cleared deep and under, didn't see anybody.
Oh, not ideal from gravity.
He doesn't really have the health to keep fighting that, but he will actually have a look.
He swings through and sees nothing hurt.
That smoke, half-full, is almost an invitation.
If they didn't smoke that and they held onto it, then Nert doesn't now get a buffer to
be able to say, hey, boys, we have a staging area behind this to buy for top banana control.
It's pulled gravity away as well.
Oh, Mattis.
Down to Maka, solid.
on the short side. Gives him an advantage. Exes he's looking to swing on through.
Catch this angle here and does nail it onto some bias.
And he gots Mag 10 connecting, but brought down by gravity.
Buts it into Nertz's 1v3. It's clutchable, but only if he starts...
Strong and strong!
It's started! Quick on the transfer!
Gravity's low. Going for that plant, gravity brought to just 20 points of health.
It is whoever hits this first bullet.
Nertz has done the hard part.
Now the pressure's on gravity. He's got no kit.
And there it's... Oh, just exposed!
Caught on the walkie-gambled that gravity would be approaching from the mid-side.
All that smoke would favour him.
But an important and impactful clutch from gravity.
Okay, so they're holding on by a thread, but they are holding on.
There's no issues, even just with the 14 under-loss burners coming in after the four straight rounds for G2.
They'll have a tiger looking by, and then likely even one in the follow-up.
Under a lot of pressure here is exorcise the fact that he's able to get his one very good job and that's that's
crazy work, isn't it?
Second time out from G2 Saul gets on the mic
Trying to bring some energy. Yeah, I haven't really had too many opportunities to do so
3d max so making the most of that one
Max probably extra excited not only did it they get to be
competitive and continue to play here on inferno is he gets get his AWP out and
he's a weird one with the orchestra he's watched a lot of the 3D mass games he
does have a tendency in some of these matches to play in boiler and halls and
not like in the standard where the halls is where you push up you look down the
stairs or like he's floating around sometimes in the window yeah he finds
himself in some odd spots but he is that type of all-par you see it more
on Dust2 as well. He'll do a lot of these mid-door pushes, lower tunnel pushes, he'll
be quite cheeky with what he can get away with if not...
That's why I call him J.Dublavais.
J.Dublavais, okay. Well this is straight into a set piece. They are going to execute
A with pace.
Wow, serious pace. Ex-A-C, as he catches wind of it, will be able to throw some block
U-Tilt. But the short side's already been walked up on and he's not ready for that.
like that they drop. Hexa season gravity sent down and round ends in the first 15 seconds.
So we've had a bunch of rifle rounds now and in none of them it feels like 3d max have been
in the right place. They haven't put their stack or their defense in the right place
to deal with the way that G2 have approached the round. They've done what is standard
yet going for the banana control but G2 have said not we're going to turn up
the pace. We're just going to charge through apartments and up
short.
He's a rarity to see a tier one right that kind of pace.
But this is where it's like yesterday. Apex had a tough time
putting himself in the right place until I think the final
four rounds of two where they stacked B every single time.
It's great. You're calling your openings, especially fast
ones from a black box. But first of all, with prep and
And then with the education of what's happening in the game so far, what you've forced them
to do, where you've been, what you expect them to get away with, and yes, you're right.
It's not the most common of plays, but you can understand if you're outmaneuvering your
opponent and they're continuing to do so, that you're the ones who are dictating
the tone of the game.
Yeah, but you can see how that's affected 3D Max, not only the round loss, it's just
like you feel disrespected.
Yes.
You're chasing ghosts right now.
Masuto wants to bring the fight.
This is one way to feel like you're in the game by setting the tone,
but you've shown enough in banana to force them up middle.
OK, but Matty's here.
Oh, she hits between the wickets, doesn't connect, and oh no! Back turned!
Matty's nails the headshot,
Orphe goes down, gravity's positioned,
Weren't arts triangulated, it's going to be too good for the trade.
Lucky behind that smoke, that's big sin, catches Miss Suter and this looks like Inferno has come to its conclusion.
A dominant force on 3D Max's pick, no less. G2 operating with a stand-in and functioning very well.
About to get a win on Inferno.
Featured in all three of their series so far, but finally green in the column.
Some highlights on display, Mattis, AK, Sharper's, Hell.
next we turn to G2's map choice of Dust2. Will an Uber be needed or a 3D max being sent packing
to start off the final day here of group play at AM Rio 2026?
This
Plot is getting less and less likely by the second.
All signs point in the direction of red cannons getting themselves up to map point to mirage their map pick.
Five of them to be precise if they can get it done here in round 19.
They've kind of realized what's going on here ahead of time.
They've rotated some players across.
They've got a really good crossfire set up.
Two players on the bomb site, one on cat.
There should be impossible for a spirit to penetrate.
And there we go, just dropping left, right, and centre.
It is going to be spirit who are going to have to win five rounds in a row
to force us into overtime. Oh, my goodness, this is not clean at all.
You can immediately tell even though they're playing against mostly blocks
in this round, red canners are so nervous.
Barely any headshots hitting that round and lots of whiffs.
They are feeling it right now because they know the position they are in.
their home event. A chance to pick up a map against the top side. What an opportunity.
All right, Spirit. Your life here on Mirage now hinges by a thread.
Red canids on the brink of doing the unthinkable.
Winning the series, impossible coming into this game.
Winning a map, extremely unlikely.
But now we have to question everything we know.
Because red canids have completely shape-shifted here the entire fabric of this series.
Ren 2 now would be a lovely time to hit some shots to relieve the pressure on
your rifle as that one stunning quad kill he got at the end of the first half got
them that 9-3 it has been absent since. Donk and Magix have a gap they're gonna
work their connector and that's a lovely opening on drop and our cow has
done this in pressure he'll get deleted immediately and the under-balk player
in Davadaeus surely has something to do with this one and there we go
Double pick will come through and donk will get a double. So step one of five complete
And made to look easy as well as they go through the motions and processes without much of a complication
Texts and balances all intact for spurred in that round not much of a contest in middle able to get a lot further forward
Then what red cannons would have been comfortable with and then just that explosion up connector two kills in quick succession
session in that third add to the tally soon afterwards.
Rento and Shea looking to save their weapons,
Tania looking to keep them locked in.
Oh, a fat frag found from him
and he's got the position now on lock here for Rento.
For Rento getting destroyed from every which angle.
So, they stay alive for one round longer.
How much longer will it be?
Red Canis are gonna use their final timeout of this game.
They get to overtime, they will be given one more.
My team's well obviously.
And this is what I was talking about earlier.
Where Red Cannons may even be in disbelief, because obviously there wouldn't have been any pressure coming into the series for them knowing they're playing against Spirit.
There was no expectation whatsoever.
All of a sudden, they're on map point of map one.
Like you say, they're probably feeling pretty damn nervy right now.
They've got to continue to do what's worked for them up until this point.
One moment is all they need to conclude proceedings here on Mirage and get that job done
And obviously for for those of you who may be aren't aware
Spirit are playing without Hallie at this event Hallie the coach is having some health issues, but we hope he gets better soon
It's not thick the Academy coach standing in but something has all the experience in the world
world. With bringing up Donk and Zontics and Artfrost it would have been at the time the
main core of that Academy roster.
Oh, what can Davidair's do? They pulled out a secondary AWP and it's a great kill on
Shiro.
Step one in this gun round, 2 MP9s on Shane Kowez are a little bit of a concern but
Drop has an M4 and already with that opening kill, Spirits are leaving the A-bombsite
entirely. Great time to bring the double orbs to the table here, a bit of a gimmick for red
canids that normally can at least get you one round in the half by virtue of catching your
opponent off guard with that second sniper rifle. It has spilled the blood of Shiro already.
Spirit now clustered together into wards middle and Davideus continues to plague them
with the second orp. Magix has been felt and now he's gonna have to call this round from
on the sidelines. Isn't it crazy that they pull out that secondary open immediately? It
finds impact. Oh, it's going to find a third as well. Gavaday is looking to try and end
spirit here once and for all, but he does go a little bit over peaky. That is a free
beat for Donk on the trade.
Now, Masuda, it's been almost a month and a half since you've been on 3D Max. Can
you tell me what the biggest learning for you has been in the period you've been
on the team?
The biggest learning? What does it mean exactly?
The biggest thing that you've learned since you've joined the team, what's changed in
your life?
I mean, almost everything to be honest because I had like new roles that I didn't play
like at all in my career.
So yeah, the boys here trust me a lot for the new roles I have and the responsibilities
and yeah, it's been very good so far.
We did like a playoff in BGL, unfortunately we didn't make it to the major but it
is what it is and we have to think about the next step.
I want to ask you about that Pijella van first, because your coach said it felt like it was a turning point for you guys.
It's always been that story of obviously not when you were on the roster, but failing to make it to the playoffs, right?
Did you see any kind of switch in the guys when you finally made a deep run?
Yeah, of course. I mean, the first match were very difficult for us because we didn't have the confidence that they also had before.
And it's good that we did like playoff because now we're back at this point of confidence and for myself and them as well.
So, yeah, it's very good that everyone is feeling confident.
I don't want to knock the confidence, but you've had some time to digest it right now, Musuda,
the fact that you failed to make it to the Major. I'm just curious about how that affects your
outlook for the rest of the season because, of course, everybody else's eyes is looking at
Cologne. You won't be going there. So how does that affect goals for the rest of the
first half of this year?
I mean obviously it's very hard but I mean once you're not there you're just gonna watch
it or maybe sometimes I don't watch it because it's too painful so it's kind of painful
because no one I mean obviously I didn't make a major for like a few years now and but
it's good to like what can I say it's good to just not be there to have the
anger to be on the next one and yeah still have time 100% I just ended on a
little bit of a personal note we were just talking about it you obviously
haven't been in 3d max jersey for that long but this is the first event where
you are in this jersey and by tally we're also here some of your ex-team mates
and apex and Zaru have you seen them at all have you had a time to catch up
what have you talked about of course I had time to catch them I mean talk to
them and just yeah mostly the coaching staff I didn't see much the
players yet but have a good relationship with the coaching staff so yeah maybe
you're good to meet them in the playoffs who knows good luck today Missuta thank you so much
I'm here joined by some pairs who we've had on pretty good authority has been
taking up the calling role for the time being now the hunter is in here can you
tell me a bit about that and whose choice it was was it your choice was
it the staff's choice for you to kind of take up this role we got used the
the notification by Neymar. So it's not to me, can you agile or I said yes, I can.
You make it sound so simple. Yesterday versus Vitality, I know that it's obviously a better
result for you guys, but it was such an incredible game to watch. You were one of the few teams
that pushed Vitality this year. Can you tell me about some of the comms during that? How
maybe other people in the team were helping you to be calling some of those rounds? Because
it did look pretty solid.
Yeah, I mean, people are helping of course, but basically I give freedom to everyone as
much as I can and we play a lot of defaults, just fill them up and then depending on what
is happening I try to control how their run is going to end.
Yesterday it was about mini details, I think we could have closed this in Ferna, but
it's few mistakes here and there and vitality will always penalize that basically.
You mentioned Saul, I'm just curious as to how this temporary role for you has
Maybe change the relationship you have with Saul, change what you talk with him about between games.
How has that relationship changed with you calling the shots for the time being?
Nothing. I think it's the same.
Yeah, yeah. I see the game pretty much similar to him, so he's talking details,
but nothing too deep. At the end, I'm relaxed and chilling in his place and calling.
Yeah, it's good, anyway.
Is there more chats happening between series than maybe there would be if Hunter was still here?
Like in terms of the preparation for games and stuff, are you more involved in that?
Yeah, of course. I mean, we talk a bit more than when Hunter is the Agile.
That's just obviously because of the plan. But yeah, only that.
Just for one final question, I just want to ask a little bit about a temporary stand-in
tack. Obviously, this is his first tier one event, and I'm sure he's relishing this
experience to get to play against some of the best players in the world.
What would you like him to leave this event having learned?
I don't think he has experience. I hope he's having fun basically and just getting a bit of
experience and releasing the tension from himself. I think he's a good player, he has a bright future
and yeah just enjoy the moment I would say.
He's had a couple of good maps. Do you feel like he's having fun at the moment?
Yeah I think he is. I think he is.
Well thank you so much for your time Samperes. Good luck.
Thank you.
Place of Matches set your starting point. FACEIT rating measures your impact as you climb.
The soft ELO reset narrows the gap between the highest ELO players and the rest of level 10.
Your starting point will be based on your recent ELO inactivity.
We're introducing Facet Rating, so you can see exactly how much you stack up against others at your level.
Facet Rating measures how much your actions have increased your team's chances of winning the match.
Taking into account the full situation.
Season 8 launches April 22nd.
Good luck and have fun!
to ask about the game yesterday versus vitality. I know maybe a tough result for you guys,
but it was one of the most competitive games we've seen of against vitality all year long.
What were you able to take away from that series?
I think Dan in the interview was a bit right, but he said like, of course it's a bit easier
when you're in the game that he is not here. So, kind of sometimes players feel
free to do more micro stuff. It was also for me that kind of case. But of course
there was a lot of scenarios we missed Neymar, I would say. It goes to micro because
this calling also a lot towards micro how to and rounds together not gonna go to
much to these cells of course explain a lot but I think they're the big
difference towards the end especially on inferno it was 12th and we lost a
piece so I think we could have beats not like cook to be honest but I think I
did be stressed was the big difference I would say same towards that towards the
end same format did some crucial mistakes towards the end as individual
I think that makes a big difference against teams like Vitality they
want to capitalize on it and that's exactly what I did no 100%
inferno obviously you mentioned already Dust2 I did just want to ask about
the tail end of that because Vitaliy they are making a couple of, you know, are going to be
gamble stacks towards a B side, they were going for three quite a lot towards a tail end there.
When you're in that moment and you feel like you have the momentum and then it suddenly switches
to the opponent, can you tell me what it's like in terms of the communication in the team?
Yeah, I just said before, like it was a bit more tense to be on because we knew we are so
close to be the best team in the world and we could have been in the playoffs I think,
so we got a little bit harder also. I'm also going to say for myself, I did also,
I'm not the exception. So I would say even towards the end, it didn't matter to be whenever 3B, I think three times in a row
Because we could have won all those rounds one round. I miss them all to platform and that was not burning that make a big difference
Or we flushed one second delay for example
I didn't capitalise also on it and I weaved to be tech 9 also a lot of times towards the end
Especially those two rounds. I think that just you know, that's basically it either way was crazy impressive
How much of a fight you were able to put up against Vitality when I spoke to X-Tags before the game yesterday and asked him
How scary is it when you go up against a team with a stand and he said he expected you guys to play a bit more
They're more crazy a bit more loose. Do you feel like you guys are playing more loose with having a stand in situation?
Obviously, yeah, because sometimes like obviously we have tack now me which is another standing and we
lack I would say options what we can do because we had such a short time to play together
Obviously when Emma got injured and I think that's why we have to do those choices sometimes also as individuals
But as long as we connect the dust together if one guy wants to do something and he says it
Then we're gonna connect our responsibilities to connect both rounds and he tried to switch obviously to play together
Also sometimes do some a bit of crazy because that's what he's needed right now
Final question 3d max as your first opponent first potential opponent today
How much of a threat do you feel they are at the moment?
We all go through the game the same way as we did yesterday to be honest
And we just try to enjoy it and play best
I will say as we can and not to put too much pressure on us especially and try to learn from yesterday
especially towards the end on Inferno and Dust2 and let's see how it goes.
I think we'll take the game to zero, but yeah, let's see how it goes.
Thank you so much for your time, Matt. Just good luck.
Thank you.
He thinks they're taking this in two.
And they're one step already ahead of it.
Three maxes, Matt, pick up Inferno down to a quite a bit of a swift G2 victory.
So we head over to the dust to do two's pick
It's gonna be a t-star for G2 CT star for the French
Yeah emergency meeting though if you haven't been keeping up with the bee streamer
I recommend you go check out the result from that number one spirit versus red canids by the pissed around ready and rearing 3d max
Would love to get one under their belt
So I gave myself a 5v3 advantage in one of the two on map number one and squandered it
Where's chopper now, huh? Probably streaming
They've thrown that fast cross smoke so XSC takes a pot shot, tucks on Karin and is noted.
Ooh, peeks in, clean head shot, that's what you want to see, he's got the aim, and so it's
tack.
He was completely blind.
Yup, full blind head shot.
They're crossing, very loud about this, Masuta's going to have that first tack, tack, a nice
head shot from Masuta, he's done very well here.
Solid, as a rock, triple kill from Masuta, starting as they mean to go on.
Okay, well, tempering the pace of G2 with that one.
Tag very fortunate to get that kill while completely blind until their exorcists get in the openings,
slowing them down, playing towards Karp.
Here it is, Bosh.
Yeah, had a pack to choose from.
Oh, he could have got two there.
That second tap, not too far off.
And then Masuda just unleashes.
Wiking his addition to the team.
And in with the force.
Sampias boosted up, gets a tag.
Gravity brought low.
Might want to get out of lower tunnels if he can.
That's a Famous that he could give over for free.
So she can't your own peril Mac and Scout was surveying.
I think it was interesting at with that interview as well.
Freya touching upon a saying you're playing with less pressure.
And rather than matters getting into.
Yeah.
Well, we had very limited time with tack, right?
That just reinforced I took my in terms of the thin strap book.
Hmm. That's what makes it so admirable how competitive they have been, not only against
Vitality, but the fact that they've got to take this one.
It's here.
Three. Three.
No, it's Flatten's the Maca-4 Star.
Found the A-Site is just a scout.
Looking like a second round conversion coming in G2's way.
3D Max, a fumble.
Oh, it's meek.
They tried to bring the fight and just flattened by the tech nine of nerds.
We saw a lot of this as well, pack roll stuff from G2, just silently slinking up
cat in a lot of earlier rounds.
Now this one wasn't immediate, but still that group players
tack has been let off the leash to try and hunt gravity down.
And he's not too far away.
The low HP on gravity after that scout tag.
He's been noted towards suicide.
Everyone else will spring to action, remove this and try and wipe the board.
So gravity is going to do his very best to hold on to this.
But I think Mattis with this flank should have him dead to rights.
I'm going to hit the shift key.
Key running gravity.
You're right where I want ya.
Oh, a moment.
I thought he was going to try and go for an outlandish knife attempt.
I mean, it makes sense financially.
You know, it would be nice to get the extra injection of cash.
Get some pirates on an early AWP presence.
But regardless, I mean, winning the second round, it's going to kind of redeem the
lost pistol.
Let's see it from nurses POV.
Please.
First couple of clicks.
It's really, yeah, too easy.
I think that's a great way to summarize it.
Well, the lay of the land is this you just got owned on your map choice
You've gone out and had a team heart is that boys it's fine dust up next we can pull it back
You know let's bring some energy. We don't want to get eliminated here. We don't want this to be the end
You come in you win the pistol
And then you just get stripped by a force by so the high that you were just riding from doing the hard work
everything you just talked about outside. Immediately you get reset to the feeling you had on Inferno.
Yeah, a very familiar feeling.
Did block that either? Cosmoglans?
There's a variation that you can throw away that is much harder to block.
Well, clearing our cars, kind of thing, the last time I saw the T side with three famuses,
but here we are.
How far did they get them?
Gravity trips away at Mattis, gets across to the ramp, another body shot from Lucky's
D, Mack, and will finish off the job with his USP.
I think it asked for really four 3D Max in this one.
Gravity, they know he's around the smoke somewhere, and wow, he uses his D-Gal well.
a headshot onto some pious before the round it comes to its foregone conclusion. Yeah and usually
that wasn't a force back from 3D Max, that was just a couple of pistols invested so I guess they're
going to take another round right now which is the same and then go full guns into the follow-up.
I don't see them buying right now with Makar at 4k, Masuda at 3.7. This is going to be another
round that's essentially the same thing and it's not the most glamorous approach, it's also
not the most competitive approach but it does mean that their first gun rounds will have
have an AWP for Makar, all the bells and whistles you won't be playing from behind, being more limited.
But it also means that you give G2 a 3-1 lead in the early stages of their map choice, the confidence brewing.
Mattis, tests the mid-hold and the suitor will fall.
I think with what we're seeing from G2, and regardless of what happens in that other series,
you might even say that G2 are the favorite now from this group, a lower bracket to be
making me so hard.
They've made vitality work.
It's probably a line for the fact that they've maintained this form.
Oops.
How many's nuts going to get here?
Three hiding out very low HP seems likely you could get the majority.
lines up for him gets a double matter to finish things off and there's that three to one
Spiles on the faces from it. We're having a good old time. But remember now 3d max come in with the rifles
now maca
He's gonna like to do a lot of brakes in middle with he's if available. He's gonna push into
The well of middle right the base around that Xbox plan lower tunnels can be quite jarring and
I think that seeing
Sampias also finding a little bit of confidence on the AWP in this one because of that lack
of pressure it could be an interesting AWP head to head.
Oh nice shot Sampias just jumping up for info gets nailed by Mackers AWP.
Starting to justify the double partial.
Very quick pressure in it isn't it?
Immediately throws that smoke pulls gravity's attention.
to some type of rotation. No, it's you're not going to get anything right now. Considering
the tall box boost. And Cendri gives him a choice. Smoke is going to be fading. He's
going to be in the open. Yeah, he's playing for this fight.
Oh, head to head with Lucky. Doesn't damage the CT player.
Yeah, this is... I'm moving back for B finish.
The CT block smoke. Oh, now you know they're turdled. As long as he can delay there,
He's just missed the molly there on the suit is going to clear mid off the splash from lucky. That's left be relatively open now
The tunnel smoke is fading. Yep door smokes in the air gravity's going to send the area
But they're going to run through this they're ready into the side matters finds the entry masseuse has gone
Gravity has to step up, but a nice angle found by Matt is
Lucky finding the mid lurk does free them up to go for this. We got on the all for the post plan. Okay. Oh
It's gonna have company through tunnels momentarily macro and ecstasy's making their way through if you can get back
It's going to be a very strong position for this, but it's all going to come down to the timing stays at the big box
He has to hit that first shot. Otherwise, it's curtains
This peak right here. Oh nails it ecstasy star heavy god hits them both
Wow
Okay, you can maybe all work or holding W Mattis with three heavy god the double
Mattis is being great
I'm just looking at some of his performance is strut this tournament so far
So they took on general mates then vitality and now 3d max
He's had some really big games like yesterday against Vitality had two massive performances Mirage 19 and 8
Inferno that they did just lose 25 and 16 just then against 3D makes him at 19 and 11
He's
Being in very good form
They just ripped the in your arm is Senpai, so we will see a bit of a tech right here flash playing
I'm gonna bring it up and see if it's happening for people I want to stuff
It's a good little joke for us.
Can you see it or just us?
It's making me chuckle.
Take pause.
I think it might be for a particular Spaniard's headphones.
Okay, he's got them back in.
And we can get back underway.
Round six map two.
How many rounds have 3D Max had guns?
We're already halfway through this first half.
Yeah.
Well, I guess the second and the fifth.
Yeah, right, so
Fortunately for them max loss bonus going into the next they can get a very juicy buy again
Now it looks like it's just us. Oh people at home don't get the fun
He's got some crazy spawn, he wants to use that on, or is there...
I think just understanding the flow of the buys, so another good opportunity to farm up
some cash and, you know, with the armor pen, even if they've gone head armor with their
upgrades, he's still in a pretty strong position.
Worst case for him, he dies to a, uh, deagle at range.
Surprise gonna take the off towards long and they've even smoked corner. He's not gonna peek at he's worried about the mid push
They have long control for free
Mid push is the right thing to be concerned about
This is very quick opportunity right now for 3d max to lock the door it's nerds who is in float, which is the
Unknown entity they know that they have lost long control. They played
For mid fights. They've lost a smoke
Fantis finds it under the blue bin and by the time these two, Graviton, Lucky, they still
haven't rounded the corner.
By the time they do try and round the corner, Nertz is going to be perfectly positioned to
hold the flank.
Oh, Lexus sees was trying to block.
Very good understanding and they've evacuated so they're not going to be flanking at
all.
MP7 at range, can't get the job done.
Graviton wins out that fight against Heavy God, but Nertz on this lurk.
Surely that's what seals the deal.
Yeah, he thinks so.
Oh wow, Messi from Tag commits to the spray.
Now Moussuta's found Matis and Nertz is going to be...
Oh, Macca ran through.
They're not ready for this at all.
Easy sideline.
Oh, Moussuta headshot.
The 5-7 has made this a competitive round some pious force to come up clutch.
Both in CT.
He's hit on to Macca four bullets. Oh
No conservation required well up for the reload mantles up swings in the suit. Oh, even hit the headshot
Get some pyres low, but he saves G2 from nearly fumbling up against the partial
Okay competitive rounds of that 3d maxed out the guns come out
We need that again, but it can't be like inferno where they're opening CT moves are just being counter called right again you're calling
from the black box right now you don't know if that long spawns or not and
unfortunately Sympyre said no to do if you're a 3d max fan. The great attempt here
from Masuda continues to shoot hard.
That flash actually connects with ecstasy he's not able to swing on the
corner needs another there it is and it's way too deep way too deep Sympyre
It's not blind at all opening kill. Oh, that's another one. That's gonna have ecstasy. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you for the pit boys
Yeah, shake of the head and just feeling like you kind of been set up for failure. Like he's had a tough day at the office
doesn't he map number one that
Managed to get all of two kills
It was the man responsible for flashing right there
Okay, clump down on middle
Nerds peeks in and is taking out the round.
Still matters over to what's up the tunnel, so...
Another lurky flank.
I thought maybe he would consider going into B and seeing what's home.
But they have to... well, they don't have to wait.
Have you got something across?
How does Madden get involved in this?
Ah!
He could just feel it, he could sense the play being made and now their backs might be turned.
to the left. I'm not ready for
that at all. Nice shot from
Mac. Although just a fraction
of Mattis is with poking out
the top gravity, finding heavy
God as well. Some pie through
the box finds the head shot.
And gravity just jumps into
the jaws of the Spanish Sniper
to very good rounds in a row
there from supply show one of
them being the clutch. It
was just against the lighter
investment show. But this
one important shots is that
Yeah, this one is a bludgeoning
right now. Again, I know it's
another partial, but. You've had
a couple of close opportunities
and now it's a potential five
stand alive due to. Look at solid
as a rock right now. Yeah, they
are rocking and rolling to a
lower bracket final. Yeah, I
think they're going to be
getting an awful lot of rest
in between this one and the
It depends on if spirit can bring it back and make it a three map series or not, I suppose.
So seven to one.
Very quick map of Counter Strike so far.
We're 15 minutes into this.
We even had a little tech with some pious planetes in here.
So running through this and now it's intact doubles.
It's on.
It's there, right?
It's late round.
You're against the light by and they're still caught.
Okay.
Let's swing together.
If I'm sore, I'm extremely happy with the level of communication that I'm seeing from the team right now
I maybe there's some crazy moves
But remember sore used to coach ends with snappy. He's used to seeing crazy moves
But you want your teammates to be working off of each other
Whether that's communicating well you two basis at all stems from the same point, but we're back underway
Some ice won't be able to find them and all from suicide this time round so we're into a bit of a default spread
I'm impressed as well. I understand it's not the same caliber of opponent, but with the
changes that have happened since the Nerds edition, some of the new positions that I'm
seeing these players having a default in all hall on the CT side, they just look comfy.
Yeah, really?
It doesn't look too strange or if people don't feel like they're out of place.
I was a big G2 stan last season, but they never really lived up to that London hype.
It was always, I was like the ideas, the setups they had, the thought process, especially the
decision making and players like Heavy God and Mattis, but it was never enough, so maybe
this new iteration could be the one, Mattis, you got company.
Perfect.
Opening kill provided.
Exkide for sure.
Yeah.
Running in.
Cravity has been behind this side box this entire time.
When does he pick his moment?
Just now!
And Heavy God's ready for it.
Lucky at the back of the ramp has a smoke to play around safe from the Molotovs.
Not safe from the Nades though. Cover from Exocys. That's solid. Need lucky to find a...
Get a lethality here.
Nade significant. Damage, Exocys whereabouts. Noted, Nertz. Here's them coming in from the short side.
That smoke's gonna fade and he's looking the wrong way.
Exocys, Profits, Messy Spray. Not gonna work out. Swaps to the USP. Some pirates catch the first.
On bullet left.
Yeah, he could hit it.
And he does! Quick flick onto the...
Oh! What a clutch!
Oh mate the suns are shining and the spaniard is delivering another impactful round here on dust to brazil agreeing it was some pious
Oh, I'll be right now
Nothing can do no wrong
3d mag said it was so close to finally converting getting a second round on the board you jump you think okay
I've won this round
not
Plugged out of the air in install to the m4 for the swing
Alvarito and now another partial you are in the bloody tumble dryer right now if you're 3d max you just getting thrown around
Dumped by a wave you don't know which way is up. I'll tell you which way is out
How much worse can this half get or better if we look at it from the g2 framing
Could just be five more rounds and react
Oh
Macca say the elevator to hell right there he wanted to be the one dish now the knee damage cops it for
All right
Again very long centric not gonna over complicate things against these lower guns that feel confident
No, it's just kicking up a stain keeping their attention drawn. You're gonna have so many backs turn. Hello and goodbye
Lucky had to take down nurse, but it's giving away his position in that
Get it back off and get in a reload
Gravity fast on the flanks of pirates ready dead
The other two next right. Oh, do we want to I think yeah, that yeah
I can flash you yep okay cheeky repos it's insane that he repos there with an
AWP position and misses that completely dodges the flash yeah are you they can
do no wrong they can do in pies this is great
maybe nerds is some pious is talisman mmm yeah I just makes him feel good you
know. Yeah. Well, they definitely look like they're feeling good. They're playing
good. I think surprise. I think he made a tweet about Brazil. I think he really
likes it here. Remember when he came to Australia as well? We say, yeah, I think
it's the sunny countries. It makes sense.
Check out powers it up.
Oh, yep. I guess we better take the time out.
Nice. Can I say budget to death right now? Are we taking the time out boys?
It looks like it, but. Okay, so they milked the entire freeze time that Mac is kind of
discuss and then Watson can we add on top or change the plan? I did a podcast with a couple
of the coaches and I was asking about that. I was like, do you like taking immediately
or do you want your teammates to use it? And something was saying something interesting.
It's like, if I let them use it and they come up with a whole plan and then I come
in and I'm like, actually, no, that's not what I want you to do. It's kind of
True kind of productive. So I guess it depends on how strong of the coach, you know, you have the idea. But when you're losing nine to one,
I guess any moment of respite from getting owned is cool.
you won the pistol you lost the force g219 straight rounds that's it so pass
last one a bunch of clutches. Yep. No much more to be said. Be split. So attack and heavy
Go have the responsibility of making this look like a default, but it is going to be a mid to be
Feels like a bit to me pursuit up halving it into the smoke
Gets overlooked does well mantles up still some bars in to find it back in the site
No gravity with empty hands his on site finally tested finally gets an opportunity to kind of
the owners on him and now you've got to get past Tak who's drawn the line in the sand.
He can communicate these steps to some pyres over towards window.
He can swing off of Tak's contact and get the trade or even just pry through the doors.
So he's unable to get anything done.
Tag's exerceased down to 17.
That'll call it lethal and Matt is through the stone.
Guess the job done.
Mac are in the clutch. You need rounds. You have to go course. But look at the time doesn't have a kid
There's literally nothing you can do. He's just
Gonna swing on in. Yeah, it's a hopeless feeling, but you need something. Yeah need something
It's not how you want to get go down. No, you want the the last game you play to feel
Probably they turned a corner yesterday with their performance
But it's right back to more of the misery that 3d max of feeling all season long not qualifying for the major
What is it? It was six rounds on inferno
They've got one round on dust to you're gonna be looking like double digits across two maps if you if you're lucky if you're lucky
This is where you know we wish do we have to take the half-time break could be
Just been on maybe we just get this one done, huh?
But no wait French team French guns. This is the second round
Haha, this is the this is the second round gravity with a nice spot of aggression is gonna be disruptive
I can feel it.
Well, they weren't ready for a B-pop, they got denied by an early smoke, now they've cancelled
and now they're completely rerouting, which actually hurts 3D Max.
If it was straight off the rip, it might be something that they could deal with in the
chaos, but now with all the advantages of weapon, utility, nice little reset here from
G2, mid-doll smoke has missed.
gravity in the wrong way and he goes down and they don't able to find the trade either
lucky but deep on that.
Oh no it gets away from two H's on that HP.
Does Exorcise get anything done in?
He's gonna have to.
Oh gosh that is ugly.
Didn't have a good understanding of the layer of the land now Lucky's forced into a
dire situation. He's got to try and defend his side against an entire squad with
just a famas. Paranoid about the short side. Mattis of course nails the head shot.
We are looking at a very quick second map. 20 minutes is all it's taken for G2 to
find themselves the majority of the way there to knocking out 3D Max and
securing themselves a spot in that lower bracket final later today.
Nuts has done the job there. All the info now it's just sweeping this one
Under the rug, Mattis takes down Masuda.
Wacker on the trade and up against the Bomb already halfway gone.
27 points of health.
He's got a kit, but that's all he's got.
No chance in this one.
Let's let the score read 11-1, shall we?
11-1.
Wacker not even giving it a go.
What a helpless feeling.
11-4-2.
They are making this one a quick stop
on their path towards the playoffs.
Just one round for 3D Max 11 for G2 looking to secure themselves that final opportunity
later on today. I'm still watching a spirit red canid's juke it out as well on the B stream.
And this one looking like it is done like a dog's dinner. I'm just going to putt this one in now,
don't you? Just two rounds required. Pistol round will essentially do it. It's a lacklustre
from 3D Max to say the very least. That one you're talking about was the pistol rounds.
11 consecutive. Can they string together the full run? Just 13 straight rounds in a row.
They've started as they need to go on. Some pious, on to miss suitors done very well.
Mattis as well found his head shot necessary towards the long side. Oh god, heavy god.
Rapid. Okay. Well, that's, yeah, that seems like it's it. Thanks for tuning in.
Everything great there. Mattis goes long corner, gets a duel, wins it out immediately.
some highs blocks the smoke destined for the mid doors or Xbox then he drops back to the doors gets
a kill over the top of it the two players in lower tunnels at this point in a 5v3 advantage
situation they can play a little bit more aggressively here's the open up
matters monster he's been 17 and six right now under a bit of an extended break coming
up for you before we get navi versus hot two underway forced by over the thorn attack
Stop the clock referee, that one's done. 13 to 1. G2 eliminated 3D Max. This is meant
to be the start of the lower bracket gauntlet. This was just warm up. The French didn't even
connect to the server today and now G2, we sit back, we relax and we see if they've
got what it takes to book a spot in the playoffs later today. Saul's going to be very happy
with that one. Where do you go from here if you're the French? It's so convincing it's just if anything
not not I'm not filled with extra confidence for GZ who I already had that and actually just filled
with more dismay and doubt for 3d mags. How did they make you feel about liquid then? Yeah right
precisely uh really really it's a bit of a statement piece you can see how to
in spirit still in attendance tax still rocking its jersey a last minute substitution but it
hasn't affected some of the the stars. That is some pious scene like he's getting good forms
and great luches from him. It just feels like they've got such good talent in that G2 jersey now.
You really have to be well drilled. Your fundamentals have to be there. Your good game plan has to be solid.
Otherwise G2 threw you around the server. The 13 straight rounds to close that down is
testament to exactly that. 10 consecutive rounds. Beautiful stuff. It's a highlight day for G2.
yesterday they tested vitality pushed them to the limit sure a place can say it was an off day but
regardless they're the ones who ended the streak and now they're the ones looking to run this lower
bracket we got Freya standing by for a loser interview with 3d max yeah unfortunately 3d max
eliminated here at the intellect stream masses rear 2026 thank you maca for taking the time to
give me a few words just going back to inferno decently competitive first half second half
though felt like things fell apart can you just tell me what happened from your perspective
I don't think we played our game we wanted to offer today.
Even on the second part of T-Side, we struggled a lot in having the right elements to play
our game.
So it went on on the T-Side and I think it showed and we're a lot struggling on having
good connection on the vocals.
Was it the same story then for Dust2?
do you think the things that were starting to rear the head on Inferno just spiralled in that second map?
I think so. I don't think it spiralled from Inferno, it was just, today was like another day, communication-wise was not what we wanted to do.
And I think on this too, we struggled closing rounds where you had an advantage situation for 5v4s and when you play this way,
You just give too much confidence and too much room for those kinds of players to enable
the gameplay.
And now when I was speaking to Masuda earlier, you guys have been grinding a hell of a lot
of events.
Unfortunately, I won't be seeing you the major.
I'm going to be seeing you at CAC, though I don't know if there's any other events
that will appear in between time.
But that's not until later in May though.
So you guys can have some time off.
Is there a bootcamp on the horizon?
What are you doing after this?
I think the management and the coaching staff will decide what we do.
For now we have some days off, I think we've rided a lot the last two months.
So yes, a bit of rest and then we are back on track to grind and to go to CAC to have
a good result.
And just final question, anything you'd like to say to fans at home?
You can say in French as well if you'd like.
Thank you for the guys who are super senior and believing in us, sorry because I know
we have some Brazilian fans there and we hope to make it to the arena.
I would say it's in French.
Thank you to the French who support us.
Thank you to those who are always up to watch the match.
Well, there is a shift in the opposite direction.
We will continue to tackle, we hope for the best with what we have done at BuccaRest.
We will continue to work and continue to show that we can do very good 16,
in a more consistent way.
Thank you once again and see you very soon.
Today, up next, we're going to be seeing the organization who lifted the trophy here in 2024 taking to the server once more
That's Navi versus none other than the major champion of 2022 Norbert on Houttu
Don't do it, don't do it.
I don't remember the map. Maybe it was in the middle of the game this time.
Now? What about now?
No, I cannot say anything.
Now actually I got one through, but that was in Astralis with all the teams with...
That was content. I mean, you guys have no idea what content is before you win that team.
It means that Zybel, we can analyse what is his problem, why he is so good.
That's a good one to have.
It's for sure his problem.
Alright, I'm here with coaching royalty.
Three gentlemen right now who have all won multiple majors as coaches.
You have five tier names.
I'll name them all. Are you ready?
Yeah.
Are you sure?
If you can name them.
Yeah.
You think I can?
Yeah, of course you can.
Alright, well then I won't name them.
It's Atlanta first.
Yes.
Then London.
Then Katowice, then Berlin.
Yes.
And Paris.
one and to leave the past one on site
because it was a different team.
Yeah, it was.
You got two to your name, Copenhagen, Stockholm.
And you got two to your name, the most recent two.
Yeah, so obviously Austin and then Budapest.
So gentlemen, thank you for joining me.
I wanna start with a little bit more whimsy.
We were just talking about traveling.
You've landed this morning.
You had a nap.
How are you feeling?
I feel good.
Yeah?
I feel good.
Ready to go?
Yeah, I slept like seven hours in the plane,
so it was good.
I was hoping that we could catch you
a little bit sleep deprived so I could get all of Blades
coaching knowledge.
You know, you may be not putting up such a guard today.
Maybe you could get, cause boys you guys don't know this.
I brought you all here because I'm actually gonna become
a coach next year.
So I want all the information out of all your brains
and we won't air this.
What's your request?
Look, I don't have a team just yet.
We gotta work that out.
Who should I coach?
Where should I start?
Start at a low level maybe or?
Good idea, probably.
Yeah, stuff at a low level, yeah.
But I just was having a chat outside
and you were talking to your manager about,
you with the jacket or can it be the jersey or you know what? How come boys how come we're not
rocking suits? Why are we in the jerseys and jackets as coaches? Has anyone ever, have you
ever gone, I want to wear a suit to work? No, because it's not something I usually wear.
Okay, but yeah, in sports it's true. People do this. I remember Peter was doing this.
Yeah. Yeah. Okay. That's right. That's a throwback right there. Have you guys ever
considered it though? Like the coach were inside different? I actually did it, not a suit,
but I actually did wear non-team branding clothes in the beginning of Australia. I had a shirt inside
and then with something outside that was a little bit more casual on the good side,
but then at one point I think sponsors kicks in. That's it. They are the right sponsors down there.
Okay, so let's do a little bit of history I suppose. Now, obviously there's different parts
of everybody's careers back when they were playing or doing broadcasts or things like that. But let's
just focus in on the coaching, right? Because I think that you guys have got probably the most
knowledge with all people we could throw together to talk about Counter-Strike and coaching. So
you started coaching first out of everybody at the table, if I'm doing my maths correctly?
Yeah, I think so.
How did you get into it? How did it start?
So, yeah, I was in 15. I saw a device on this, you know,
Good morning, UK. Good morning Denmark. These natural TV shows talking about in 2015. Yes. Okay. And
Maybe it was in 2014. I can't remember. Yeah, but he was part of CSM
He was make a lot of money
It was set and I said to my wife
Damn because I knew this game was gonna be big and I was not part of that back then when I was playing we were lucky
If we got 1000 euros and salary
so I was doing my my master's degree and
And then I was like, I'm going to try and come back.
So I got all my, the whole gang back and we tried to play a bit.
It took 14 days and then we found out there's no way.
14 days?
Yes.
And then I was like, I'm going to try and pursue a little bit, you know, coaching.
I saw Starix, I think was one of the first ones.
Yes, and then I was like, maybe there is something I just wanted to get back in.
It was not for the money, it was just to, because I knew this game was going to be big.
Also bigger than 1.6 just referring to my tweets back in the days.
And yeah, I was doing my master's degree and at one point Karrigan contacted me talking about this new Danish project.
Back then salaries was not stable or secured, but I was told that it was going to be part of a Danish company with daily salary.
And you know, Texas, you know, we want this to be in check.
And then I was like, okay, I'm going to do it.
And I had just started my master's degree.
My wife was pregnant.
I had a student job where they offered me a position full-time.
So as soon as I was done, it was close to home.
So everything was good.
But then I said, I'm going to quit that.
I'm going to remain in my master's degree
and do that on the side.
But I'm going to start out this project.
She was super pissed in the beginning.
But yeah, eventually he was okay.
This is your passion, you want to do it, then go for it.
And then we joined in...
First I was in Dignitas, not a lot of people know that.
I was there for five, six months.
This was with the MSL, Kaby, AC, and Pimp as well.
Line up, but I was only there for five months.
And then I joined.
A question mark, who became Astralis right after.
Alright, okay. Who was next?
You were still playing back then in 2014-2015.
Because I was playing against you, so you were definitely still going.
Yes, I was.
What year did you transition to coaching?
Because it wasn't with Navi originally, right?
It was with Gambit.
Yeah, I should have recalled when Danny was speaking that Matt was playing EWCG in 2007
versus him in the Grand Final.
And we lost.
That's right.
I remember watching that.
And then they both were in the same team by Talit.
He was an analyst for him.
Yeah, that's right. Yeah, okay.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Yeah, wow.
Imagine like the casual routine like they're speaking.
Remember how I smashed you in the final?
Making jokes.
Matt is not like that, you know.
All the players were saying this.
I get confused all the time.
This guy remembers 2007 and then Matt was the guy who was going to be like,
No, don't do it, don't do it.
Yeah.
So yeah.
Yes, it was a flipside team, and then we were not doing so great, I think, like Electronic
Left and Na'Vi.
We were always searching for new talents, for new kids, like new names.
I remember that we were testing Exile, Norbert, like the moment when it was about to create
new lineup, and then I switched to coaching.
And I think then somebody offered me Gambit, Gambit offered me a coach position and I think
this is where they already won Major, so it's like very elite players, they won Krakow.
Yes, that's right, 2017.
Yes, and then I was like, for me it's like, I was thinking about this before, to become
coach and now I was weighing up like what is better to do like to keep playing in
flip side without good lineup like stuck in the same position stagnating or like
switching now finally to coaching and at the same time I was not super like
sharp individually at that moment I was kind of a angel who was trying to
control everything you know and it was it was like wrong approach obviously and
hard to play at the same time, if you're trying to control every movement of your teammates.
And yeah, that's kind of a little downgrade, like confidence-wise, can I be the same good
player in IGL, like what is my future?
And on the other hand Gambit offered me, and also after that Na'Vi approached me.
And yeah, basically this is how the switch happened.
First Gambit without IGL.
We have no IGL in Gambit.
This was funny.
Like they took me like in the team and said like, okay, let's go, but one problem, we
don't have IGL.
What was the roster, Gambit?
The roster was Hobbit, Moe, who is here, basically now, Dossier.
Still Adran was there.
Still Adran.
Zeus had left, right?
Somebody fifths with that.
Not Fitch, no?
No, Fitch for sure, no.
It was somebody fifths.
I don't remember who actually.
I don't remember.
It wasn't Fitch.
No, for sure.
That's an old guard of players there, right?
Especially with Adran.
a little bit for sure, because this was the players who wanted to leave.
And yeah, Mo Dostya and somebody else was...
That's around, we'll look at it after the fact.
And they all tried already to be IGLs, and they said no.
It was very hard for them to be IGLs and something like...
Nobody's listening to you for two months, three months, big ego.
You say, okay, if you want, I will not be IGL anymore.
if nobody's listening to me.
So, yeah, that was tough, tough life for them,
tough this task that they didn't maybe expect to be the Nigel in the past.
And that's why they didn't commit fully, you know, because you need to commit fully
and be ready for these ups and downs and have bad moods, like, argue, argue, argues, argues.
Yeah, arguing with the players.
The game was playing constantly, and it should be normal.
And they didn't, they were not ready for this, and as soon as some little toughness is coming,
like there was like, no, no, no, I don't want this, I don't want this.
Sure, didn't mind the friction.
Yeah, and then we turned it like a system where basic system is out of AGL.
This is where I was kind of testing, like, if it possible, like, for AGL,
because I was AGL, who was trying to control everything, to play without AGL,
like just out of system, like out of default, like then this player can say something,
this player can say something, like he basically can move the whole team like to his spot if he sees a gap.
It was something where I tested this and obviously with I thought of gaps, like how to fix all the stuff,
but it was an interesting experience in Gambit without IGL.
The first time catching, yeah.
I didn't want some... I was positive about this because we were winning a lot of teams with IGLs.
Kind of good teams, like in CS.
Was it the event in Malta that you guys won?
At that point we already removed Adren and Hobbit.
He wanted to go to elite teams, like Hobbit went to HellRaisers, I think,
and Andren went to FaZe or something, like he was sitting waiting for opportunities.
And then there was Bondiq, Exile, then we brought Exile.
But yeah, this was the moment when I saw that it can work, because as soon as you see the round,
in this round, there is no clear guy who is speaking the whole round,
You still win the round, one more round.
Even one, two rounds, which are fair enough,
like if you see very good composed rounds,
not, I mean, there's no randomness.
It's not a random effect, right?
Not random result.
You can understand that it can work.
Okay.
And then game by game,
I saw that we corrected a little bit here and there.
Like, obviously I was giving instructions
like from the beginning of the game.
Like, guys, let's start from this and this.
And yeah, this was how the switch happened for me.
I tested something in Gambit, and then they offered me a Navi.
And it was perfect.
This Gambit transition was perfect, because without this,
it can be tough to go through such an elite steamer.
Yeah.
So it's a simple electronic, yeah.
A lot of big names there.
OK, curious.
Interesting.
Does anyone remember when the timeout change happened?
Remember when it was two minutes?
I was thinking about the same.
When did that change?
Please.
The moment when you could speak constantly.
When the Starix was purchased.
You know, it was the Starix time.
But that was way earlier, no.
Because in 2016, Columbus, we had these,
this was where I took the time against Fnatic.
We had these one, two minutes.
There were two minutes.
There were the whole two minutes.
Just be in one block.
You're going to take one time out.
Yeah, it's a huge advantage, right?
When you can constantly speak.
Well, yeah, but that's why they stopped.
Valve didn't want that.
I'm curious now, who was the coaches?
Back then, yeah.
Well, Starix definitely.
There wasn't too many.
When that was allowed,
That's a good question.
But it was a lot of them, but they all worked.
SK?
I don't know.
Even back in those early days, I'm not sure, like 2014, 2015, if coaches could talk in
freestyle.
Like that, because coaches were still so new back then.
Yeah.
Like, you didn't have many coaches, right?
You were one of them.
You could talk for Dreamhack, at least.
Yeah, in 2019, Dreamhack, we did Dreamhack Malmo, I think, and Dreamhack Taras.
2019.
Yeah, it was major.
You could talk during the freestyle.
Really?
The freestyle.
I remember.
Here, it reminded me that there was a major when I was coaching for Hellraisers.
I was still Flipside and we didn't qualify for major.
I think it was 2014 winter.
Okay.
So, in young chopping.
Yep.
I remember Dreamac was a bit different with the others until 2019.
Okay.
Interesting.
Look, I was there during all this stuff, but I remember it.
I'm getting older.
I don't remember it either.
When they asked me, like, basically, Flipster didn't qualify,
they asked, Hellers asked me to coach him for one event.
And we went to playoffs, top eight, I think.
And now remember, he says that I could speak the whole time.
Crazy.
Yes.
Yeah, OK, well, I imagine that you wouldn't need any game leaders.
That's for sure.
You give you, yeah.
Well, actually, you certainly need someone to call me around.
OK, we're going to get to you.
When did you get into coaching?
Me, so I come from Contra-Chakstur basically.
After a year ago, I tried with the Subtrap Roaster, you know, to coach a little bit just to see if something can happen.
But then, I was French-Shaman for East-South France for two, three years.
With Matt actually. It's crazy.
Then I remember in 2018, so Vitality started the roster as they were at the studio, East-South France for bootcamp.
And I think it was the I am Chicago actually, the tournament.
And so NBK wanted to talk to me, we went outside, he asked me okay, we're gonna remove the coach.
He was faculty from 1.6 as well as this guy.
And he told me how do you see the vision of coach tomorrow etc.
For me, it was like I needed to reflect a bit because it was a mess, French team 2017, 2018, etc.
It was a mess. Basically, players tried to decide absolutely everything, etc.
So I explained to NBK if I come, I want to change a lot of things.
To stop basically trying to change all stuff to one fail, one bad tournament, etc.
Also, we had a big issue. I don't know why, but every French player wanted to be a captain in the game.
That's like a good problem to have sometimes.
No, it wasn't actually, because if you know the story of 2019, we had some issues because N.D.K. wanted to be a captain, Alex wanted to be a captain.
It's not like, they just wanted to make decisions, not like thinking about the roster, how you need to build the process, just to be a captain.
I think we had some good success in the past with career and existence, etc.
We were really good and I think they wanted to be a captain.
But just because they know a bit more the games, they have more experience, they think they can be a captain.
It was the case for Shox as well.
And I think it was a bad idea.
That's also why I put up X later and not Shox as in Game Leader.
Because you need to have some skills, social skills, some reflect.
It was a mess basically. I needed to build something from scratch, in my opinion.
It was a bit special for them at the beginning. I needed time, I needed also experience.
It was my first experience at INSA with some such good players like NBK or Zaywu was young
so it was easy to deal with him, but he was happy etc.
Yeah, I start on a series, not the hardest role as a coach,
but it was a good experience to learn really fast, at least.
OK, all right.
Well, that's not what I want to dive into,
talking about a captain.
Do you think that in-game leader and captain
are two separate things?
Or should the in-game leader also
be the captain of the team?
And so I mean it from the guy who's doing the interviews
in the face of the team.
And he's the one getting the boys all jeered up,
and then to be the in-game leader.
because you mentioned Alex.
We all saw Alex today, which blew all of our minds.
I don't know about you guys, but I saw him,
I thought we're in a different time zone.
He's an agent now.
Yeah, apparently so.
But he always struck me as the type of guy
who was a good mind for Counter-Strike.
That he was a good in-game leader.
He could call good rounds,
but he didn't strike me as like a leader of men,
like a captain.
But whereas like Apex for example, he's both, right?
Do you think that an in-game leader has to be both?
Like the captain and the tactician?
No, I think it depends on the process, how you think as a coach etc.
Because, for example, Alex is a good example. He wanted to be a captain, but as you said, he was not ready for.
Because it's also tough to have some responsibilities, you know, to make the right decision.
For me in game leader, yeah, you need to be a good in game leader, but captain, it depends on your coach, of your process.
Also, your players, you know, if you have a perfect fit, can work with other players.
So no, I don't think so like it's different per team per mixture of players. Yeah, I think so. Okay.
Because that's that's one of the things with Canada, right? We're dealing with five guys plus a coach
then depending on your staff, right? And how deep that goes maybe you're traveling with eight to 10
people. But really, it's the coach plus the five players in the server. And that's a pretty
intimate group, right? That's, that's, you know, you're with each other all the time, you're
talking to each other all the time. And if it doesn't click, it doesn't click. And I think we've
all you know being in a team or seen when it isn't working. So I wanted to there's a
few there's lots of areas I want to go but let's jump in with this one first.
Blair let's go with you. Who's been your favorite player over your entire time as a
coach to coach? Has anyone been like more coachable or receptive or because
you have to deal with players like simple? I think bit. Bit with your foot yeah?
Yeah, because it's always easier to coach younger players.
Okay.
And this is what, for example, Kulio is showing now, right?
That you can take, people will listen to you, you can take a lot of good players and build
something from this, and there will be no lot of resistance, you know, like that can
resist with your opinion a lot, like trying to go different direction.
I think we in that case, we can say for sure, before he was electronic, when he was in flipside,
also was amazing experience because the way how he was making decisions in the game was unbelievable.
I mean, when he moved to Na'Vi, that was his prime, basically.
Yeah, I think this was by coaching us, because you cannot coach a lot simple, for example,
he already like unique player, he you can only maybe direct a little bit like try to
imagine he has an energy you can only like try to control it a little bit like right
left side right side or so on you cannot like change it completely.
Okay.
And yeah, something like that, I remember you said in Gambit there was a mirror and it
was also a good experience to coach him.
Okay.
He was always listening, always trying to connect with you, like to respond some, it's
the same direction, you know, like you feel the connection, basically.
He just said that simple is like an energy you have to just kind of direct as opposed
to change. Zairu's obviously a comparison to a simple and you both coach Zairu. Is it the
same? Is he more coachable? Can you change his energy? What's the go with Matthew? Who
wants to go first? I mean, I can't go first because I had a little bit earlier. I think
he has also developed a little bit since. But for me, Matthew, Zairu, in terms of
how great he is. It's easy to coach, but he is also extremely stubborn.
He has his opinions. It's tough to change it. When I had him in 22, I got a bit frustrated with him
because we were not doing that well. I mean, it was the first time any of us tried an international
roster and I will have to also say when I joined Vitality, this is probably one of the best
decisions I've ever done as a coach. I was told before, do you want to keep the
assistant coach Matt? And I said yes because I wanted someone on the French
size because now we're going to be Danes in French. I needed to understand the
culture, the way do they respond and I kept Matt. But going back to to Saibou
in in 22, I felt that he was the only one you know obviously with what it
takes as well, who really put in the hours. Every time we lost, he was sitting in the
practice room playing. This is fine. But every time we lost, he was, it's fine, guys.
We're going to win the next time. And then I was complaining to, for example, Matt
is an enterprise saying, we have to play more. And they were like, ah, you've been
out coach for six years. We're playing fine. We don't have to do that. And I knew
that as soon as Saibu would go out and say guys come on I'm wasting the best years of my career
step up then that would be challenging and like that would be challenging the other players and
they would instantly listen to him and so I remember at the end of of 22 we had a had a
meeting where I told him that you're wasting your career I need you to be harsher I need you to
to be a little bit more like Sasha. I wanted him to have that, if I ask him about the competition
with him and Sasha, he was like, no, I don't care. I wanted that individual mindset of,
hey, I'm going to beat this guy. I'm going to be the best player of all time. So I needed
that, you know, he was a little bit, I'm not lazy, but he just, he was just, he
reminds me a little about, I don't know if you follow soccer, but Ronaldinho in
football, he was just enjoying the game, he was smiling all the time. If he
lost, it's fine, it's fine, you're all good, we're gonna win next time. No, I
wanted more passion from him. And so yes, I think he's, he's easier than
some of the other star players out there, but he don't underestimate
his, he can be something a lot.
Okay, all right. Is that similar to your experience?
Exactly the same.
Yes, as I said, it's easier, but you would like him to have some opinions.
You know, he doesn't act as a star player.
And of course, it's not easy to deal with star players, but him is a star player, right?
But he doesn't act at all, you know, like you are asking me if you're fine to change different things on the server, et cetera.
Yeah, why not?
Sometimes he says, ah, it's for stuff, for you, lately, can we talk?
He says, no, it's okay, feel good.
He's my love right now.
And then, but also, at least when you talk with him, he will reflect a bit.
And then after, he can give some words on what's going on.
But otherwise, for example, you know about what he said lately, about Barnard a bit.
Of course, we saw something was wrong, and we tried to talk to him, but he said
nothing.
like, oh no, it's just a bit harder, that's it.
And after that, he thought about, OK,
but why I'm like that right now?
And now it's better.
But yeah, you would ask sometimes to say,
guys, I need a bit more.
It can happen sometimes, honestly, some tournaments.
So I will basically take the round and say, guys, no,
we will do like that, like that.
Just follow me.
But it's like 10%, 20% of the time.
It's not something big.
Yeah, I remember in also in vitality with him
and Tupri, Tupri was going first.
And then I remembered, you know, this, when they come,
Catwalk on Amaraj and they have to swing
and you can be seen from both, and short, you know,
I want the pre to go first and then Saibou second.
He can instantly trade.
And then I would see, you know, Saibou just going.
And then I would, you know, I'll be mixed.
You know, one day I'll be like,
the pre why not going first?
You can't let him go first.
Yeah, but then he come out of the complaints.
But at the end, I was also, I had to say to Saibou,
why keep going first?
Let the other one go.
Like, don't.
I mean, for him, if, for example, something is wrong,
and for him, okay, we are too slow, he will go first.
He will not say anything, you know?
And then maybe, sometimes he can complain after the game,
after me, like, oh, I had to go first.
He'd say something, you can, but he doesn't hold.
Yeah, okay.
So quite a contrast there.
So you guys wanted, well, I guess,
when you look at him today,
it feels like he demands more today.
He's playing some of his best Counter-Strike ever
at the moment.
It's like, you get to sit there
and watch it every day.
It's like, it's crazy at the moment
with what that guy's putting out.
Okay.
So we're contrasting the superstars right there.
Something weird just popped into my head.
So let's just follow it.
Let's see.
Cause I'm sitting there thinking about you guys
standing behind the teams.
You guys don't get in-game audio, do you?
No, no, no.
Is that so super like disorientating?
Do you feel like you're in like a box?
Or does it just feel like you and team speak at home?
If you're at home,
you're able to flick through all the players and stuff
and change your watching.
So you get some sound,
but I guess that's the normal experience.
You said no instantly.
It's not weird.
No, it's something, it's like, it's a condition that you get used to and now it's like natural
for me.
Okay.
I turned off sound at home and never turned it on.
Okay.
Well, you've got some really good reactions when you're behind your players.
You got some of the best, the memeable reactions that are going on.
What was it?
Who are you laughing at?
Was it JL or something in one of them?
Yeah.
You laughing at JL when something happens?
Ah, yeah.
Yeah.
There was something putting in the screen, in the monitor,
saying something, or crying, I don't know.
I was confused a little bit.
Some of them were saying the coach looked at him.
He was moaning, or something, like,
oh, and they were turning around, like, what is happening?
I remember you were, like, reading,
going all behind them, and then he just stops up,
and you look at him, and you just laugh.
It was priceless.
There must be some funny stuff that goes on.
Obviously, some of these broadcasts,
they do, like, the coach listen in and stuff,
Some are nice and some are not so nice, right? But that's how the game goes.
You're focusing on the process a lot, so it's not a big deal, I think.
You have expectations of what will happen in the first round, second, third, all this stuff,
and you're constantly there. It's not about like, you don't need this.
Like you said, you're in the box, it's fine.
Are you guys comfortable with it?
No, not hearing anything.
I'm sure when there's a diffuse going on and it's fucking milliseconds away, you're freaking out a bit.
We usually get the info from the player.
Yeah, you got it, you got it, or whatever.
I think the only...
That's dead silent.
That's all you want to hear.
Yeah, only sometimes I need to ask them in the beginning if they are, you know, smoking
this a lot, or how they're reacting with their nades, just to ask the question, because
I might not have the best overview, but yeah, we're used to it, not having the sound.
So...
Who's the designated player in the team that you stand behind and make and press
Tab in the time?
Placent matches set your starting point.
Placent rating measures your impact as you climb.
The soft elo reset narrows the gap between the highest elo players and the rest of level 10.
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Good luck, and have fun!
You'd think, and of course, something that you mentioned before, you'd think, and of
Of course, something that you mentioned yesterday, overpass or plus map, Rento is not really looking
like the player that he wants himself to be at this level.
He's been really struggling throughout this entire series and when you've got Shiro as
your counterpart to go up against, maybe you can expect that, especially on your big
event debut.
But he's going to need to show up here to give Red Cannons any chance at all.
Absolutely, Red Canid's going to be starting off on the CT side as they did on ancients
and I think it might be really difficult for them to try and contain Spur on this T-Side
show.
Overpass T-Side generally speaking is quite difficult, but I think that the pace and ferocity
that Spur are going to bring to the server here might just completely blow Red Canid's
out.
Oh boy, they hadn't already had a good enough chance that all players alive on the
server here for Spur as they get the bomb down, they've been able to boost
the player up into heaven.
At least Kawa's will draw first blood and second added into the mix as well, but if her resistance
put up by magic though, magic's rather with a quick fire double will certainly help.
No kit in play means time is of the essence.
You'll go down and Drop and Shea will do some good work.
Now, it's on sixes 1 HP from Heaven, a bomb is being diffused, but it was just in vision
and they might get all the kills, but I'm afraid for red cannons it won't be enough.
Oh well done from Zontics. It felt really awkward when you were so low on health and all of a sudden he was the last man left alive.
That boost into heaven ends up paying dividends as Zontics is able to get two key kills there from above.
And find the frag on the diffuser just in time. That was the necessary kill. His prioritization was on point.
His spirit. Come out the gate swinging here as they pick up on overpass where they left off on ancient.
Yeah, forcefire will come through. They have enough to get Shea on the M4. That's what the update to give you $50 per kill gives you.
An extra opportunity to buy a bit more if you actually do get all the frags in the pistol, even if you lose the round.
BMP9's around the Rento scout as well.
And I'll mention it one more time. Pretty crazy that it says debut in a big event.
and coming from the Red Cannons Academy,
also only playing a couple of events prior,
one LAN as well in Sao Paulo, that was pretty much it.
He's already played an Intel Extreme Masters
against both Zairu and Donk.
There was either Spuridl Falcons here
in the slower bracket game,
so that would have been super difficult,
regardless of who he came up against.
The trial by Fire fall into
only his second LAN event of his career and he's got a hell of a test ahead of him here over on the A-bomb side of
Force by back from red can it to try and respond to the pistol round where they had lost it out
He is the only man here right now, and he's fallen back into back. Yeah
And this should be impossible for him to hold on by himself with only a scout
Yeah, unfortunately this stack will not be successful unless Ren 2 does something unbelievable
Or spirits I can guess themselves and go back B
I don't think they're going to be doing that. They'll focus all them on a now and that made does critical damage poor end to
Don't even give an opportunity to shoot one bullet
Shifting away with that scouts. We could have a bit of a unicorn round here
The magic is on the hunt which means he may be able to get a kill on
Rentos he shifts away towards B, but they are committing to a 5v5 save here are the CT side
I really like their decision not to actually try and shift the defence away from B, they
gamble stacked on that B bombsite, they bet on black, the ball swings around the board
and it lands in red and so that's unfortunate but it means that they will be able to keep
all five of their players alive here and save their money and still effectively have
a four sport set of weapons to work with.
I think it's some good decision-making with Dink Tank there from Red Cannons.
Going to be able to get far away enough to survive the bomb explosion.
It's going to be Spurt who go up 2-0.
Yes, a compilation of the entire round from Cowards' POV.
That's all he was able to do.
How I listen to my voice notes.
Too expeed.
That's unfortunately, sometimes the reality of professional counter-strike.
If you guess incorrectly, that's what you've got to do.
Anyway, Spirit will be very aware that they have exactly the same purchase in this round as they had in the previous.
Informs Shate, it's an implying they might not know about it.
Guess what? Cowards in the same role again.
Can we get a counter going of how many times he's had to jump here in these past rounds?
You think he's a mouse wheeler or a spacebar?
I hope for his sake, this is a scroll wheel jump going on right now and he's not having
to push space every time.
I'm a disgusting space bar user, I hate to admit.
Just out of self-travelling, why would you do that live on broadcast mate?
Hey man, getting headshots is what matters.
Renzu can't though, and he gets a tag but yeah, no 360 trick shots to work with
here.
I'll give them some style points.
No kill points I'm afraid.
Rotation up is pretty quick for Davideus and Tenir is close.
Singed Davideus is very exposed from bathroom and as soon as these players creep up they
are going to catch him in the side as well to find one.
We've got some help actually launching into the action but that help will now be deleted
as Donk finds drop and Shirou managed to just clip Shea out of the round as well
Encourages the smoke in a kit, but there'll be no ninja possibilities here.
He's buying next round anyway. He might give it a look just for the hell of it.
That's the only chance, right? That's the only way he could conceivably win the round is if Spirits exit the bomb site early.
He gets a kill on one, drops a smoke while diffusing and makes some magic happen.
It's definitely his plan and what he's hoping for.
One player already making his way down to B.
second following suit but he's gonna have to run from here and that's the
problem is the steps are gonna be heard and he hasn't even gotten himself close
enough unfortunate he shies away Trav
disgusting that will be the three yeah unfortunately doesn't roll the dice
damage done at least with a couple kills coming through from red cannons is
they're gonna be buying up in this next round it spurred to come out the
gate swinging can they get this first gun run under their belts as well
because that would really solidify their strong start here on Overpass.
And yesterday when Red Cannons were able to beat Gentlemates in that game we covered on the B-Stream,
it took incredible moments from Shea on the T side to get that game won for Red Cannons.
And is that really replicable? I'm not so sure.
So, we need to get a handlehold in the game here very quickly, otherwise it's going to be disappearing from them,
Expectedly so, but they've had a chance given to them by their brilliant Mirage and it would be a shame if they went with the Wimper
True true
Because they weren't able to bring nearly the same sort of ferocity to ancient with what we saw out of them on Mirage
But I mean that was to be expected and so bring the struggles they've had on that map in general to near
And have a jewel offered up to him
It's a really good understanding of the angles yet from cow is with the position that he's taken up that he can't be spotted from
Lo's and they can just step out and immediately force that fight
But he has lost avid airs in water already
Spirit look to build themselves in this round now taking some shape
They have kind of kept their options open with dong feeling out towards long and to near in lowers
But with the time ticking they're gonna have to make a decision
and it looks like the the the B bomb sites where they're going to try and finish this round.
Renty playing from Pillar, he has to get this opening kill.
He's with a few of these misposition already and even more so now Cows has gone down.
Oh, it's going to be awkward. They shouldn't get completely enclosed upon.
Zontics will find drop and Renty is so stark.
Alright, so uncomfortable to watch.
Usually in those situations your rifles are there to support you.
So here's like complete committal to that position.
Looks really ugly.
Yeah, all his friends were dead and unfortunately that makes it super awkward for him
Much like the sign suggests no playing ball here for red cannons just yet on overpass
There remain on a duck
That kill there on Coway's I think was the really key frag in the round there to completely open up that beat on site
Was even a team flash in the next on ticks got completely blinded up by a flash over monster time
but he was able to regain his vision and time
and that makes it impossible for Ren to lift his own devices
Not able to do the Guardian
No, no, that is the thing that my brain goes back to every time I see that position
to the north
And the dream is real as he mounts all five, mouse sports are no more
Isn't it crazy? I can remember the castle lines from like 2016
I mean yeah absolutely props to you 10 years ago it was a completely iconic
moment there's a reason it's called the Guardian because really only one man's
Let's keep piecing those sorts of moments together.
Ugh.
Good times.
Alright, Trop.
When you got for the team here, absolutely not the start that they would have been hoping
for.
Obviously, generally speaking, the rule of thumb is you love to start on the CT side of Overpass,
but I actually think when you're such a massive underdog like Red Cannons are in this game,
I think there's a weird case to be made to actually want to play on the T side first,
or maybe it's more so not wanting the big favourites to get to start on the T side,
where they get to come into the map, dictate the pace of the game.
I know, I know it sounds crazy, but I've seen it happen all too often,
where you have this massive disparity between teams and when the favourites start on the T side.
They just run away with the game by getting to, like I say, dictate the pace, play on their own terms,
warm up into the game as it goes on, and not have to remain static and wait for the game to come to them.
That's what we saw happen on Mirage, right, where Red Cannon started on the T side, completely blue-spurred up the server.
Not saying that would happen here again, but I think it's really tough to try and start on the defensive half against an already warmed-up spirit.
Another four-man set-up on B for Red Cannon, it's another round where Kha'ez is committed to his role.
Poor guy. That's how we spent the entire map so far, it feels like. A lot of saving.
Anyway, it's a similar setup. Ren 2 alone on A with the Scout.
Spirit know they don't need to just run in willy-nilly.
Take their time, set up on long, use the utility around bathroom to block off green bin, block off truck.
I'm going to back away now. Shay is there to help. Actually, there is a rotation a little bit quicker this time.
There are going to be four players on site.
They could be locked behind some utility cell.
Actually, Shane will hold on if I magic.
Shane's dropped with one, but a really important kill from Shiro in the end.
USP of Renzu will drop, however, and that will call it 5-0.
I'll navigate it from Spirit despite running into the numbers on the A bomb site.
They make light work of the defense.
Like you said, important kill coming through from Shiro to really alleviate the pressure.
and basically hammer the round home.
Clean shot there from Tanea to finish off the job.
5-0 indeed.
Red Canid starting to run out of chances here in this first half
if they can't win this first gun round and the rock really starts to set in
and it feels like this becomes completely impossible for them if it isn't already.
Yeah, maybe took it just a little bit for spirit to warm into the game today.
It was like unfortunately certain that might be a bit of a damp squib of a map. I
I'm hopeful for a closer game. We shall see
Shee-Roh going for the classic towards short getting ahead of the utility going for the peak from the sandbags
It's gonna be a good nades
And sure will get into cow air. So that's a change up. It's coming through with that nades that did perfectly counter it
Banked off of the girder near and Xontix tagged down low
An opening kill for red cannons is a rarity here since Mirage, especially one that doesn't
just get immediately traded.
Now, Magix is going to try and find a timing.
This is just dry contact.
This is them not wanting to give up the game as to actually what's going on.
Magix is going to cross in towards the corner here and probably remain posted in this position.
No need for red cannons to go advancing though with that man advantage already in
play.
They're going to want Spur to come to them.
3 man set up on the bomb site itself and one player in heaven, Bonk is opening that with the utility, he's jumping into that bomb site that he might be able to pull some of the attention away.
It's a really good flashbang there, but thankfully for Kha'waz, he's got Davideus in support to keep him alive.
The kill will eventually come back to your force group, but it should be too little to it.
Davideus has also taken up the position that Kha'waz was playing and that is exactly what works out for his second kill on Tanea.
Good job from Red Camus, they're in the game now.
They're comfortable until you get that first round on the board.
It's a cliche, but it's true.
And, as I said, that's exactly something they put into practice on their B side defences yesterday.
When they lose that barrel's player, they'll creep Davides into that position.
Maybe it could be the way around on occasion. It could be Coway as the other being the one to bait.
And we've seen them play head down on that position to hide their player model and try and get a couple of cheeky kills.
And when they're going overlooked, at that time there was never really any risk in the round, though.
I'm sure it's policy to get out of there, so frag.
I've noticed Donk has actually been playing the extremity quite a lot on this map so far.
He's often almost been like in a weird lurk role where he's been by himself on the top side of the map.
Obviously there's a lot of space there for him to work with and that's what you want with a player like Donk
where he can try and force those jewels and back his mechanics trying to find some 1v1s.
It is quite interesting to note that he's often been just like left to his own devices
to feel out the opposite side of the map to where his team is going to try and finish
these rounds.
There we go.
Rintu's got one.
He's hoping he's gonna get some more, but more permanently rather than just the singular
but Zontik's entered cow as again, Davides playing the same position but they'll know
he's here this time. Lots of mollies in water, it's a very obvious position he will be in
now toward barrel. When he's here on time, he's gonna hit some shots and these flashes
are still gonna be very awkward for him to deal with and they're really encroaching
on this position. Drop has dropped in to help her, and Davides is doing a great job once
again from the barrel position. Two quick-hand shots when two does hit his one shot, and
Chiro is not going to be attempting this one.
Unfortunately Spurred actually missed their window of opportunity with the exec there,
looking to try and force themselves into that B-bomb site had they continued to commit
after they had entered the B-bomb site initially. It would have only been the
barrels player that they had to contest. But because they just decided to slow things down
and respect the smokes at that point, that's when we see the rotation start flooding through
from red cannons. They get two players on the bomb site, they get one in heaven, the
util starts to be deployed as well, and they completely stifle the attack. You need to
see a little bit more of a kill at instinct coming through there from Spurs, I reckon.
Yeah, a little bit stalled. And we've seen that work before. I mean there was actually
around yesterday, the gentlemights put together right
where they just waited behind those smokes
and with that patience we're able to break through.
Let's go to the gamble.
The Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2026 is brought to you
by ESL in partnership with Intel.
Acer Predator.
Checks.
And DHL.
We've got Navi in the building ready to take on Ho2.
I did want to touch upon the game yesterday.
Great start for you individually on that first map.
In terms of just you getting into that flow of the day, getting comfortable, what does
What does it take to see that version of IME?
I don't know, like it's basically game fun and then things work out pretty well for me and as a team and then obviously it's gonna show on statistics while they say.
And then we unfortunately move on to Nuke, the comeback starts to happen for Furia.
Can you just tell me as to what specifically you think went wrong for you guys, what you've reviewed and what you're making sure doesn't happen again?
I think overall we had a good start like I said, like you said actually.
And yeah, then we went to the center, we had to focus on the pistol.
It didn't work out pretty well for us.
And then we had some game plan against them on the by-runs.
We had some ideas how they played, but it didn't work out.
Also like the clutches didn't help us at all.
I think we lost like 3-1 versus 1 or something like that.
And then if these things doesn't go for you,
It's usually either a close game or like a tough game, let's say, but yeah, they played pretty well,
they played with hearts and they managed to come back, props for them.
Obviously the last time we were here was you guys lifting the trophy on this very stage, right?
How important is it for you to be making it back and potentially defend the title here?
I'm pretty sure there's nothing about defending the title and stuff like this because it's
It's close like what, three years ago, and different line up also, and we are acting like a brand new tournament.
We obviously want to make players, I think this should be like the bare minimum in this scenario.
And yeah, we just focus by that, we need to focus first on this game, and then if we win today with the first game I'm in, we should focus on the next one.
Yeah, obviously setting the sights on Ho Chi right now has been a while since you've faced them, and it was with a slightly different roster for them as well.
How well do you feel like you understand what her two are going to be bringing to the table today?
I think mostly against them. We should focus on ourselves, not focus on them. Obviously we watch
how they play and then we also had some practice against them not a long time ago and then we
kind of have an idea how they like to play and then yeah I think mostly we should focus on
ourselves and to play our game. Did the practice go well for you guys? I think so,
I'm not sure. Maybe not, maybe yes. It is practice like who knows. It's the officials that matter.
Thank you so much for timing me. Good luck.
We've got Houttu in the house, which of course means we've got Norbert back where he won his
first ever major all the way back in 2022. What are the memories that you get when you walk into
this arena? Of course, it's great memories. When I see the stage, it's always remind me the
crowd when we won the major. Taking this trophy home feels great.
Do you keep in touch with any of the old outsiders guys that you won the Major with?
Yes, I'm with a good relationship with Sleep and Fame. They will also stream this game.
And they said, we will talk about only you, like how you're playing and what you're doing.
Well, let's talk about you guys then. Obviously, this is going to be a potential marathon of the day
if you can take down Navi. How much of a threat are you looking at Navi being
right now considering that ranked the second best team in the world?
I don't know, we will try to do our best, nothing I can say about it, like you know we don't have
expectations that we can win them, we will just play CS. If we win, it's good, if we
not, we go home.
They're ranked number two, do you think they're the second best team right now?
They're number two now?
Yeah, they're ranked in BRS and H2V.
I don't know, you know, football is also number three team, so I don't think that it's correct right now.
There is no number two or number three team. There is only one team, only Vitality, so it's hard to say they're number two.
And final question, just as we kind of alluded to, if you do take down Navi, you've still got another game to make it into the arena.
What's the attitude for you guys when you're coming into what could be a very long day of Counter-Strike?
a strike? Yeah, you know we're joking that to zero fast and we go to the beach
but I hope it will be good match, three maps and if we win the next best of three
I don't know who it will be, Baylor or Aurora if I'm not wrong but it doesn't
matter for us we just need to focus on the first game. I'm in the confidence
more back, thank you so much for your time, best of luck.
Getting to hear from Norbert of course major champion in Brazil but now
now heading up in against no V in a do or die affair. It seems like he's got his head screwed on tight chat. Yeah, look, he's either ready for the beach or ready to play more
counter stick. The man has multiple priorities today, but I'm sure the win is what the focus will be. Vita about to fly into the screen. No, I'm for no overpass. That should be the permanent
banter in both of these teams. And then newbus is pretty high in the wind percentage for hot today. They've opted for dust to
I think it's going to be a little
bit more comfortable for them.
Maybe a mirage. I think that would
be safer.
Yeah, and there you go. So pretty
brawly map pulled us to ancient
mirage. We'll see if we need all
three. If you missed the match
yesterday with Navi versus
Fiora, you missed a little bit
of the match. I think it's
going to be a little bit more
comfortable for them. Maybe
Mirage. I think that would be
the way. And then the
first time you've ever seen
the Na'vi versus Fiora. You
missed two absolute stomps and
then. Well collapsed. I suppose
on Nuke that was talk of the
town last night. Fury locking
himself in for the playoffs
here in Rio, but let's get
things under way. The gauntlet
begins the group. The
simultaneously with this one
bait versus Aurora. He's
taking on the Turks to take
on the winner of this. I do
team that are on the rise so you know testament to the ability of hot to they can put up a fight but
now he is it's a cut above the likes of legacy yeah I was reflecting that yeah very heavily in favor
of Navi wonderful just gonna kind of throw throw a little bit of aggression into the mix not full
commitment yeah frontal isn't into the careful there was while he has a lot of utility for this
one so if he went down i've been a real problem but uh mid-door smoke short molly and they
they garner this mid control.
They've got another smoke and a flash to find the finish.
The defense right now is heavy over towards B for Nave.
Very heavy over towards B.
No long presence and now, quite literally, no A presence.
Mizzou's B250 has been working wonders.
And it continues to find impact.
Nice head shot to Bib.
Alexi, quick taps.
Three in quick succession to shut down the hot to mid pin.
So that's the bomb now under the boots of Nave.
Mizzou, yes, you're in the upper tons,
But that's held by McCartney if you wanted to try and get in to be a lexie be for the fourth
Fighting with collage wonderful will snatch it on the cross
So just a one-frag of four hearts who in the pistol
They run variations of this pistol not to in the last couple of outings with the same mid-door smoke and short Molley
But this would be the first time at least in the last three that ends up being this type of a B split
So now V a step ahead with that and executed perfectly mr
Alexi be the in-game leader
Decapitates three and sets his team off to a bit of a flyer
So one zero start for now V and it should be the eco for hot to I don't know if they want to justify the force by it
Is again just simple work for Alexi
He goes by Biscala Biscala, yeah, it's the law there Gowler's can't pronounce Alexi be
So he says the Skeller. Oh, okay. And so he's actually got on his jersey. He's fully representing his Brazilian nickname
Just a D. Goal
Oh, too in this one of me zoo any man who found a frag it gets all the budget blaze
cool custom
He's in those stickers wisely as he has taken a lot of space early
And it only gets the one opportunity to pull the trigger there.
Famous shreds through these unarmored opposition.
I'm hoping for our sake and the viewers' sake we get a little bit more of a competitive affair than once I was witness with 3D Max and G2.
Yeah, me too.
Gave us an hour long break, but I guess everyone could focus fire on Spirit vs. Red Knids, which is still raging on.
It's third and deciding map of that series winner.
We'll take on G2 a little bit later today for one of the final spots in the playoffs,
but a comfy one there, not a single casualty for Na'Vi, going 2-0.
Now the guns will be equipped for HOT2.
No AWP for frontalis in this, and the same for WONDERFUL, so it is going to be a rifle heavy round.
I think they're going to be pulling the ripcord on a long rush out the gate,
so expect just a bit of a default spread for frontalis and suicide.
No long corner smoke to keep the city side honest either. They will get that space for free
But collation means you very quickly in through lower tunnels. Yeah, they're not slowing down
Worryed about any sort of lower push
And they're closed doors again playing to deny any early mid space, sure it's on the CT side
of things but if they were hoping to apply pressure and force rotations that won't be the case
just yet so as expected a slow one Alexi, all peeks in, gets him info drops his smoke
Norbert
We'll just convey that so at the moment with the bomb
Intunals with frontal is Mizu and
Kalash
It does look likely to be some variation of a B play
Because he and Emma paired up close mid-dose the solar mid to be that puts pressure on bit back of Platon Norbert now
He has been heard
And Emma's patience looking to be rewarded even clear the corner
I think we're going to have
a chance to get this. This be
bombsites down. So that's a
big opportunity for the plan
and the post plan, especially
with you for sure, racking up
the double kill on mid. Falls
into place perfectly far to
couldn't have started better
with a free kill. Duke goes
down to a Lexi. I think
wonderful. And Lexi are just
going to want to retain
this. So. Yeah, the fact that
you get the freebie right
there, McHouse swings out
punished by Duke. The kill
And there at that point it's all over Red Rover so just gonna hold on to these two 1400 loss bonus going into the next
Wonderful will be able to get an AWP now you're getting a 1400 onto that 3.3
But then you keep in mind the kill bonus as well and they managed to get two so that should be just enough money for wonderful to be able to
Bring out the AWP
but very simple approach nothing to really force that other than Norbert
walking through the doors dry and McCarthy looking for a trade so a bit of an
odd one there but still wants to get on the board
there it is wonderful dance drop the AK equips himself with the AWP not
available for frontalis on the other side just yet so now if you lose this you lose the bank assuming no saves come through
Mr. Smoke wonderful we'll have a gap over the top of this. Oh, I could be a nasty death if Duke for sure
I go swing it huge information as well means the image doesn't need to worry about the cat play just yet
So gives him the freedom to potentially get a little bit closer all
Now he has to be worried about short.
And Wonderful will quickly adapt.
So there's that mid-play that likely Navi were looking for in the previous.
Through the motions of the map control, Wonderful's still here.
Fires off again.
A hard shot to hit, it doesn't nail it.
a lot of you to dump there to try and dissuade any aggressions from Hottu.
Emma burrowed into Goose. So if this is a B or need to be split, the pressure all on the two
defenders, Mikazi and Bit, but as we see the bomb start to take shape up short.
It looks like they are opted to finish over towards A. Emma doesn't have any
utility. No, even a flash through the palm tree, it's going to really just lie away,
catch the timing as they scoop in.
Anti-flash wonder falls down immediately from the trade of Norbert.
Im has been once again waiting and does nothing with his goose play.
Norbert's solid double entry onto the ace side and looking for the long player and they found
him. Norbert 3 in the round. Save again. Magnificent. So it feels like it goes from 0 to 100
with Hote here right? They're just going through the motions not taking any early risks.
Haven't had the spawns to be able to do so just yet once they get the space they erupt
up and hitting some nice shots.
So two consecutive rifle rounds now for Hatsu.
They've done the hard work and
well now we are going to have to take
a lighter buy behind the saves.
Me, he's the closest looking for the hunts,
but Mikazi and Bit,
they're going towards upper tunnels.
They should be all good.
Bit will be able to drop an M4 into the next
if they'd like and Alexi can also invest.
So maybe it won't just be an eco,
but we'll wait and see.
It's also a pretty good opportunity for Blade
to get in with an early timeout.
Yeah, your game plan was there.
You got your pistol, you got your conversion, and then resistance.
A pretty casual start, nothing too exciting just yet.
Frontalus gets his ult though.
I wonder if we did very well here, right? Just appears about an immediate trade.
That is very quick shooting from Norbert.
And then due for sure, I heard the steps of the legs there for long doors.
They're able to work that one out quite easily.
And it won't actually be the time out from Blade, so...
Oh, a little late MP9 as well from Alexi, feels like he can afford it.
So Info on 2 crossing B. Same opening motions, very standard.
And one of the two rifles, BITS, will find itself on what looks like the right sight for
now.
Collash, flash forward.
Short control, at least Stage 1, taking Stage 2, being worked on.
BITS ahead of that.
It's going to be playing for that initial engagement.
Spray's down too comfortably.
He can lash down.
I'll find that trade.
And now we can back away.
The damage done.
The safe rifle sings.
They pipe quickly into the mid to be a semi-cazi with the other rifle
over towards the V site.
They're pushed ahead of their own smoke.
Clearing out short.
Confirm it's been vacated.
Norbert Linger's mid in the me-zoom and frontal is going to try and win out on
Mikaze. It's still a world where they can make this their 3v5 work for them. They
have to find Mikaze cleanly here. Really good angle from Mikaze. Alexi beats Longbush
does find a little head shot thing and whittles away at Norbert. And now goes
for Taliesin's AWP as well, while Mikaze holds his sight.
To keep all five alive in a round like that is extremely impressive.
Ima's the only one who didn't find a worthy upgrade.
He found Alexi's MP9, but because that was essentially an eco behind the saved guns,
they are flush with cash coming in.
It's great from Bip, right?
Heads up play, ahead of the molly, essentially standing and banging there.
Having to make a move, I like that, right?
This is it with one of the saved guns.
You need to put yourself in a position to find frags and does exactly that.
It's still a timeout from Navi, so Blade gets on the mic, that'll give Moe the same
opportunity on the other side.
Quite a few major winners in this one.
Moe from Krakow, PGL 2017, obviously Norbert, showing them their pregame interview, we
returned from the pandemic, the major that was meant to happen before the world closed
down.
the outsiders lifting the trophy and well Navi you know what the Navi boys have
been up to in recent years. So this is actually given the 30 seconds for Hottu
to prepare themselves they don't have any good long spawns but they do have the
frontalus AWP it's collashed down to a dig norbit on a galil and nothing
pacy from hot two yet anything now be the ones who are bringing the fight
and I'll be giving them the room yeah it looks like Norbert's gonna be peeking
into wonderful the timing is very good though just swap to his Molotov but
Lexie be tucked in
For the triumph by the pressure norbert not gonna go down to the spread safe on our blue bin last second another tick
He has a mistrust right there right yeah, that's open norbert out a little bit
Giving him a shroud of cover as he teammates work on short peak at your own peril wonderful
Norbert peaks in and so close to finding that opportunity for that opening kill
Alexi, what are you cookin'?
Cheeky!
Oak walk, very nice, so their plan works out, you're right, again, all of you are the ones
bringing the fight.
Through short then, gonna be flashes and go.
Wonderful Zort, primed and ready, he's got a HE as well, should he require, hoping
to catch the tail end of the assault, doesn't do so.
Miss shot, HE does nothing.
They are into the site though.
He hasn't rotated yet, still a chance for Hortu.
It's the head shop takes down a Lexi
Frontal is down to we're met on the way of the ramp me zoo trading
Free on three me zoo pieces together the double kill wonderful knows that softened up knows that Diggle or the okay
Could work out for them losing teammates left and right for sure. I close it up and that's gonna be three three
I didn't believe it was the a play a bit and mccasey were in the B site for so long
Right there. They had lost a wonderful was under a lot of pressure
I guess they hadn't seen the bomb in that moment, sure, but to drop this one after getting that opening kill some really sharp shooting
One of the things with HOT2, that's one of the things with any of these underdog teams
We know that they can shoot hard if they can get the space and that's a big round to win
Keep Na'Vi teetering right now
Frontal has a wonderful could have it all bad to head here
Wonderful things twice about going for the sweep
Just there to catch anybody scaling fast green box. So we'll just rotate back
but then frustrating for Navi to lose around like that. When you get an opening kill for free,
you should be converting. So see if they can get this one before the finance to become
another point of contention. Looks like Emma and wonderful are about to be flashed in or rather
just in there.
K'lash not sitting anti-flash, would be susceptible, backs away though.
Is this meant to be reactive, right?
Is it the bricks molly and then the flash and they capitalise in that moment?
No, they throw it after a moment of silence and they get nothing.
I guess you can only stay in this setup for so long because they completely evacuated
long.
So you can't stay in that setup forever.
know that the possibility starts to creep in. So I wouldn't say that Navi have a
very good read of the situation right now. This slower pace from Hottu working
wonders for them at the moment. Late long take, Funtala's flashes, here they come.
Actually, the press to the wall knows what's up. Wonderful playing this car
angle. And he's got the shot. Hottu comfortable for the CT side. One back
from frontal as but
need for sure to do something here
the juke a strikes and now
car positions vulnerable from
tall as takes him down
wonderful's gone ct rotation from bit
throws the bomb across for his teammate
and seconds cause they can stop this though
he's going to be so hampering to try
and plan the should be an easy
baggy gets the chance to plan still
look at the health and I brought down
round one now we pull it off
that was that was very tense wasn't it
yeah I mean from Talism due for sure
nearly turned that around on its head
Well, they keep so much financial pressure on with those kills.
We'll have to see some drops come through to make this one work for Na'Vi.
And there might need to be a conversation if they can make this all happen.
I think Viatt has just enough to facilitate that.
A little bit clunky along there from Hottu once they get the space.
I think there was a team flash that came into play, or even a self flash either way.
Not happy with that one is the Duke, but with the saves,
they've been able to equip a little bit more.
So. To just try to get himself locked in and smoking towards those mid doors.
Oh, opportunity onto bit for me, Sue.
But doesn't find him.
They'll do this high, low two man hold, knowing that's unlikely
that means you have company has friends in the Eternals.
This image, he passed the doors line
Okay, so they are feeling it's something be centric and the reed appears to be right on the money
Hey, can you get out of my way chief? I'm trying to make it into lower places to be
Well, they are able to get in and the sound cue not really to cost them too much, but the beep hop to be lines up flash
Duke blind nobody swings
I'm going to go. Oh walks
around the corner. Legally
paced. McCarthy comfortable to
collect in our backs. It's
time for him. It's set up to
succeed and shredded. That
feels very nice. Right? Emma,
the a rotating right flag goes
in hides on B. It's the mid
set up to get spotted from
Junior. He goes there by that
side and you go flying in
and then you get blended so
nicely put together there
from now. V to get their
for him that I'm trying to tell us to save again so very tempered pace from hot
to it always means that they're getting to play on their timing in terms but
also can't be frustrating with that pace at times if you're not making dense
they do have three to their name they retain the AWP next round sees 1900 loss
bonus. As much as you want to be
considering it, in Counter-Strike you have to take some chances.
Well, tension and feeling high, very high in the hot-suit count with some of these
reactions. That's a different look from the Norbert we had in the pre-game
interview with Freyja. Thought a bit more realistic about either outcome, but
Once you're in the game, the competitors, the drive,
the adrenaline pumping, the frustrations brew,
boost it up, Frantala's back cat.
And noted by Wonderful.
So he won't be hanging around to give a freak
your wonderful aware, played will be unhappy with that.
They could go mid to be again, right, Frantala's?
Allow him to par that first with the orb, okay.
Can he catch a player in rotation?
Just pre-aiming for the jump spot.
They apply some pressure shown with the Molotov, Norval committing in with his block, and that's
what he was waiting for.
They do force a reaction, wonderful.
Down to Frontal as his sniper, they need a second one from him, and he's gonna get
the chance!
Ima swings to his demise, Frontal as impact.
A saved AWP, and now a man advantage.
Still feels like Navi have the advantage, by virtue of it just being that AWP, but
As I say that collage scourges him as m4
Apply some additional pressure towards the a site a fumbled smoke though
It's not gonna necessarily have the desired effect eyes on these is that he's starting to take some space over towards B
At least he was
They are pivoting so it's a good call. It's a good call. I mean, but essentially you just have to
Make sure there's a trade you can even let bit have to backplot that this is strong for bit
Yeah, he could get the whole team here starts the test double triple from bit comfortable at the back of the plat
And frontalus is all up the last man standing by his early impact
He's gonna do he's gonna try again
What the save trying to keep that death column as low as possible. It's mr. Frontalus
I'll retain the op again. You know your teammates gonna buy and that'll be all fine
So it looks like everyone's happy to lay down their arms as we call this one six to three
I understand that was against Vika, but it did get out of control. They did have the number disadvantage
So very well played from bit
7 and 3 for him and he's had some impactful rounds one on a save day care of his own and this
Against a round with frontal is manufacturing openings with his team. Well done, right? That's you're forcing the short players away into exactly that and they catch him
Really well done how are we gonna see a pacey rounds from hot to this half?
I think probably not at this rate.
Norbert did study under the school of Jane.
Look at this, remember?
Yeah, Emma's just running straight up the guard, plays this pole position.
Up on the palm, by Norbert.
Love this set-up.
Hyper-aggression, look at it go.
Emma with two kills, Mikazi responsible for nine.
And Kalash goes down.
That just baited in, hook, line, and sinker.
This round's done, Frontalus will not be saving his AWP and Mizzou.
I don't think he's going to be winning a 1v4 made.
At the doorstep that's down to 12 points of health
Really nice time for Navi to throw in a little bit more of a limbo set up like that and Emma delivers
So looking comfortable on RV
I've discussed a little bit early in the day when we had G2 on our screens the idea in this matchup
You want to get it done as quick as you can with a little stress as possible
so you can set your sights on
The final best of three for one of the last two spots.
We've already locked in four teams. Falcons, Vitality, Maus and Furia.
The hometown hero will be here.
And also the world number one.
Maus returned to the playoffs.
And Falcons with their goodbye tour for Kixon.
Story line for all of those.
Navi want to stay in the conversation with that world number two.
I think Norbert, like him on a desk mat, is out there going,
They go, well, there's not really a world two or three at the moment.
It's just vitality.
But you can't really argue with.
I think the most exciting final
maybe not based off of the counter strike we've seen from
Furia recently, but in terms of the storylines, Furia versus vitality.
Now it was starting to heat up towards the tail end of 2025.
And just the fact that a Brazilian team having a tough time winning a trophy in Brazil,
how many more times are you going to get the professor
In an arena game in his home country. Yeah, where he is in the conversation of lifting not playing a show match
Not here for shits and giggles here with the real chance
We'll see them play later today in that seeding game against mouse
I tell you do the same against Falcons, but here we go in with a partial investment are hot too
They'll get the guns out one final time into the last
I mean a win versus Navi's already quite convincing a lot of people putting Navi as that number two spot in there
internal power ranking. Yeah they played with heart is what MSN. This is a B rush.
Okay there's the pace change you were asking about. Tech Nights are on their way. Bit to be tested.
Wonderful in support. Catches you for sure upon entry. Bit mantles up, brings the fire.
Mikaze chips in and sent back.
Frontalas. What's he playing for here? A death from a different position.
Just wanted to see a little bit more of the map.
Eight to three, not a single casualty for Na'Vi.
So 19 kills is all that Honto have got so far.
Just a lack of output at the moment.
Early stages, this was pretty competitive.
It was 3-3 at one point.
Having fun.
Having a whale of a time.
Is there anything before the halftime break for Hottu or is this a bit of a landslide where
five straight can it be six for Navi?
This is their opponent's map choices, their territory of Ancient coming up next.
So the fact that you are ragdolling them right now, you're going to be feeling comfy.
as a bug in a rug gone into ancient good flash to get the past like see bees
angle he's sticking around he's got in there as well ready to fight in limbo oh
wow wonderful spot too has to find the double you can't do it can't hack it and
all to make it a strong case put the least leave with an 8 4 half it's
It's just going to be that B duo, Bit and Mikaze on the way back in.
And they've announced their presence there with that incendiary, only a few options,
C-teap, Short, or Long.
Oh, look at the full bell on Frontales, there's just no way in for this one.
They keep blocking, I know Flash to force this through, it would take a miracle right
now for now, Bit.
Mikaze managed to find vision over the first smoke ahead of the second.
There's some flashes, but now you're on your own Bit and you're running out
of time.
You're giving it a good go, won't you?
No reason not to.
It's hard to charge his forward into the 8K and 8-4.
OK, OK.
Something to work with.
Started fantastic.
3-3 goes 8-4.
Navi in it to win it.
I
Hit me!
One welcome back, we'll chop in the last few pieces off of this group stage.
We've already lost the likes of Gentlemates, Liquid, Passion, Legacy and 3D Max and one of
these two is going to be added to that list at the conclusion of this best of three.
Na'Vi taking on Hottu, a clear favourite, no doubt about it.
However, we've already seen that Hottu got hands.
They're ready to have a hit in some sharp shots.
However, Navi more well-drilled and bits bombsite on lock.
You can't get in to B, he made that clear.
With swap sides though, Navi going to be taken on to the attack.
Let's see what Hottest Revenge has in store for us.
Mr. Talas is into lower tunnels.
Okay, early info if he does continue to push,
but he is just going to be playing to disrupt
if they start their crawls.
And here's the Vitality pistol.
That's the Apex Flash from Mizu.
Your teammate can't swing off it if he's Mollied Chief.
Is it a fight?
Nice.
Oh, it's shown the way!
Still hits it!
Oh, you're gonna feel pretty robbed if you're frontalers.
And they return to it, hoping that's misinformation.
That's gonna lead to K'lash overstepping the mark.
Mizu too, gonna be playing on this elevated angle.
If Mizu takes contact first, they know that K'lash is here somewhere.
Oh, but he actually just brought them in.
That makes sense.
From K'lash, draws them into Mizu's USP for two.
An advantage.
Could be a pistol here for R2.
Oh, they're gonna boost.
No through what?
That's a choice at least it's traded by Duke for sure and now a leg CB with one HP in a 1v1
Duke for sure I see insures it
That was almost counter strike comedy trade me
Okay, well
That was fun. That was fun. Look at this
Completely unprepared for it second
That was the first bullet then. It didn't look like it was anyone else.
Wait, can we? One more time? I know it's...
I know the round started. But it's kind of an eco. Could we...
Yeah. If we could...
What? What?
Is that a sub-tick?
Send it to Valve.
I'm having a... Okay.
Maybe one more time.
We'll get the team on the case.
It looks funky. It's been real time.
Yeah.
is for this little flash out the doors. I was just wing it. You just crouch on the line
middle of the tire, jump throw, crouch, while I'm crouched. Okay, no more time. All right.
Wonderful. It's kind of confirmed that flash for the close left doors. It's more than
it's that right there. More your pro tip more up to date than some of the ones of rushes
that have been showing that you jump for a bind. Wonderful. Let me try and get his
boys set up with the overwatch, get some self up onto the plateau. Yeah, he would
love a tag with any they're ahead of the block does not get flushed in I don't
think you need to okay hello always feels good didn't get the third
so the bomb though so it's a good shot cheap for sure it's got him a booked in this
Diggle though he is no slush on it just as he looked away as well it helps
when he's looking the right way and not reloading okay bit with the P250 no
chance in this one we'll call it eight to six guns will come out and
Navi can snuggle in this campaign underway. Wonderful.
Likely to buy into a scout again after that investment.
So I've been calling the Gauntlet.
I just looked into running the Gauntlet.
It means to endure a series of challenges, criticisms, or dangers
often whilst around to buy opponents.
Makes sense.
So it seems fitting for what's happening
with two vs. the threes in a day
and having to get through both of your opponents
if you want to book one of those six spots,
which is now two.
I'm actually really uncertain as to who they'll face the winner of this. I mean just the Aurora bait
I'm not sure. Oh, really? Like I don't know if there's I wouldn't immediately assume it's an Aurora win like I
I'm looking at the form of current of Aurora currently their game against mouse kind of
What's the opposite of confidence doubts filled me with doubt sure they were it felt like a non starter from them yesterday
I think that that's that's a fair surmise for me. It's it's I start looking map pool
right and Aurora get rid of ancient. I think that's one of the better maps. So that that's kind of where the seams start to come unstuck
But you're right yesterday was less than inspiring for Aurora. Hope to see a better form today Aurora versus Navi
We've seen that a couple times
Let's see what wonderful scout can get done a tag onto jute for sure a 90 damage inflicted them right in the hit bone
own. Can I get the leg bone, I believe.
K'lash. This is, I like this a lot. It's super aggressive.
Because he smoked up a tunnel. Right. He's on the radar there, right? He's gone straight through this smoke.
There's absolutely no way in the world, in those expecting at least on that timing,
when he returns or if he returns later, maybe. But K'lash has so much information.
right now to be able to see, say it's not upper B. Doesn't mean it's not B. It could still be the B split.
From the line to the smudge, to the flash, Duke.
Wow, that's a retro wait. Oh, Kalash gets nothing.
Emma just, none the wiser. Duke for sure. I don't forget tagged by that scout shot.
So, jump spot from Alexi, or just peeks it actually, confronts his position.
Easy pickup.
Now you get a 3v5 number advantage. Just turn this into an A-split.
Yeah, they will. And MacArthur's going to play this fade.
It's from Talos. FAMAS versus an AK-47.
They're going to fight for it on the fade.
How many does MacArthur get here?
Really good understanding of what the CT's reactions could be.
He's in the perfect angle.
Oh, and he's absolutely smashed it.
Yeah, that's great. Casual to get that done very well done there.
I think playing in the fade of a spell
cool playing on the fate of a smoke you have multiple teammates okay because you
can say I'll look left you look right yeah but playing behind the fate of a
smoke when you're on your own not a good idea right and you can see that he
doesn't want to risk that because where's he gonna wait right they could be
anywhere so just allowing them to bring the motion to him
something for a hot to they have an m4 invested in this yeah they kind of
to push everything bar with the orifice cashing to the center of the table, which means next
round you can have a glass cannon or what else? So I guess he's saving for the rainy day.
He could have invested a little something, but to be a shot from a car, say glass trading
and all spotted the drop off. So at least get some self an upgrade and gets away with
the four on four. You reckon? That's alright. You reckon his favorite weapons the AK? I think
it might be. Yeah.
Bomb on Alexi, a little bit worrying right now on the island over towards mid. Sure, Emma
can pipe in quickly from low to help him, but if there was just an eruption out of
short at mid, which they could be because they lost long, Alexi could have been overrun.
So regrouping now with the rest of his teammates as the search begins some steps. I don't
I don't think they would have been heard from short there.
They were a couple of them from Talos.
He's got the M4, but he doesn't have any armor.
Too easy for him.
He's handled both of their aggressive attempts towards the Tons.
Now, Norbert waiting.
This should be overlooked by him.
It's 30 seconds.
This can still get out of control.
Yeah.
Oh, oh.
You let him! You can win the round!
Okay, okay, okay, okay, so that's going to channel them into collash and frontalis.
We have the guns.
Well, everyone's got a gun now.
Everyone's got a gun.
14 seconds.
Flash, if you could just hit one.
Nice.
Now just onto a leg.
See the bombs crouching, cowering, frontalis.
Finds it.
Hot two have turned this one over.
He's got to fight.
He's got to jump and fight.
Oh, that's hidden.
Oh, can't find him in time.
Hot two have stolen away with a force bite.
Frontalis got to kill even though he didn't have to invest into anything.
Craziest knife in that situation, you know, I understand you
That's right, that is true Norbert they got I did forget I
Just can't believe this because you get this you have another rifle. He's got
Having fun now, I mean that makes this game a whole lot more interesting
Otherwise it would just be Navi kind of putting it in, you know, on the green
It's AKs for Navi, no AWP for Wonderful Frontalus
He gets his AWP out and a full belt and armor, thanks to all that hard work in the previous
No one there to receive this flashbang double swing
So procedural map control
I'm curious as to the finish. They've applied some pressure middle frontalis is ahead of this CT smoke
Is that a missed smoke perhaps?
Wonderful move with that. Yeah, doesn't look that's bad. Perfect
Be split right now
I'll be part one of the two bombing upper tunnels on the back of wonderful. I'm in there as well
Macaulay's starting to saunter up the stairs
So Lexi gonna apply the mid to be pressure the other four are gonna
were wrapped through upper tunnels.
Kalash has his smoke and he's still holding on to it, does the CT smoke, yep, exactly.
Perfect time, throws a deep block smoke and he's going to hope to catch them as they push
through it.
Nice from Frontalez, catches the mid-lurk.
Here comes the commit.
Kalash begging for backup, Mezhu's a mile away, but still manages to catch one onto
him.
A quick progression from Mikaze makes it awkward.
He shuts down the Bianca and now that bombsite is Narviz.
Chip damage from the HG, Frontalez peeks in, gets caught on the bolt, Mikaze.
High Impact wants more for Narvi, such a valuable asset to the Narvi squad.
They had so much money and it doesn't look like anybody bought a kit.
Oh, that's ugly.
You're absolutely right.
Norbert needs to be able to try and get wonderful without getting traded by Bit.
I don't know how he's going to achieve that.
And he's not going to get anything.
Fissure onto the car!
Say quick tap on a bit!
And it's now super uncomfortable for Duke Fissure.
I'm sure you would have wanted to have given yourself that extra five seconds.
The Nades synchronize a bit more.
Yeah.
wanted to have given yourself that extra five second.
The Nades synchronized a bit more.
Yeah.
Well, they force again.
They won one of these.
Why not again?
You need a 5-7 to do that, though,
because Bitt's just won the round.
Runs how long?
Double head shot.
Juke for sure.
A finding Mikaze mid, though.
That might put a bit of a blemish on the potential
for an instant guaranteed round for Nalvin.
Norbert would have to do something crazy on this ramp
fight and spots the head of him
towards the car position.
Not a great range.
I'm going to ask production if we can have the bit double kill in slow mo.
Yeah, yeah, I'd like that to look better at slow mo five bullets, perhaps things always
look cooler in slow mo.
Trying to think of which things ski jumping.
Yeah, trucks, monster trucks probably look good in slow mo running on the beach skateboarding.
Yeah.
Like when you're doing the flex, the flex.
What the flicks skateboarders do get him pitted in the green room getting paid and and doing your ollie's and yeah nollie's and yeah
tricks
He's out of ammo. Oh
No, it's gonna have to buy more in sport
11 to 7 I feel the score. I feel the score line makes the game feel closer than it is
Shoot each other and the game doesn't feel like an 11 to 7 it was like an 11 to 3. Yes
Yeah, this feels as casual as that 3D Max game. Here it is.
Yep, here it comes.
What? Yes, much cooler. Yeah, much cooler in slow-mo. So with Kallash on screen, would you like to hear my fun Kallashnikov fact?
Is his full name Kallashnikov? No, no, no, you mean the AK-47? Yeah, okay.
AK-47. So you know how the Galil is essentially like a country wanted to make an AK-47 that could use 5.5.6?
I didn't know that but I'm learning today. That's where it was.
The guy that invented it, they wanted to use the normal naming scheme.
You know, they wanted to just use the last name of the guy that invented the Galil.
Okay. She wouldn't believe what the guy's last name was. It's not a joke.
Balashnikov.
Ah!
They were like, we can't. We just called it our fake AK-47 the Balashnikov.
I don't think that would... nah.
And Balash could you know be his alter ego, but that's my fun fact the galila was made by a guy called Balash Nicole
Eco for hot too. I think this one is going one way and one way fast. It is essentially a beast ring
These two down sight lost eagles outside the utile. Oh
Okay
Not bad is it in there having another good one
Well, I know Frontalez is coming through spawn.
So wonderful we'll deal with that.
And that will be the 12th.
So this has happened relatively quickly, I would say, even though it has been some
slow rounds in the first half, the second has had a bit more pep, a bit more spice.
And there you have it confirmed.
One more round now, Na'Vi, doing what they need to to secure another match today.
Those playoffs, can't see them just yet.
But confirming this, they know it's right around the corner.
Yeah, they'll be playing the winner of that elimination game, Aurora and Bait.
I think it's going to be very nice as well to be the team who finishes first.
Yes.
Because it's going to, especially a prep heavy team like Blade.
And I imagine you would have also, because you've got your analysts,
they would also be helping prep for all outcomes
and because you play Aurora so often.
It's very rare to see a CT side user smoked across.
Nowadays, feels very HE.
Investing one of those valuable defensive resources
just to get across the sight line here.
Flash into the tunnels though.
Duke for sure has a glance, doesn't catch him.
Busy and preoccupied with his progressions.
And look at that push from Fratalez.
He feels robbed.
He hits the headshot onto wonderful.
Immediately goes down, but Alexi B,
oh, hang on, look at this Makaze.
Chase him, he didn't anticipate
that lovely push from Makaze.
got that tempered aggression. Norbert should be good for that one. Clears out the long
side. An advantage for Hantu. Oh, no. Excuse me. What am I saying? Three on three. Now
it's man advantage for Hantu. Hima's entrenched in the site and they don't know. So he is
pressed all the way in. Shooks expecting something's up. Wonderful. Should let Hima
take full psychotropic before he plays. And that's why beautiful, beautifully constructed
from in that knew he had the timing knew he had the gap. So no wonderful in parts with
the bomb so the healthy player can plant and that would have been the end of wonderful.
He can provide the covering fire with the AWP. So working out for RV made right down the
gullet. Kalash 52 in a 1v2 needs to be able to isolate these and wonderfuls managing
this angle as well in an oddly jump up 13 to 7 just 20 rounds required dust 2 goes
navi's way and they puts them one away from putting themselves in that lower
final yeah they're not ancient up next now if you're looking to run this one
damn that quick don't go anywhere we'll be right back after a short commercial
break
I
I'm gonna be fencing.
Just have I know that you can hide, okay?
Don't see him.
Nice.
I'm ready to smoke doors.
Smoking.
Flash.
It was a valiant attempt from Red Canis, but unfortunately not enough to be taken down
spear over on the Beast June, Ren too, really appreciate you taking the time, commiserations
once again.
Tell me about that first map, because it was a great showing for you guys.
What do you think happened after that that caused you to be unable to close out the
series?
Yeah, like you said, we did a great first map.
I think we played Ataria's team gameplay, communication, everything was good in the
first map.
That's why we won.
and it was our pick because we were confident on that map
and we tried to do something different from yesterday
against the teammates in On Ancient
and I think we dropped the level a little bit
in the last two maps
and Spirit were a better team
in On Ancient and Overpass
and I think this is a good opportunity for me
playing at Arias event
I don't think I played well today
I wanted to play better. I think I made some mistakes and let my team down some rounds,
you know. But that's life, you know. I will play more tournaments, I will get more XP,
and I hope I can come back here in Rio to play another big tournament like this or in another
country, you know. But I'm very proud of this team. I think comparing the first day to today,
I think we are evolving a lot, you know, and I think if we stayed the same level as the first map
we could have won against Spirit and guarantee a spot in the playoffs, you know, against the,
I don't know, the, I think it is 3DMAX or G2, right? Yes. Yeah, that was our main focus,
like going to the playoffs here in Brazil, right? Because we are a Brazilian team, we
We hope it's the last thing that dies in our body, you know, but that's what happened.
Spirit played a better game today and that's it.
It's crazy.
Whenever I speak to you, it still blows my mind that it's your first year online because
you're so eloquent, you're so mature as a player.
I just wanted to ask what you have taken away from this experience.
Of course, it's gutting not to be making it to playoffs, but for you to be learning,
growing as a player, what's the main takeaway for you?
Like I said, it's gaining XP because this is the second time I leave my house to play
some tournaments, playing CS, you know, and it's an honor to play against Donk, against
I will be the best players in the world, you know, but like when we are facing each other
in the server, we are not friends, we are enemies, right?
Because everyone is trying to win, but that's life.
I think it is a great opportunity for me, like I said, because I was playing tier
3, 3, 4 tournaments in January against some teams in Brazil, and now I'm playing against
the best players in the world. It is amazing, and I hope I can stay with the team, and I
can start playing better, and we can smash some teams in the next events, you know.
You certainly haven't had easy opponents here, for sure. I'm sure you've gone and
have a lot of fans for you personally throughout this run. People wanting to see more of
Redkinid, sadly you won't be at the major, but do you know if there's any
other tournaments coming up for you guys as a bootcamp on the horizon what's happening
for the team for the rest of this part of the season?
I think we will play a lot of tournaments in Brazil like Secret X, like Pet Boom, those
tournaments that gains a lot of VRS points for us.
Of course we didn't make it to the major and the decision of me going up to the
first team was because of that because they didn't have any chances so they put me the
first team before the the time you know and our main focus now is going to the
hotel we will talk we will see the game what we made of some mistake these
mistakes we made in the match and we will start training now we have I think
we have like some weeks to train without any tournaments and that's what we are
going to do we are going to fix the mistakes we are going to train a lot
to practice against the best teams in the world because they are here
rear, of course, and get ready for the next season to be in the next major of the year.
Oh, Renty, it's been an absolute pleasure to get to speak to you, get to see you in the
server as well.
Commiserations, but looking forward to seeing the bounce back from Reconyx.
Well, I'll say it's a lukewarm take from you on that one.
All right, yeah.
Maybe I oversold it.
You definitely oversold it.
But it is, it is so crazy to think though, right?
I mean if you told me that would be the case like
Nine to twelve months ago. I maybe would have laughed a little bit
So it's just amazing to see his evolution and development. I mean, yeah, I'd love to watch him ever since he came through
super enjoyable he is like a
Mini zantara is in many ways and now maybe these days his
His air or even his superior
We'll see
Certainly the air feels that way. I like that way of it being described as it's going to be an execution towards a bomb site piece
to get as Antares super prepared for that boost up into snipers
And that's going to be info game because that came silently and he couldn't have gotten up there without giving away the audio cue
Without the second player in position
Yeah, I'm with the dig being heard and ramped from kenz is always not really got much say in Aurora
No, they have full control of it
Shaman had a pretty rough bite into this first off always a very painful one for any
team when you're
On what is pretty much a dig force and it's a far round of the half nothing to grow with
And PL already tagged down on his AK now magic as we fly into his POV
Got rotations already coming his way. They know the A bomb site is clear
There's been a little bit of a check by soul fly and what sick again an uncharacteristic miss
But the thing is magic is still here. And so it's down to us now. There's no way out of those apartments
This you will give it a go but now the time is really getting lower and time is about to be cleared almost a double spray down
AK retrieved, but nine seconds has to pick up the bomb and get on to the side to get planted somehow
We go for a tap to begin with but surely that doesn't work
I actually a crazy headshot on mcadia
But the trade is quick and the Aurora will recover a good streak in that half from bait
But it will be Aurora to win the half 75 see in a minute
Guys, don't be like so proud.
Late?
Oh, I don't get it started.
He told me 10 targets here on the other day.
Without me?
Second leg, I do have things.
Anyway, he joined us in 11-15.
No way.
I literally went over to him, took his headset off,
and I just said,
Lebo, remember, you are just a coach.
Too late?
Always.
Anyway, he takes a time out.
Boys!
Anyway, he takes a timeout, gets on comps,
turns to Mia says, any suggestions?
And I'm like...
Little bro, you're the coach.
Blé?
Fag now.
And I'm like, go B?
No.
Go B but then go A?
No.
Brother, I named 7 other variations.
Finally I say, fanatic, into game-religion, fake, ending with Astralis.
Typical.
I know what he wanted to do in the first place.
And what does he say?
If that's what you want to do.
I literally stood up, took his little strap book,
and boom, boys.
What are you doing?
Discussing stress.
Brainstorming.
What have I told you?
You don't need to do that.
You're the boss.
My little brother.
If you're going to make a call, make a call.
Save it with your chest.
Only us two taking responsibility.
Leading.
Secondary leading.
Oi!
He's a coach.
A manager, man!
So he's like, why are you ordering Mackeys?
That's not in our nutritional guidelines.
He's obsessed with creams.
But he says to keep it. It's full red.
Anyway, I just told him, little boy,
take the fries out of the bag.
Oi!
Bro, I've literally cut him like that.
Wait, like that?
Like that? Like my new boss signal?
I can do anything!
Look what we've got!
All little bitches.
Placent matches set your starting point.
Placent rating measures your impact as you climb.
Soft ELO reset narrows the gap between the highest ELO players and the rest of level 10.
Your starting point will be based on your recent ELO inactivity.
We're introducing Facet Rating so you can see exactly how much you stack up against
others at your level.
Facet Rating measures how much your actions have increased your team's chances of winning
the match.
Take into account the full situation.
Season 8 launches April 22nd.
Good luck and have fun!
Do you want to reflect upon yesterday's game versus Furria?
When a moment like that happens on Nuke and the comeback is cemented by them,
what kind of conversations are you having after that game?
I hope that that doesn't happen again today.
I think everyone knew what went wrong and all the small situations we played wrong.
But at the end of the day, we needed to understand that we're not out of the tournament.
and you know two games today it's gonna be tough but we had a like three hour
preparations still yesterday and eat all we could to be ready for today but first
it's gonna be hot and then it's gonna be a team that we're not sure who's gonna
be up next probably Aurora but we'll see what happens. Obviously we don't know
the outcome of this particular match but when you're doing these back-to-back
double days right what's the typical routine for Navi when you come off a
victory maybe you don't even know who the opponent is coming up next you
You guys going back to the hotel, you eating, you resting, you practicing, what's normally
the routine?
Historically it's been pretty rough for us.
It's a shame that we need to play some of these tier 1 tournaments with this format.
I think it's not the best thing in the world, but at the same time we understand that we
just need to be sharp the whole day and we can't lose the focus when we go for a
break.
I don't think the break is going to be too long to be honest because I think
the other match is starting after five o'clock. So it's going to be pretty hectic
which need to get some food in, try to do like a small preparation and you know
just stay sharp individually. Just looking at Na'Vi overall in the past
couple of months obviously great result at EPL, grand final appearance in
Rotterdam as well, Cementxu is number two in both VRS and HLTV rankings. Do you
feel like the second best team in the world right now? No I still think
that we didn't face all of the opponents and I do think that our EPL run wasn't as impressive
as some of the runs that we've had with the team. I do think that we played good in Rotterdam
but I still think that there are tournaments to be played and I think after we get all these
events including the major under our belts we can safely say where we belong in the rankings.
And then just mentioning the major, obviously everybody's working towards peeking at the
perfect moment. In terms of your growth over the past couple of months and the results you've
managed to bolster, do you think this is the right path, the right state to be in right now
with Cologne on the horizon? Yeah, I definitely think so, but I do know that today is going to be
rough and we really are fighting for a playoff spot here. We really want to defend the trophy
from two years ago and just overall play in front of the Brazilian crowd. I'm going to do
everything I can to make it happen today and I think that starting this event, going
into the playoffs now and just playing game by game, I think it's going to be important
for us and overall just important for the sake of the whole season.
Well let the fight commence, thank you so much for your time Alexi.
Good luck.
I'm going to say that better myself for I let the fight commence.
Navi's pick of ancient already making it a rather convincing win on the hotty pick of
Dust2.
Yeah, that was short and sweet.
I understand the score line seems close, but it didn't really feel that way.
A couple of rounds that Hot2 were able to dig out in number, disadvantaged scenarios,
or a couple of really nice shots being hit,
but all in all, felt like one-way traffic for Narvik mentioned there in the interview.
They are the, I suppose, defending champs, at least as far as Rio is concerned,
but it was some time ago, even longer ago, since this man lifted the trophy.
Hot2, did they have anything in them to make this a competitive series,
or is it going to be a quick 2-0, just like the G2 win over 3D Max to kick off the down, the A-Stream?
Alexi, when asked, does he feel like the top second best team in the world? Say no.
So aware that there's a whole lot of competition to face.
So I am always on decoy watch and bits for one.
Extra 50 bucks invested and he hasn't immediately just thrown it willy-nilly.
That is, there are plan. You can see the bombs outside B doors, but they take mid space.
That's forced the rotation right so Duke for sure can't cover the Red Cross from Tars has to come back
He wants to support a Mizzou and what starters a format B stack is now Norbert gushed and
Kalash Kauri, this is a relative retake set up when the execute comes in oh
Oh Kalash did he crash didn't pull the trigger had McCartney's head in a vice that
Just walked into his crosshair and now Mizzou on site
I guess the backstab on to one, two, three, oh nearly four, can't it be more?
Macalsey falls into the cloud, spins around, but Mizzu closes it down, what hell of a round?
That's some smoke criminal action right there behind him, pants around the ankles and
just absolutely deletes the Mizzu.
Oh, he's got pistols man, he's so good on the pistols.
This time the USP. Let's see that one again in the replay. Takes his time, composes himself.
The first so important and then being able to fall back into cover, return with a fresh
magazine and catch Mikaze dealing with Juu Kishora. That's a massive round win.
That was sick. Well, they missed their elbow smoke.
It's actually a part of their plan. They send Mizu pushes cave and patches them up
with their early progressions you see he didn't look that way though because he didn't want to.
No this is tough this force you need to hold on here or two you cannot get reset early.
How was him a manufacturer straight up AK-47 because he dropped it?
Norbert inspecting the concrete loses his head needs to get flanked from cave losing control
of the M4 just well to stabilize for two but still the site is lost in him as AK feast.
Yeah short-lived success isn't it? Pissed around with a stunning individual performance
but just bowled over quickly. He's gonna clutch this time.
He's on collage with the M4.
Sounds like an oxymoron.
Oh, I missed absolutely juked him here.
Yeah, powerful. Now I'm walking around the cube, collage.
Spots out on the car, say, and he goes down.
Well, that's the end of the conversation.
Unfortunately.
Yeah. Yeah.
You can't put that one back in the bottle, unfortunately.
By such a good word, you can deliver it with such vigor.
And he did it in both languages, I suppose.
He is absolutely spew it.
And he just went anti.
His teammate is flashing for him in that moment.
It's like, oh.
See, it's so flexible.
Yeah.
You can do it with a sigh.
You can do it with nice inflection.
Oh, Colossus has been able to get them an opening, so one for one on the early skirmish over towards middle.
Duke with the aim and space, awesome.
Whoo!
Takes away a little bit of pressure.
Now we'll turn it up a notch.
Okay, this is already more exciting than Dust2.
Bombs going A and Duke for sure is in a forward position.
Perfect weapon for a late one.
Especially look at McCarthy's health.
Insta headshot.
Insta headshot, McCarthy would have to be lightning fast!
The crouch peeks you for sure. I couldn't track any such a demon is mccasey
Norbert can't get the bullet necessary and it's fallen through their fingers
They've lost the bombsite frontales and me see tasks with a retake
Oh never mind the retake
No, okay still hang on, but they're not finishing a
Oh, that's so frustrating these are about to peer around the corner and
know that he's lost track of them now. They could have gone through CT. They've
slipped donut. They're both so low if they're spacing. They end up overlapping.
Mizzou can still win this and he's found the information quite quickly.
Mekaze investigates. Oh my god, it's me. Yeah. Okay, I'll get the bomb down B.
And then Mekaze will maintain the CT rotation, which then tasks wonderful
with worrying about the heaven jump up the around the world you're not going to
expect that he's gonna hear this beat doesn't cut noise soon
cut's at the right time
he's a no kid so has to speed this up oh can't even pull the trigger yeah wants
to punch this desk now we're gonna be very happy with that one the way it
started Deagle headshot 5-7 connects they lose their round players
June for sure is going to be tearing his hair around the fact he didn't get anything up against Macaulay.
We'll see it here. This is the clash opener. Wow, Deagle. Spectacular.
Frontales, another. 3 on 4. 5-7 made it 2 on 4 and then this Frontales push going wrong.
That is that. Oh, mate.
Yeah, that that's a the whiff right there. There's really no other way to put that. I
think Norbert's Norbert's death is my least favorite of the lot. Mm-hmm. He's on his own.
He's too. Right. Wait, wait for the team. Yeah. They didn't play any of that together. Now
this is an eco that's going to be stripped with him from limb. I'll get the guns out
into the next show. But almost the wall bank to finish just means it won't be. It doesn't
know it yet. But if he just kept spamming, he could have had that one done. Three to
one. The score will read in a moment's time. Felt that we could have had the force by
It's a bit of back and forth, a bit of aji-paju, but settling into this.
And this is Humture for Navi.
So, Mikazi does his best work. Take a look, nine and one.
Today, I think we've had Clip of the Tournament, which was the Mattis 4K on B.
Lining fast.
And Whiff of the Tournament.
Frontal is right there.
Yeah. That sounds all right.
I would agree with you.
Banter of the tournament so far to Nerts.
Yep.
Apex has been de-throated this one, so I think he'll be walking away with that medal.
Can't really do the same level of yelling on stage.
Your opponent can't hear you.
Okay.
It's going to be Clash alongside a Duke for Shura and a mixture of Frontalas depending
on all or not for mid control. Me as the cave player. Novel we tasked with dealing with belong.
So that's the complexion. That's if we get name plate counter strike. I think some people
call it up.
Can't see one of the best of the worlds has taken this mid space, but they are just, they're
ahead of this, they're in B.
Oh, and Fertilez finds out the hard way. Bitnail's the shot. Important timing. Clawback
from Norbert means to finding him as well. Oh, he's trapped trapped in the corner towering
stare into the concrete eventually brought down by McCasey and it all falls into perfect
place and it and tidy. Contact walk up the ramp and that'll be that clash gets one for
his troubles but for one and because he was dead just don't know why he didn't want
swing. He was dead. Took his
time. Yeah, I just think those
early frustrations we saw from
hot to fumbling their force by
back is going to breathe to
discontent within the roster.
They were already having some
frustrating moments on map number
one and that heartache is only
going to continue here. 13 to
seven school and it didn't
really feel that way. Coach
because me as you went ham yeah the force may you could have won because
everybody did their job until they didn't but yeah they only run to your name
an individual play so partial territory again as the max loss bonus will
facilitate the buy into the next
but you almost won one of these why not again yeah what's to say you can't
nearly win another one you can get close you can get in touching this as you can
see it right there but can you convert it in my partners up with my car they
made in the flashes to get him out glass gone you can always see the sense in
what the Navi players getting up to with this midspace they molly the pocket
right okay so you can only be the right in front of us or on our left
towards Donut. And again, look how quickly they're able just to garner this space. A
minute 25, you've already got three players in Donut, you're wearing into an A-split.
It's perfect as well, Alexi can catch rotations, he tucks under the box.
It's because he cleared three. Yes, he does. And the instant head shot in the back of
the head, not messing around in RV. Oh dear. Five to one, this is a speed run
right now. I mean, also, you've really discussed it, but to reiterate that the quicker you
do win this, the more time you have to prepare for your opponent, which is actually going
on right now that we playing the winner of that Aurora bait game. I'm taking a quick
look. Looks like the first map is coming to its conclusion now. Yeah, we did get the
G2 versus Spirit locked in as we, I wouldn't say expected. I think that the 3D Max
G2 game in my mind was meant to be closer, but it turned out red kiddits are the
one to push spirit the distance to a three mapper. I just saw an interview the
Macca gave on his exit with HLTV.org it was Macca the headline reads I don't
understand how and why we lack the elements we needed to play today it's
really hard to swallow this one. Yeah it was very uninspiring. It was brutal
brutal. Okay well they bought again second gun rounds round number seven. Here we
There we go.
Striding out.
And guess the space.
What a luxury.
You invested a donut and a red smoke for it and you reap the rewards.
A bit of a staging area for either a pivot bee or questions on donut.
Can you ask responsible for that?
Yeah.
The big part of this is do you want to try and take some space back and normally either
you're pushing into AMA, you're regrouping donut and red or you're coordinating something
over towards bee.
or push should be blind.
No, Dodgers at front.
Tala space still a dead man.
Horrible.
Yeah, that's a risky position to play.
It really is, especially given the ramifications of that.
It means who didn't get that frag.
OK, run player down, flash into cave, Norbert.
It's done his job, but it's done.
That's my focus.
Yeah, Kalashkoff pulled away into CT to rotate and acknowledge
the pressure on B, but now big because it might get a timing
For sure a back turn clash will draw his attention nice trade. Okay, they've got that man advantage now
This is a must convert. Oh
No, he's who's conceded the advantage. You know the Norbert's a B defender. Yeah, you're gonna be looking for him
Him and Alexi gonna dump in their nades and all that's the info they know where Norbert is do that
Oh, it doesn't look like your legs. He's already I thought him and my have caught a glimpse
I'm not sure he's going to
fake it and catch him.
Crouching, unable to find the
head shot. It's going to be a
frustrated Finn. Hard to find
round two.
Yeah, Alexi is going to think
he should have won that one.
Faked him out, drew him into
the crosshair. Just unable to
connect the dots on the shot.
So, hard to hold on, get their
seconds.
It felt necessary, didn't it,
if you want to have a
competitive affair here. And it
was so tough in this forward
aggressive or blind. The flash
The Flash already a bit of a counter but he did manage to kind of manoeuvre his camera away from the Flashbang, still though he lost his angle.
Scrappy from both, Duke and LXC there.
Yeah, not happy with that one, Newi had him bugged.
And immediately, a Pornholtz who's posting up a round, Blade's going to pull the lever.
Yeah, I think they do have another buy even if they lose this one, but with five rounds already, I think maybe he's saying,
Well, hold up don't up players. Let's connect with the rest of the team. I understand you had all the space
I know that you won't be let's just make sure that we're
finishing these rounds together
So MP9 for frontalers having a tough go with things at the moment one and seven
They're not playing to stop me. I think
Well this time. Okay, you booked by the flash bank a lash of self flash bounces off the wall and finds
Macaulay cleanly. I was about to say it fella. They're just needing this territory bits walking out
contact a main but usually borrowed by the toolbox. This is normally the cave player. Yeah,
It's going to be a jump scare for a bit. Hello and goodbye dips away. Oh good Pip
And it's gonna try again and music will spot him staying dynamic on that big box
Realize is that molotovs coming in and so dips away to cover
Okay. Well, this is another must convert round for hot to considering the state of affairs
Not be grouped up towards elbow
And this is the right play for Norbert just play for info don't hard commit to any angles with the
Big advantage that you've been able to garner
He's fine just holding red room to be honest
He can trust me zoo and kalash right
He's on the angle
This is the fight peaks in nails it head shot shooting moralized fight
Really nice shooting from easy there
Wow, you're a dead man. Oh
Is it out of bounds cheeky from wonderful?
Those finances are tight over that. It's gonna be hard for them to piece this together once they run into Donna and realize
What where's this guy's all gone?
Here we go. The search begins
Yeah, you ain't getting to that boys. Oh, no, it's disappeared
Well done from wonderful to at least deny that so
So, Frontales will just carry through an MP9, but it's AKs for three of the five and clash
with that MP4.
Still, as mentioned, Na'Vi have been able to accrue enough cash for another purchase.
So having to get through three straight rifle rounds are hot too before they can bottom
out the bank balance of Blades boys.
I think at least park and wait for the
the smokes to fade. You're going to expect the CTs to start searching for information,
whether that's Groot downpour individually. Your hope suddenly comes your way. You're
still going to minute 15 left on the clock at this point. There it is. Norbert and Mizzu
pair up. So they just stay in cable. Do they want to search forward because they don't
really have a lot of answers right now?
If they search, that's exactly what bit's waiting for. Honey catches them with their
backs turned. The timing of him arriving on the angle. Frustrating death for Mizzu
and now Mikaze down to frontalis that's a huge frag is second only in the entirety of ancient
but now Norbert he's got his work cut out for him trying to get to that corner that's the shadow
advantage my wonderful rifle sings nails the head shot should be set to collect frontalis gonna
have a look picks up from here to the full belt 2400 loss into the next such a redeeming 1v2
I guess the smoke in the kit makes it a little bit more enticing.
The long game screams save, but the ego probably wants to give it a look.
You remain silent so that clock continues to write.
He's really, really running out of time.
Just talking of time.
Timing.
Great awareness.
OK, Noah's testing us from CT.
I'll give it a look.
We'll clear our corners and a big smile on the face a bit there.
happy with that one. Yeah, this
is the amount of flashes. This is a
great little show right here. Just the
constant stream of orange over the top
from spawn to help facilitate that mid
fight needed a little bit extra. The
mccasin imitated. Make sure that space
was theirs. Very emotive, aren't they?
On the hot two side. I mean, he's
having a great game. He feels like if
he doesn't get two kills, it's not
going to be around. Are they forced?
All right fight me oh down goes Macaulay
Hey play
Oh
I bet he can't believe that guy stopped
Why is he stopping?
Down the street
Oh no
Finally get your roll
No smoke CT they're crossing
You're expecting the wide parting
Yeah, of course you are
He's just, nah.
You just hit like a pebble and stopped.
Stop it on a dime.
Call it seven.
Seven and three.
Na'Vi, bare-map choice and...
I'm sure there's gonna be like...
Oh.
Nah.
Frontale is a Norbader and the wrong side of the map.
Yeah, good point. Well made.
Seven for Na'Vi.
Another kill for me. He's up to 14 now.
It does feel like Na'Vi have, you know, been very...
I think that's a good idea.
Even in their site hits. If
they've spread them out, okay,
you like a bit right. It'll be
the likes special. Alexi
special indeed. Sometimes
sometimes we go mid. Nor
but we'd like to keep your
guns and with the loss of bit
as well. Nice extra 300 bucks
for me. So relatively
impactful. Wonderful. Be able
He will have to buy a galil doesn't mean the bit will end up with a galil, but I
Think that the this is this is casual for now baby. It's meant to be tense it feels casual
It's like
They want to walk through this yeah, they do aim is flash
Norbert's from all position by the flashback catches Norbert
Test for me zoo combines with his teammate Norbert and they shut down. It's a three-for-two exchange. Oh
Clips him
Awkward for him and with the incendiary out throws himself out his utile to try and buy some space
If he just stays alive, he's doing that. It can give him the car's he's lurking opportunity to try and commit
Always got three of them on the back line spots front tire les is open jump scare for frontal as
doesn't want to go down doesn't need to give him that file it's
imma now cook
Introduce for sure our queen and noisy
Emma knew exactly where he was
Now mccasey throws a smoke he can progress upon walking straight
Oh, kala's gonna be head in hands after that one
Just for entire is now in the clutch mccasey sick games behind the smokes mccasey
Yeah, he just abuses them walk straight through
back and forth. Fritaus has lost track of everything. Yeah, well, Mikaze's smoke
created so many question marks. He's got a good idea that he's gone back this way.
So fair play, but oh my god, Mikaze is so at home on ancient. Every fight
prepared for. Navi have really found themselves a diamond from their academy.
This is the academy. Excuse me. Yeah, you're right. It was the academy.
It's just I forgot to foot then you know move to foot. Yeah
Well, there's lots of different academy names on it
Aries
Well, it's serene face for me, too
They shouldn't be winning a couple of these today. Okay. Yeah, that's my opening. This is like official light
Yeah, oh the prac extra one of the two
to the world number two by the
rankings, not by themselves, but
either way, they're making hot
to look like they're in a whole
different category. Clashes too
late. Alexi gets that Norbert's
now long side. They swing in the
trade should be there. And it's
just Duke walking out middle
into mccasey. He owns the
side of the map and confirms
the nine at three and
the nine at three and the
nine at three and the nine
and confirms the 9-3 half Na'Vi making this quick.
They've got a date for a playoff match later today
and they're looking hot.
Take another control, can you feel it?
Our bodies moving closer, is it real or not?
Trying to lose myself on the night shift outside, yeah
Baby, can you feel it, can you try it?
I'm ready to move for the night, yeah
Trying to lose myself on the night shift outside, yeah
Take it off control, can you feel it?
Our bodies moving closer as it will
Try and lose myself on the night shift
Out of sight, yeah
Maybe take it, feel me, come try it
I'm ready to move on the night shift
Try and lose myself on the night shift
Out of sight, yeah
I'm ready to move for the night, yeah
Trying to lose myself on the night shift
Out of sight, yeah
Taking over control, can you feel it?
My body's moving closer as it will
Trying to lose myself on the night shift
Out of sight, yeah
Baby, can you feel me come and try it?
practice, light or whatever we've decided to call it.
Now we are leisurely scrolling towards that lower final.
They got thrown here and now they're going to fight their way to the nail to once again
meet the Rio de Janeiro crowd.
It is that last day of groups getting those last slots locked in already pretty
stock looking playoffs.
I'm going to get up my Tardy Fury at mouse. Just two more teams to find.
Spirit versus G2 will be from Group A.
Nabi versus Hu from Group B.
OK, they're going B. They've thrown the red smoke.
They're trying to apply pressure.
They make them think it's an A play, but Imma and Donut with no contact.
This B stack can stay exactly where it is.
Yeah, BIT's going to be tested.
He's got the setup with the cross flag, and I disrespect that smoke.
And the Julbarat is just done low.
Distracting. BIT gets two.
The flash. Yeah, forces the
long players back because they
side by side with the legs he
being in a later rival, but a
nice quick click on the glock
to do for sure. It looks like
this pistol is going their way
and necessary pistol if Hotty
wouldn't have any voice in this
second map. Maybe gets that one
right there. I think, okay, I
could back him for this one be
three, but now they know
exactly where he is and they've
been able to set this up. So
though triple swinging. Oh,
that's a nice shot. Bates
the man needs to really
giving it a good go. Emma, can you really win this? An impossible one versus three.
And now just Kalash to save hard two and he just about hits the headshot. Emma is a threat.
A couple of nice shots there, isn't it? So you love it when you get that like sound cue
bait. You go for the fight. You pull back and draw him into the cross. You have to hit that
hard shot and he did. Stunning. One kill away. Well, from obviously winning the round. But
Like if he got three with the round we might have a drop them for here. Unfortunately for now Pete didn't work out in that way
But they will be forcing regardless
Now don't forget me zoo one on the pistol round in the first half and then they lost the force and then lost five straight rounds
Wonderfuls dual barrett is malfunctioned there. That's why he's frustrated and they're rushing a and one of us anyone here
Emma and mccasey coming a quick on they
be ahead of that deep donor smoking within a finding one onto Norbert this
could go wrong could go self-quick wonderful with another it's a three on
three you still haven't planted your bush pushing through dick mccasey try to
pinster in they control it is chaos pandemonium on the site bit they know
where he was had a chance there on different annas how to they will
survive the force by I don't care now for now V they've got enough to buy
themselves a deal each so it's gonna be a fancy you go fancy you go okay back in
my day we called them decos that's right gotta find a new way to say it
there's a smile from me zoo I mean too many of those nice from these who on the
opening gonna feel good to be Ken and McCarze in middle it's difficult to do
so in the first half.
I think what the biggest problem for them in the first half was
giving yourself man advantage situations, whether it's lighter
buys or gun rounds and then just squandering them, getting picked
apart, picking individually, not playing as a team.
Oh, the flash connects onto the box player, but means you had
vision.
There's a conversion here, not a single casualty.
Okay, very well done.
Guns come out now.
I'm going to leave the legs of frontalus and mezu thrown that smokes and flashes depending on some of these spawns let's see how they want to start operating okay.
Let's see how they want to start operating.
Oh, okay.
Blade has decided.
Tactical timeout. Let's close this.
Let's not let this get close.
As on screen, Falcons setting up
for their seeding game against Vitality.
Already in the playoffs, when is it a semi-final buy?
This was a quarter-final buy, I suppose.
Yeah.
Both were the worst for me.
But, uh, yesterday, after the, let's call it collapse on Nuke, if you played, maybe you
just want to shake him up a bit, because I don't want to say it felt lax from Na'Vi.
It wasn't at all.
It's that all the scenarios kept coming not too easily, but almost as designed, right?
When you're in a 2v4 and you're being able to move it through smokes and pick on part
one by one and make them look very silly. And I think, okay, well, what can't we get away
with?
Just read smoke.
God, you really can't be this close.
The Duke not playing off of that, because he still has control.
Door smoke from Peer.
Hanagawa just actively, he's done very well, but he pushes down the ramp for one before K'Lash can get to him.
They maintain their advantage, it's wonderful that he's actually in mid, so he could catch them on the crawl,
and he does, time it to perfection, just as Duke for sure rounds the corner,
It's not acknowledges that he could be heading over towards a
head of the Molotov
around the corner just in time.
He moved with a bit, catches him on the exit.
Oh, Kalash, pick your poison, mate.
Oh, bit in headshots now.
He picked for you another one where
the move that Navi goes for doesn't work as intended,
but they still go the round with ease there.
I love the idea, right?
Give them the space, allow them to establish this b-lane control.
A doors smoke.
A wood molly.
Flashes, but the kills didn't come away.
Now shooting there from bit to confirm it.
They've played.
Who's happy with that one?
Alright, well, still money for a hot two pipe.
But they lose this.
The game goes quickly with it.
Fighting lane.
Lane aggression from M.A. and he's beaten Norbert to the punch.
Not so lucky either is Kalash.
Well, Meezu's in A. That's valuable.
The bomb is outside B doors though.
And wonderful fire off a shot. I know exactly where Meezu is.
It's drawn a massive rotation.
But Frontala, as you mentioned, with the bomb outside B, is not in a position to start moving on his own.
So, Duke's gonna come over and help sell this.
Get a bit awkward.
Yeah, it could get even more so.
You know there's two players here.
Oh!
Of course, A to B!
Frontalus, he's able to get into a free bomb site.
Oh, and Amizu's hit the shot onto the temple player.
Bit goes down, Makaze's flanking, Amizu's not going to consider this.
I know.
He does now the bomb goes down B. Well, they know it's B, but you gotta get past me. He's it. Hello. It's had around
What a fruity round he's just gonna run away from them. Oh
That's a massive miss
Yeah, they are low HP they pay such a heavy price to disrespect the flames and now front alas cannot afford to miss another shot
Gets away with it
Gives back turn tail still damage inflicted onto front. It's it's wonderful in the clutch
Fakes the runaway here, frontales, and he will close it down. What a crazy round.
As we all expected.
You go A with two.
At least the Hotshaw are winning a couple of these disadvantaged rounds of their own.
That's a 3v5 situation. This was almost a double killer juke.
Didn't know that it was Tang and Alexi through the smoke.
And Mizu decides that, you know what? That CT smoke looks good.
He's just playing deathmatch right here, taking all those fights.
Very well done for Mizu. He's having a great map of Counter Strike 22
22 and 12.
Norbert got to watch all of that.
It was first death.
Well, how about this for some valuable real estate?
You got mid.
Norbert's had two.
Nade, that tells him three.
Very quick to aid though.
Nacazi knew we were already gambling over there.
You don't need to force the issue through that.
So this is more of that pace we saw from Hottu over on Dust2.
So no real concerns with the CT setup right now. It is obviously a force bit and Emma in with these M4s
2 MP9s and a D will limit a U2. No diffuse kit
But also no clear intention from Honto just yet going through the motions securing this mid control and
Looking like they want to finish over towards B
Funtala's just rounded the corner before McCarze got into the angle.
Oh, Alexi needs at least one in this situation.
It's a good angle for an up-close SMG to at least get one, but she for sure has got other plans.
Wins it just about nine points of health on it.
So don't get anything on these spams, it may just be a save.
Easy brings the bomb through. Pays a little bit of a price and the spam wasn't far off
there. Threatening that they're going to retake this, the smoke cave. It's shot from Makase
to Eagle. You lose Mizo on the site as well. Now progress onto the site. You're behind
that cave. Smoke pressure applied. Kalash got the Molotov. Throws it out. Going to get
run down by Mikaze and Bit goes down but still rotting the clock with the flames
on the floor. Frontales can't get more and now they know where Juke Fashura is.
He can spam them off but forced to go for the reload. Where's the covering fire?
Emma's just gonna stick it. The 10 second hit can be denied by Juke Fashura.
R2-8, Navi 10. Four kills from Mikaze, not enough.
He's gonna get out of there or attempt two. A little bit of a fiesta right there I think.
He's going to have to be a light investment for Navi.
Well, it doesn't have to be, but I think it's worth it.
I can't believe Frontalas is also, like, because there's a Molly on the bomb and Frontalas
is running out of cave.
I kind of respect it in a way.
Two round gap.
It's a Hero M4.
Light upgrades around this.
Max lost bonus. They've only got one round so far on their CT side now, V. They are
being made to work if they want to get this one done. What was meant to be an open and
shut case is turning into a bit more hard work.
Because he gets that on four down out of his hands immediately. Nice shot as well.
The follow up catch is wonderful. Hogan is nose out red.
We have another blade timeout coming up next.
I suspect so.
Dilligent clears as well from Jude for sure.
Nice headshot as well from Meezy just on that sleeper gap.
Good mental from Hotto on display here.
With the type of rounds they lost in that first half and the frustrations that were brewing it,
surprising they didn't just fall apart.
They're starting to have a couple of their own now.
So it's turning the tables and restoring the belief.
And if we need to get there, it is Mirage is the third and decider
So still a ways off from that conversation, but it is a one-round game is I was gonna say Norbert wipes the board but
Wobbly they're on a Lexi
Can't send anybody else out to hunt if you're hot too. You don't have the finances
Yeah, but this actually is gonna feel good considering the cars. They spent some extra cash in that round
And that's likely the target who will be getting that AK so
Okay, Blade, are you gonna pull the trigger?
Oh, yeah.
Listening to the clear.
And yeah.
Alright guys, just turned to page 4.
That is subsection V.
Don't lip-reading be such a cool skill.
Just to be able to actually just ascertain what they're saying.
How much harder do you think it is for a lip reader to read the lips of someone who isn't an English native speaker?
I would imagine it is harder.
Because obviously accent.
Yeah, you see the accent in like the way they say they speak.
Yeah, so I'm curious. Any lip readers now that let us know?
Both Moe and Blade on the mics.
30 seconds is up. Or does have been issued.
Now if you have everything they could desire, two diffuse kits, all upon wonderful.
Macking a little bit of U-Tilt on bit, but otherwise smokes mollies.
Damage on Mikazi with the crowd control HEs.
Flashing HE back, Mikazi scaling for the space.
Mid is theirs.
Lexi B considering aggression on the lane side.
It's Norbert and Frontal is behind him.
With that lane control.
Early block smoke thrown towards the rampside now fading.
Playing on the ramp fading, this is going to be a big fight.
No wonder Fafen around picking up mid and they're ready up.
Oh, he's missed his shot!
They're in.
It still solid catches nor but not was going to be unhappy with that one.
Alexi be tracking another already looking very good for Navi just shutting it down.
Such faith, Jeff from Alexi as well, jumping out of cave must have known that
there's some flashes in the mix.
But now it's just Duke.
We saw them win a 3v5 earlier.
I don't think Duke could be winning himself a 1v4.
So now they they stopped the streak.
At least they should do.
juke's rerouted now everybody was looking to what's heaven the orb of wonderful
gets the tag but juke gets the kill bit dead extra smoked on the doors yeah you
ain't getting through but it's a tough spot to find yourself in at this point
in the game with only 1400 loss bonus yeah that's the difficulty when you're
overcoming a 9-3 disadvantage exactly so juke likely to save he can drop an
AK into the next. They can have at least two AKs and then it's going to be a little bit
more of a mixed bag. Considering how Mizu's been firing, he might be the man to get hooked
up with it. But it is the save confirmed. So 11 rounds now for Na'Vi. Just two more.
Counter-terrorists win. Correlates with Blades time up. And I think in the review, just
with how crazy of a round it was the Mizzou ijinx in that 3v5. That erupted very quick,
so good response time there from Bit. But all for me is Alexi just braving ahead of that
smoke, not letting them establish that control. So one of the things that Navi have been very
good on in the last couple of years, especially on Ancient, is they're the ones that kind
of set the matter of when a team is taking A space, we're rotating in time, we just
keep kind of flashing and pushing one comes out sample kill trade one comes out CT spot kill trade out donor
You see similar philosophy coming into play right there
perpetual disruption
That body language is not a man who is agreeing
That's a man with 24 friends. Well team deaths. Yeah best
The next closest on his team 14
Well, he can get the AK
Kalash did.
Wonder if that's what it's about.
Give me my gun.
Don't give me the AK, bro.
You can have a Nade.
Do you want one?
Running out of sport and looking at his teammates as well.
OK, Mezu.
You're going to be the boost for Kalash.
Nade was a bit deep.
They get out of that just before Mikaze starts to unload his mag.
for sure. He's actually going for the walk up here. Trying to find Mikaze. Covered by
Alexi. Swing. Oh, it's through the boards. Duke for sure. A two for one in favour of
Hottu. Okay. Big round. Luke, having a lead immediately starts talking. We're going for
a B set. Peace. Oh, they double smoke long. Okay. Find out resources and you've just
used two. You only have one smoke left. Now a collage. E-key position from Wanda
as well. Dream Olly continues the edge.
Duke for sure on 5 HP, gonna go searching the other side of the map.
In is not actively on the angle, wonderful sweeping through the rampside and Inna has removed Duke
for sure in unison with Kalash going down. So that advantage is disintegrated now.
Mizu trying to accelerate but wonderful, he's been so proactive. Catches Mizu,
Flash onto Frontal is his face and now just through the smoke getting chipped away a bit, well brings it home
I think you're probably having a hard time something in what's happening there if you're you know, V
You get two kills at the same time as Duke's trying to find info. So
Unfortunately, that is likely game 1900 losses now all they have to work with plus what they retained
Good work for the double short Duke dead flash dies at the same time
I think so. Yeah, I think so.
Looks like it might be the last
round. Hot to play here in
Rio. And removing Norbert
forced to the sidelines going to
be watching this one. At least
the game had some layers of
entertainment that delivered
outside of dust to run that
one felt like the rounds were
a bit more open shot case
and then we're going to get
back into a deadly squat.
Big win yesterday versus
legacy for hot to to keep their
lower bracket dreams alive, but
now the task too tall.
As they're about to be two
old frontalers shots.
Get another.
At least they've drawn it back
into a 4v4 with bit dead.
down goes both of them down him is ready to receive and that is going to be it Navi a two
zero no less kind of another game so try to manage their momentum actually going to give
it his best shot the bomb down on site but hopeless endeavor wonderful partners up with
Macaulay and he's going to have to hit them both denied.
Hottu eliminated, Narvi make it so,
and still waiting to find out who they're going to be playing
in that lower bracket final for Group B.
Yeah, this is the appeal chance, looking for a chance
to get back into the playoffs to stage your wades.
You've got Hottu's run, a loss to Aurora, a win over Legacy
and sent packing by Narvi.
It was a game that definitely offered a little bit more
stress the second half, and you could see that emotions
were high in the Hottu camp.
Some of these rounds perplexing to some,
But that'll be that. Hot two. They came, they saw, and they've been sent home in the group stage.
RV, as you mentioned, will be taking on the winner of that Aurora bait game.
Regardless, they will be the favourite. They've had a couple of outings against Aurora in recent history.
For bait, it's never easy against the big brother of the region.
It's more the flag than it is the complexion of that roster.
But we've got those two spots remaining at the table.
I've also got two seeding games to satiate you on your Wednesday evening by Tali versus Falcons,
Furia versus Maus. That'll be coming up on the A-Stream later today with Harry and Chico.
It's the B-Stream where you need to find the conclusion of the brackets,
G2 versus Spirit and Navi versus Who. But we've got Freya standing by for a loser interview.
Yes, Abby. The end of the line for her to you here at the Intel Extreme Masters Rio.
We saw the emotions running incredibly high. Can you talk to me about what you were
experiencing during that map of ancient?
It was a good game.
Like we love, first half is bad and we need to come back in the second half.
It's maybe possible, but we do know, it's not enough, do not enough for the comeback.
In terms of what's next for Ho2, unfortunately no major for you guys. What other events do you have planned?
We will have a break here, like two weeks. And we will just chill with no CS, just chill.
Norbert's laughing in the background because he said he wants to go to the beach.
We will see what we can play in the next two months.
And anything you'd like to say to the fans supporting you guys at home?
at home. I know Norbert mentioned Flit and Fame were co-streaming this as well. Anything
you'd like to say to them?
Thank you so much for your time. Commiserations once more, unfortunately. End of the road for
Houttu here in Rio. But we do have Vitality vs Falcons coming up next. Both teams already
secure their spots in the playoffs. Question is, who is going to make it to the semifinals
Falcons? The only team to take down Vitality in 2026. But that was with a stand-in. Let's
see if they can do it once more after this break.
Placent matches set your starting point. Placent rating measures your impact as you
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rest of level 10. Your starting point will be based on your recent yellow inactivity.
We're introducing Facet Rating so you can see exactly how much you stack up against others
at your level. Facet Rating measures how much your actions have increased your team's chances
of winning the match. Take it into account the full situation. Season 8 launches April 22nd.
Good luck and have fun!
I'll see you in the next video.
And that's a classic M4. That's a tornado with the LDLC stickers on it. Was it Planet Key Dynamics as well there? I can't see.
That's a classic. Three-pack Winter 2014.
It's ESC. You're right with the bear, yes.
Actually have a team in CS again. Picking up the poles, of course. Again.
I've gone back home, haven't I? Exactly.
Alright, this is make or break for bait. If there's any chance for them here on the map,
they have to win round 11. Otherwise, it's almost a guarantee it'd be 9-3 with them being
completely broken, both financially and just mentally.
We have at least gotten an open kill. It's the crown jewel of Zantares removed from the
T side.
Two players in control of short. They don't need a monster player because of that. You
can focus the rest of their defence on A. Alex will get one, but Wakadia trades NPL quickly.
The thing is, he's being baited in and gets one and a half. That might be enough, because
Kenzo is still hiding in the corner of truck. About to entry him and watch for the bomb
not being picked properly and they weren't ready for it. Sulflight could headshot. Chance
in the 1v3, 20 seconds being flanked already, up middle by a Senfil and the Molly is
really good. Thanks impossible for Sulflight, he cannot fly away.
I don't think the games over in the first half, if they get a fifth year, you know.
I mean, I know they were able to come back from an 8-4 deficit going to the T side against
Passion UA yesterday, but I don't think that would happen against a team of Aurora's caliber.
Obviously an entire tier between Passion UA, especially with them not having Senzu at
this event and the level you're going to get from Aurora, especially with Woxic
on that CT side.
imagine he's going to be more than just a handful with that AWP once he gets going.
If that wasn't in an essential flank then Soulfly may have been able to hop away and play from
bathroom or play the headshot angle on the grass maybe but yeah never gonna happen that is all if
but some maybes that is not reality that's an alternate universe. Fly around of overpass
first half
Sulfly looking to try and take some initiative up short here. So as Antares do this earlier, I've actually seen Wikipedia do it as well
Now it's a Sulfly's turn
Now he's seen quite a bit of success from this position being taken up by Aurora in the early stage Sulfly not searching as much as some of his
teammates have in the early stages of the round
It makes sense because of the way the team is set up,
it's not like they're really in position to try and capitalise off of him making a play instead.
It is going to be Xantarist to try and poke through Monster.
And that's going to cost him his life. Alex will double down that one at range onto Maga.
So Bait are finally getting going. Maybe a little bit too late on the defensive part,
but at least they're going to give themselves a fit to work with him.
About self-light though, but he can't get the second.
With Woxic 26 HP working their way back in,
it does not seem possible with 50 seconds on the clock even.
You need a crazy entry from...
Okay, dear. Is he got a gun on the ground to grab there?
He's trying to find it.
But only with a P250 at the moment.
What's happened there?
I'll go back for mages, I think.
Has he got time to do that?
There we go.
Okay, I think he was looking to see if anyone...
had thrown that gun forward into the smoke, but you will take the Galil...
in the end. Unfortunately, it's wasted quite a lot of time.
And now, he's got Util, but Woxic needs to go...
crazy!
On this entry.
Actually, not ready for it there, Alex. Surely the trend will come through though, and yes, Ascentfield does confirm it.
Well, if that HE was the right one, that could have found the kill on Ascentfield.
Rokadia is very stuck here, but the AK picks up now.
We'll find the duel on Ascentfield. Four seconds for the plant, just about gets it.
In comes an HE and the charging from MPL, and once again, bait stay in touch.
But once again, Aurora are keeping them at fingers length.
The
I'm stinging on the body, this is a chagochago
Chagochago chago, chagochago
Chagochago chago
but
get
u
going to koal orden
but
it is
to go
I don't know
Bota de ladinho,
Dona safada
Ficou viciada,
Que aqui é só pintada
Why don't, why don't, why don't
Vai para o ladinho, toma vai safada
O barulho é doido, só sequência de rajada então
Bota de ladinho, toma só safada
Fico ovenciada que aqui é só pintada
Sa-ta-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Ba para o ladinho, toma, vai safada
Um bagulho é doido só sequência, de rage, así então
Bota de ladinho, toma só safada
I'm not over with this
Boys, you call on Danym?
Here is a gift from me
Nicola Kovic, Damian, 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 reading.
A book.
Learn Mandarin Chinese?
No, it's always good to expand your horizons.
Oh, for the Chinese fan base. Now it makes sense.
Maxim, give a gift to Nikola, that one.
What will be the chance here?
A checker's port?
Yes.
So, Nikola always told me that Gleif was a mastermind.
Don't worry, bro. We actually got another one for you.
Dalin, do this thing. You all 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.
Yeah, I mean, you never know when you need a tent, right?
Super useful.
I see what this is.
You want me to do that team building expedition?
For example.
Nikola, come on, bravado.
Oh, boys, the management has spoiled us this year.
Everyone ready?
I've never met her spoiler this year.
Everyone ready?
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 Tezes.
Who said it has to be Tezes?
It works as strategy.
You never know when you need a partner.
Expect your friend.
Don't you worry, my friend.
Ah, Nico Nikola Kovac. Classic.
Shout out to Ross for the sleeping bag though.
Real comfy.
Come on, give me something, give me something, give me some aggression.
Yeah, perfect. Nice.
Damn, you have your turn to prepare, it's red!
Calm down, everything is going well.
It's going well. You're not like that normally.
At least I was locked in.
What is that?
Freak this brother!
Oh my God!
I'm dropping his brother's legs.
What the fuck?
Oh man, not the beans.
I'm with a huge fucking mistake.
Cato Kers? Never heard of him.
Holy absolute cinema. Go toooooot!
Even with British player. Bread player.
Best value player on the market. Because the pins in two place of fish and ship today.
Cup of tea and match days, so he can get in the zone
BG? Or Twinning's?
I thought mentality would be crushed, but they surprised me
GG boys
What did I hit?
It's all the smiley face
Yummy, smiley face, beans, smiley face
No, it is simple
Don't update, that's all
Pure cope
Dream is free
Cry is free
De-stroyed.
Props to Vitality for throwing a few rounds to make it a close game.
That's actually true.
Goat don't hasn't even started yet.
He's still angry and will win everything.
Right. TO should cancel all tournaments.
No need to play anyways, because TungPick called the winner on HLTV forums.
Why wasting money on tournaments when a HLTV user tells you all the outcomes
on the 15th of January, 2025
Smart boy
Not sure what makes me happier
Vitality winning so convincingly
or don't fancy an apex hitter
having a 2-4 minute
Such a dilemma
Also
Robes avenging phase for last year
Chef's case
Apex job saved by Zai Wodian
Oh, thanks God
Paycheck hitter
This motherfucker
Robes buff
Real
Rops try the France
They're stubborn of CS
It's D
Goat Wu and Ropsicola will dominate 20-25
He picked biceps
He will cycle to Austin Major
Top 5 so far this year, Blast and Kiatu
First dunk, second Zayu
Third beat, 4th center rest, 5th Rops
Full of shit this
Tell me you didn't much GF
without telling me you didn't watch GF.
Smart man, doesn't try to predict the future
because smart man knows he can't.
Good for a team with two IGLs.
Mezi was IGL on fanatic.
Right, and Felsi wants an MVP so guess he's an opener.
It's not a bad idea, no?
Like we say in France, the sale, the ambiance.
I got a chance to talk with Apex head of the games with Falcons and I wanted to talk about
what's up with Vitality, especially yesterday.
You said in your tweet that if you want to see those gold bars you have to step up.
Can you be a little bit more specific in what areas you want to step up especially?
Well, I think in a lot of aspects yesterday, as I said, as I mentioned, I think it's
the worst game we played the last few months, but it happens when you win 18 best of three
in a row, when you win 3-3 in a row, you have to have some down and that's normal.
But yeah, I think in our aspect, like I think team play was a bit off, Indivore was a bit
off.
We were just lacking a few things.
We had good calm, good reads, but then we didn't close the thing that we should
have closed and that made a really, really close game.
I was actually scared a lot of times, especially on the Inferno.
I think you build out two force buys especially with you with Max and classic stuff won't be right. Yeah, yeah
You know we have to we said that we won early yesterday, but sometimes you have to win early and
That's something that is really important nowadays
Even though you play a bad game that you still able to win a lot of team conducts
And we are able to do that even though our individual didn't show up
So yeah, yeah, that in front of was a mess as well one a few I mean we were behind on all three maps to
And so, yeah, we had to come back with crazy rounds in there.
We won the two falls by almost back to back in Adidas, but we lost also some.
So, yeah, it was a good fight.
I want to talk about Falcons.
Because yesterday you said that it's kind of hard to play against a stand-in situation.
Right now Falcons are in a different but similar situation where there are rumors about their roster.
This is, again, creating this low-pressure environment game plan for them.
What is going to change right now in Vitality?
Well, for us, I think that, of course, Falcons are a bit different than G2 because they still
have a system where they play together.
I think it's going to be more like they're going to have less pressure and play better
as individuals, maybe make more plays and etc.
I think that's kind of what can happen against Falcons.
I remember when we played them last year in Marble, after in Blast Rivals, they
had a few days of practice with Monizzi.
They came without pressure and they were really tough to beat.
So I think they're going to play without much pressure.
And that's been, I think, one of the strongest, one of the biggest problems for them in the
last few years.
So, I think without pressure, they can be really good.
Dan, good luck.
See how this goes.
Thank you.
The Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2026 is brought to you by ESL and partnership with Intel,
Predator, Jax, and DHL.
Well, in front of us sits Vitality versus the Falkins quarterfinals semi-finals.
It'll be a little bit of a seeding battle going on there.
on there. And those are the type of series for Falcons and play vitality. Those are the
ones that go the full distance. We know that for a fact. I welcome you right back to the
Intellect Stream Masters. My name is Trace. Surround this. You might know me as Stona,
or you might know me as something a lot worse. Much less. We do have Jacob Pimp,
Wenesh. Here, I don't want to get that all wrong. Apparently, we've been working together
a lot. I'm in Asia, do you know? I'm in the 19th. Yes, Trace. 19. Nice.
Cause I was 11 like three days ago. Anyway, moving swiftly forward down on the end.
I don't know that you need an introduction, but I'll give you one anyway.
Yanko, YNK, Poundabitch.
Exactly. There's always new viewers, Trace. You need to get them acquainted with the people that will do all the app-ing.
Yeah, and the audio-only listeners. Those are very, very radio.
Let's start talking about the games and better yet, what we have in front of us now at the Intellectual Masters on the last day of what we considered the group stage, right?
Yeah, we have do or die, right? Some of the teams have already made play-offs. They're fighting for going straight into the semi-final, but a lot of these other teams...
I've been fighting for their lives, to stay in the tournament, to make it into the quarter-final.
Teams in the lower bracket would have to play two games today, and we've seen that already happening.
Group A, G2, and Team Spirit coming out on top, they'll be playing soon as well for a spot in the quarter-finals
in that lower bracket, the side of the game, and obviously in the upper bracket on the A-Street,
we'll have Falcons and Vitality.
That's it, it could be said for the Group B, you know, not that many surprises to be complete.
I had a massive comeback versus Navi yesterday which put a spot into the player for them
They take on mouse later on to find out whether or not they're going straight to the semi-final or the quarter final and then in the lower bracket again
Tracer tournament without too many big surprises Navi beating Hocho
No big surprise right here a we're getting it done against bait which puts up a roar versus Navi for that final spot into the players
And I thought for sure or I was gonna you know kind of walk mouths around and then find
Told you all of you. Oh my god. No, you didn't. I did yesterday. Yeah, I guess you did you did definitely tell us
You told us all once. Hmm. Let's take a little remember
You don't remember no pepper farm might remember but also sold some of our games from the Asia and the North remembers the North
Definitely remember maybe not the the word. I don't think we've heard that this anyway, so super long time
Yeah, that's part of that 19-year history. Isn't that right?
I guess let's talk a little about these games that we've seen thus far on the a stream and some of the results
Obviously, not super surprised when you think about Na'vi Ho too.
Yeah, we were kind of touching that.
G2, the little team that still could.
Yeah.
They've been playing better than I think anyone would have expected,
especially given the circumstances of them playing with Astandon.
I think the game against Vitality is the one that stands out to me.
I know they lost the game, but they came dangerously close to taking down Vitality.
Yeah, there were 12-10 up against Pistols on Inferno
and just couldn't really close it out, had their opportunities on Dust2 as well.
But that's just how the cookie crumbles sometimes.
So I think they caught Vitality of Garden, we heard from Apex in the interview, right?
Like these teams that have a stand-in or about to make roster changes, playing with no pressure,
they're going to take more risks and that's all this stuff to play against, also themselves
not being on their A-game and here we are now nitpicking at a win, right?
Because that's just how dominant Vitality has been, you know?
I feel like any other team on a day like that would have just straight up lost to
0, but they still somehow managed to find a way to win.
started there then because obviously the vitality everyone wants to beat them they
all they had the crosshair on them almost perpetually at this point it feels
like that's never gonna go away because no one can get the true number dialed in
on them but when I think about the vitality that we're getting in the
server today they did have a little bit of stressor there against that sleeper
pick G2 we're just talking about. I feel sometimes it's tough to go by one
game you know and say is that the level of vitality is playing at was
That's just a one-off game.
I think the way I anticipated, the way I see the game was that Vitality played,
I could be some of the worst counter-strike they possibly could play against G2,
and they still end the winning.
So is that a sign of strength or is that a sign of Vitality coming into this tournament?
Maybe not in the best shape.
I think we're going to find out today.
I think the game against Falcons right here is going to be a great test in terms of,
okay, where is Vitality at right now, both from a mental perspective,
from an energy perspective as well,
but let's not forget that they have something even more important to play for,
play for, which is the ESL Grand Slam. There's a lot of money on the line right here if Vitality
were to win this tournament. So in terms of doubting whether they're motivated or not,
I don't really have an issue with that. Yeah, and I think in reality, the players don't care
about these freaks, right? I mean, that's a nice addition to your dominance. You care about
that, you know? You care about winning the tournament and you care about the Grand Slam,
right? Not only because it's an extra one million dollars, but also because they have an
opportunity to win it for the second time, which no one has ever done, win it
two times with the same organization, the same roster, they have opportunity to win
it back to back, obviously no one's ever done that before. So what the Grand
Slam does, it really cements an era for a team, right, because you have to do it
over multiple tournaments or over a period of time. So I think that's where
their focus lies and they've been vocal about it. Also for the last one
They did it on their first opportunity in Melbourne against Falcas in that incredible best of five final
And they just want to get it done as soon as possible right like the sort of worst-case scenario for them
Is they don't get it done here
They don't get it done in Atlanta by some Barraco considering the field there
But then you go into the major with the Grand Slam on the line and the major now
That's you know a whole other level of pressure even for a team like my talent
So if they care about showmanship if they care about the entertainment value of the sport
But that's what they'll do, right?
They'll drag this out all the way into Cologne.
Jacob?
Yeah, I don't think they will.
I think they want to get it out of the way so they can take a bit of a break and then
focus again on Cologne.
I think there's something to be said about the timing in this as well.
In all honesty, if you have a vitality right now, you probably would want this not
to be a focus point.
Now, obviously it's in front of you.
You have to get it done.
But in terms of peaking for Cologne and in terms of reserving some energy and taking
breaks throughout the season, which vitality have been very, very vocal about doing,
you know, planning out that calendar, planning out the season.
I think the timing of this could be better, but when it is in front of you, obviously you've got to grasp it.
You've got to take the opportunity and I'm sure Vitality wants to get it done now so they can just focus on Cologne for being the major on one of this.
Yeah, and just in hindsight now that we've gotten about halfway through the year, we're kind of teetering on that line.
Vitality has already found plenty of success up to this point in just this year alone.
You can even run it back to last year, Jacob.
What are some of those key moments that stick out to you?
I mean, everything they've been able to do, obviously, as a squad, as a unit,
winning two majors in a row, winning tournaments, you know, even the later portion of 2025.
There were conversations around them, you know, maybe not being the best team in the world any more,
Furia were knocking on the door, other teams were putting them to our test falcons, you know,
their position tonight was also having close games against them.
So the fact that they were able to stay consistent even in what was,
I could be the worst period they've had it together as a team,
still being consistently the second best, maybe the best in that period as well.
It goes without saying, I think personally, that Vitality is the greatest Counter Strike team to ever exist.
Yeah, I don't think so. I think they need to win the Cologne Major.
What do you want?
The Cologne Major.
Why?
Because they only want two majors.
They only want two majors?
Yeah, they've been the best team in the world consistently for 16 months.
Something no one has ever done before.
Well, 16 months. I have no land of last year so far.
They've been very dominant, but it is about the most prestigious tournaments, right?
They have two back-to-back majors, but there's been a team that's one more, right?
And I think until they do that, it's looking very likely at this point
But I think for me personally, that's where I will sort of make it a no debate thing if that
Happens, but we'll see, you know, first they have to get there
But it has been incredibly impressive without a doubt. Obviously it would help with the Grand Slam as well
You know to put them in the build and be the first team to do that, you know twice with the same
I'm just a little shook that you want to send your Danes into the Eclipse shadow realms already
I mean, you know, they do have a pretty long tenure when it comes into counter strike itself
Overall though for a team like Vitality sitting in a driver's seat in a given point
Also what the straw is has going for them. They did change the game, right?
And that's harder to do the longer the time passes right because everyone is getting you know better at the game
And they know how to do everything but I didn't necessarily
They're just playing it better than everyone else, that doesn't mean you take anything away from them.
But in these discussions about the greatest team ever, maybe it becomes a talking point.
But here we are at the start of another year, Vitality has lost six maps.
That's it, every while.
So it is kind of crazy when you look, especially with MR12, it's so much easier to lose a map in a series even.
and right if you lose both pistols whatever couple of silly rounds go against your way a couple of unlucky rounds
That's all it takes. So the fact that they've been so dominant
Having a hundred percent win rate on five out of the seven maps in the pool, you know, these are some things that
Two years ago people would think you're crazy if you if you were saying there's gonna be a team
That's going to be this dominant and they got rocks for free
Yeah, all that you got rocks for free
What a just a home run. I would almost even call that a grand slam in itself
But we don't necessarily have to go that far. We can't talk a little bit about what vitality is done up to this point
Within the series themselves within the tournament that we're at because yes
Falcons seemingly one of the only ones that can have their number
I think Falcons today stand a decent change. Yeah, you know historically speaking as well
It is a team that has been able to to push them to the limit
But obviously given that they've been dominating versus a long period
You cannot you cannot really make the case that they are not the favorites going up against Falcons
regardless of the situation going on with their lineup as well.
Whether they can play more freed up now with Kixon assuming he's on his way out,
that's something to remain to be seen on the server.
But I think overall, the game they had against G2, as I said,
they played probably the worst game they played in quite some time,
still find a way to win and still find a way to grind it out.
So I'm not worried on behalf of Vitality heading into this game against Falcons.
If anything, I'm excited for Falcons to see if they can put them to the test once more.
I think they will. That's the thing with Falcons.
They didn't necessarily have a problem with Vitality, just everyone else, right?
I mean, if you look ever since they added Kiyosuke to the lineup, actually,
Falcons has the head-to-head against Vitality, right?
They lost that final at ESL Pro League, but outside of that,
in these best of trees, they would actually been able to come out on top.
So that tells you they're comfortable in terms of playing against Vitality style, right?
right matching up against guys like Zayvoo and Robson and all of that, that doesn't mean they're
the favorite by any chance, it just means that you know they know what to expect and they know
how they need to play in order to beat Vitality. I don't think the context of that is that Vitality
right now at least according to me are playing better Counter Strike than they were last year,
you know, I think Vitality have leveled it up even in in 2026 where in the periods where
Falcons were beating Vitality was also the same period where we discussed it where they weren't
necessarily, you know, unarguably the best team in the world. They had a streak of four or five months
in 2025 where they didn't necessarily play up to the best. So I think the landscape have changed
a little bit outside of the fact that Kixson is on his way out. Yeah, let's start right on.
Yeah, I just want to say bizarrely enough, you know, the last time they played Zywil had like
an 0-5 rating on the two maps that Vitality lost. One of them being Mirage, similar to Donk
yesterday also against Falcons. So maybe it's some voodoo that they pull out, you know,
for these games, but I don't expect Zywood to have two miserable maps again in a series.
Yeah, similar to Zywood 30 and 19 over the CT side, just against G2 right there.
You think about some of the things that kept him a little bit inhibited.
Yeah, slow start, pistols, and Mirage might have not been the best way to go about it
right there in the beginning. But overall, I think for the side of Vitality, you grab on
what the pedigree that they've gotten at this point. And you look at a Zywood guy,
You look at a guy that continuously puts up stats and numbers,
even sometimes he doesn't necessarily have to,
considering the parameters of what they've got on their team.
You can always talk about Saibou, you can always talk about Robs,
Flamesee for that matter as well, who's had a fantastic year so far.
I would rather talk about Apex, who I think is the Indian behind this team,
even after the game against G2.
He said some very interesting words in an interview,
you know, that sometimes as an in-game leader,
maybe has to focus a bit more on calling
and a bit less on yelling and screaming and hyping up the team.
So, we're talking about a team that, you know, according to me
and potentially others out there as well, is maybe the best team to ever exist.
We can have that conversation later, but defective yourself reflecting after every single game,
every single tournament, defective, he's open to say that I'm not perfect as an in-game leader.
My team is not perfect. We still have to do the things in the right way.
We can still improve. I think that's part of what makes Vitality so, so good and so consistent
that they never stop trying to get better at the game. They never stop trying to improve,
basically. Those were some really good stats for Zywoo, right?
He's not the highest rated player of the tournament, though.
Who is? Monessi. Monessi, right? Like he's been having a blinder of a tournament 1.77 rating
so far and even Niko in the top five test is also in the top 10. So just Falcons, man.
Classic, right? The player on his way out, no pressure. Apex was talking about it too in his
interview. You know, they're just able to play loose, just go with the flow, right? Not worry
about the outcome, they're taking risks, they're playing pro-active and it's just been incredibly
dominant. I mean, they absolutely stomped spirit. Even on Mirage where they lose both pistols,
they still win 13-5. I'm just going to ask the question that everyone in Twitch chat is running
right now, Janko. Is there a world where if Falcons win this tournament, if they come
together and finally play good Counter-Strike, beat by Tele here and win the Grand Final,
is there a world where you just hold on on the carry-in signing and you give it another
What else should I have to make?
I don't think so, because that would be, you know,
unserious, right, from an organizational standpoint.
To make a decision, if you want to make a change,
and then to reverse it just because of one tournament.
Like you, I think they understand
why they're playing well here.
It's no secret to them either, right?
So if that is indeed what's happening,
I don't think there's any result
at this tournament that reverses that decision.
Yeah.
I don't think it should be reversed.
in this tournament that would mean you know like bulldozing 3d max like kind of just did their thing
with them and then they also did the same thing over to spirit uh it's the big contributions on
monosies t-sides that i'm saying that make a lot of sense are there any other contributing factors
there jacob the ringo bell yanko brought it up you know before when you have three players in the
top 10 all of them are a high radio you have monosie firing on all ten of us doing the work on
the t-side kicks and seemingly maybe calling a bit more freed up style you know allowing more
space for nico along more space for monosie it's it's hard to to say you know based on a small
sample size that it's something specifically they're doing. When you have Monizzi playing
as well as he is right now, posting a 1.77 rating so far, it's hard not to make the case that it's
individuals right now that is carrying the ship. But that's why I'm excited for this game because
it's not going to be a game where Monizzi is having a 1.7 rating most likely. So it will have to
be a more structured Counter Strike and more good T-Sights coming out from Falcons if they
were to win today. That's how it has to be, right? If you have a composition of a team
like Falcons have has to be the individual shining and you are setting the game up in a way in which
they can shine and they have the space. I'm not saying Monasi is going to have these sort of performances
all the time, no one does, right, but you're making it in a way where there's opportunity for him to
do it on a more consistent basis, right. Nico having some better games is also important,
especially on the CT side, where he has still a bigger role than he does on T side, where
is more in some of those lurk positions depending on the map and conceding space to kiyosuke and monocy.
Yeah, especially, you know, overall, I guess a bigger, broader question here before we jump right
into these vetoes. You guys call any other teams that have a similar situation, you know,
the media speculation that then obviously go on to find some weird form. I mean, you're asking
the question, it is, can they continue this if they find footing here? I mean, there's this
history that speaks for itself in that regard. I think the old Indians back in the days when they
were agreeing to disband as a team heading into a major and all of a sudden they find
themselves winning the major. I think when you relieve pressure from star players, when you
take away all expectations and you can sort of like put down your shoulders, some teams and
some players will just function better. Now to me it's not a good thing necessarily because
Falcons is a team that is supposed to win. That is a team that is supposed to go to
every single tournament having those expectations upon you. So far I think what we've learned
about Falcons is they haven't been able to handle it. So yeah, you maybe make the change with
Kerrigan coming in and maybe it's looking better at this tournament, but watch to say that we're
not going back to a world where they can't deal with those, I guess, added expectations. So it's
still a question mark for me, but in this moment right here, right now, it opens up this tournament,
it opens up this game, and it makes Falcons even more exciting to watch.
Let's talk about this game in terms of maps, depths. What are we looking at crossovers
here, Janko? I know you like to put a good flow chart together.
Yeah, we were talking about Vitality's map pool and 5007 maps being
100% win rate. Ancient is their perma-man so they only played it against Aurora in a group stage
game when both teams led it through and they were able to come out on top in that one. So we won't
see Ancient, we won't see Overpass, but outside of that Mirage or Inferno, right? Like that's where
Falcons can go in terms of their map pick. I'm expecting to see Mirage. Inferno was the
pick of Vitality last time around and I do expect them to switch it up. Apex has also
been known to at this stage of the tournament, experiment a little bit with the map, perhaps
if they worked on a map or something that he wants to test, they would go and pick it.
Or if he really wants to beat Falcons because it happened last time, I mean he could just
go for Dust 2, right?
I mean, that's their whole map, they're willing to play it against anyone at any
time.
So there are a couple of options here, I don't expect Falcons to pick Anubis
later than last time.
And part of that context from the stats we saw here as well is that Falcons have
played a couple of tournaments with a stand-in in New Clans. Dust2 was one of the maps that
they've been tested on with New Clans quite a lot. Have we really had the biggest win
rate on the map, but I think they're a completely different team when Q Shuki is on it, and
it's not Q Sh- sorry, it's not New Clans. Well, they have the double AWP setup as well.
Mirage coming in for Falcons makes an awful lot of sense. I think Dust2 could be a bit of a
trap to some degree. I don't think Falcons is bad on Dust2, and there we go. We get it right here.
I think Falcons have struggled with New Clans on the map. I think when Q Shuki is on the map,
And the double offset up on the CT side is poxened and the T side is a little bit more fluent
That's not an easy map for Vitality 209.
Is Thalcans going into this pick right here of Mirage?
Sort of maybe piggyback on the idea that G2 got away with a little bit there?
Potentially, this is the one map that Vitality has, if you can say so, struggled.
There are 50% on it this year, right?
That's the worst map in the pool as of right now.
So we'll see Nuke as the decider, you know, a pretty vanilla map pool.
I'm a fan of that but this gives us a lot of potential for an explosive series right with the caliber of players that we have on the roster
potential for highlights clutches
All the fun shenanigans. I think he's at an all-time high and I do expect us to see some atomic CS on this one
Yeah, I'd agree with that
You know it's two maps in the beginning at the very least where players can express themselves quite often
I think you shook as well in particular Mirage T sides have been able to find a lot of impact
So keep an eye out for him.
It's the Intel Extreme Masters, it's Rio,
and it's Vitality against the Falcons.
Absolutely bang it here to decide who's going into those semis
versus the quarterfinals.
It's Falcons taking on Vitality.
Hugo, can you kind of set the stage for us on this?
Yeah, right, Vitality finally losing their map win streak
at this event, but their series streak
carries still holding strong 24 maps in a row,
trying to break records, not quite able to,
but 18 win streaks and of course grand slam looming at the end of this tournament
And you know it's vitality they want to speed through this series and get to those semifinals an extra day off
In a very busy schedule for this team
But yanko said it well when he talked about Falcons having decent success against vitality with this roster three out of four
Wins since Kiyosuke joined with the exception the one loss being that B05 final they got three owed
They've done it with a stand-in, they've done it with nucleons, and Harry, you also talk
about lack of pressure for Falcons, with rumors in the air, his kicks in a stand-in.
Are Falcons feeling nervous, or can they truly take down the world's best?
Time to find out.
Yeah, problem for Falcons has been more so the other teams.
Haven't got to play by Taliyah all too much, but haven't struggled in these head-to-heads.
And that's not a bad way to open, Montesey is kind of in the manner the focal point of
this conversation, but having a fantastic tournament.
The T sides have been electric for the Falcons, and he started off this pistol with a 5v4.
Not to see it, Flamesey the biggest improved player for Vitality, of course the only
one who didn't get his own award back at the end of last year, out of the picture.
And Vitality looked at Gamble.
I won't yet say it's wrong.
And while Falcons are hitting this B bomb site, Robbs also leaves.
Him hanging around gave me a bit of hope for Vitality.
Now it feels done.
Now they just feel out of position, unable to compete with this round.
The Util announces it.
Falcons will put that bomb down.
And Vitality may as well have a look.
I'm heavy in the util, so I don't have a kit to work with here. Time as a result is a big
problem and the fact that they're late they just concede.
It's honestly fair, it looks ridiculous to save, but Falcons even they couldn't lose
this advantage. It is a perfect setup, close kitchen, apps, and a man advantage with
no kit for Vitality, so just play for later. Save that bit of Kevlar and Vitality will
certainly force. We know this team have an incredible track record on Force Buys, winning
more than they lose. So that second round is potent as ever. Double
FAMAS immediately.
map feeds are very interesting for this game right no doubt about it
Rage is the best pick for the Falcons here available
Vitality's statistical weakest map
especially this year it was never gonna be
a better choice
no all right robs
that's pretty nasty borderline
Tracks Kiyosuke through the smoke
And not the start you wanted versus this force
They're gonna try and pick up the pace now with the be here apex getting sandwiched they break through the first two
Messi doesn't last much longer
Rops might be close on that spam, but it won't come to matter kicks out getting stuck in actually plays it forward
And so no issues here versus the force by
Falcons get out with almost everyone intact.
Yonk?
Flames will try to par with the Galil, but I don't know if he's sure to get away here.
They're hunting down, they'll deny the save.
So, chance at a good clean run to open up Mirage.
Not every day you get the free conversion here versus Vitality.
Without speaking too soon, just pistols in this one, no Kevlar.
Balkans get the chance to run away 3 and 0 to kick off their map pick in the series.
Falcons have shown great resilience in this tournament as well, right? We saw that opening game against 3D Max, 9-1 down on their opening map.
They pulled it all the way back 13-10.
Went on to just shunt Spirit out of the way as they typically do, but still impressing nonetheless.
I mean, even going off of that kind of resilient display that you talk about, it just kind of
backs up the point that it's the T sides from Falcons that have been super-threatening.
And so to that end, the idea that you're already getting a little cache of T rounds
here on Mirage is a nice sign, all right, Flames?
Oh, Messi!
That's wild!
Ow!
Hang on a second.
This was meant to be a free beat.
They've caught Apex out.
They weren't ready for robs.
it down to the 1v1. This is a lot closer than you were ever expecting. Eagle retrieved.
No! Bam! Brings Niko low. And you're in Robson's playground now, back onto the 5-7, low HP
for Niko. Commits to the plant. Oh man, to beat in these clutches is Robs. One shot
could do it. Niko. Up close, holds his breath, hope that Robs barrels out through this window,
gets his wish, but the round belongs to Robs. I did speak too soon. I said it was a conversion.
I said it was a 3-0 lead. I doubted vitality. My biggest mistake, Valken's the same.
That is a ludicrous round to win. The double deagle for Mezzi. And to think that Robs would
would have won that even easier if there was a single round in that
Deagle, he hit two tags through the smoke up cat.
Niko low health and Robbs just flicks on the jump.
It's just so vitality.
Have no business winning that round.
Robbs didn't even know Niko crossed out.
I mean those are just feel good rounds all over as well right
sorry pecs his face at the end of it smiles all round on the you're not
supposed to win gets you on the board very early so I will all makes an
appearance as well and so vitality are ready to turn up the heat it just further
amps up your belief in winning any situation a game from any point right
it's not new for vitality but to be honest I really thought G2 were
about to beat them in that dust to the other day they had them right where
they wanted them. They had them on the ropes at the end with bad T side money. Just about
able to take the map and vitality of course, dig deeper, impossibly deep and save that
series. Done it so many times. It still isn't getting old. And so like you say, AWP and
Everything else here for team vitality. We have two deagles in fight and all that was the bomb huge to a deed from tessas
Nobody hope that all in middle
Oh, okay, that would have been a
Nice easy close to the round but robs is given a second chance at life out here in the market
That's just doesn't want to go that bombs going back. He's low. I mean second. I'm right in his eye. We
We can hear it with that AWP, but a swing and a miss.
They bought him down low.
One bullet, and you no longer worry, but there's Zywu.
That's the bomb in transition.
There's very little time left now for the Falcons.
This becomes a bit of a mad scramble here.
Someone's going to get that bomb down, and they can't finish the job on Zywu.
Finally, the kills come in for the Falcons.
They breathe a little easier.
one nearly gets away from them. That plot armor felt too too strong. How is he getting spammed out
to three, not getting killed? Multiple charges. It takes him jumping, going for the no scope
for Kiyosuke to flush him out. So ridiculous, high impact kill for Tassus. Even though he dies
on the cross, he gets the bomb in the site and he gets all the Falcons there.
Seen some great moments from Tassus at this event as well.
Well, reassuring to see it's playoffs of course where he's had his biggest struggles.
Zai Wu kicks off this round though with another warp.
I have an active stance out here towards mid on the back of it.
players ready to greet you if you try and take this midspace.
Kiyosuke and Niko working their way through the lower tunnels.
They're the ones that have to secure this real estate Niko with the trade,
but there's layers to this setup and there's rops to make sure Vitality end up in the advantage.
Tessa is trying to find the timing here out through ramp as Zywu has been spotted in a triple.
Don't tell me he gets any chances all over again. Monacy puts him down, but not before as I will
Read some of test says
That's a monestee goes hunting
I'll step back in the market to bait him in and rocks collects the free kill
That is all by design for vitality. They heard him jump towards jungle
They know he's in the window and someone makes the cool messy run away. It's perfect baits and
And, honestly, he falls right for it. He had an open A-bomb site.
Did not think that was the case.
With the Robs hanging around Window instead.
And I love that we get these moves out as I was. It definitely felt like in the last, you know,
the tail end of last year and then coming into 2026, playing with even more ego, even more privado.
Not always the safest move because you can get away with the craziest stuff,
pushing back out into that bomb site after Tessus gets the drop on him
and he'll live to regret not taking that kill when he had the chance.
Did he ever really?
Another round for Vitality, keeping the AWP
and Falcons down to pistols. It's a forced buy with Niko's Hero AK,
Modesty has a decision to make on whether to save for the AWP or join him and he will.
Tower is up to his usual tricks out here in mid.
Been very active with the AWP at the moment. It's made an appearance
and this round no exception.
Flames thinks about it but decides not to spam back.
I already find this 5v4 and so just gonna ease into their setup here.
Chance was there for Tess's but don't know if he's gonna get given it again.
Two players under, they're actually gonna bring the fight to him.
I don't know if you're ready for this.
Thankfully, Flames gives you a bit of a warning with those footsteps and that allows Tess's
to get gun on in time.
Tess's dig is a work of art sometimes.
Robs fires too soon, but it's too low for Tess's.
And so Vitality's not all bad.
Another double move to catch himself the advantage once again.
These guns are still in play, though.
You had to reveal them to Vitality.
Robs could be anywhere, though.
Did he see him? Looks like it.
Gets the reaction, monosy with those steps, very intentional robs.
Gonna fall with nothing done, he steps sideways waiting and he's gonna shut down the consplit.
Also able to cover the cross here, an awkward 1v3 attempt for Kicksan, just gonna go for
the bomb plant.
Deeks nice, not a bad way to get this one going.
But his spams are connecting, the Molly should seal his fate.
It's a damn good try for Kicksand.
All and only just one off the mark.
Big round for Zywoo and Vitality tires up early on Mirage.
Atomic game indeed.
These rounds coming down to clutch is getting very, very close
and the finest margins.
That's Kicksand getting wall banged on default by Zywoo's orb.
Some really nice moments.
Good patience from Zywoo on shorts.
Reading the connector climb up.
up he stayed on that angle for so long before Niko gave him anything never got
to fire the AK and so nice try from Kixen a lot of damage not enough for
around Falcons broken now on plant or not they are eco
and so despite a almost full conversion for Falcons my talent here already back
in the swing of things controlling the game so I will calling his shots
every round, different position. It's been window short and now B-Apps.
Monosiv beats the molly, moves in front of it and somehow lives to tell the tale.
Jump spot could be lethal here.
all the way in a sandwich but the rest of his team just getting mobbed up in middle and this time
the run of Eagles from Tess says is bought to a close so not even a chance to make this one expensive
it's a couple of time the test says has gotten very deep out a and found a gap and every time
even if I tell you have you missed that timing and he's gotten further than they're ready for
they are always considering it and just the fact that he's done it twice now
it's going to be constantly the back of their mind to watch out for this lurk out a
This is where you feel like Falcons would go with a set cool at this point of the game.
4-3 up.
Marnie has been thrown to the wayside numerous times.
My talent is to keep them guessing.
I gotta break this top mid smoke.
Oh, there it is.
Yeah, Zai Wu teed up for it.
No, Apex even watching the creep on through lower.
And just a hop skip and a jump out of it.
Oh, I did go back in.
That's why I really trying to limit test these got teammates
that are back him up.
Oh, no, you can't.
Oh, how does he live?
That was a slam dunk.
That's 38.
And Falcons there's been some you know, Kyrsik has not had the best start to the game. He's done some audacious stuff
He's pushed a couple smokes coming out under there is very ballsy
So it's been front of the pack running into Zai Wu's orb a couple of times. I
Can be forgiven someone's got to
But not been a great start to the game for him not a great sign for the Falcons they're gonna need him today
And Vitality, they push the boat out, they get a 4 on 2 and then they just disappear.
No one to be seen.
Robbs gets info, Dink to Tessus and he wants to finish that.
Falcons just have nowhere to go.
3k for Zywoo. Just what Vitality ordered.
I mean you're already starting to get a little bit nervous here right? It's been a big old
streak for Vitality 4 in a row now. Last two of them haven't even been particularly close.
Money still in a very awkward spot for the Falcons and across all of Rio, it's been
the T sides that have stood out. It's where they've hands down done their best work.
You have the crazy comeback in their opening match, 10 and 11 rounds on the T side.
And then in that spirit game as well, two eight round T-Hubs, right? It's where they've
done all their legwork so the idea that you're already starting to lag behind is
sadly ringing some alarm bells. I have to wait a little bit too to really try and
get back into this one as it's a another partial investment.
Something a bit more direct here. Everyone in the apartments ready to go beam as he's
been rocking this MP9 for what feels like an eternity. And it's done him well. Gets out
with his some support from Robsky. Suke has lent a bit of intrigue to this one. A
Double opener gives them control of the site chance at a part now as well
Since on tess's kiss who gets stuck on an island right now
So we spotted tess's gets a chance at a fight can he buy time kiss who can make a move here get behind them
But he's been spammed out from the smoke since I was staying aware and not letting Falcons get away with anything in that post part clinically done
patient for vitality pays off
6th round on this CT side district building now five in a row
And Falcon's not getting particularly close. He's first few rounds were clutches no longer
I mean right now
Zawoo warp is causing you a great deal of fear
Whenever they've tried to go for these kind of pacey and mid-starts, he's been there.
Oftentimes it's been a source of these 5v4s. Actually have a double AWP now for Vitality.
Rob's donning one as well.
Break on the smoke as Zaiwu does go fishing for that opener.
Hello?
Always making moves. Not a team that like to sit back.
Flames goes one for one and Rob's has cleared out Palace in the downtime.
This is already a fantastic foothold to have so early in the round.
Let's see, put that much more attention over towards B.
Falcons have found the gap. They've gone for the window boost. It's the one position. Vitality
is not watching on the map. Kiyosuke is behind them. You just never feel like this is under
protected. Even in this 4v4, got to be some fear that they could be a player lurking
around markets. Apex is con-side and so any timing available to Kiyosuke is yet to be
taken as he waits for his team to make the next move. Robs in the last position you'd
expect with this AWP. That does mean A is conceded. Apex doing what he can to find
as much information as possible, but Falcons are trapping on this A site.
Oh
Timing on this move for apex is perfect
I had to thread a lot of needles to get to this position
Then a far better spot now teammate and spawn as well. Mezzie to help him rock still in that palace position
So we might fall right away, but it's this trifecta these three players that are well entrenched prepared for the a play
That's what's gonna do you in here apex
It is an absolute shut down. They get mold. Dude, that was a real, you know, false sense
of security for the Falcons. They're trying to plot. They've got needs out. All three
players of vitality were in the site with them. Absolutely. And never even cleared
default as well. Big mistake here for the Falcons. It was quiet. It was too quiet.
Everyone strikes at the same time even rocks coming out committed out of Palace nice to see willing to ball with his team
And that is an annoying round to Lucid Falcons
I was a 4v3 when they had everyone together a good chance to break into this half
It might just be scraps now looking for something pace here as they go for an a pop
Yeah, just another one of these little pops to try and break through the wall that is vitality
The flames are full blind only good for one apex caught with a bit of weirdness can't believe
Zaiwu just hit that.
Vitality still feel the advantage.
Falcons their roll slowed somewhat but they've got to get this bomb down while the utils
up.
Quick rotate around at the spawn side.
Niko's got cover and a miss shot for Zaiwu.
That's a window of opportunity.
Honestly Niko look at her play this one together.
Zaiwu double swung.
shut him down and it's that duo that they're gonna have to do a good chunk of heavy lifting
if Falcons do want to recover on this half they're aiming for five those of the rounds
are expecting the Falcons to win right despite the lack of money just full brawling and using
their superstars to their best their abilities overwhelming vitality that was vitality in
a three on two after Zairu disappears through the smoke and Falcons put the bomb down
It's a huge kill from Monty to catch robs on the retake.
And Zaiwu forced to make a play.
Nice round for Falcons to flex their muscles.
But this fifth makes all the difference.
Oopsie.
Missed window jump, missed Molotov under.
Kiyosuke, very lucky to be this deep.
What will he do with his position? Nothing.
Zai Wu does make it into Ladder, and patiently waiting.
Well, unless he's got his, but B-Sai still opens up for the Falcons.
Oh, Modesty couldn't find it! Flames mid-air! Secures the double and with it Falcons in big trouble.
1v4 for Tessas gonna strike the first man off the tally but look at this all of
vitality are hunting him across the map they're not playing a contain he is in
a box flames even has the bomb over here at TV and so no winning this for Tessas
surely seems suspicious knows there's a chance it's I will from afar and that
seals the deal on a very dominant CT side only one found past that initial exchange for the Falcons
Vitality they are firing on all cylinders they're looking for semis
Oh
I think it's the one map for
Vitality. They came alive,
winning eco rounds, winning
a Zairu rounds and taking an
eight for first half. Fantastic
start for Team Vitality. It's
Falcons map pick. It's the one
map for Vitality over time has
been susceptible. They lost it
to G2 earlier on in the group
stage, losing their map winning
streak. They're not think about
and a 2-0 here to get straight into the semi-finals and get some rest ahead of a big weekend.
And this is Vitality looking to start this second half with a bit of a bang.
It's all in over here towards being Nate Pateces.
Oh, it's surprisingly meager.
Thought he was gonna get a nice meaty nading, but gotta do it now in the brawl.
Flames double opener, and with Apex here to back him up,
it's a very quick pistol out of vitality.
Flames are just lying in wait.
Patience meant to be a virtue, but in comes monosie with these door barrettas.
Open to change their fortune, not cut out for it.
It's a Robs double that seals the deal on nine rounds of vitality,
Well, this guarantees them a good start here in this second half.
Vitality is just a team that make you think, why can't I do that?
A simple B rush with a smoke and a couple of flashes.
But everything goes perfectly for team vitality.
World's strongest players on the world's strongest team.
And they make quick work of a B defence to lock in a pistol round in this series.
Falcons, gamble, that looks to be avoided.
It's a very deep smoke, but it's just enough to get up on the stairwell here for Flamesy.
Surprise! Vitality onto 10.
I mean, it's a tricky road ahead of the Falcons now, isn't it?
Right?
They got this CT side, the rounds they found on these halves across the event has been largely
supplementary.
And the few times it's been under scrutiny, hell, even that whole comeback was caused
by, you know, some CT woes having to do it on your T half.
It's also just the fact that with these CT sides, this first gun round, you know,
there's no time for a slow start here.
If you fall down in the first rifle round, maps as good as done.
So this is the one Falcons have to have results in.
They've got a bonus round to go up against out of vitality.
Galil's Mach 10.
So have an edge in terms of the firepower.
But it's around you have to win if you want to have any hope on Mirage.
Oh, spotting Niko. It's big, big. It goes both ways. They catch him on the spam. He follows
up and Monosie has support. Vitality reduced to a three-man push, but Robs and Zywou still
alive. Oh, dear. Pressled away this advantage, but now it's just Mezzi and gets clapsed
upon. Valkyans keep the pressure applied throughout that entire round. Starts with
midtake. A lot of guns there and they're all keen to fight across the board to stop that spillover
out of vitality. That exec almost works too well for vitality because it draws falcons quickly back
into that A site believing it and if Niko is not under there, falcons don't get that info on the
double midwalk and maybe they get shot in the side of the head of the connector but Niko
big jump spot to get that information him and Monosy force a 5v3 so starting
position favors Falcons and they go for it again double under clearing a lot of
the map quickly but vitality no lurks today they just explode set piece but a
man down over the top of the stairs it's flames giving chase get into the
side I love this bomb plant and right now CT is a bit of a pressure point
Only one guy here for the Falcons fam connecting. It's Robs looking for this space out towards the spawn
That says come on dive nothing
Gonna need this if you want to be able to play around that bomb so Robs holding on to this space is a big deal
Oh, there's a follow-up Kiyosuke gets deleted and now you've got Robs in a power position with hot hands to kills deep a
Lot of time ticked off this bomb as well this duo of monosin Nico while they were able to claw one clutch away from
Zai Wu, how do they fare versus Robs? Deepview's being held, can't get them off of it and they'll
sneak that one away from right under his nose. Whoa, so close there Robs. Body blocked by his teammate
and Falcon sneaked that one through. You really felt the consequence of losing that sport control
for Falcons. Robs in a prime position to win the round and Falcons just sneak it out from
from underneath them. Staying in the CT side. Back to back gun rounds. And that one from
a disadvantage. We're right back in and Robs isn't stopping. 5v4 in middle. Double trade
for Kyosuke. It's a brawl in mid and these guns need to be retrieved. Falcons get better
from it 3v2 and they've got the push they know both are in middle huge flank for
Tess's
as the map goes quiet the back your head you're wondering have they gone back
could they go under could they go short there are big gaps available here and
so Tess is taking a sweet time is given room to vitality oh he's gone for
the big ol' clear all the way through mid, so yeah, that won't be known about till they
actually get spotted by Monosy in the B site, gets the info at least, and so Falcons won't
get slightly ahead of this, but getting those rotates now.
who players in through the short side, Apex looking for the spot.
Ooh, it gets the info on both, knows about them,
and allowed to pick and choose his moment there to go and swing on to Tess's.
It's a full short side retake out of the Falcons.
Vitality have ended up in some good spots.
Molly forces Apex out into the open and Mezzi can't hold on.
Falcons are clawing this one back, making a real case for themselves.
You've had a bunch of these pacy calls out of vitality looking for that knockout blow trying to
Just secure the round that breaks the money for the Falcons and puts you very very quickly
Over the line on the map even in these difficult situations
They're situations you expect vitality to win right even recled kitchen
They figured out that both were coming from shore side
But Falcons are winning from hard spots right now dealing with that 2v2 in a after raps is double and spawn and right there as well
Modesty rotating to join his team and Falcons winning a retake on that B bomb site
Credo and credit is due here
Falcons making a lot from nothing
Kissik he wants to abandon ship. He's
Spent time with the scouts and when you're planning against my telly every round is one you have to take seriously
even with investments like this.
Oh, he hit that.
Mezzi with the tag.
Oh, close.
And it didn't hit the window.
I think that's a kill that Tessa's just living on borrow time.
We've seen a Deagle round one by Vitality on the CT side.
So with early health advantage, they're going to give it an honest go.
Great position from Kixxan.
We've seen this really pay off before and go under cleared.
I'm like, how is he going to make that mistake?
White spacing as they round the corner.
So Kixxan's going to show some discipline.
He lets Apex out.
That's our first guy.
Cross, but waits for the pack, gets out with his double and Modesty's there to
deal with Apex as he makes his way through the ramp smoke.
well handled for Kixxan.
Now should just be a formality now.
Flames and robs, dangerous short.
This AK for Flames needs a clean finish and it's a good double swing to keep that one in check.
Love those moves from Kixxan there, right?
Not just letting the first player go because he wants a 2 for 1,
but also just communicating to Modesty, he's walking through the smoke.
free kill from Odyssey and kicks and gets a double up before Flames trade. So just high
value on that position. Not the first time he's used it either. Vitality slowing down
on this T side. That's four rounds in a row now for the Falcons and a rebuy with everything
but the AWP team vitality. Double under. Seen a lot of these setups from the Falcons.
and it pays off yet again.
Covers in, monosy and Nico, an annoying duo.
I see ya.
They just slink away with the 5 on 3.
The aggression isn't done.
In spite of a bunch of aggressive moves to open things up, Tess has once even more knowing that
there's got to be concessions in around like this for vitality.
He's just going to park up here because it's a 50-50 angle
and it's the least likely side that you clear.
it's the hardest site to get to.
So as Vitality Go B, you'd like to say
this is a guarantee one for Tess's,
especially the AK, no dinks.
And so Falcons, this is gonna be very,
very difficult for Vitality to recover.
Who walks in first?
Shopping block, flames gone.
Tess is now removed and Robson's IWU 2v5.
It's the names that give you some hope
to hold onto here for Vitality.
It's the fact it's these two.
Robson, Zywoo side by side, but it's Kiyosuke to get the ball rolling on this.
It's left just to Zywoo, line up on short, can't control the spray, down it to a one-round
game.
Kiyosuke, huge CT side impact here, right?
Said he was having some trouble, some difficult rounds, pushing through smokes, getting awped
in that first half.
He has had a series of impactful multi-kills on the CT side.
trades on these retakes. Really nice to see a recovery inside of this map as now vitality
are pushed to the limit here. One round game and no economy, so half buy comes in. Oh fearless!
Oh! Lucky to still be alive is Flames.
It's a bit of a slowdown here.
Oh, Kixon just takes it right back.
Is this going to be miss info though, you see Niko rotating for the meantime?
Or they try and focus on middle, Kixen left alone for the meantime?
That's a monosy back towards the spawn.
That's why, hell of a way to go, 3 kills found on the ramp hold, Kixen's done his part in the round and then some...
I mean, with the captain just multi-killing these rounds, Rammside,
Whenever Vitality have looked for these late a finishes
It's making life that much easier for the Falcons all the way to a tie game
These are the rounds that maybe frustrate apex a bit as well because you know everyone there you have
Expectation your team are gonna get trade kills and Kixson's just wiping the board
This is seven in a row for the Falcons from ten three down
This is what we said in the first half that resilience that we saw it's one thing to do it against 3d max
It's another to do it against team vitality six in a row rather, but still
It's a mammoth streak that they built up all the way to a level playing field
I've been in the lab cloning
And replicating a great defensive half and you kind of felt it from vitality
They very much thought they could just shoehorn the wind through on this one with all those
very pacey, very explosive rounds, the early calls of set pieces from Apex, knowing that
the one round would have done it. You know, you would have broken their money. This game
would have already been over. A4 would have been over. They never happened. Yeah, A4 converted
pistol. I mean, you're definitely confident at that point. Why wouldn't you be? So I
would find you getting us all back out. It's been some time. Potsch out in middle
and no connection
Well, this is maybe the the most passive start from both teams yet the most important round yet
It comes with the territory. It's the tie-breaking round.
That's a looking for an A-side finish, our vitality.
He just can't let Kickson get another multi-kill, man. Sure, he's not deep rammed this time.
He's playing more standard position. It will be cleared.
But Kickson can't afford to get a multi-kill vitality.
That's why Modesty being over towards his b side is great.
Look at all the resources it's freed up for the Falcon.
Sure, the AWP is out of position, but it means there's a four man stack over here on A and
Kicks Hand's just played it through the smoke.
That's Robs up top of the board, dead first for Vitality.
And looking for a clean sweep now are the Falcons.
They're going to move into the lead and one hell of a way to get there.
Zai Wu hounded down, hunted to close this. Falcons take the lead.
Full disruption, full disrespect from Kixon. I mean, the pressure is off and he is absolutely playing up to it.
Taking command of this game right now, felt dead in the water after a four-round T-side.
But Kixon walks backwards through the Palace smoke, drops, robs, and smoke pushes for vitality have not been nice to them.
I mean these rounds have been getting cleaner and cleaner for the Falcons. That's the other worrying thing
It's been a long time since Vitality have had them even close to kind of feeling the burn feeling the stress
Just going for it now
Living like live
Surely not
Surely not! Even now, still good for a double.
High stress situation, you wouldn't know it.
And Apex can't do a thing at Falcons.
Map point in their favor.
Higgs can, he just got the last bullet kill as they dropped in.
That is unbelievable.
How many times, he's still negative on the KD, but his impact in the CT side
cannot be overstated.
Another multi-kill in a new position for the captain of Falcons.
And a frustrating T-cypher Vitality who just cannot get back on the board.
A round straight.
And this is where they kind of were against G2 the other day and they still won from a similar position.
I doubted them there. Do we doubt them again?
Vitality has always seemed to dig themselves out of these spots, but this looks so hard right now.
Falcons, everything has been going right. Every round has been clean.
Molossi's barely had to use his AWP, and now he strikes onto Apex.
How do you win this round? Is it Falcons with the first map of the series?
Flames trying to ignite, starting here with a double.
Keeps this one half, Flames finds one more on the top of that smoke.
So you asked for it, you said they always seem to dig themselves out.
Can Flames be the guy?
Kicks down throughout this entire attempt at the T half has been the problem in these
A plays.
So often good for the multi-kills.
He could do that again. Now, that's gonna tee up the Falcons.
It's only Robs remaining.
Kicks and can't be stopped.
Mr. Multi-Kill.
Falcons captain seals it with a 3K,
and they lock in this opening map.
They were down.
You thought they were out.
Eight, four down.
As they moved in to this CT half, or they walk away,
10 is all Vitality get.
Well, that took quite the turn of events, especially if you're a Falcons fan and you
seemingly find yourself on the edge of either your chair or maybe a heart attack.
Either way, you damn sure did it here on Mirage and you got it done against Vitality,
the one that everybody wants to beat.
Jake, what in the hell is going on?
That was a good game of Counter Strike.
That was a quality game of Counter Strike.
especially from Falcons in that second half.
I think Harry said during the cast he had the latest status as well.
It just got cleaner and cleaner and cleaner from Falcons.
Really proactive on the CT side.
Kyusuke finding a lot of impact.
Kixson stepping it up in moments as well and doing a great job with the AD fence.
And it just felt like on the vitality side of things that they run into a wall
no matter what they were trying.
Whether that would be taking mid control, falling back going into an A hit.
Trying from the beginning of the round to 2 channels.
Kixson on the A bomb side didn't really work out.
So at the end of the day, I got to give it to Falcons.
That was a clean CT side and a great comeback from what was a messy beginning to the game.
Yeah, I think it was a game of two good CT sides, right?
Even Vitality in the first half, managing to come out on top in the fours by wars.
But even from that point on, having some good reads, being aggressive,
being proactive, Falcons struggled to really get anything going.
As you can see, just winning one round after those first three at the start of the half, right?
And so I was playing well, Rob's is playing well.
You're thinking, all right, this is it after Vitality is able to win the second pistol.
But that's when the defense from Falcons stepped up.
You see, you could tell they were on phase by the score.
They just played some really good CS.
The energy was there.
And yeah, Kixson was unbelievable on that day.
Bombsite. It's almost like he's he's playing for a billboard position
or his I don't want to say career, but obviously has an app's purpose
right here for everything that the Falcons are trying to accomplish and they're in because
they do just that. Obviously the question marks wrong. Kazuki, you know, where do they
go now?
I mean, CT side was great by him. It's not that he had a porty side, but the entirety
of Falcons couldn't really break through and couldn't really get it done after the
initial beginning to the game. There was a bit messy, but CT side, he was firing
on all cylinders, great in the trade-friking department and Kixxen as we spoke about
already shutting down the bomb side, not by himself. But thanks to him, you know,
It was a tough time for Vitality to break in.
Jacob, let's run it back to that first half. Let's run it back.
Yeah, I think it's only fair that we go back to round three,
and Karazeth, the scene for how the game started,
it was messy, it was back and forth round three,
was a great example of that, where Vitality, you know,
not winning the pistol, not winning the conversion,
they still have a little bit to work with right here.
You see a USP, you see a Deagle, you see a 5-7.
Essentially, this is an unloosable round, if you have Falcons.
However, they get a little bit surprised by the mid-pressure,
and then all of a sudden, Messi comes in and gets a double kill.
A bit out of nowhere. Rups finds himself with a 5-7 in a favorable position, gets an easy kill and all of a sudden
It's a 1v1 where he gets a little bit lucky there, say it, you know
He attacks an eco twice with the deagle, through the smoke right here, throws him down to 0 HP basically
And then the 1v1. Sure, I think Nico does well by repositioning, but Rups instantly jumping out the window getting the kill
Now the reason I wanted to show this round is that it was a messy beginning and usually when this happens to Falcons
when they lose a round against USP, against pistols, no armor,
that's when you see them capitulate.
And that's kind of what happened in the first half,
couldn't really get it going,
couldn't find momentum, couldn't fight the drive again.
And that's what makes the second half in the CT side
that more impressive.
And this round was crucial because of the economy, right?
Because Falcons wins the round after with a forced buy of their own.
But because Vitality won an ECO,
it put such a big buffer to their economy,
when then Zybu is able to get the AWP out.
And I don't think Falcons expected it, right?
really caught him off guard he found an opening kill with it and then Vitality
was able to sort of really break the back of the Falcons and sort of take
control of that first half. And who doesn't love a close-range 5-7? Like
honestly it was probably in his favor Jacob I know we were watching it
together it's kind of like he's got this in the bag he's got the great angle.
Nah right out of the window but all things considered there were just
moments of what you would say almost brilliance in the counter strike can
be so macro especially when it comes down to not hitting wall bangs. I'm
around 16 was a turning point in this game from from ropes you know a clutch
that could have gone his way and that's a raps in in his best shape and when he's
on it you know could have won this one this round to me there was a big
difference maybe you see the scoreline right here 10 to 5 the comeback
hasn't really started for Falcons just yet not able to find the kill not
able to define the diffuser right here and from this point onwards it was
Falcons on everything as you can see the scoreline turned out to be 13 to
10 so they won everything around from this point as well but there was a
when this is clutch, it was a close one and we wouldn't be having this conversation now.
It was a reset round, right? And they were in a 2v4 and then you see Robs in CT,
getting one killed and getting the second bomb is planted for him on a C-Slow HP,
already seeing him win the round, right, with how he's been playing in the first half as well.
But, you know, Niko sticks it and they're able to win the round and just keep rolling from
from that point on, it just feels like, man, for Falcons,
you know, things are coming together in this tournament,
of course, and they would have crumbled,
like Jacob pointed out, probably long before this round,
with how things have been going,
but under the circumstances,
they're able to have that goldfish memory, right?
Like just keep rolling with it,
keep playing the next round focusing on that,
and they were able to come out on top,
nine rounds in a row on the city side.
Yeah, 9 rounds in a row speaks volumes at the very minimum.
Obviously, we get down to the nitty-gritty being towards the end of this game itself in round 21.
What do we see?
Dude, this was just really, really cool CS and proactive CS from the side of the Falcons.
Right in Kixson, we talked about him as well, 12-7 on that CT side,
but felt like he had just a ton of impact, especially down the stretch.
So Vitality sort of slow round, getting some mid control,
but I don't think they put enough pressure on mid for Falcons to really be scared of it, right?
We see the smoke from CT spawn for apps, maybe that caught them a little bit off guard
and Kicksil is going to be making another play here, you can see him on X-ray.
He's right close to that smoke, he's expecting this piece of utility.
He probably knows how this execute looks like and just this completely shuts down the split, right?
Right because one of the avenues of attack is taken away. You can see all these players coming out ramp now
They're worried about that they have to look there as well
Because monosy was posted up on B with the op they had a force rifle rotating towards a which enabled
Kyosuke to just hold connector while Niko was able to fight ramp from bench
And they just absolutely dismantled vitality in that round wasn't even close
Let's talk about a Falcon CT set it start on dust 2. Let's let's shift the focus
Yeah, I think as a second way into the game, I think it changed the playing field a bit. I know it's a map
You know statistically speaking Falcons
I think at what 48 or 45% win rate or something like that
But a couple of those games have been with new clones as a stand-in
I think they are a vastly different team when Q-sukes in the mix
He likes to pick up the op from time to time on that CT side and the double op setup
You know potent potential with him and monosie seems to be working out quite well when they're playing does too
So I think it's gonna be a different outlook for Falcons right here. I hope that they can find the economy
Hokusuki is not necessarily forced to pick up the op because he's not working out,
but proactively is doing it so he can shut down the B bomb side by himself and then free up some
manpower towards the B splits and also towards the A bomb side. Yeah and this is their worst map
statistically actually which is so strange considering the players that they have right.
You feel like Dust2 should be their whole map really and something that they should be able
to find a lot of success on. I think the struggles come on the T side somewhat right
like Nico playing that upper-bieler crawl, I mean, that's nowhere near his wheelhouse.
He's kind of wasted his time.
In terms of what comes natural, I mean, in my opinion, he was one of the best
map control players on T side, you know, like understanding the timings,
the different tempos at which you can take short control,
the exchange of utility that happens there as well.
I think that's where Falcon starts faltering.
That's why sometimes they lean more towards set executes and set rounds,
because when they have to go for these defaults, taking cat control and everything,
you know, the spacing isn't there, they eat a ton of damage from utility and whatnot,
so hopefully considering, you know, how they've been playing in this tournament,
they do a better job at it because Vitality undefeated on Dust2 this year, right? That's
their favorite map, that's their best map, and if there ever was a map for them to bounce
back on it's this one. So is it even a question mark then when we think about
sort of the containment over there on Dust2? Is it a question mark here? Are we
really gonna say the Vitality might just get to out? I don't think they will. I think
Vitality are still the favorites in my book but I think Falcons are good enough
and have played well enough in this tournament to say that it can make the
game ultra competitive. I don't buy into Falcons you know given that it's
the lowest rate of map they have. Again as I said context is that they
played with New Clones at a couple of tournaments very hard to find any
sort of consistency when you're constantly playing with a stand-in so
So I think Falcons are better than the Resolve show, but as Janko said, Valkyrie and Dust2,
not only this year undefeated, but last year it was the best map in the pool as well.
Let's put it this way, Falcons were to 2-0 them, they'll need some help in terms of whether
winning both pistols, whether winning a 4-spy here and there, some crazy clutches, right?
If it's a standard game, Vitality has them.
Which is going to be interesting nonetheless.
It's always interesting with Falcons and Vitality in the server, and that is exactly
where I'm going to lead you.
jump back into it. Dust 2 is on the cards. The Falcons will start on that CT side.
And after winning map 1 against the world famous Vitality, we're going to see if
they can close out the seeding match on the other side. We'll be right back.
You're watching Intel Extreme Masters.
Placent matches set your starting point.
Facet rating measures your impact as you climb.
The soft ELO reset narrows the gap between the highest ELO players and the rest of level
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Your starting point will be based on your recent ELO inactivity.
We're introducing Facet Rating, so you can see exactly how much you stack up against
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Facet Rating measures how much your actions have increased your team's chances of winning
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Season 8 launches April 22nd.
Good luck and have fun!
If you show them, they're going to kill you!
They're going to kill you!
Something special to tell you is to know
It takes all through and after it's...
Calvitsa!
We are back!
What's he looking at?
Inspired by our French comrades.
I've decided to shuffle things up.
And we are swapping rules!
A catastrophe!
Wait, does that mean...
Yeah, it does!
This is the big time!
Alex, the machine! Tell me, how is the shuffle?
Even though it seems like it's too easy to lead it!
And your tooth?
You must have confidence in the shuffle!
Who ordered all of this?
Now hold on a second!
I get the chance to speak with Zolnik as well and I'm not going to address the elephant
in the room about the rosters, everyone gets to be and speculate themselves, but how is
your famous facet ban going?
It's going good, maybe even to an extreme where I think they are barely playing facet
right now at the moment.
They definitely took it, but this is sometimes what happens with the team that they kind
of overact some of the things that we are saying, but so far I'm happy.
And I think on a serious note, I think we are playing better, and I think we
are playing these situations much better.
I will not credit it all on the FACIPS initiative.
I think some of the talks that we have had has also helped.
But yeah, satisfied in that regards.
I'm asking, because I think Monasi said in one of his talks,
it might be on stream, I'm not sure.
But the force you made was that you
want to spend people to work on internal issues,
like team issues.
After a practice, would they spend more time on the server
with each other?
Is that some kind of a deal which you wanted to enforce
this ban?
Just so everyone knows, of course, some of them have individual sponsors
who might have to plan this ahead.
And of course, if Nico cannot sit and play, I don't know, among us and what not,
one of his dreamies is obviously going to play, so we will try and plan as good as possible.
But yes, the idea was that I felt when we were playing, we would do scrims,
and then after that, people would go on each side and then they would play facets.
And that's it. I actually went in and manually checked all players in top ten.
how many faces they played from a certain period and we were far ahead of everyone else.
I think Mongols came a bit close, but in terms of top five at least it was extreme.
So the idea was that I want us to, for me, randomly to go on a team speak in the evening
and see two players talking about their bombsite, what they can do, different reactions
and how we can play different situations.
But the byproduct of that is that you also restrict them from playing it
in a bad habit environment, right? And it shows, because I think ever since that man,
we never had this radar moment on Falcons anymore.
Let's not jinx it. Let's not jinx it. I just don't want to see it to that extent. I mean,
of course, you will see rounds slipping. I also saw Navi against Furia, where I think
they actually managed to win it, Furia, but it became very close. I think it was
2-5, so shit happens sometimes, but hopefully not to the extent that we have seen in
the past.
Thank you all for these valuable insights and good luck.
It down near is defeated this year 42 and 4 since Robs joined the lineup.
This is hands down the scariest place to face vitality are in a 14 win streak as well right
dating back to last year.
I mean they've got every number in their favor and sure one of those losses is against the
Falcons but sometime ago in a different roster.
So I have to see what Falcons can do.
They can power up and give us even more in this series.
A very impressive individual performance from Kixen.
Recovery for Kiyosuke and across the board.
Resilience for Falcons.
And that's maybe been what we've seen more of at this event
than recently and maybe ever before, right?
Dominant loss against 3D Max turned around.
Same thing here against Vitality.
Sky's the limit at this point for Falcons.
But the job is far from done.
Now with the odds so stacked against you on Dust 2, you would love to get off to a good
start in this pistol round.
Have a bit of a beeline right now for the Falcons, three players over there and that's
while Vitality go looking for Catwalk. If this ends up being the A plate, you're looking
at Nico and you're hoping he's able to turn the tide in your favor because he is here
alone. Very hard round to win with no kit or nades here for Falcons. I mean you need
a multi-kill and you need it quick because Vitality have full control. They've got
the sight, robs very late on a lurk and he's waiting for his time to strike. Bomb
down seems like Tess has got an inkling and so he's just hunting for robs but with
that kill coming in you do feel that that sways the odds massively robs is
not giving you that kill back he is wasting your time just a shut down of
the cat side retake and falcons knew exactly what they were up against they
knew robs was floating around if the rest of the team are out catwalk he's
somewhere in the backline ready to pounce.
Yeah, and of course, Falcons don't know where they're going,
or they're hoping on the B stack that they've set up,
but it just felt like they played kind of a nothing there, right?
They weren't playing to put pressure on Caten
and stop that, taking the side,
but they also, you know, two 1v1s on rups along.
It's to be expected when you lose A.
Ooh, that's just the eagle.
Being masterful of this tournament against Spirit
was putting up some incredible moments on CT side.
So 5v4 taken here on this force by interesting force for the Eagles with armor three smokes
looks like they're just going to cycle them on this long position.
I mean, when the Diggs have been treating you so well, why not give it a go?
Yeah, I wonder at what point do vitality just call the bluff.
You see, sometimes you just push through this smoke on the left wall because rarely
someone playing behind it and Falcons are going to throw a couple more of those smokes in
they're buying as much time as possible
maybe the realisation will dawn here smoke block can only hit it once though
and not much of a gap to work with
Oh, they're not even certain.
Our second smoke should make it obvious.
There's the spot on Zaiwu, but not in a forgiving mood.
Him and Flames side by side are able to get through the Eagles.
Spam even connecting there onto Kiyosuke, and this one is a foregone conclusion, vitality.
might have given the room to those smokes on the long side but they'll rip it all
the way with time to spare. I like the idea for Falcons but yeah certain
fights are much harder than others right when Vitality get to scale and
get past car it's really hard to stop getting on the bomb site these are
easy pickings as I will wow that was through the smoke with no info
seemingly and so cleanly done here despite that 5v4 advantage
Keaton gets back to it, but no hesitation by Talty, swing out middle.
Now they're just flexing.
issues here in the early fleet of rounds.
They're going to say no to a bit more damage. That's what Niko's hoping to find.
I can't let you know about him. And so no chance to play.
All right, gun round. That's what you've been waiting for.
Going to have the monosy AWP coming out from the word go.
Zawoo also gets his.
So a chance to watch these...
Two top AWPers clash.
Yeah, Zawoo top the world, monosy, top of the event right now.
It's had two very strong series.
I must certainly... no slacker back on barrage.
Unconfirmed and falcons playing the cats pushing all the way up
It's a late take over at Long.
The smoke and flash will get them out.
Dash the smoke shows they know there's an open play, right?
They can expect in this round.
They think it's at Long.
Means they can get out of the corner safely without worrying about flash timing kill.
So he was on his own.
I'll get out for him too.
There's a lot of guys around here on cat and mid to try and pressure Zaiwu hoping he can get away.
Well the rest of Vitality do have their eyes set on this A bomb site. There's the openers.
Oh, Kiyosuke bailing them out through that smoke and him and Tess says they've just stolen this one off of Vitality.
The lurks might be drawing a lot of attention, getting kills on rups out through the B site,
but none of it matters when the pack gets shut down on the A play.
I really thought that was a nice pullback for Zayu there, right? Falcons put a lot of pressure on short head
Three players trying to get that control back and when they when they failed their initial plan
They've come up they cook up a new one really really quick
Back through CT smoke keeping pressure on a through the Molotov and they brawl till the bomb is loose two players of vitality left lurking
against their will
And it's not like Wops even played too passive he got out B and got a backstab as well
Also, very nice move through CT for Vulcans.
And this is a classic setup there, often running close on cats.
Most mollies won't even touch this position.
And as you can see, jump spot doesn't even get the info.
Finds out the hard way.
Apex, next on the chopping block.
Covering for Zywoo, keeps this one even,
but a lot of damage sustained on Robs.
And the woo and Robs guy is on that B push.
You lose info on that half of the map.
If you were planning on picking up
that bomb and rejoining him,
you've got to come up with something new.
You're 50 seconds here.
That's why Robs runs out. He realizes or he thinks that B is entirely clear.
Honestly moved in very quickly. So, Killfeed letting Robs down in that moment, and a huge
swing for Kiyosuke to bail out both his teammates. They would have got lined up there by Apex
on Cat. So, Falcon's vigilant pulled back in a 3 on 2, and there's 20 seconds, boys.
If the Fatality want to actually give this a go, they're gonna have to start running.
This setup doesn't need to give away the kills.
Are they really doing this?
Double P. Messi does what he can, but time is the enemy now as well.
So just gonna try and get out with the AWP.
Oh no.
Oh, that hit!
Oh, he died!
Messi falls!
is the clock runs out. That's a death off the time a disaster for vitality and even hit
monocle of the clock as well I think. Oh dear, oh dear, no money, no orb. That's a big punish.
One of the closest deaths off the time I've ever seen. Hilfied went into the next round.
of those. I didn't hit him. Just the orb. Okay, there's a two very clutch rounds for Falcons
early in the game here. And a massive chance to actually springboard yourselves into the
lead on the back of it, right? It's forced another buy through for Vitality, but now
with limitations, with Messi's death after time. Not a great deal are you telling this
This one either for vitality.
This may be having to be a bit more stripped back.
Options removed from the vitality playbook.
It's just everyone walking up cat right now.
Util's gonna displace Niko.
I'm just going tip for tat with their utile on short denies the space.
This is a big problem with 45 seconds left.
Even now, trying to remain active at the falcons, flash play over in mid, they see nothing
and they still hear players on cat.
Oh, he lets him go.
Oh, and he walks back in.
What a spray for Zywoo.
Gonna stop the spillover, monosy.
Found by that tech knight.
It's Kiyosuke on a smoke push, hoping to bail them out.
Rob's back star moving in long side.
Tess says, just gets gone in time.
And he's kept this one going.
There's 10 seconds left.
Messi will have the plant locked in a 1v1 now versus Kicksand.
I'll rotate for the captain already on that jump up, as he's got to get eyes on
Down to the scout as the AK runs dry and he can't find him on the swing Falcons
Tie us up early on Dust2. A single bullet left in the AK
It doesn't get more difficult than that and he got even given that headshot angle
But Kixen keeps up his appearances from map 1 first killer the map for the captain of Falcons
And he saves their bacon here huge 1v1 picked up and Kyosuke
still just continually pushing smokes. He is keeping the pressure on in this rotation role.
Such a massive round because now you finally get a bit of reprieve or at least you're supposed to,
right? Even with the bomb plant, it's early doors here so Vitality don't have the cash to
really make this all too threatening. So this could lend a very helpful early game lead to the
Falcons. Honestly, even taking some liberties knows there's not as much to worry about
in this round so just I swing down through mid on this or even goes back to it a second time
and now ready for the swing out through lower as well
as support so not going to get entirely scared off by this util
I'm honestly connecting it's always a joy to watch
just removes two players with that scout up middle
Vitality, a desperate attempt.
There's smoke on the corner, Kiyosuke, it is in hot water here, he's been cut off on
the A side of things, so support comes from Kixson, and just pistols should be a problem
and so Massacred here are vitality, five alive for the Falcons, four rounds on the
CT side and all in a row that's the cleanest one yet every other round has
come down to one or two surviving for Falcons so bit of leeway here given as
vitality come in with a fall by they're gonna have to defeat back-to-back
rifle rounds to break Falcons at this point in the game so rather comfortable
position on the CT side of Dust2 right now having money to fall back on
Yeah, it's 5 alive around. It's just such a great boon to it. It's an already great CT half
Already on one hell of a little streak building up
And for a team that you know on strangers to the double or pier on dust to have any extra cash available
Just gives you another option eventually that you could reach for
See vitality feeling the burn a little they use their first hack time out there
as the guns make another appearance I need to figure out how to get back to
their winning ways chaos again right through the smoke testers is full blind
and both vitality entries come in excellent late flashes here even more
punished potential for robs oh he's got jiggled got the info and nice
clinical headshot that should lock the round here for vitality 5v2
Never a team to jump the gun in these positions.
Honestly, this has too much to watch right now.
And Vitality have successfully avoided him, but I don't think it's the end of the world.
You're happy to keep this AWP. It means you can drag it into the next.
for this. The moving players into CT they want to get this AWP away from monosy. He is not
too keen on that idea. Another death and it's a big problem for Vitality. Three is the bare
minimum you need to get out with. This is Risky Spam. Kixson's on the other side of
the smoke. He's got a good position. And he picks this walks right through so that
We'll have consequence at this point of the game for team vitality. The round is nice, but
Three kills on exit is costly
They know how important just taking that all away was that's why they're willing to risk it all
But monest he gets a long spawner he gets another go
I won't be meeting anyone at the long doors, that's how you don't play for it.
Instead they're focusing all their attention early in this round over towards middle, got
that smoke down, flames in lower, rest of the gang out in top mid and this is just
to squeeze any type of early mid set up a short peak for the Falcons.
And so space taken here for Vitality.
They've got the real estate they were looking for,
still have ROPS in the upper tunnels, so maybe an up-tempo mid to be here.
Gamble, Nikko's in sight.
Flash, they're gonna go on the back of it, Kiyosuke.
Can't get got on in time, having a turn from that flashbang.
Nikko tucked in.
The car nearly the lineup needs a couple and they know to expect kicks and floating around back of the site does what he can
It's monosy to claw it back to be to round it's still on
Moving quick as well dropped off the orb. They've got a lot of utility a lot of chance to burn positions out here
The Falcons make use of this or do they just use the element of surprise apex spotted?
He still goes in, but it bounces out through the door, giving a bit of a window here.
Four Falcons to move in.
Carr is the biggest threat, but that's been mollied in so has Big Fox.
Robs pushed out of position, Apex gets his, Tess says he's jumping through the smoke,
blinds himself and Robs holds on.
A difficult post-plot for Vitality with a lot of pressure and multiple molly positions.
They still get out with both players surviving.
into a B-stack and you would barely know it, very well put together and Niko hit a great
timing as well. That's a real shame to see. He crouched, uncrouched twice, letting them
past and then only got damage on the second.
It's starting to feel a bit of freedom now of Vitality. They've broken the finances.
Oof, dick.
Honestly, I grew up at the top mid but long control has been taken in this downtime.
nothing found for monacy. That's
even though they went and took all that
long control they actually go back clear
our middle and all of the Falcons over
here on A.
Round still built in a way where it feels like it will be this A side finish.
Oh, that's before the flash even popped.
And you know when so much time has been taken that they're coming up short as well and
you just don't have the manpower to deal with this.
So well handled there to keep it clean.
All right, he pissed off vitality now they're playing clinical three rounds in a row
Defeating a B-stack
Getting a clean 5v2 execute the yes a loose three players in the chase
And in terms of the way they've won these rounds. They've been very very well done for team vitality
They seal the half in their favor
Aggression on the A side of the map, solo B hold to allow this to come through, boost
on cat works, wonders for monosy.
Very surprised as he flanked us, run out there rare.
My time's even flashing now, they've been using a lot of utile, they're aware of the
monosy AWP, they're aware of the proclivity to do cat setups with falcons.
They heard the long take utile and they saw the boost, that might feel like knowledge
enough that this B site is weaker so they've full rotated back around looking for B.
Rashes on. Oh, that's the Falcons Prodigy, Kiyosuke.
Alone on this half of the map and it's not like these rotates are going to be quick,
they are a long way away so it's all him. Gotta put on a show. Mo down on the first two,
he's done his part in the round. Through the smoke as well, kicks and double. He can't see a
thing. Molly burns Vitality alive and kicks in, mows them down yet again. Beautiful hold
for Kiyosuke. Dodges both flashes, eats a grenade, still takes two with him. Lot of responsibility
for a solo player. And that's going to keep Valken's neck and neck in this game, looking
to even the half at 6-6. And you're right, perfect reaction for Vitality. I mean the
B hit was the right call at the time they did it. Even monosies opened up in this
round, he's trying to apex up top mid. He was running down mid with the HE on the
smoke. Whatever response, nothing comes for free. Long taken with that corner smoke
in the way though. Oh dear, everybody getting stuck on each other.
Rops is up in a very active light, you wouldn't expect him here so soon.
I usually reserve for far later in the round, but Rops ready to tee them up.
For this one, the backstab on Monosy nets the trade at the perfect time.
Got a cross though.
Smoke falls in to facilitate exactly that.
It's not perfect.
Luckily, Kixen helps him out.
Sight's been lost.
Kiyosuke can't get his, and now it is. It's just Kicksan and not for long. Vitality will power on through, able to win out here.
It's their tried and tested Dust2. That's what they're going to have to rely on if they want to extend play and make this a three map series.
I
You come around my head, but soon and now, don't want my love to be any.
I just wanna feel whole again, yeah
When you come around
My heart is bursting out
I don't wanna be strangers in these days
Cosmic life for seamless
I swear I saw the light
I pushed the body
Flying saucer in outer space
And your love can't bring me face to face with you
I swear I saw your eyes
I felt it coming
You were full that I could taste
And your love can't bring me face to face with you
I swear I saw the sun in your eyes
I'm the black horse, I'm a rising soul
I call the doctor, said I need a re-up
Cancelling dreamer, give me my head
I'm so somebody, you run as I so
You can't walk the line in a spell
I call the doctor, said I need a re-up
Cancelling dreamer, give me my head
I don't want to be alien to you
I swear I saw the light
Falcons soaring towards a semi-final if they can get through Vitality's Dust 2 42 and 4 over the past 15 months.
See Vitality saved to say in control of this game 7 rounds on the T side and some great moments from Zywu and Robb's
as expected. Falcons dug deep last map, though. They were 10-4 down. Can they do it twice over?
Yeah, tall task in front of you. All the numbers back up by Taliyah here. Undefeated on Dust2 this year.
And since Robs joined the roster, no squad ever beating them twice on the map. Falcons
one of four teams that have bested them at some point on the map.
Four.
And all in brawl in middle and Flames is eventually punished.
One more bullet would have done it.
Nearly got away with that reload, but nearly doesn't cut it.
Leaves you in a three on three.
It's time to slow this one down.
Still have that belt of Utah on kickstand for whatever play
is ticking through his mind right now.
If there was a player who was going to trust with the USP, it would be Robs.
Backplot on B, Apex confirming, flank coming in.
So I was still scared of Cat.
They don't know where the three players are.
Robs confirms.
They're dying.
And that might just be the rounds.
I was on too health here.
Unless a little bit of luck comes in and Tess is refusing to go down for free.
in a head shot position. It's
apex or it's nothing here for
team vitality. Smoking just to
be annoyed at this guy on the
platform that let's I will peak
with a bit more freedom. Apex
finds another. It's a kick
sounds going to clutch up.
Thought you had this one in
the bag. What kicks and takes
them there? Huge clutch from
the captain pistol round
and everyone's having a great time.
Kixson's just put on a 3K,
and around it never should have gotten that close,
but my God, he had to dig deep.
And what is it with Falcons right on the edge
of changing a player when they put on their best tournament?
It was MVP for Dexter in Bucharest right before a bench.
And now Kixson is making one hell of a case
with rumors floating and circulating.
And right now he's putting on some of his best maps yet.
One of the signature guns for Apex, this Max 7.
Oh, it's falling down!
Two kills there in the tunnels and an immediate middle finger the way the Falcons.
It's a thing with Vitality, there's no such thing as free rounds when they're your
opponent.
I will even just attack here with really up the pressure on this T side.
Honestly, feigning a mid to B.
Scaling up on towards the catwalk, it's Flames in the site itself.
No one really in a position to help him, so...
This just becomes a matter of what can Flames do? Has teammates back in the spawn?
And they're a ways away from being involved.
Flames finds one on this eagle. They're hunting down the CT kills.
head-on and swivel for monocling, but not done yet.
Mezzi provides the cover.
A vitality, it just snatched on away.
Apex is letting them know about it.
And what is it with vitality in these second rounds, right?
You thought they couldn't get better from last year.
2025, they won 25% almost of those forced by rounds.
In 2026 alone, they've doubled that number,
winning just below half of attempts in that force.
They don't need a pistol right now.
And they send a serious message
Right back the other way.
1400 bucks for the Falcons.
Forcing them down the drain.
We're certainly starting to see some of the usual Apex outbursts.
Vitality, this one's taking energy, but not every day that they're kind of pushed to these
limits in the groups.
It's just so nice that Apex has these little signature things like in-game, right?
It's not just Nade stacking and some crazy Nades as well.
sure his team give him a lot of Utah on certain maps like this one and
Inferno CT side as well, but it's the mag 70s the only guy using it at the top level to a degree like him
Even the scout for a while right you definitely sees I would pull scouts out
But you know 2024 and prior so I wouldn't like the scout. He didn't use it
It was just apex for vitality using that weapon in second rounds and getting an awful lot of moments with it
So he's got a couple of signature weapons. He got to watch out for
What do you make of this for the Falcons? They've taken a full eco here. Yeah, and that's to be fair
That's not what they expected after the round ended
They all immediately forced Eagle armor and then someone made the call they pulled it back
So they've changed their mind careful here boys a full send up catwalk getting a little scary
And this is Falcons trying to buy early, but
Vitality just saw what they were up against and they know what's coming. What are we gonna get?
We're gonna get you know max three AKs and those AKs will not have utils so a couple of utility players here for Falcons
I don't mind it. It's gonna maximize your gun rounds here. We know how dire
Those D. Cool force buys are on a map like dust to it is very hard to get away with a round like that and so
Falcons reducing the amount of eco rounds they get to play
This is what it's gonna look like
Now with some pretty severe limitations, got to have a good clear game plan in this one.
Ooh, a few swings and misses there for Zywoo in these midfights and not like there was
a lot to make life hard for him.
As he claws back, where's the hat-trick?
Bit of help from Flames and so quickly will look like a weigh in for the Falcons
gets turned on its head.
They're so strong, just spamming flashes over,
well, I'm sorry, but they weren't ready for me.
As he committed on the left side of middle,
it is quite the committed position.
Kixson, you've had a great series,
but this one is unrealistic.
They're all ready to pounce on contact into flames.
He goes and down he goes.
Triple kill for Flames, a vitality just three rounds away.
There's digging deep and then there's this.
T side of Dust 2, it's going to be 11-6 more than likely.
Nice!
Nice bike!
The vibe is back.
And if Vitality can get us all the way, we go to Nukuz's decider, a map that neither
team have lost this year, 6-0 for Vitality, 4-0 for Falcons.
Counter-Strike's most tactical map.
This long is standing.
It does just feel like a matter of time.
are going to get one full buy round and then they have to amass a serious streak.
All right. Rob's there ready to help out. And this is the gun round we've been waiting for.
And this is, you know, if they lose it, this is literally their only full gun round on the
T side of this entire map, right? Because they, you know, the compounding downside of losing
to that force by even though they take the eco a valiant move
That first buy if you want to call it that was far from pretty had a Mac 10. I had two AKs
So this is your best bet and it will be without an AWP to count as I won't and you know raps has also decided to bring his out
out. So vitality, they are swimming in money so much so they got the freedom to bring out
that secondary orb. While Falcons will have to operate without theirs, top performer in
Rio is Monasty and you won't get to have him on his weapon of choice in this very
important gun round. This is audacious. Robs. One more fire is off on the cross, meanwhile
Robs sneaks in towards top middle, now lower tunnels. There is two players here for Robs
to worry about. In danger of getting collapsed upon. There's no one else here to support
rocks in this endeavour so it's just him and his AWP! Maybe that's all he needs!
Double trouble from robs down at lower and the trades won't arrive. Kixxan
closed in but blocked by that smoke robs has an escape route opening up.
He's not even taking it.
Stay in a deathmatch-like position, sitting on the stairs, flames never getting clear
there and Robs is fired four shots with the AWP, still alive in this round.
Crossing, that's not allowed.
Two on four now, but bombs spotted back towards the B side of things, so I was going to be
hyper-aware.
And I mean that is now an AWP for Monacy too, so it's to play with the AWP at least.
This round or next, that's the question here for Falcons.
I wouldn't like my odds either.
You'd expect as I were warping car, not on B, when you consider what Robbs just did.
And so Falcons call it off and give that 12 right over to vitality.
I mean, look, you knew this was going to be a hard battle on Dust2.
There's a reason vitality, you build up such a fierce reputation on this map in particular.
But I never feeling like you've really had the the proper go at it in this second half is a bit of pill to swallow for the Falcons
This was a beautiful sequence for Rob. He's so alone in that lower tunnels bush
It's just not the eco's map is it he's the guy trying to trade that kill six and sixteen could not find that final bullet
round dies in tunnels and the map might die right here
It's how we're keeping it mobile.
Fall short side re-aggress with this off to cover Kiyosuke first around the corner learns about it the hard way
Are you expecting now two rifles just to try and really push the boat out here?
That's the bomb dropped. Honestly get a claw one back
But this I will walk continues to harass
Honestly plays it forward will get one over Zywoo. Oh, no
Flames can't finish his meal here and that's opened up a route. Backstab him for
Robs, controls the spray and honestly can't hang around to play the trade game.
Gotta move in with that bomb. Attends 2v2 for the map and Robs with the
reposition all the way around long side trying to keep him guessing you
never know where Robs is gonna creep up next. That's the spot at least.
Info found for the Falcons.
Messi has a looted capture for now, missed shot, unable to punish.
Oh, nails that and there's the Info for Tessas.
No, it's all about him!
Messi playing it forward, seals this one with a 1v2.
You just can't write off these individuals.
Everyone can have their time in the limelight for vitality.
It's a no-end to the Dust 2 streak still undefeated this year are the vitality squad this one is going the distance
Magic being undefeated on Dust 2 what a time to be alive just kidding
It's a very nice time to be alive you are in that vitality fan pool
They do pull this one right on through for the Falcons who won the first map in the series dust
You definitely go on the vitality ways. Where's the supper nuke at the end of the road here overall?
Jacob Pinvinecky and YNK Janko Poundich and not that particular word.
Yeah, I mean once again my tell you are showcasing to us and the rest of the world why they're so
dominant on Dust2. Their wing conditions are so many, so to speak. It comes from everyone. Messi
with a beautiful clutch right here. In general his CT side, second half Messi did a stellar jump.
T-side was somewhat decent as well, you know a bit back and forth, but it goes without saying
saying that when Vitality played for the 38 games in Dust 2 last season and the 132 of
those and now they're undefeated in 2026 as well, I don't think we've ever seen a team
have a domination like this on a map for such a long period. I know we had Astralis back
in the day with Nuke but then kind of fizzled out, you know, last more than six months for
Vitality to be the undisputed best team in the world on a map like Dust 2 for the
vast majority of what, 14, 15 months. That's crazy.
Yeah, and we can see the stark difference compared to Mirage, right? On a map like
you can get away with losing an eco, having a poor start and maybe you can still come back into the half on a map like that too.
If you give them an inch they'll take a mile, Falcons losing that second round.
Then even in the gun round, the first gun round, they had an opening kill on to Xyro 5 before fumble the round from that point on.
That's all it takes for Vitality to just run away with it.
away with it. Which is crazy, right? You just think about the sort of wake-up that is vitality.
You know, if you've finally got them against the ropes after map one, Jacob, and then you come
into map two and they've woken up, is it a scary prospect? Of course it's a scary prospect when
you're going up against Vitality, but the game was competitive up until that point. Scoreline was
seven to six and then they lose the second round in the second half that is Falcons, and
from that point on onwards it was no longer a game, right? So it only takes, as Janko said,
it just takes a couple of mistakes, takes a couple of missed opportunities, and then Vitality
are gonna showcase to us and to their position every single time how good they are on a map like dust 2 so
you got to play picture perfect conus frag if you want to beat vitality on dust 2 and falcons weren't able to
yeah and you know we can look at some of these rounds we can start with 14 let's talk about the force by Jacob
yeah again apix with this gun he's done it so many times on inferno he keeps doing it on dust 2 as well pushing
in towards lower it looks easy and maybe it is a bit too easy as well no utility to fight him no
utility to put him out of position he gets a double kill and from this point on what falcons
have to play the 3v4. Pay attention to Flamesee right here. He's playing by himself, but he's
doing such a good job at staying alive. He's giving up his position, but he's staying alive.
He's getting back up. He's getting a bit of help with Grenade coming in from a teammate
and even gets a kill right here, which makes it very, very tough for Monizy and his teammate
to do anything right here. Despite Monizy trying to do everything he can, it ends
up being around going the way of vitality, and that was the last we saw of Falcons
on this map. Want to give it to Flamesee. Again, he's had a great 20-26, but
Just staying alive knowing how to play their ventures and doing it picture perfect
That's part of why volatility is so consistent in this map and it might even have oh sorry go ahead here
Yeah, and it's a simple play right?
I was holding mid at the start with a scout
He doesn't see anyone so apex can go into lower
Without the T is knowing about it and no people are wondering why are falcons just walking down lower B
Well, I mean that's a risk they take because they probably wanted to do a sort of a faster B split
So they don't want to make noise in lower B
You also don't have full utility across everyone in that round for the Falcons
So they want to save some of it for the execute part
So it's just a combination of you know, the worst thing happening really the way where apex gets to tucking close with a mag 7
Gets a double kill and then in the end, you know, they're not able to win the clutch Niko was with monocene in that to be
3 wasn't able to get anything. Then he had a really poor map after what was a
decent showing on on Mirage. Just couldn't get anything going on Dust2.
Yeah not ideal at all but I mean for the side of Niko and company you know you're
in this game still right? Like you definitely still have a map ahead of
you. You definitely still have some I'm just gonna say it girth in this series
after all right? So you're playing first. Here's a callback after all. That's true.
Those wine bottle situations totally different timeline though.
Well, I think we're going to have to wait and see, but we know how it did play out earlier,
between the two teams, a map they have played against each other, and a map where Falcons
have also found success when it comes to playing Vitality.
So I think I ended up heading into this one with quite a lot of confidence, again to
to be in this position where you're technically in the best of one game against Falcons,
maybe booking a spot to the semi-final straight away, that's a good position to be for Falcons.
And Nuke, as a map they have shown inconsistency on, I think when they play everyone else,
but against Vitality, every single time they play it, it's been a competitive game
and they've been able to win as well.
Yeah, absolutely. And I'm going to keep my eye on Kyosuke in this one,
especially on that T side.
Like this is perhaps a map where something is left to be desired, right?
When he has to be on his own, just sort of create space, right?
Be a little bit more sneaky.
I think that's where there's still some room for improvement on his side of things, right?
And we know how important Yard is and going for those splits through Secret and through Ramp and all that sort of stuff.
So, he's going to be the focal point for me on this one and then Niko on the CT side, right?
Because he plays out there on the CT side, had a rough Dust 2 and we remember even in Melbourne in that grand final,
him going up against Apex a few times in some of those rounds deep into overtime and just have to do a good job of
getting information to his teammates, right? So Falcons have the pieces of the puzzle and know how to react and rotate on the map.
Is that similar situation to what we see with Apex? Sort of sometimes putting himself in the fray, in the fire, in the midst of Nuke, nonetheless.
I mean, he will find himself in some very unadvantages situations.
Yeah, tough words, by the way.
Yeah, I got me.
Sure. I think there's been a development though in the way Apex approaches Nuke. I think there was a time in his career.
There was a time in Vitality's world back when they integrated.
Spinks, where his role was changing quite frankly, he was playing Ramp at a certain point,
which is I could be the worst position Apex can be put in on a CT side.
I think he's matured a lot.
Can't sit still.
Yeah, can sit still.
I think he's matured a lot.
I think there was a time where I didn't like the way he was approaching Gjad.
I think he was a weak link.
I think he was a liability for Vitality.
But I think he's definitely matured.
And then he's found balance in how he's working with Saivou,
how he's working with himself,
how he's not always giving up his position.
Also, Apex will have a couple of rounds where he is going to be aggressive,
where he will gain information in the art that can then cause rotation on the other players.
So I think he's found a good balance in that.
And I'd say that's one of the reasons why I tell you I played Nuke so well,
that he's found a way not to be a liability anymore.
And I think Rob's man on this map, on both sides of it,
he just makes whichever team it is that he's on a good Nuke team,
because he's an incredible Nuke player.
On the CT side, he really is unique in the way he leaves Ramp.
And when he decides to do it, sometimes he picks up the AWP and plays further back.
Sometimes he fights outside, sometimes he goes secret.
It's really hard for you to put a pin on where Rops is going to be in a round.
And then on the T side, he also revolutionized and sort of set the met on
how you play that lobby lurk with some of the more aggressive plays.
Also knowing when to hang back and let his team do the dirty work,
he's just such a nuisance on this map.
Which is a crazy thing to watch sometimes, especially...
I don't think it goes with saying that there are unsung heroes in every team,
but I'm curious where you find them in a team like Vitality.
There's unsung heroes everywhere.
I think one of the big ones to me has been Flamesy so far in this season as a whole.
I think that's also what's changed in Vitality in 2026,
why they've been able to play so-so well, that he's found consistency
and he's found a level of gameplay where realistically right now you know if you were to power rank the players of the year
He's in a top five conversation right now. So that also helps
I know we looked at the results earlier as well that the Falcons have beat Vitality twice in a row nuke
But it's five months ago, and it's nine months ago or something like that and a lot changes in Counter Strike
And one of the biggest changes in that period has been flame see in the way
He's been able to find impact for Vitality throughout 26
But and at a level that we haven't seen before from him if you're looking for a wild card
You know you remember that quarterfinal game at the major for Falcons and his way having a live game when you're playing upper bomb side
I mean mezi also tends to step up on this map right being that a anchor just really good at fighting off some of those executes and then also late round
Staying alive in the Bob side finding multi kills shutting down his opponents. That's something he excels at in mezi with a ton of input
They're on dust to so it does bode well that you know, he'll stay activated and motivated rather here on this third map
Speaking of which, and again, this is a seeding game if you are watching at home, Nuke, how's
the series end, Jacob?
I think Vitality will find a way to close it out, still.
To me, they are the more stable unit, obviously, with everything that's going on in Falcons,
but I wouldn't be surprised if we have a close game on our hands.
Curse to see the duel between Saibou and Monizy as well is always a bit of a hidden
miss when it comes to Nuke, head to head between those two, but yeah, I can't
see why it shouldn't be a close game, but I'm etching it towards Vitality.
Falcons.
I think Falcons win go straight to the semis and then someone else knocks out vitality on the other side of the brackets
Really? Yeah, that would be entertaining. That is that is what they say. Why not man? Yeah, right like come someone else win rather than
vitality every now
Absolute cinema. I think is what that would be anyway
So we're gonna go to a break
We can't jump right back into the games themselves with vitality in the Falcon squaring up in this series for that higher birth in the
Playoffs are going to be going to nuke and yes the Falcons, but no Falconry. This is not manga. It's the Intellect Stream Masters
We'll be right back
And I'm gonna double P if he's getting his shot.
Oh!
We had a dominant run in the beginning, we won three tournaments which I think built up
majority of the day on slam and I think at the end it caught a bit tight, yet the pressure
was building up, the tracks were running out and I think it was the third to last one which
very closed it. If we didn't do that there then it would have been way more stressful and way
more pressure because it started to get close but you know we still had like two left
after that, if he wouldn't have done it.
Comparing the phase run to the mortality run, I think.
Well, first of all, obviously, I wasn't here for the first tournament win,
which Vitality won in the grandstand itself,
but I think the difference would be that the Vitality run is way more dominant
and we did it as fast as possible.
Basically, I think we won three tournaments
and then we even won Dallas after that,
which would go on to the next grandstand points.
You're not going to try to think about it because that's going to distract you, but I think for sure you're going to have thoughts of, you know, you want to close it out in the moment and you want to get it done in that nowhere final.
And I think when it comes to a point where like we're in the final map, we're losing quite a bit and they're about to win it.
I think there are 12-6 in the lead and you're probably having thoughts that this is not the time and place,
but it's just unbelievable the way we clinched the Grand Slam in that moment where it just felt impossible
like 30 minutes ago in the same match.
In terms of winning two Grand Slams back to back, I think we don't really talk about that specifically,
that specifically, but it's more about we have conversation about how much we can
win and how dominant we could be. And we said several times that we don't want to
waste these opportunities that we're having a super good team and we're
all just in a almost a perfect spot to be the best team of all time so we
don't want to waste this opportunity and make the most out of it if it
happens. It happens if it doesn't it doesn't and you know I think we're
on the right track and part of it of talking about this that's
Dominance is winning those grants and it's back to back and I think, I mean we have made history
along the way now so far and you know that would be another historic moment for sure.
Dream about winning one grand slam and then like potentially having three is yeah it's,
it does just make you speechless and like I, you know I go home and I sit there and like how
did this happen? Like how do I have these gold bars just sitting there? By now I have two
at my own and it's just you know they are very memorable bring back some good memories of each
and their retirement and others or part of everyone so to have another one is just unbelievable.
We're going the distance all the way on to Nuke.
The donor is one, Hugo.
Let's talk streaks.
Let's talk where these teams are at.
Vitality, it's 18 Series 1 in a row.
They're also undefeated on Nuke as well throughout this year.
Not what they meant to play a hell of a lot.
Same can be said for Falcons, their opponent on this third map.
Ninder Squad have dropped a Nuke in a few times they played it this year.
Yeah, it's not been against necessarily the elite competition,
so this should be the most competitive game yet, right?
6-0 for Team Vitality 4-0 for Falcons, solid records,
both losing it back in Budapest.
It was Vitality in the final to phase of all teams.
And of course, Falcons eliminated by Team Spirit, but this is a different day, a different game,
with different stakes. Vitality searching for a grand slam, we just heard Rob speak about it as well,
making the only three-time gold bar holder. And of course, Vitality, the back-to-back,
the only one to ever do it, does feel like a matter of time, right? Still having here,
Atlanta, Cologne, all these chances available, but why wait? Why delay? Why offer any other
team any opportunity to get in the way. Team Vitality have made a very clear the goal is to
take it here in Rio de Janeiro as Falcons on the way out perhaps of this current roster are looking
to do what they do best and upset. Try and finish off this series. This would be quite the legitimizing
win for Falcons. It's one thing to do it on Mirage but Dust2 was a bit of a wash and here on Nuke
should get harder.
That's on one side of the server the undisputed number one in the world.
The other, the squad that was supposed to be the super team to stop them.
Okay. Convincing ramp hold here in the pistol.
As Vitality go back
Right in it's what aggressive starts out of test says at the heart
One might make it down the vents, but once I we're gonna do here 1v5 with a plot at lower
Make a chase
Now who hears this a litany of footsteps. There's nowhere safe for him to hide
And so falcons will start things off with a bang a clean pistol
to open up map 3. You can just never get comfortable, right? That's what we learned from the series, even when Falcons find pistols.
Vitality still have a habit of getting those second, if not third round eco wins.
It's an understandable reaction for Vitality to go back. They see three Ramp players. Well, they see two, but the Ramp player, not even in the kill feed.
but unable to make it down easily. Tess is big 3k.
And here is that expected force for vitality after a bomb plant.
With only one kill means only one gillil. So I will have a lot to do.
You know, we talk about these windstreaks, Harry.
Now, who was the last team to beat Vitality?
I mean, I know the answer, but for the sake of it, I'll play along.
Team Falcons.
And of course, it was with Nuclearons.
Keep in mind, Kyosuke and Rosta, but something we've talked about before in this series
reason you will heard all about is Falcons playing with less pressure when they do their
best work. Be that beating vitality in a third place decider at EWC, it didn't feel
like it mattered too much. But that one carried far more weight back at the start of the
the year. To do it again would be crazy. That would be three head to head in a row,
one by the Falcons. And just like that, Vitality, look at the
Winter Force. It's a good double for Kiyosuke. He's
at least kept Falcons in the conversation and has modesty to move in on this rotation
And that's the bomb dropped.
What was looking like a disaster now could be recovered.
Apex and Robs arriving late to the party.
It's a vent luck and it's promptly shut down.
Falcons breathe a sigh of relief as they pull through 3v5
after that double kill opener in towards lower.
Kiyosuke able to keep the round going.
And Monosie plays to clean up.
Yeah, it felt like it was a good performance.
Kiyosuke but not enough.
And all of Falcons able to flood in
and stop the late Apex. They're ready for it after throwing utility.
So good reading situation and we actually see Vitality taking the full eco. So not going to be
tempted to buy in after a lot of damage, but looking to get their gun round out in number four.
Oh, big nade and no Apex is up top as well.
Vitality need these kills more than Falcons do, so they'll pull back to CT spawn.
I like that you're just not making it easy for them, you know, they're kind of trying
to tempt you in with the pistols out in the yard, hoping that you just come gunning for
the eco kills but that's not where you deal them you play back don't let them make it expensive
so falcons get out with four alive when all this said and done no issues here on the conversions
Nico's had a bit of a tough series had some good moments of mirage but Dust2 was lacking
I feel like this is one of his best sides though, or at least has potential to be CT side on Nuke
You can see him starting main most of the rounds, sometimes assisting Kiyosuke on ramp
For the most part dealing with outside and this door pressure
Breaking the smoke, vitality not crossing behind it on the first volley
They're allowing the cross but they're still playing for information, they want to at least
no. As another wall of smokes comes down. Oh, that actually falls short. That is not
what they wanted.
Oh, that's really awkward. Yeah, this is apex to try and brute force something. Didn't
have any more smokes to kind of replenish them out in the yard and that could prove
to be a costly error.
Honestly, he caught out, gets away with a big chunk of damage before he's dealt with.
Backstab here for Robs, need a kick-sign to get gun on, trade secure, but a lot more still
to do.
Low health on these main fights and Tessas holding the line, but a great start to this
game for Tessas.
And there's he at 2 HP.
A far cry from winning this.
Bomb dropped back in main.
That's just the beginning of his problems will have this route down the vent, but it's heard Falcons can now give chase uses Molly
If he kept it, it's why he could have burned then and actually bought time
I don't think you can win this one right now
They're gonna have him at least after the plant if not before and so not even extra money for vitality
Holding that Molotov would have made all the difference in that one V2 clutch with tests as low
And double CT then can't say I've ever seen that but it works well for the Falcons on this top hold
Dude, you go acknowledge the game the testers is giving us to open this up
He's eight and oh topping the charts for vitality got a big 3k in the pistol
Pulls through in a big way for them in that round right stops the the split in its tracks
Shuts down the entire main component on his own. It's a think the one little miss smoke kind of ruined the whole round for vitality
They would have had Falcons in the dark in terms of being down secret
They could have even made it themselves, but they lost a player advantage from that smoke alone
That's what's around
Kiyosuke on the chopping block
Just gives him the space so does monosie
Really wall bang
Apex is stuck
Looks like they want to flush it out
Playing heavy to resist out in the yard and heavy down at lower as well.
They've got Apex trapped out here behind red, but taking a lot of attention away, allowing
his boys to creep up through hell, trying to close in on these tech nines.
Falcon's doing a good job of keeping them at bay.
Okay, first time that fight ever been taken.
Last time here for Vitality, because 2v5, make it just Siwu on low health, whittling away right now.
Nicely done outside, monosy triple kill on the AWP, Joyce Tassez at 8 kills, top of the server.
They've been talking about how they've been trying to kind of refine things as a team, right?
Make it a bit less individualistic, playing off of each other.
other thing you've noticed that a bunch in these early rounds like no unnecessary risks no kind of
giving vitality what they're wanting on these pistols just play in the range game
back in each other up they're playing these crossfires out in the yard that were really hard to get through
because you know you had monocy and kiyosuke ramp you could have played for that space earlier
in the round you could have tried to contain them
But it's nice, you know, low risk CS on display out of the Falcons to open up Nuke and it's
doing them well.
Now last go round for Vitality was one miss smoke felt like it cost them everything.
So how are they fair now that everything's gone, a picture perfect, drops barreling
through the doors, securing entries out into this top site. And that throws you through
a loop because Rob's this spinning top up in A.
He pulls the wall over the eyes of the Falcons. Honestly, he might arrive at lower, but he's
not long for this world. He is out of there.
When the lurk goes so well, it's like an entry. Triple kill top site. And in fact,
Falcons are closer to B.
Well, I'm tired to do get that bomb down and Falcons look to walk away.
Well, I say that, Niko.
Exquisite in the vents, Iwu holds it down and that will send Monosie back to spawn.
Excellent. Little pump down Lola.
And nothing Falcons can do about it when they get laid to waste on Upper.
Oh, Robs.
They have heard that.
Doesn't look like it.
Have you wanna let you save that AWP, so...
Picks it up for Zywoo, takes four kills here and puts Vitality on the board.
It's not too late, it is never too late, as we've already learned.
He robs you for having a really, really good series.
One at 1 MVP and he blikes the way it felt, so came to get back there.
Been a real driving force here for Vitality.
To step in the right direction, there's still a ways to go, aggression for monosy on the
orb to open this one up.
Deep angle out towards the hut, likewise Kiyosuke looking to get stuck in over here at ramp.
So looking for lobby info, looking for lobby fights, but nothing will be given.
to the Falcons with Robs in this position, Mezzi, to back him up.
He's passive right now.
This is all the while Apex has been roaming in the yard.
And in-game leaders 1v1 on lower at the same time, so,
honestly, he's not missing right now.
Good man to remove as well. Everyone breathes it a little easier
when Robs is out of the picture. Apex is going to get caught and knife out in it lower.
Not today.
Dead on arrival this round, three on five.
Rob's gone, no low-level control.
Flames is in a decent position, but Falcons are well aware of this, and the timing peek
for kicks and catches Flames looking astray.
Mezi and Zywoo.
I would see what if I Towsie walk away in this, and yes, up the roof they go.
falcons not only get around but get a flawless round when they already had a
bit of money left up. It's going to propel them on this CT side making a very
convincing case right now and sure you keep in mind like both these teams
already in the playoffs quarter-finals a worse case for the loser of this
game. There's more on the line for vitality and it's not even just a streak. It's the fact that,
you know, vitality don't play quarterfinals. They are not used to this, right? Sure. The last
time was Chengdu last year where they got out of the lower bracket in the group. But for the most
part, this is a team that always win this seeding game and go straight through to semis. What
does that do? That gives you an extra day off. It gives you a chance to rest something very
important for a team that always play tournaments out to the final day, who always play a BO5.
You know, other Rosses are traveling after group stages. Vitality are longing out every single event.
And so, sure, the streak being broken is one thing. They've set up a higher one than that already,
but it just means more days of play for Vitality if they're going to lose today. It makes that
run harder towards the Grand Slam. Can they level up right now? 6-1 for
of Vulcan's full control, everything going well.
I feel very content with this early lead you've been able to amass, but you can never get too comfortable here.
Well, it takes a lot for Vitality to get very threatening again, so...
Apex spammed.
These spams, the connection from honesty, all of it goes a long way.
And already, you know, there's been a bunch of rounds like this for Vitality,
where it just kind of feels like there's not a lot left to do anymore from the word go.
Yeah, and, you know, it's one thing Apex pulling his knife in secret and getting cleared by Niko,
but that's just random smoke spam.
And it's put Apex down 0-8, it's kind of killed the round.
And yeah, this is a good answer for Vitality, just going together and going into this topside, but you already know in a 5v3 there's going to be ample players here.
Tess is in a great off angle.
And he's been red hot to open up this map.
Tess says, convincing shutdown, lines up the double, and there's no more issues.
Now who's just going to bow out of this?
You don't really have a choice. This is why, this is how Nuke can feel constricting sometimes on the T side.
You need a lot to go right.
Your early staging util has to hit.
Your smokes outside, your vent smoke.
Pressure early in the round.
And then get a player down secret.
Then you can start mid-round and you can start using your pieces.
But if you're just stuck in the lobby,
and you're getting massacred outside like Vitality are,
what are you supposed to do?
Oh, not even the savers guaranteed.
going down to the wire as I will will get out to the all maintained but I mean
you know does that was that really serve here for vitality they're gonna need
something something's got to go right they've been getting wrecked in lobby
they've been getting spammed out in the yard list of problems feels never
ending. Meanwhile for the Falcons, just going from strength to strength and I'm loving the
way these rounds are looking. That's the thing, they're very pretty rounds out of the Falcons.
It's very considered, everyone's on the same page. You're being aggressive, but not in
a way that you're risking loads. I even think of some of these monosy angles where, ooh,
felt like it was going to be a monosy opener. They've given him a second chance at redemption.
can't make it happen. Dead on that peak, Zai Wu able to deal with him, so finally results
out in the yard of 5v3 for Vitality.
Apex has pulled back right now everybody, right? We've been given the chance, this is what
we've been waiting for all game right now. Let's actually get to play out one of these
advantageous positions. So no one to die. Vitality go all the way back. Tessus is
making a nice move, but it's a high risk one because the trade feels inevitable
from Robs. Let's see, gets it done. Four on two. Side of relief here. Two top performers
of Falcons felled. A four on two for Team Vitality. They breathe. It gives Iwusa more
time, but they're getting set up for this A-split.
KS2K is going to be here, but has a lot of responsibility, fully alone, KSAN, playing
for lower.
The option would be to fly up through the vent, or I hope they bring it down here,
no reason to do so for Vitality, so as to get in behind them, it's KSAN arriving.
out with his one but the trade is right there. Very well done for Vitality they
slowed down at the perfect point it was a bit of a miss from Odyssey. A kill that
would have absolutely changed the tune of that round but Zairu goes on to win it
out. How close this was Zairu jumping over even hit the leg and finish what
he started. Feeling good you've been able to kind of stop this streak from
amassing again but it can't just be a one and done for Vitality.
Senses you're not really used to saying this is a squad that's always lethal so
let's see if they can go on a bit of a streak here to close out this tee half
they're around away from breaking the Falcons money this is what's been good
about Falcons every round it's something different it's a new idea it's a
new starting position for Monizy it's Nico now getting aggressive and up and
over since I wound down. Monosy has his back and this terrifying twosome outside is knocking
vitality out of this half. That's more like it from Nico. Very quiet series.
Yeah, I mean, they know they lose that last one based on the fights out of the arts.
I want to see Nico say no way, not happening again.
And these very active starts with the Falcons.
And another round that's over before it even begins
for Vitality.
It's very hard for Apex to call out of this situation
because it's just the setting up to the round,
they're getting destroyed in.
Nico's pushing through the outside smoke,
jumping up and finding Zai Wu.
or Dacia's moves being made by Falcons?
I mean, you know, we talk about pressure with this Falcons squad, the idea that they always
see to give you your best work when the pressure is off.
This is maybe like the least pressureful match on paper because play-offs are already
guaranteed, right?
Like you said, coming into this is between quarters and semis.
also playing Vitality, best team in the world. And there's the kicks and rumors swirling.
So they're giving us a fantastic game. It's rare to see Vitality look so stumped. That
is a real rarity. You don't get this. Like you said, it's in the early staging of the
round. You know, you're not getting a cross-secret. You're not getting to play a mid-round.
The rounds are so decisive against you.
Yeah, it's these two game plans clashing for vitality.
It's pretty standard.
It's where we want to go outside.
We want to get secret.
We want control in yard.
For Falcons, we're going to disrupt all of that.
And they've done it perfectly.
Think about how we haven't seen an APOP.
We haven't seen a single bit of contact on ramps
since the pistol.
And so Falcons calling a great game right now
and holding up their side of the bargain.
Eight to two.
It's never too late.
Double wall, all fake.
They don't want outside anymore.
They've had enough.
And so this is where Falcons,
after a bit of a breather,
have got to be ready for everywhere else on the map.
Kiyosuke, no support right now.
Now, you think about how outside focused this game has been?
There's next to no one here for the Falcons, so Apex's little ruse he's tried to throw in hasn't exactly worked.
There's plenty of guys nearby to help out Ramside, Monosy being one of them, hoping they can bait them into Kiyosuke for a bit of a mowdown.
Dispatching guys to go and deal with Apex, they'll deal with him on this secret lurk.
That's just a great read of what was going to come their way in this round.
I fall short. Dude, these smokes have just been getting caught on little lips. It's the
outside one that bungled them earlier. This falls on the line and they just go swinging
in together. It doesn't even matter. Double kill for Messi. The bomb can go down.
All right. This would be a huge boost to vitality, 2v4. And a double kill on that transfer
out of Messi's, giving them a fighting chance. Honestly, and Tessa is the two top performers
right now for the Falcons. Have to try and recover this. And that bomb is ticking away.
Time running low! Robs with that! Beautiful transfer and a 2v4 mesium! Robs combined!
Oh my! Never count them out. We already know about it, but Vitality dig deep in a very important
round late in this half it is a recoverable half with four on the T side but so much has to go right there
huge spray down and rob saves them just as well
grab side woozorp and vitality look to put it to you straight away
That's the end of the stalemate.
Any time you can get Monosifar in that AWP with no opener is a win for Vitality.
Amp is completely empty in this round, it's not Niko Lower, it's Kiyosuke who's gone all
the way down secret.
Monosifar takes around back, but Vitality are about to go in, this could be awful
timing for Monosifar, he's going to have to hit some close shots.
On that AWPing, one under flames and then just backs out of there.
Meanwhile, Kiyosuke is firming up the defences outside, confirms that these smokes are
just a fake.
a very good picture on where Vitality could be in this round.
It's a trap or it's a trap. Which one do you want? Both sides cordoned off and the
longer you wait the closer Kiyosuke gets. Vitality don't know they are on the clock
right now.
the topside.
Robs loves this little position back at the door and so
Kiyosuke. Oh, what about going further? Robs with the check
and now a route opens into the topside. Apex moving
in to take Heaven away up here alongside them is Niko.
Tessay's gets his but there's the arrival of Niko's
He goes back stab and that leaves Zai Wu in a very tricky situation one-on-three Vitality
clutching it's straws for a fourth round.
They hope to spook him off the bomb plant didn't pan out but the back stab is right there.
Falcons seal the deal on a dominant CT side.
It's Monosy topping the charts top performer here in Rio and he's trying to show Vitality
What he's made of!
Well, stop the presses.
this for a headline by tally
win streak in jeopardy falcons
with a commanding lead here on
Nuke winner of this going to the
semifinals. This was meant to be
the last flight of this falcons
roster if rumors are to be
believed. Kick sound though
before he departs wants to give
them something to remember.
Shocking first off here for
the Falcons. We've got a bit
of a tag getting it together
Team Falcons can't take it away from them right now. Great to see Modesty, who's not just the event top performer after two dominant wins over 3D Max and Spirit,
but keep it up against Vitality as well. He is leading in both maps and now in the third as well as the clear front runner and Tessus as well.
Modster CT side, big pistol win that did have ramifications, a streak of five to start this map and Vitality could never land back to backgrounds.
They got completely disrupted outside.
The scary part about this position
is any mistake, any lost pistol, any lost anti-eco and you are done.
18 wins in a row, 14 vitality, Falcons the only team to beat them this year with a standing
back at bounty and now they look to do it again.
to get to the end. The desk
were saying and coming into
this game, right? Despite
everything for the Falcons. This
head to head has been generous
to them since Alan Kiyosuke
winning this game three out of
four times, and you could argue
with when right third place
decided back at EWC. Who cares?
Grand Final Vitality picking
matter back at Pro League
since that point back to back
wins for the Falcons in this
this feeling that, oh well you know it's team Vitality, sure they're going to start a little
bit further back in the playoffs, but that doesn't stop them being the mammoth favourite
when we get there, but it is still a kind of bad omen, a dark mark that would hang over
you heading into this all important playoffs with the back-to-back grand slams on the
line.
Well I'll say this, the two events of Vitality didn't pick up towards the talent of last
year, this happened either lost a game earlier in the group or they lost a seeding match
in the group and started in quarter-finals. That was Chengdu and Blast Rivals in Hong Kong.
Two events that Vitality didn't take. They were wins for Furious. A quarter-finals cursive of Vitality.
This pistol round is a requirement. Flames is at a quiet game. Looks to start things off with a
bang him and mesi securing these openers
we falcons in a very tricky spot niko with the p250 has to figure out a way
to link up with kicksan i've got a minute and 10 seconds left but they
are on other ends of the map
and you breathe easy with a pistol in your pocket
Vitality happy to see it
Going to go searching three on the ramp
Live and die together a is completely open Kixon's patience while he waits for his teammate might actually benefit him here
They're definitely going to check this flames from afar
Catches Kixon and the bomb and so a few seconds would have made all the difference. Can Nico do it himself another player spotted?
drops on the roof, and Vitality not willing to give him these easy 1v1s.
Rops comes back down the ladder, and oh no, Niko Flick!
Don't tell me Niko won before in the pistol is a reality.
One still to get past, and Saeho has missed this opportunity.
Niko now gets to give chase. Oh, dropping in!
That Saeho deleted! No, no, no!
This wasn't meant to be a Niko round.
Flames is suddenly feeling a great deal of pressure.
charges him down on the back of the plan. But again, Niko remains elusive.
Watch away from the 1v4 and just comes up short.
Such a nice try from a Niko who's been pretty cold today.
But in this third and final map, putting on one hell of a show
and it's still not enough, extinguished by flames
to find that must win pistol for team vitality.
And as crazy as that would have been, now it makes for a competitive map.
Flames bails them out.
And he even hears Ai-Wu there saying about how vitality need to play tighter because
you're not going to get any opportunities.
I mean, at the arrival of the second half,
moving in with a 9-3 scoreline,
you might think back to the epic final in Melbourne
between these two squads.
It was the same scoreline there, Falcons in pole position
and I ended up being
right at the start of a very dominant vitality.
12-6 to Falcons if I recall on that final map. That was a long time ago.
And you're meant to learn from your mistakes, so let's see if Falcons have. That four-spy
doesn't go anywhere with Vitality picking it up cleanly.
That was probably the best final of last year.
Remember how that 12-6 comeback started was I was coming out B Decon in a 1v2 hitting
that transfer.
Beast has awoken in Team Vitality and they should just be a simple sixth round locked
in. Peek or be peeked. What'll it be?
Blinder of an opener for Kiyosuke. Ops can't reel them in, they will get out on the ram
side. These deagles do some damage, make it a bit precarious. My woo, playing clean
up and with two players down and lower there's no easy path in this one for the Falcons.
You want to go face this guy on the AWP?
I wouldn't.
Even now, Messi's making moves, moving up the rampside, trying to lend a helping hand.
Zailu just wasting time being annoying out here towards CT and refusing to go down
easily.
Oh no.
Eventually gives it away.
Now Flames' arrival has been spotted, that's a big naïve hearty on to Tess's!
Alright kick-san, what have you got for us?
I already lost that ramp ring with the Mezzi, re-aggress.
And so the path back into ramp is not free.
It's not going to take the bomb up into the heavens.
Only 20 seconds left here, it's a time running low.
I'm hoping for a mistake. He's not going to get one the less time there is the more pressure on the stick
He's going to put it down
Flames just gunning for him charging it down knows that that bomb
Has to get planted and so well handled there just to remove any hope for kick-san in that clutch
These rounds are so tense right now even anti-eco keep in mind that was
Armourless deagles to very well placed opening kills tests with a double kiss who can gets one
I mean, it is, you know, nice to see Vitality getting pushed and challenged.
This is a squad that, you know, have had to motivate themselves so much by thinking big
picture about their legacy and Counter-Strike, what they're trying to, you know, leave behind
at the end of it all.
And now, you know, the game's kind of speaking for itself.
You're getting pushed to your limits.
This is where you have to try and rebound and bounce back.
They find the conversion on the back of these pistols, but now they've got a gum
round to deal with it.
punctuated with a tag timeout Sonic hasn't felt any pressure in map 3 to cool a
single one after that fantastic first half so he's got a cache of pauses to
fall back on yeah we saw a similar thing from a blade yesterday right didn't use
any on the T side of nuke went up 9-3 saved them all for the CT side lost the
game in overtime
sometimes even an extra set of eyes is not enough
Every input matters at this point in the game. Falcons first go-round coming down.
Monacee's AWP ever-present, and boy it was in that first half.
Double AWP this early for team vitality.
I'll try and carve a path out in the yard, but already dispatched ahead of time to deal
with this is Zai Wu.
Good tab for Niko.
Oh, what a missed shot from that Zai Wu AWP.
These are big problems for Vitality.
It's like the first half all over again, instant 5v3 for Falcons, they slink back.
Difference is they have a lot of control.
Look, in times gone by, these type of rounds have been the problem.
Falcons, you've just got to keep your head screwed on.
Issue is Vitality a full split, right?
There's no trade potential.
Everybody is stuck in their own 1v1s.
Someone's going to have to save them with a multi-kill.
Learn about the Rob-sword.
Flames might just get overlooked in this position.
Oh, I needed something, Niko.
Bringing his A-game on map three.
Mezzi under a lot of pressure, under duress.
They're coming in through main and the heart, getting split on.
teammate on the way.
Rob's joining in for this!
Say, hold out! Combine!
Falcons get lit up, can Kiyosuke do it?
No, he's putting the dirt.
Mezzi and Rob's turn it around.
impossible round, impossible 2v5 back sight.
And that is a sickening way to save yourselves, it just feels meant to be.
2v4 in seconds.
And all five between the pen, our second orb carries them through.
Rops has given it back to Zaiwu, but after a round like that...
He's thinking look bud. You better give us something this time around else. I'm taking it off of your rocks is playing out of his mind
Yeah, you are vulnerable with a double or price of vitality often do this if they lose one
I'll just hand it straight back over there and feel the need to play and back to backgrounds once they've shown their hand
Did the same thing on dust to?
Second wall comes in pretty quick. No harassment for vitality. No nades on these smokes. They
let Falcons cross. Apex falls all the way back. He has full utility to play Block and B.
So looking to buy as much time as he can as a solo player in this site and hope the
falcons pulled back into our path as we've already seen that top site well
held
flames forced by that util he could want it to chase him down ends up falling
to the prying eyes of that Zywoo War.
Yes, and the player who upper feels written off.
Three players down through secret might be all they're left with.
Give this late lurk for Tessa is ready to get activated a little bit later.
Zywoo has been dispatched to deal with him.
A full rotate arriving at lower the four Falcons, even get into the bomb side.
This one is undoable, kick sand, too many angles, too many players.
a one round game. Just masterful team play here for Vitality, everybody knowing their role.
Flames, I can't believe he gets out there after committing ahead of the molly for the
fight, still escapes Nico's clutches and that just pushes Nico into Zywoo, who is everywhere.
One to punch on this B bomb site, Apex able to hold his position so well. And Vitality
are just the hardest team to put away trying to address some of this kind of tension that's
probably hanging in the air here right the game is well and truly closed up you had that golden
opportunity in the 5v2 that was the red carpet rolled out but the prime time stars of vitality
they're gonna steal that limelight off here
see a lot of the conversation hanging around kicks down and Nico back and forth
streaks on streaks on streaks and once again from an extremely unlikely position
they look to take the lead back are you gonna see if causing a bit of chaos here
can disrupt to this defense something a little faster mesi is in a fantastic spot to try and
shut this down first man makes it in and past him ignored oh my god well doesn't matter because
flames and Zahul doing the rest. Messi's just up here as a camera man! They caught in their exploits!
Zahul and Flames did everything! Suffering from success! What a great POV!
Messi's up here doing cinematic obs. Letting them know, yeah guys, that looked great for my angle.
It's a tie game vitality with a flawless stop to that topside exec.
He's just dancing right there and the rest of his team make it rain, four kills on that
topside and they don't even see Mazzy.
They never even knew he was up here.
Oh, ferocious shots.
Yeah!
I was...
I mean they're having fun now, that's the other thing man, like...
Good luck.
Vitality being all smiles.
Oh, Niko...
Oh, jeez!
Three of them come through, Niko's been bringing his A-game on map three, losing him is a big deal.
They threw that third naive from inside of A.
Flames, can he piece this together? He's thinking, why can't I get through?
Rubbin' Shoulders with Tessas in this smoke!
And there it is!
Free kill for Flames!
And Lobby cleared Vitality playing active, they're playing fearless, they've got nothing to lose.
The leader's theirs.
Soon to be.
Full Lobby control.
Zywu downstairs with the AWP.
Awaiting just that one jiggle.
Kixson might give it to him.
Maybe tradable.
Maybe not. He misses his first shot. Zayu has support. Good thing Apex doesn't want to
repeat. Willing to let Zayu operate on his own and he even gets out as well. Both these
B players are down to 7 health combined, yet Falcons still can't flush them out of position.
So slippery down here at B. I mean, it is a numbers game, right? You don't give away
those kills and suddenly Falcons have to look elsewhere.
This could be something.
Have Kiyosuke up in heaven. Chance to backstab on Temezi. And that would open up the
topside here gets his kill lose monosy in it lower and that's the bomb actually
rather crossing out in the yard it went up the vent it would have survived it
would have made it into that topside it was weak
falcons didn't know and they get nothing to show for this round there was an
opportunity there a brief window open by Kiyosuke but falcons can feel the
fumble happening 9-3 up vitality on a streak of 7. Niko getting nuked. And the game falcons
may replay in their nightmares. You said it earlier, Zonic saved all three timeouts
for the second half. There's the final one gone.
one of the things we said to no end throughout this series and really any series with Vitality
in it, you know, there's no such thing as freebies and it's why, you know, giving away
that earlier 5B2 hurts so much to have Vitality on the ropes like that is a rarity. You know,
that might well be that the closest round you get throughout this entire second half.
Vitality are in full control. This is why they're so scary. This is why they're
at the top of Counter-Strike, and just always find another gear.
Pallet Cleanser, A-Rush, able to deal with it last time.
How are they fair at the second time around?
Much better for Mezzi as he puts up two and the Rotates arrive.
Quickly knock out the Falcons.
at four vitality and a battle cry out of apex as he can feel how the winds have changed on this
third map. Yeah they're blowing in the other direction and Falcons not equipped for it getting
knocked over eight straight rounds on the CT side with an 18 match win streak on the line.
And when you're this far ahead, you've got options, you've got money, you've got staying power, that robs double or makes another appearance.
How about I just bring this out periodically?
It's not something Falcons are prepared for in this round.
And just compare the hearts, right? Think about how Falcons disrupted everything Vitality did outside.
We're getting 5v3s in the opening 20 seconds every round.
Vitality of let Falcons play their game.
It's the late round.
They just can't close.
Another execute into this topside.
This one looks better.
It's a weaker hold here for Vitality.
Apex with a crucial trade, but A is lost in the process.
And that grave is getting dunked in.
Bomb dropped!
Flames in the lobby.
It's all gone wrong.
Now he's got that.
Just sitting on it.
His team try and play through the heavens,
but it's got to be Flames alone.
Catches one, spam connects.
And finally this streak broken by the Falcons.
I can't believe Vitality still send it in that 3v3.
They still swing out together.
Maybe feeling like just trading and playing together
is their best move, but Flames had full control.
He had that bomb in the hut, a very strong position.
And Falcons do break this streak.
They do find their way into this game.
A sigh of relief after a near-thumbball.
Yeah, eight rounds of silence, but you get through an up-tempo A-split, Niko as well.
Very important.
You remember how his previous rifle round ended with the triple nades up on Silo, but
when he gets to play, he gets that opener.
He's the guy that kind of kickstarts it all for the Falcons.
He's doing it again.
It's time to slide with these main walks this time. No info from the yard player. That is a clean shutdown
Kiyosuke Ammonisi running it in tandem out in the yard
And the double orbs. Well, what are they supposed to do? You've wanted to be five in this game already
But surely this ain't it out of position on vitality and guns that are worth too much to risk
this one's going the distance.
And what a ballsy call right that's the whole game on the line you run it back the a split
again this time contact out towards main.
Risking everything on the read being right and it was.
This is Apex starting garage in back to back rounds, not inside of main where you'll typically
see him.
He's starting position, getting exploited by Falcons walking into the gap.
Last round it didn't matter as much because he was able to swing through the smoke and
trade his teammate.
But this time he's nowhere near, he just gets picked and Falcons just send it into
that A site.
Is he going to go back to traditional positioning or is that exactly what Falcons are willing to expect?
11 apiece, digging deep late in this game, you're ready to Falcons to give up and go down.
They promise more.
They're getting a bit of a sense that they're not really getting stopped out here in the yard.
So again, just running with the space, you're already going to play it down through secret.
very forward timing. That's a free kill on Apex, wasn't prepared for a second player though,
Flames at least stems the bleeding. Didn't see on that break, the two made it down, that's
very quick timing. This is going to be the last thing Flames expects. Don't be surprised
if he departs. Two players and the bomb so quickly down and that body might be in
the way. Flames needs a headshot modesty, delivers for Falcons. Rob's dropping, they
Let him do it. I will court in the open. It's all over the place right now
Backstab for rops, but it doesn't matter. He finds both in the b-site
And you know where Tessas is coming from no element of surprise here ready to double swing at rops is double kill
Look at a save vitality
In the series Tessas started this game off looking red-hot
Does he have this clutch in him?
Farrowing away the least talked about player on the Falcons
Now is to deliver them salvation in a tricky 1v2
Steps her test says focused in with a swing together play that one
Out through the double doors and the double peak too much to contain
No back breaking clutch vitality move onto match point
It was a really nice route for the Falcons.
I don't know how Robs got away with two kills down on that B bomb side.
We had two layers of lurking there.
Kiyosuke down as the bait.
Double secret late for Falcons, then double wrap,
and they catch vitality off multiple times in that round.
But it is Robs's double with the AWP that puts him in a winning position.
Robs has just been electric, man.
Like, across the entire series, he's been good.
But the fact that, you know, on map three, during the struggle even,
the initial 9-3 lead for the Falcons.
Robbs is still giving the goods.
In fact, he's given you the best map yet.
What an insane...
Multiple times, you know, he's bailed them out
and every time it's been with the second orb,
not his first multi-kill with it.
Yeah, that is everything.
And trusting him to clutch,
trading his teammate,
and giving a match point semi final point here to vitality
This is what it all comes down to
Chance for monosy you won't get many more like that had to hit a blinder of a flick and just comes up short
said for falcons this is one of the rare times where it almost feels like
pressure's off well that is not the case in round 24 do they crumble or can they
rise to the occasion and force this one in extra time oh robs has been there
kryptonite in a lot of these late round situations so dealing with him early at the ramp is a huge step in the right direction
You got a 4v3 here Falcons looking for overtime
Double rotation is very quick so you hang around but he's far away and by talent he keep pressure on on beers
They push through the smoke. It's another one for one. Apex gone gonna need a clutch moment and maybe mezzi's the man for the job
He ended dust here with a 1v2. He comes through the smoke
bomb down cover is good over time looms
Misha for Zywu and Montes is right here ready to punish plays it forward this
one heads into extra time Falcons able to hold on they will not relinquish
this game yet they want to go down fighting well I think we deserve a
bit more gameplay in this match what a high-level game of new cry now vitality
He dug so deep on the CT side in a game that felt extremely frustrating, with Modesty and
Tess as popping off.
An incredible recovery, but that first half was not in vain for the Falcons, it gave them
enough staying power.
We go into OT.
Oh, see ya!
So we tapped Rob straight spaced as he realized he might have hurt the steps.
Tess has shifted through the smoke.
Again this main control.
Kiyosuke getting so quick and Rob's can't escape.
If he trusted his instincts, Tess has was inside that smoke.
And Apex has had a great recovery in these last few rounds.
But the job is far from done.
2 on 3.
Tess has continues on his walk.
How helpful is this info?
Vitality don't know where falcons are.
Goes both ways.
You can just feel how tense this round is 3v2 sure the advantage of the Falcons
But info is king everyone is the shift key firmly pressed down
As they sneak around the map you just hoping you don't fall prey to an off-angle apex
Had to hit the second flick back required and couldn't nail it
Left on a flames found himself down at lower
prepare for a Falcons went that way up through the vent it's considered it's
held and so Falcons able to piece that one together nice fake his flames that he
has to go up on the tap he just has to it's the only hope that the Falcons have
one player hands busy and he can catch the other but both for watching the
vents set after the 9 3 half and now maybe more applicable how they were
kind of shades of that meldon final you remind you remember in that one
Monacy saying afterwards, you know, it's a final hill. It'll never forget. He'll always remember it
And that feeling of you know, letting vitality back in after a dominant half being what 12 6 up
It's rare that you get such a parallel to try and have your revenge, but that's what he's looking for monacy means business
Shot on the smoke and Zai Wu's round is over
a move for Monossey, caught him on the jump and just waited until he had the guarantee.
Tess says again, he is so cheeky. He walked through the ramp smoke last round and now he's
down the vent. If Vitality think they can rotate safe, they don't know. What lurks below.
Down secret with the bomb. Monossey still looking for another kill. He doesn't know
how close he got. Two players move past his crosshair. But he can still play later in
the round. His team have great control on lower. Four players shifting to B and Vitality
have no reason to gamble on this lower site. They have yet to been given a single cue.
Let alone to know that four players are here.
And you're going to have to play a really quite, you know, out of position, manned down
retake.
Robs does what he can, right?
Throwing caution to the wind on a charge through that molotov.
You're really hoping he could find some miraculous multi-kill when that doesn't happen.
Still a tricky spot.
Apex has at least secured an even odds battle here.
Bob makes it in.
for the Falcons and cover provided by that monosy orb catch on the vents test says finally gets rewarded
and that'll leave it on mesi then late to the party and in to that monosy awp
I miss one thing to lose from a 9-3 score line is another thing to still drag it into overtime
and win out that is back to backgrounds of falcons here at ot shocking
They are still here in the lead to this Falcon score, but it's kind of the dream set up right
now. You've got Nico a monosy top of the charts monosy. You can really tell the impact
he's had the moment this one's gone into OT this one's personal. Yeah, and Tess has
locked in that first half valiantly.
Tent again for Vitality.
Yeah, I mean, it felt crazy enough seeing Vitality
kind of level up nine three down, have to dig deep.
But to get zero rounds on the side, you know, now it's been requested
of you all over again.
One round.
One round is what they're hoping for on this CT side.
Niko deals them a fast play over the top of main,
but it's openers for vitality.
Falcons just trying to stop them out with the momentum.
I mean they have a bit of room to play aggressive,
but it gets punished.
Kicks and creeps into garage with the bomb.
If he dies here, cut your losses.
Cut your losses this round is over
Vitality don't know this which is also just such a CT sided game of new cup until this over time and
So really you desperately need this one round you can't afford to let the five on three get away from you
Take stand. Oh, it's so risky. You're not gonna take it
Feels like one isn't enough
Oh my goodness
He saw apex this takes real balls to do this against I woo
He's what's gonna leave him just gonna let him hang out up there cuz kicks and wants something bigger
Once the double wants the kills that when you this unlikely 3v5
The captain makes the move to bring falcons back into the conversation
That is a mind-blowing move for kicks in their job is not done
bomb down on this B site, flames at the door, Mezzy on the other side and Falcons have to finish the job.
Kixan set them up for this
And now they've got to close. It's him and Monosy side by side in this post plant
Spam on a Monosy will come through and so it's gonna be a Kixan ace clutch if he wants to do it
There's a third for the captain
backstab him for Zywoo. And the pressure eases up as Vitality will manage that one CT round.
They stop the 3v5 in its tracks.
What can you even say about that? I mean, he did everything in his power, everything
he possibly could. He took the biggest risk in going for that contact all the way underneath
Zywoo who at any point could go to Flick and check back garage. It's not an impossible
position for Kixing to be in, but Vitality never consider it. And still they win out
of the post one, of course they do. Giving themselves a chance to level up on a T-side,
a T-side that has been lacking for both teams until overtime.
My ward is fairly quiet for his standards.
Now would be the chance to level up.
Now would be the time.
Let's move away from the disrupted outside control, the very thing that started off their
CT side, they play heavy on the ramp room, Monosy floating, loosed up, it's a very good
setup.
And there's Monosy with another opener in position to try and stop the ramp spill over
its Niko that they will never be ready for, just gets to die in on vitality.
is out of this round he's got 40 seconds left to work with bomb dropped over on the ramp a long
way from the action and fully in the fog of war he's got no idea where the falcons are gets that
one for free kicks and off it up on a platter this takes everything out of flames niko
So, Bides this time, plays it to perfection, leaves nothing a chance.
And so Falcons have two opportunities to claim a spot in those semis, end the streak of vitality,
and do what maybe they should have done on the back of that strong first half and get
this game over the line.
Absolutely, delayed gratification for Falcons, but if they can do it, something to say
about that. Considering the history, considering we've seen this very situation fall apart before.
It is right there for the taking again. Two match points.
And monstrous games out of Tess's, Monosie and Niko each on 23 kills.
Fireing harder than vitality.
And A execute.
Out they go.
Kicks down here.
Gonna have to do a hell of a lot as he's already lost tests.
There's around this smoke.
Rops plays it forward.
Oh, Nico, that's a crazy sequence.
It falls to Monacy.
But don't underestimate this guy.
Now with the game he's been having, Monossey here with a point to prove.
Out in the open, but nothing being given.
Zhaowu and Apex gonna make you work for this!
Zhaowu teed up for the trade!
And so clutch denied at chance at another overtime if Vitality have their way.
away he was a centimeter away from clearing that backside player before he
got in the open that would have let him isolate it would have given him info it
comes down to the thinnest margin the vitality survive
one more round granted by Zywoo
A nice try as all it'll be. Back to Yard. This is what undead Vitality in their T side
all the way back in the first half. But Falcons aren't playing anywhere near the same setups.
allowing the cross just trying to block with molotovs spam break the smokes no
guaranteed info here but apex looks to make it down that's heard kicks an
already lower. Flames loves this smoke push, but he goes backed up, he's no longer in main.
Oh, it doesn't take much. Monacy, given a jiggle, that's Rops removed. Monacy's job is far from
over though, as they say Bombsite is called in a question. Attali actually changed their
mind going back through the lobby. They've got this yard control. Apex down through
secret. Options opening up with flames clearing out hell. Look at the ventrop three down. They
scrambled the rotates. But Vitality are lending some time to flames. Oh, noise made on the
ladder. That's going to give up the aim of the game on this round and now they go right
back into monosy. They're going to have to learn to fear the lightning here as him
and Tess says we'll combine. Apex left it all alone. Surely not. Surely not Apex.
turn and that will be the close. Falcons into the semifinals against all odds. It takes everything.
Having to claw this one back in OT after that initial choke 9-3 up a damn near repeat of what
we saw in Melbourne but this time things are different. Falcons able to seal the deal on this
win. Vitality lost their map streak here in Rio. They have now lost their series streak 18
in a row broken by team Falcons. The bookend on both sides of this win streak, the only team
to beat Vitality this year. They did it back at Bounty, they'll do it in Brazil and Falcons have
more to do. As Vitality search for the gold bars, they must start in the quarterfinal.
Mentioned earlier, Chengdu, Hong Kong, quarterfinal beginnings for Vitality,
they did not win those events. Will Rio be any different?
Falcons levelling up, no pressure and high output. What an unbelievable game from Monosy today.
Yeah, gotta talk about Monosy and Nico come the arrival of that third map. Those two were lights out.
Monosy couldn't miss a beat and that's exactly what's required when you play Vitality.
Only team to beat Vitality twice this year and obviously you just spoke to me about the
adrenaline.
How's your heart rate?
I don't know.
It's too much I think.
It's too high.
I don't know.
Yes, very enjoyable kind of time.
Again, I have to talk about this game because it felt like you had really, really
comfortably lead especially coming into this new second half and then those two
2v4 happens and these kinds of things, mistakes, and is this kind of reoccurring team?
Do you think you wanted to just close the game really early or is there some kind of miscommunications?
No, I don't think we wanted to close the game too early.
First of all, we already learned from the last time when we played against them and against the also teams when we were leading,
and all of a sudden we started losing in the role of the frowns.
I think they had a very good plan against us and we just couldn't find our pattern on this side or pace how we want to play,
But we managed to also lose a lot of 42s and no, these kind of rounds.
I mean, it's classic, it's a contrast, I'm fine with it.
Especially against Vitality, right?
Especially against the best team in the world, yes.
Obviously, you are feeling the game insanely in the group stage,
but we all know that you're this big arena player,
excited to play here in Formassi in front of the whole crowd.
I mean, I'm very happy, yes, that we qualified,
first of all for playoffs and second of all for semi-final.
Yes, I enjoy Arena more. Maybe not for the last year. I played not the best in the arenas, but trying to recover and show and find my, how to say it, ground, I don't know how to say it, on English Blitz. So, yes.
I mean, it makes complete sense and good luck to you in the semifinals. Over to you, Pym, Janko and Stan.
So eloquently put there by the young lad Monasi and for the big numbers he put up today
I'm pretty sure the victors definitely get to tell the story a big one here for the Falcons to beat vitality
Just in general practice like just in saying that out loud, right? Yeah, sure
There was a great game of Counter-Strike a big win for Falcons
I you know, I wish I could you know be more excited about it in the sense that you know
We know the room was circulating right now and that is so long. Oh, it's tampering a little bit
I want to be realistic right here because this is a statement when it could have been a statement win for Falcons had this been the line-up
Had they not you know been flirting with the idea of bringing in carrion now
I'm not sure what to make out of the win in isolation tonight right here right now great game of Connors right massive win for Falcons
But what does that give me for the future? That's my my only thing that I'm lacking a bit here Falcons officially the shriek breakers
Right. This is the second time did they break vitalities?
Shriek and you know, I don't care about the carrier news and all that because we're just looking at this tournament
And this is why people have throughout the last six months, or even a little bit more
than that, pinpoint Falcons as the team to topple Vitality, or as one of the challengers,
one of the contender teams, because when they do put everything together, it can look
really good.
And they have the players that know how to play on the big stage, that can play
Counter-Strike on a really high level, understand the game on a really high level.
The problem is they don't have an issue with Vitality just with everyone else, right?
When it comes to some of these playoff games.
I guess, you know, I'm just looking at a Vitality who just loves to bring this Falcons game just right there to the edge.
You know what I mean? Like, sometimes we're watching some of these series between these two
and it's just unbelievable how close it can get in the server.
Yeah, sure. There's just so much skill on this server. As Yankees described it, you know, we know Falcons have quality players.
They can play Counter-Strike at an incredible high level.
The problem for them has been to string it together on a consistent basis.
Obviously, Vitality have been doing that, but, you know, again,
if you want to look in isolation at this tournament,
I think it's fair to say that Vitality is yet to play their best brand of Counter-Strike.
This game was good, you know, I think Falcons played well
and they definitely deserved the win.
They don't want to say anything away from them, but Vitality against G2
wasn't necessarily at their best.
Vitality in this game, not necessarily at their best, so...
What did they want more? They played well.
What do you want more against G2?
This game!
What did they play?
This is what I'm saying.
Why did they play bad in this game?
You said in this game they played bad.
No, I didn't.
I said as an overall in this tournament, they haven't been impressed, overall in this
tournament they haven't played the best brain of Counter-Strike.
You had one bad game against G2 that they still won.
Like they can't always just be all that they didn't play their A-game.
Like the teams are not going to, they're really going to play their A-game.
Do you think I'll tell you played the best brain of Counter-Strike at this
tournament?
Yes or no?
Best?
played really bad outside of the G2. What's the best brand of Counter-Strike? Not what
we showed. They played best every single game. I think they played fine this game. I think
they got beat. I don't think they lost. I think they got beat. Yeah, I agree. So the
better team won today, I think we can agree, or is that kind of what you guys are arguing
about? No, 100% all I'm saying is that they haven't played the best brand of Counter-Strike
at this tournament so far. When you go over the course of what they've shown so
far in this game as I said, you know, played a good game of Counter-Strike. Falcons
played better, but that leaves a bit to be decided for Vitaliy, which is the biggest concern
for me in regards to them fighting for the ESL Grand Slam. They have a little bit more
at stake there, say it, than Falcons who are playing on a bit of a freebie, no pressure,
making a roster change, etc. etc. I'm trying to look ahead here, and I'd say that Vitaliy
so far haven't played that best brand of Counter Strike.
Alright, well yeah, I don't know if you want to have the last word there, Janko,
are you guys good?
I'm fine.
Okay, let's do that. Let's think about the future, which is exactly what Jacob
Pimplin Ash was trying to do, or Veneke, however you want to call it.
We do have a quick break in front of us.
We do have our last series of the night here on the stream.
We're looking at one side with a little bit of miles and another one with a little bit of furia.
So if you can believe it, this will be the place to be.
If you're not watching the Intel Extreme Masters, are you really watching Counter Strike?
We'll be right back after this.
Placent matches set your starting point.
Facet rating measures your impact as you climb.
The soft elo reset narrows the gap between the highest elo players in the rest of level 10.
Your starting point will be based on your recent elo inactivity.
We're introducing facet rating so you can see exactly how much you stack up against others at your level.
Facet rating measures how much your actions have increased your team's chances of winning the match.
Picking into account the full situation.
Season 8 launches April 22nd.
Good luck, and have fun!
I'm grabbing Cider for a quick chat and I wanted to talk to you about the development of FURIA.
Because if you compare 2025 and then 2026 we obviously see some differences and struggles.
Why do you think that is?
First of all, I think last year we were kind of dark horses.
People weren't really counting on us being one of the favorites for the tournament.
So we were kind of flying under the radar, you know.
So when we got to the tournaments, we just brought the best we could and then people didn't
really know what to expect from us, but if you compare these years, for example, people
already knew what were our strengths and people start studying you.
Whenever you hit number one in the road, unless you're vital, it's hard to keep the same
form because actually everyone, I mean, you become the reference for everyone.
So everyone starts looking up to you.
So I think we felt that hit and maybe a bit of the mental part of not winning
every time. Sometimes you feel that hit and you need to be able to manage inside the team
and to control the emotions and maybe didn't do the best job at that but I think we're slowly
going back to our firm. Obviously you have high hopes for 2026 but the season isn't looking dead
right but what do you need to accomplish as a team to look back at the season and think wow
this was a success like this was pretty good season what do you have to do win a trophy
win a major is there something like that? For me as the coach of the team it goes
beyond trophies or placements or whatever.
I just want us to be a team that is united,
playing as a new net inside the server.
We're just helping each other and believing to the end,
and playing to our strengths.
This is everything that I want us to do as a team,
and in the end,
we can't control the result of that.
I just want to be proud of the team in terms of,
we did our best,
we were the best teammates we could,
we were the best,
everything that we could for the team.
In my mind, this would be a success,
this is a good success if we go back into our strengths and to our path as a team in terms of
respecting each other more, understanding each other's idea and playing together as this unit that
I'm saying. It's a beautiful mindset and obviously you are already in the arena, nominated outcome
of today's game and you will have a whole nation behind your back here cheering for you and
you're kind of like only team that made it through obviously legacy and red cannons all
So you're not only carrying that furia flag, but also truly that Brazilian flag, everyone will be here for you
This furia is an organization preparing something special for the fans coming here in Rio
I mean every year play here, you know something special happens
And we we know the fans are gonna come full power and we have some some things on our end as well to
So to do with the fans we want them to have the best experience ever
We had a very special tournament here
That was the real major and after that had another I am real
2 AM Real's actually, but the result wasn't the best.
And this year we're preparing some interactions with the fans and also we're planning to bring
our A-game and everything that we have we're going to bring into the arena.
We're going to set fire to the arena.
We're going to definitely see this house burned down.
Thank you for this. Good luck.
The Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2026 is brought to you by ESL and partnership with Intel.
Acer Predator.
Checks.
And DHL.
Well, we have arrived at our final port of call for the evening.
This one's going to be staking a little bit of a birth in what the playoffs is.
You've already done the hard works.
Now you just need to figure out where you're going, semis or quarterfinals, and those
two teams are going to be situating themselves in the server. Happening now's who you see
getting out of the van now and Furia hometown heroes the Brazilian representation down in Rio
de Janeiro de Janeiro even I don't think I just ruined that entire word speaking of ruining
things you guys want to roster league sure let's just maybe see what kind of cooks right there
uh what if I told you like a cirque breeze an automatic a cold zero in a stewie 2k
What's that like a stream team show match sort of I'm thinking it's the only
kryptonite that we can probably bring to vitality to really bring them fully
down right so we've got the Falcons in there as it is and now for vitality to
fully fledged fall down it would have to be those five Eagles right yeah the
Eagles like the Philadelphia Eagles yeah speaking of which back on topic we
go mouse and furia so let's begin this one just a little bit quickly here
with fury yeah I think it has more to this game than initially would seem you
Obviously a spot for the semi-final is a big game for both teams,
but I think Furia and Maus have both equally been finding themselves struggling a bit in 20-26.
Both of them are looking to ramp up, heading into the Cologne Major as well.
So I think in terms of what's at stake right here, sure, a spot at the semi-final,
but also, as for Skrog, about gaining a bit of confidence,
gaining a bit of belief that you're trending in the right direction again,
and I think whoever wins this game will be feeling good about their performance in the group stage.
Yeah, and Fury outside of, you know, that little run in Krakow,
haven't looked like the team that they were towards the end of last year, right?
Like they've been struggling to find that form.
The results haven't been there in the same fashion,
losing to some teams that you don't think they're supposed to, and so on and so forth.
So you're really hoping that here on home soil,
not only the result that they have at this tournament, but more so leading up to the major,
they can sort of find some of that confidence back again.
and solidify themselves as a true contender.
Come Cologne Major.
Yeah, come Cologne Major.
But first and foremost, is getting in front of the stage
in this crowd in Rio.
Now, Furia on the stage is a whole different ball game.
Mal's on the stage.
Well, that's just, I don't know, is there a gameplay at all?
Yeah, this is where they do their best work, though,
in the seeding games, in group stages.
Yeah, they had a couple of bad results at Rotterdam
and in Pro League, not winning a playoff game.
But historically, this is where they're at their best, and also they're one of the teams that was able to take down Furia
in exactly the stage of the bracket, back at IEM, Chengdu.
So you're hoping that they can bounce back somewhat, get back into the playoffs,
and do some damage there, because it looks like they're on the decline, really.
It does feel like they shook hands in the video as well, Mirage, Dust2 and Nuke.
You know, maps both teams are very familiar with.
As recently Furia been struggling a bit on Mirage,
So I feel like if Maus wants to win this game then getting off to a good start on their own map,
Pig Mirage, goes without saying, super important, especially considering that Furia,
as of recently, have been having a tough time getting results done on that specific map.
Well, here we go. I think I'm getting the official word.
It sounds like we're ready to get into the server.
So, Maus, Furia, semi-finals or quarter-finals?
Which one will you have? Let's find out.
Have you loved Mirage, Dust2 and Nuke?
Boy, have I got a set of games for you.
Yes, it's Furia versus Maus for a spot in the semis
But these teams kind of trying to rebuild a
Bit of intrigue looking in to the major Maus. They were always a shoe in for these playoffs
But that was a title to look to allude them at the last couple of outings. Yeah, the question was
You know yesterday between Furia and Na'Vi. Okay, which of these teams can prove that a number two or the number three team in the
world, right? And Fury obviously won that game out. But I guess Maus were going, hey, is there
somebody you forgot to ask? Remember last year, we had a great 2025. We made all those semifinals
and even the occasional grand final. But Maus in a group stage used to be unmatched. Let's see
if they can return to that. It's been a poor bout of form the last couple of tournaments.
But I don't know, Harry, I kind of liked what we saw out of Maus yesterday shredding through
Aurora without even letting them put up a fight, Brolin leading the troops as well.
So let's get into this.
Well, Fury, you're trying to set a bit of a tone early in this pistol round.
Come through with aggression.
Oh, banked on this lower fight and they've won it out.
It's only Jimmy left in seconds.
It was the guy with the Utah on the back of the pack, so no armor behind this.
A couple of flashes and that one smoke that goes in there.
But now an impossible one on three to try and navigate, surely.
Oh, he's going under.
It's going all the way, clearing his corners.
You've got to get that bomb back.
Double smoke.
I mean, Fury and Novi haven't lost the bomb.
They don't know yet, but it's about to dawn on them.
So Jimmy back up top.
It's just flashing on the ledge.
And he's waiting for a mistake.
fury will refuse to give it away.
I'll be one briefly available.
And Molotoy holds it. Three kills, four Molotoy.
To put that pistol down for fury. A nice crunch
in upper and lower B.
Completely disrupting the mouse pistol.
Not every day you see them move like that in a pistol round.
I feel like Glocks are almost favoured,
but mouse get completely caught off guard.
And the benefit is, if there's nobody home,
There's nobody home, MacMiles are going for the A execute, Furia have full info early in the round.
So pistol locked in, and mouse forced by. Alright. Why? Show us.
I'm fast down on the rampside. Two players in the palace, backstabbed chance for Spinks but just gonna come up short.
Still the info there that this is a taken position by Furia.
Now these MP9s, maybe not the guns for the job, might have to barrel out of this position.
CT taking a play around this bomb.
It's Torschey to finally put something on the board for Maus.
Spinks has gone for a very lengthy reroute here.
You see, Kindar still suspicious about him. He was spotted over towards Palace.
Well, they'd be ready for spanks around the world, yes they will, dealt with on short
spells, just connected there on the smoke, defuse, now called into question, having to
hop on it is falling, oh they landed the dizz on it, time expires, and Mao's locking that
force by.
Oh my, the multiple headshots through smoke, they get two players off the bomb, they
they dig the third guy as well. He dies to it.
Malz have no business winning that. I didn't really like what they did, right?
With Furia double palace, it's, you know,
I don't think the call even changed for Malz.
Going towards sport was probably always the intention,
but they completely get away from Furia's position.
I still thought they would lose it in that 2v3.
Some fortunate tech nine shots through smoke.
And Mao's winner, surprising force by, I think even Furia kind of expected the eco right
just by the fact that they double rushed Palace jumping round corners, looking for armless
eagles
or they find out the hallway
I was just looking to run back the A site play, this time with a split through middle.
and the Akindar and Yuri here with a stack over towards B.
Akindar in a very small box.
As I have cover on Palace from Yuri, but not for long,
spammed out as they make their way up through Connector.
Very, very tricky to deal with that split with just two players in the positions they were in.
This one is Dunzo.
I think the most important detail is double palace luck, right?
It's just such an expectation that only one player would go palace
and look for that swing out balcony.
And so as soon as Furia find that 5v4,
both players look away from palace.
Alex, let's spink spring the trap.
And it's a nice bait here for Maus to uproot this a-play.
He had a great pistol run.
I want to see how Molotoy looks in this series because Pimpwood's had anything we've seen him play his best brand of Counter-Strike yet
He
Hasn't had like a series where he's really like stepped up and taking control of the whole thing. I think he's been fine
Have that one
Really rough map versus Navi
Well his worst map of all time yeah in fact
certainly someone you want to have a good form yeah I head of a playoffs in
fury is home country absolutely and you know differing results in the stage for
this guy as well he's had some great games the stage event was his first
event in Astana but he's also thinking about the majors right kind of
disappeared on stages there when fury needed him most in fact when they were
favourites to make the final on their side of the bracket back in Budapest when
they lost to Payne who were punching upwards in Austin. So obviously there's a
lot of pressure on Furia and at the same time a lot of doubts because of the
regression to the mean for this team after you know two excellent trophies
at the tail end of last year.
I'm not in the camp of writing off this team just yet, especially not on home soil.
It feels like Furia have that extra oomph.
showed us a great comeback against Navi in the group stage to qualify to the playoffs.
Molotovoy, hero rifle.
Locked out by the utility.
Might even just be forced to save.
Flank is coming in quickly, but only a 5-7 on Fallen.
and look at Mao's take back spawn as well.
This is the best post-planned position they could ask for.
I don't think Fulans even gonna get a fight.
Spinks is holding ramp.
And so that is that.
Mao's 3-1 and Furia are just gonna lock the door
and trap them in the burning building.
Oh, close.
Alright, two kills at the end of it, just to force a bit of reinvestment out of mouse
and now you get to bring the guns out if you're furious.
won't have a Molodoy AWP in his first proper buy but Torsche gets his.
There's always a priority there for Furia to try and get it into his hands as fast as possible but just hasn't aligned that way.
We'll be able to bring it out going forward but not now and so that's a bit of freedom for Torsche on this AWP.
Immediately trying to put it to work with a mid-pick.
Good eyes on Kcerato, even spotted that was a flash not a nade.
I'm just going to block connector though, force Maus to make the next move and they
will towards B.
Exertion, lock up connector, oh Brolin's been picked going short so that gives away some
intention here from Maus and Xersion started to make his move as the rest of his team jump
into this site or at least attempt to. They needed that kill to go back and now they're
stuck in limbo. Maus went nowhere to go. Could he even justify a save? They wanted
that flank to Profit. Instead, Miles walk away. Another type of team that really like
to try and force these rounds through, they'll just commit to the save. It's still early
doors getting out with these guns means you've got everything in the next
Toshi again with the mid-sport.
Swing and a miss though.
Certainly giving it a chance there on Molotoy.
the same here for now as they get that all posted on middle. Possession looking to try
and make an incision around the connector.
Oh, okay, Serato, we'll get this spot.
And it doesn't cost him a thing.
That's a lot of Utah left, but not a lot of time.
One minute on the clock and Furious starts to take space back.
Rylan's been loving these early mid-takes falling back into like eight finishes here in Rio
Don't think you have time to fall back though
They're just getting a bit bogged down in middle no clear end destination yet and with Yuri's aggression out towards the ramp
Even the promise of Jimmy trying to open something up hinges on a gunfight
Yuri's dealt with him. Now's have little time to work with they're gonna try and pick up the pace with a B here
All player here, Fallen. He's at least a kill. Opportunity for many more. Brolin looking the wrong way.
Op on his position, just trying to buy as much time as possible. Nades himself, but not a problem.
He's just giving them a chance.
And they need it. Torsche, 1v4 with 15 seconds already back side. Plant is not happening.
So Torsche tries to walk away. He's going to get piqued. And that is that. Furia, nice hold.
Malzahki a little bit lost in this mid-round, getting just caught by re-aggressing Fiora players as soon as they try to make a play happen.
And in both of these hits that have failed, it's been the extremity players to get nothing done.
That makes your splits very hard, right?
Exertion up connector, and there were B-Apps, and now Jimmy on ramp, dead to Yuri.
And so a lot going wrong here for Malz, and it's going to break their money.
bit of aggression from olidoy all the way in the top mid just icis spinks out and lives
to tell the tale it's a 5v4 you've dropped the hero gun that was in play no issues now
no armor you've killed the armored player so awkward oh is he going again another
flash. Fury are just ants in their pants right now. Really trying to push the advantage.
I'm fair enough, I mean it's technines, it's a galil, they need to trade, they need to
peek together a mouse try but swinging out into middle three rifles rain down
fallen alone
yeah but the whole map's been quiet for too long and with your kinder having had
ramp space the entire time. Furia are very suspicious about the apartments. They've got
a pop flash here on Molodoy. MIT have fallen for one hell of a sequence. They're blind
in the apartments. And so with that double, really a lot to hold on to here. Oh, Molodoy's
rifling very strong right now. I don't usually expect a lot out of the AKOM4 in
comparison to the Yorpe is not exactly a hybrid, very clear about how much furia try
and put the Yorpe in his hands, but a couple of nice multi-kills coming in for Molodoy
right now. Early time out for miles and yeah, I think
right time. They are looking a little lost, not being given the fight to expect or want.
Yeah, there's a couple of red flags, I think right now, right? Because you talked about the
extremity players, Jimmy obviously struggling. That's not going to help. And then you have
exertion kind of the fire star of the guy that's meant to get the round going, also off to a
bit of a rough go at it to open things up and then whenever they've gone for those like pack
rifle rounds where they're roaming together well we've had a bunch of these weird stallouts so
any opportune time for Cycron to try and weigh in. Well this is nice, the Molly. Well Jimmy's been
struggling let's see our sphinx fares. You told just to try and keep him at bay but the
challenges arriving all the same. They've already passed this orb. Molotov will be able to deal with
players in the backline but he can't save Fallen's life. When the follow-up kill on your Kinder,
Ankei Sarato dead on the flank. This one looks to belong to Maus. Clean pop, Fallen alone.
I was able to block them in the slightest or slow them down
And the Molly on the ball money matters if his team are able to get back in position they get caught under on the flank
So simple for miles keeping it very simple and it's wonderful
That's kind of the whole feel of it right at the end of that time out the idea
You know, maybe less moving parts on this till we all feel warmed up into the game. Yeah
They play a very direct round in towards that B site and it works out.
Roland gets his first two kills. He was the MVP yesterday, that's for sure.
1.63 rating over the series and Mirage specifically, 18 and 9, almost a 2.0.
There's one bullet in the short smoke.
Fucking nice boys.
Keep going.
Do us have a nice energy, mouse?
Oh, okay.
Who will she beat?
Despite falling through everything he's got at him, the smoke will finally be enough.
Can't see what's like falling, it's feeling like a bit of a focal point.
So yeah, he's been dumping a lot of this util at the start of these rounds.
Been a real consistent thing over towards this B site, opening it with that flash to try and slow them down.
It's often over towards A. That's where Fury will make their mid-round moves, and they're
doing one right now.
Your Kindar and Yuri taking Palace.
You can just park a player up here, and it frees you up to move around the map.
The kid does not the kind of guy who likes to throw it in park though, he's actually
hit the accelerator all the way through into spawn.
He's revving it when the hand breaks up.
And so now you know, you've bought yourself extra resources over towards B. Two guys here
to assist Fallon, what has often been a solo sight hold for the captain of Furia.
Well now he's got reinforcements, they've learned about the Moledoy AWP on short,
K Sarato is the guy playing Joker.
of the two you expect to see here and then in comes K Serato from the back of
the site no ground game for miles they die in the apartments nice mixture of
info gathering and then just crossfires over towards B out of Furia. Furia say
for me once shame on me for me twice you don't fool me twice lock down on the B
site three players here more die with some key shots on the AWP and a perfect
read from Furia in the downtime.
Said here in Rio, I haven't really had like the maps dominated by Molotoy.
I know he got that sick ace the other day, but I still haven't yet to have him like
be the defining character in one of their series.
Here in this one, he's topping the charts 10 and two.
Seven of those kills coming from the rifle earlier in the half.
So are we finally getting that big Molotoy game?
Been waiting for it.
My preferred in the arena, but here is definitely doing.
You know, you can just been joking about not wanting to play the late games in Europe,
right? Obviously being scheduled last slot for the Brazilian fans so they can watch at home.
And here we are in Rio and Furia, scheduled for the late games for the Brazilian fans.
It's a marathon, not a sprint.
The mouths are playing very slow right now, so...
Fury are conserving their energy.
Oh, that's misinformation. Clear or middle, they see nothing.
They don't hear the molly tick under. There's four players in the middle right now.
There's a brief window where Fury are very scared of the bombsites.
Does Kcerato get curious again?
Yes, he does. He sees everything.
Is that death worth the info?
Man, you get a lot of it, but still, you've got to try and resist this now, man. Down.
Molodoy, AWP, scoped in at the stairs. Quick work made over the first-
HAD A HELL, Molodoy! No, no, no.
Backs off in towards the spawn. The nades will find him.
But in comes the rest of Furia trying to play clean-up.
Brom's been lost in this smoke, it's your kindar chasing them down on the pistol.
Left looking at exertion for an ace clutch.
Time is his enemy right now.
Would need the double swing exertion.
That clock will be his undoing.
Furia, shut him down in the clutch by wasting his time.
I experienced play before when he does not swing, or for that trade right there, could
have been doable if you did. Waits for the time to expire and then takes the
exertion down right after the clock. So Furia with another round, a very close
one where it gets scary. You're kind of running out of ammo on top and I don't
know how Miles got so stuck in the smoke there. Just bumping bodies in the dark.
I mean, it's just such an exciting player to watch when he is switched on. That's the
thing with Mollidoy. You know, you'll hear him compared to other AWPers a lot. Guys like
Monosy also simple gets thrown around a hell of a lot. Certainly not like Azaiwu, right?
That's someone who likes to play the game kind of almost as perfectly as possible.
the beauty of Mollidoy's, it's a lot more about chaos.
Doing not necessarily the right thing, but doing it anyway.
And so whenever you do have been firing an all-cylinders feeling,
the confidence to go for these audacious plays,
there's really not a lot like it in Counter-Strike right now.
bottom of the booze knocked out by K Serato
that big fleshy tower comes tumbling down it's Furia
hoping to seal the deal on a one-out-half and K Serato denied his ace
speaks just had to ruin it
nice shots yeah big four K for K Serato back on the Molodoy
conversation that it's so great to still see the consistency because if you think about like
flashy orpas that came out of nowhere, a comparison I want to make is like some of the Ultimate
who wasn't on the radar, a Kintamolago, he wasn't really on the radar, keep in mind,
playing in Amcal and the Ultimate picked up on Liquid, no one expected it.
First couple of events, that's not Rekon, he was incredible, he was aggressive, he
in your face. He was flashy. He had two really good events. Then he got figured out. He slowed down.
It's been enough time in Liquid. He's certainly had some trouble.
Definitely doesn't hit the consistency or the heights of someone like Molotov. It's hard to
find a player like this who is able to deal with all the pressure with the bright lights,
to still find consistency, to compete at the highest level. And yeah, there were a couple
of X's on his scoreboard being those major playoffs. But for the most part, his rookie
year, winning two tier one events and a third trophy in Thunder Peak as well.
Yeah, it's a diamond in the rough. One in a million.
So nice to see a success story. Yeah. Because we always focus on the negatives.
All right, final round of the half, and Maus look to end it with a set piece in towards
A. That will put more of a limelight on Mollidoi, but he's used to this.
These A-hits have been good for Maus.
They were yesterday as well.
The testier flashes, I tell you what, because Mollidoi posed it back in CT with this
AWP.
Oh!
never even gets to fire a bullet. Brolin's opened things up. Income the fangs of Furia,
though Yuri and Keisurato open to restore a bit of normality. They've shut down that
split up through the connector. Yuri will burn alive. It's left in a 2v2. Just saw the
fangs here. The brains of Furia, Fallen and Yakin-Dah will go on to put up a good
half at the end of the CT side an 8-4 lead on the mouse's home turf of Mirage.
Yeah.
I was never meant to stay
It was you that put me in
Promise me that we'd be okay
All of your lies I once believed in
You were there most of the time
And that was never good enough for me
Let me go without my mind
Let me go in rounds like crazy
And I had this way
Why is there always this stuff?
Oh, you said so
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
But I was like crazy
You were always fine and I was always wrong
Baby, baby, where's it on the floor?
Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby
You were always fine and I was always wrong
Baby, baby, baby, baby
Baby, baby, where's it on the floor?
You would always break my phone
You wanted to be here forever
Remember when we used to have it all
We were so good together
Why can't we both feel the same?
Well, why do I need to respect?
You were there most of the time
Well, that was never good enough for me
And me going out of my mind
And me going round like crazy
And I got the head in its way
What is there always to go
For a new type of world
Whoa, whoa, whoa
You got me like crazy
That you are always fine
And I was always wrong
Crazy
Baby, raise it on the floor
Our mouse and their semi-final aspirations in trouble because it's their map pick, it's
Mirage, usually a map that is fantastic and great to this mouse team.
Papuria pull up and they pose you a bit of a challenge straight away from the word go.
You've got Moledoy in peak form looking good, K Sarato there behind him, kind of a dream
scoreboard for Furia and an 8-4 lead. Bloody lovely if you ask me. Furia looking to get cheeky.
A executes, B bomb. Just don't get spotted on this push. Jimmy going in,
A to fly. If Jimmy runs back to rotate, if he buckles, he's going to give sound cues away.
You can just try to fake this one out. Lots of utile Jimmy runs back, but he's not falling
for it. Staying in this B bomb site. The bomb yet to commit.
If you're here, you might have this lead, but make no mistake about it, CT half better,
four mowers. So this pistol round, if they're able to pick it up, they're right back in
the conversation. Watch out, Jimmy, they're coming.
They can't not try to sell this fake on the other end of the map, but
one is all he manages, and Jimmy is...
He's rustled this ruse. K. Serato will move past him at least. The molotoy there with
with a follow-up, it's him and Torsche clash.
That's a bomb plant for Furia.
And a bit of time to get comfortable
in this 3v2 post-plant.
Yeah, sit back and relax.
Because Mao's are a long way out.
Spinks top middle right now.
Four and eight.
It's been a quiet game from him.
This is a round Mao's shoot attempt.
They need it desperately and Zershin has kit smoked.
So anything can happen here.
He's his first fight to fall in his favor.
Spinks has cover from the backside.
Player in sight, flicked by Zershin.
and now smoke on the bomb, he can get on this.
He may as well stick it full as Fallon,
stuck in a 1v2, he's gonna get him off the defuse,
one bullet to connect and he can't do it.
Knife him in the smoke, mouse pick it up,
disadvantage in that post-blonde, still their pistol.
That's gonna ignite a bit of a fire under you know,
that's a proper robbery of around two on three,
defuse stuck even though Fallon was able to
kind of bring himself into the conversation there
that 1v1 time was just a problem and so you went around like that you're on your
better side you're on your home map Mao should be feeling very good about this
they've got a four-spider contest with here you hear him getting pumped up you
hear Toshi trying to bring the energy that is a massive step in the right
direction and it comes at a very unlikely time yeah surprising round to
win. Oh, dear. Uh oh. No soundy alarm. Haven't even really had to talk about you. Kindar in
this game had some good info plays in that first half, but wasn't really dominating the
scoreboard here. That double kill puts you on a fast track to an early upset in the
second half 5v2. He started 0 and 5 and now he's even...
This is very uncomfortable now. Now it's like they want to save. Still kind of
tense for Furia because the round almost went better than they could have
anticipated. You know they were still so spread out in this default.
That's where I'm going. So I had to take some extra time to go and group up.
Oh, Fallen's even hunting these... Oh my god, how's he still alive?
He should have been dead.
And he is, but yeah, four kills to the cost of one.
Desperate times for Mao's and Spinks is not feeling it today. That's not a good sign.
Five and ten, we just saw him pretty ugly with on Fallen.
He's been the...
They said, yes, a bright spark of Mao's.
Even when they've had trouble,
has been able to get big games and still find outputs.
So him going quiet in this progression game.
Bad sign for mouths. Furia find their force by pistol or not. They take the lead or take the
favor, I guess, into this tea-side.
I'll just be leading, might be running away with it here.
How long can I get a buy until 11.5?
Yeah, that was kind of neat, that like hero player to bring them back into Mirage right
now.
Cause you're dead on.
Spinks a little concerning.
Toshi had the AWP a fair bit in that first half and tried his hand at a lot of openers,
didn't really have to mention his name much. Jimmy was struggling in those lurks which kind of forced
a bit of a change of the game plan for Maus. I'd say there's an example to be concerned about here
for Maus. What strange routing. Just walking down middle back up under to clear B but they already
have it. It just walked all the way through middle. He doesn't love a bit of unnecessary
risk. Well guys, mid is clear. That we know. Now let's look to crunch middle together.
All I do is a bit trapped here. They don't have any molly to burn it out. He's able
to reposition safely. It's getting a bit messy out under as Furia just head towards B. Rifle
is here. It's home of the two guys that have been struggling, Spinks and Jimmy, but they're
starting to leave. Oh, a gamble for Maus at the worst of moments. Now here all this
Utile going in towards that B site and so Jimmy will turn around along with Spinks.
But if you don't get killed quickly and they never be in a position to consider
this round. Already lost the sight. Kisarato's got no reason to give you anything there after
receiving that dink. They know that type of team Maus are and just how unlikely going for
this 5v5 would be. And so it's a numbers game for Furia. Don't give them that kill.
The retake never materializes. Very cool boost, but round is over. This is just
exit here for miles. Cleanly done here for Fury with five up right now. They want to really
rub salt in the wound.
Furia admirable game because it's just been a lot of walking around and then just pops
That's been both T sides right now mouse did the same
Got kind of stuck in middle did a couple of B pop some failed some succeeded
Yeah, I think one of the big problems you're gonna run into here with just how little room you have
in this map now if your mouse is you think about the furious CT side just how
active they were right you said this has been a lot of pops fury we're able to
kind of stay a step ahead of that by coming through with these you know ramp
pushes the palace pushes out of your kind of it do you feel like you have the
freedom to do that at such a one-sided scoreline knowing that if you lose
this next by round the maps over and then you're on to dust to the map
that you've been struggling on sure we're able to pick up a win on it
here in Rio, but that's kind of an exception for for for Maus.
Quite the flank for exertion. It's always scary, though it might just
leave him out of the action entirely. Toshi is moving back towards
a Jimmy can join him in spawn but just missing this on the flank exertion is
gonna have a backstab that's the best you can muster right now a slower fury
ago the better for him can toss you by a few more seconds all he doubt doesn't
look like it bombs gonna get parts of exertion need something big here
Oh
GG
Now's get one gun round in this half and it is coming right up
The accident or jump at the worst time is the worst time
Don't think he's never really a good time for it, but that was the worst
Multiple players backs turned
And the whole idea of going for this retake, hinging upon it,
but yeah, we're going about now.
Furia onto 11.
And if they win this next rightful round, map is over.
That is Furia taking a huge stride towards the semi-finals.
Furia are making it look easy.
Got to give them that and it really can be easy. Locking in this round removes any hope
for mouths. They've had early rounds in both halves and that is simply it.
They won the four-spy on the T side, netted three in a row, found one more round for
the rest of the half, which was that A-pop, and then they won the pistol in the second
half and lost to the force. Got to laugh it off, that's all you can do, 11-5 down, one
chance and no orb for Toshi. So you're operating without... at least Molotoy doesn't have
his out for furia. No head armor. So these A1S's gonna feel pretty potent. Just a beat
down of this A bomb site. Now as they were thinking this is gonna be, you know, slow
Calculated it's the first come around of the game. They get Delta contact five-man walk out in a way
You're flexing right now. Just try swinging CT sport on Molotoy
It's a sign of the times and no way you're gonna save
Surely they try
Yeah, in towards CT give it a go
Just flashes to try and delay it
And even now, conceding the space, Maus, they need something miraculous.
Can Torsche deliver?
That double!
Lends a bit of intrigue, but time is very, very low.
Caught out in the open by Fallen, and now your Kindar also takes his fight.
Spinks doesn't have the time to win this one, and so it slips on by the wayside.
Fury, you have many a chance to close on Mirage.
A nice try, as all you can say there for Maus.
torsion with a huge double but no time left it too late and got canceled back in
the middle had to rotate all the way round window unfortunate situation here
for miles but a bit of a fumbling here on mirage a go-to map and fury are
absolutely excelling on all fronts. This year alone they are 9 and 2 on Mirage
mouths. So a bit of a shock loss with this being one-sided. Yeah it's your
home map you know it's it's been kind of the one thing you've had even through
this this downturn in performance but the thing you might end up going
dominantly against you. Certainly not what you had in mind. Furia another blistering pace call
as they run it home in towards B and they just want to end this with shock and awe.
Yeah, made no mistake. Furia look red hot in Rio right now taking down passion efficiently
coming back against Navi taking that series to qualify and now map one of a semi-final
Both, Furia making a very quick work of Maus.
Oh, the perfect name, Keisarato really took his time with that one.
And it's not hard to see why Furia dominate Maus on Mirage.
You might have expected them to pull through, but what do you expect to be this one-sided?
It was helped out massively by Molodoy and Keisarato chart topping performances, running rings around
Maus to open up this series. Definitely did. Leaves a lot to be desired I think is what Jacob Pimp
when Esh would say, but the truth is yeah this was a pretty one-sided affair with Maus being the
lesser. I'm walking him right back into the Intellect Stream Masters and for what it's worth
Expecting a little bit more out of the mouse can't go on for it.
Yeah, absolutely. Just a super disappointing performance considering it's their map pick, right?
They only won one gun round on this map, on the T side, CT side.
It wasn't much better after they lost to the force.
One that pistol 2v3, that gives you some hope, alright? Maybe they can get rolling,
but this wasn't meant to be, and I think a stark difference from Fury compared to that Navi game.
Now that they are in the playoffs, right?
They didn't know that they were going to be in the arena, playing a lot more loose, relaxed and they just ran circles around Maus.
Yeah, not a lot of fight coming out of the Maus camp at all, to be completely honest.
It's hard to pinpoint anything that worked out for them, apart from obviously losing the pistol and then winning the second round
and getting off to, I guess, a good start by being up 3-1, he thinks to himself,
okay, we know for a while that I've been struggling on this map for quite some time.
They were not playing well on it in Rotterdam, they kind of struggled yesterday as well.
So I thought to myself, alright, this is Maus entering the matchup, entering the series,
but yeah, falls short and none of the players stepped up, none of the players had any of
the round swings or the rounds where it's like, okay, I take responsibility now, I'm
going to bring us back into the game as we've seen previously from Maus, but yeah,
more struggles and times for a lineup that needs desperately to show us that there's
still a bit of belief in them, not necessarily concerning for trophies, but at the very
least coming into the playoffs and having aspirations to win games.
It's just very hard to talk about Mausman because I feel like everyone saw it coming,
a roster change, and then they didn't make one. And then you go into the season and
how were things going to change outside of them having some results immediately, right? Like
if they somehow beat Vitality in that crack-out game and then they could mind game themselves,
oh everything is different now and go on a run based off of that. But as soon as, you know,
some of those results repeat themselves, players are not robots, no matter how much you try
consciously to think about it differently and to have a certain mindset, I mean it's the back of
your head, if you keep doing the same thing again and again and expect different results,
that's the definition of insanity and I think that's what it was for Miles keeping this roster
into this season. Which is an interesting conversation by itself, we're talking about
roster moves over here with the side of Falcons, well let's be fair, the point you're
you're bringing up here is the idea that Jim Fatt leaves that line up and then what?
Like then they have room for growth or like they make a change.
But now that that hasn't happened, Jacob tell us about the idea of breaking up with a girlfriend
and not actually doing it.
Well, it's not a good idea.
You know, you just gotta rip off the bandits at some point.
I think there's a lot of loyalty when in the mouse and that's part of the problem
as well.
Obviously, we all were there to cherish the history of them becoming the academy
into the main team.
You know, a lot of players who have a strong relationship together, but that's
That's where I need someone from the management to take the tough decisions.
Even if the players felt it was the right thing to do heading into a new season with the same
lineup, I agree with the sentiment that everyone saw the roster change coming apart from maybe
the team themselves.
And then again, you know, you can't tell me that it wasn't better players or players
that would be attractive to a team like Maus on the market.
So I think it was an active decision for them to give it one more shot.
And I think unfortunately for Maus as of right now, not only based on this Mirage
game, but overall for the season, it's been proven that it wasn't the right
And to ask your question to some extent, Trace, it's more like, you know, yeah, you're in a long relationship with this person and, you know, they don't cheat on you, they're fine, they're alright, they don't cause you any trouble, but do they really make you happy?
What do they bring to the table?
You know, do they make your heart pump, right? Like, do you wake up every morning happy that you're with them?
With your blood flowing?
That doesn't feel like it's the case in Mao's, right? It feels more like it's the former. That's not what life is about, right?
How is that supposed to feel?
Yeah.
Oh, you disagree, Jacob?
Should you be waking up sad every day?
Yeah, I need to do some soul searching then,
and find out what I'm doing.
Yeah, sure.
Yeah, potentially.
No, for what it's worth, you think
about the dynamic of a team, and how that all
starts to unfold and take shape over time.
You know, you had the additive of time in there,
so now we're kind of getting to watch the science
experiment play itself out to a certain degree.
But in terms of mirage, where do you find your hat lying
right here, Jacob?
It seems like it's about time.
It seems like a trace.
Maybe we can get official confirmation.
Perhaps.
We could probably do some fellow.
Let's do it.
Let's just go for it.
Let's go for it.
Let's just really roll the dice.
All right.
I thought it was cool.
And you could see Furia playing proactive,
and getting some good reads in this game.
So here's one of the rounds towards the later point
of the first half.
Just a default opening from the side of mouse, top mid,
window smoke, Molotov to allow this lower B player
to push so there's no one can be holding from here.
so he can just get into the swing of things.
And I just want to show you how spread out on the map,
the mouse players are, you can see two players towards A,
one guy putting pressure towards B,
and we just saw Brolan throw that utility
for the underpass player as well.
So they're trying to put pressure all over the map,
signal that they're doing a default,
that they're spread around,
it's Torji with the AWP towards B, he's coping.
So they're letting themselves know,
Spinks is towards Ram,
just holding for some sort of an aggressive push
and what happened in apartments, you see this,
That was an HE that Jimmy threw from apps.
So they knew that there was a player in apps.
He did that purposefully.
But that's honestly kind of obvious.
Like, why would he do that for almost no,
like he's really trying to make himself known in apps, right?
So Yuri and Yakin are getting the read.
He only did that so he can fall back sort of
and make us not go for exactly this sort of a play.
But they're one step ahead.
They make the information play at the one minute mark.
Look what that leads into, right?
a 3B setup from the CTs with Moldoi holding this angle on short
and we have a player already in T spawn.
And what's going to happen from here on out,
just Moldoi gets the kill and they're walking right into the trap.
The quick flank is even behind them
and Fury is going to easily mop up,
but there's layers to their rotations
and some really good reads
and just being one step ahead of Maus this whole game.
Yeah, I think the key word you said was proactivity.
I think that was a very proactive CT side
and definitely a fury that looked much, much better
And kind of, you know, basing up what we saw versus Navi yesterday as well.
That comeback on Nuke, it kind of looked like the old Furia, the 2025 or Furia,
they would always find a way to win.
They would play with a bit more confidence as well.
Molotov in particular had a great showing yesterday, continuing the trend as well today.
So I think we're seeing more and more of the old iteration of Furia coming back alive.
And this was a great showing on a map that they've been struggling on.
As I said, they played this map seven times the last month,
and they've only beaten two teams, which is Passion UA and Tyloo.
Other than that, they've lost it five times against anyone who's any good at the game to be completely honest.
So beating Maus in this fashion,
Disconvincingly, is a great step in the right direction for Furia.
And beating Maus right here right now is a great step in the right direction if you want to win this series, right?
So let's go to Dust2, let's talk about the CT side and start that Maus has right here
and the chance to maybe claw back in this cat and mouse game.
Yeah, I think it's going to be tough, right?
Dust2 was their perma-ban and then Anubis comes back into the pool.
their perma-band from before Dust.
So it was always going to be Troubleson.
They had a couple of good results
at the very start of the season,
but from that point on,
it was very much exploited
by all kinds of different teams, right?
Like they just struggle on this map.
And Furia, we saw them bounce back against Navi
yesterday on Dust 2 as well.
This is where you feel like they have a great opportunity
to close out the series.
Yeah, I really feel so as well.
If Marge wanted to win this series,
I think Mirage was the ticket in to the series.
Yesterday we saw, as you said, Furia play exceptionally well on Dust 2.
I think there's a lot of different playmakers on that team as well.
Jakinda does some of his best work on a map like Dust 2.
Molotovic seems to be coming alive on that map as well,
doing some of his best work specifically on Dust 2.
So, albeit that Furia and 26 have struggled a little bit,
I think the one map where it's actually been quite consistent
at a high level still is Dust 2.
So, for that reason, it makes sense to say that, yeah,
Tracer's gonna end, there's gonna be a 2-0,
but I feel like that's going against the trend of this tournament so far.
Whenever we think it's over, whenever we think it's going to be a close game or not a close game,
the direct opposite is happening.
Yeah, and that's kind of the reality, isn't it?
Especially when you look at this map 3, and I'm kind of wondering if Fury has the potential to keep this mouse contained.
Like, we just saw them do a mirage, keeping them contained while they're on their CT sides.
If they play like they did yesterday, they're not only going to win this map, they're going to dominate the map.
They're going to win it in a fashion where we're saying that, okay, it was never in doubt whether that's 13-8, 13-3, it doesn't really matter.
but I'm expecting Afriar to come in here, make the statement that,
listen, we're booking a spot straight into the semi-final,
we're looking more like our old self, obviously with the pressure added in the play-off,
that's going to be a different conversation, but the level of gameplay, I expect to be hyphen for you.
The one thing that happened yesterday in the Dust2 game against Na'Vi is,
Afriar didn't have to do much on their T side because they were getting picks
and they were punishing the aggression from Na'Vi, right?
Didn't do too much in terms of having to showcase some of those slow 5v5 rounds.
So maybe for Malz, if they sit back a little bit,
not give them those early openings,
perhaps they can find some success on their CT side.
Which is what we're gonna have to wait to watch.
Isn't that right, gentlemen?
Thank you so much for your thoughts.
And for you all at home,
it is that time we go to that quick commercial break.
When we come back, we jump right back
into the thick of this seating match
right here for the Intellect Stream Masters in Rio 2026.
Mirage done, Dust 2 up next,
and Nuke should we need a third?
It's Malz versus Furia.
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Something special to tell you is deep enough, and that's what's on your mind.
You have it, son! We are back!
Dreaming found was never a way to get me
I could still work when I can't feel the pain
When I'm born to feel the pain
How can I dream about the world?
Oh, with exertion on the mic here and I want to talk about the tournament because ever
since that first map you played here I feel like you're growing stronger and stronger
do you feel that way as well in terms of what you're bringing to the server?
Yeah, of course. I think with every map we play here we regain some confidence. I think
we were a bit broken after we were lost in Copenhagen. So definitely feels good to get some
good wins. Also against Aurora, it's a good team at the moment. So feeling confident going up
against FURA today, but I think it will be a big test for us also.
Is this finally a tournament to win? Maybe I speak too soon, obviously we're still in
in the group stage, but everyone seems so shaky, you know, even as we speak right now
Vitality are playing and it's kind of like everyone is showing their wounds, so to speak,
so do you finally smell the blood, so to speak?
Not yet, to be honest, we still need to get through FURIA today and then we need to get
through the playoffs as well. I think that at the moment we're not maybe in the position
to think ahead so much, we need to regain our form and some confidence, so yeah,
maybe other teams are shaky, but last tournament we went out last place, so for
for us it's just about getting back into the groove.
It makes sense, we don't look too much ahead,
but we have to look a little bit ahead
and with this you are secured already in the playoffs.
I'm not going to be around the bush, you're always very honest with me,
so I'll be honest with you.
We can see a major kind of performance drop-off
when it comes to you and performance in the playoffs.
Have you been focusing on that and if so, how?
Well, of course, statistically there is definitely a big drop-off for me in those games.
I think that individually it doesn't feel that bad, it maybe seems, but of course there
is many things that are not going my way in these games, maybe I'm trying to do too much
and just costing us many rounds, but I think this is more like a team issue we have at
some points, if we get more quiet and maybe these games don't do that well for us, so
for me it's more like when it comes to it I need to focus on myself but I still
need to bring good communication for the team and if that takes away my statistics
in the long run, I will be happy as long as we start winning actually this game. So yeah for me
it's not too much about the statistics on those games. Thank you very much for this very insightful
answers and let's see how it goes on the server.
Well these ambitions of reaching a semi-final for now has called it a question with Mirage
not go in their way and now moving on to Dust2 for Furia, I'm feeling pretty good about the
hometown heroes chances of locking in semi-finals.
It could be one less match in the arena for the Brazilian squad, but at least graduated
to semi-finals with goals of winning the whole thing.
Maybe a bit of a confusing match for the Brazilian fans because you're rooting for
Furia but also you're dead on, it means one less game in the arena.
Well, safety at least in the semi and safety in this series because we're about to enter
So, Maus is two worst statistical maps left in Dust2 and Muke Dust2, of course we talked about it yesterday.
It's the map that Maus got forced to play a permanent and noobest ban and a train top team.
As soon as that swap entered the map pool, they must stop playing Dust again and Muke they haven't won this year.
So, it's been a bit of a ropey one for Maus and that mirage was certainly so.
Furia, with winning their sales with semi-finals on the horizon, might just fly towards it
And let's mouse play their best game yet here on dust.
Had a great game on it versus Aurora yesterday.
But like we said on map one, that felt like it was an exception to the to the rule for
mouse on dust two. This has been a very
struggle some map for them since the changes you talk about and then having a
take to it again. Well Fury are very proficient here.
This could be weird. Oh he missed the smoke. And Jimmy just punishes him walking in.
Oh dear. It's kind of ruined the whole pistol hasn't it? Yeah in a way. In every
way. What do you do now?
Gulp.
The fact that Jimmy even has a smoke to block. That just means
it should be over surely. Spinks going to get the info
here from back of plan. There's that smoke falling in Jimmy
allowed to work his way up close with the Dolbarat is they won't commit to the
push. Got the info on two and so a last second change of direction for Furia.
This is a nail bite of a pistol as they try and course correct the 3v5. No
excuse mouse. Had a miss smoke in there and that threw the entire plan through
a loop. Nice. This one goes nowhere quickly for Furia.
Molotoy had to die dropping down was his best bet. I like that
It's it's a better idea than just going for the ramp player who could just run away
Molotoy
Just forcing the death
And mouths taking the pistol okay reassuring and even more reassuring
I think that fury don't bomb plant because we saw mouse win CT pistol Mirage and then your kinder happened double
Glill entry winning out through your force by they're gonna get a scout on fallen but for the most part
This is eco. I do that this full and scout hits crazy hard
There's a scout earning an opera on fury and they're not the same person true
I'm not letting you cry Benny me right now. Harry. No, I'm not buying in
Now's our turn this round. I don't know. All right. Let's see
It's just something about it when he gets this gun in particular.
Okay.
With these positions though?
It would have to be a Krebbeni moment for the fallen.
There he is, nailing it.
Not bad.
Hell of a pick up on his spanks.
I was run away.
Even a dink on a Jimmy softening him up.
Oh, the gun.
He's got it, he's got it.
Back up Cat and they're crunching middle together.
Oh no.
Oh, they're leaning B.
Second player board over.
So I shouldn't have this.
Smoke can be disrespected.
Oh, another tag, but just cut down.
It's a crisis averted there for hours.
There was no issues.
Phew.
That was just a solo scout round.
The real buy is coming now.
How does Molotoy have an AWP in round three?
With no bomb plants?
Life finds a way.
well now it's here they're all brattle off and they might be asking themselves the
same question glass cannon orp for moledoy torchey also has his
they don't bomb
back to be here for furia yeah you're in a bit of an odd spot because how's
haven't really gone looking for any space and they've held on for a long time
to all of this util starting to dump it in now as the time runs lower even
re-smoked in upper tunnels call one more smoke still at B and seconds is one up
right now this is a big problem hurry I'm gonna have to go through one
eventually great flash but oh oh my goodness case we're off so everybody
commits to that is wild and a chance to get out of there they play through the
smoke in the tunnels it doesn't pan out for them and now you've got this glass
cannon on Molodoy the only thing left in the clutch I know should be no way he
can win this three players they can play to trade aim punch plays into this as
well arm is a shot three bullets be flawless for Molodoy and that first
one it's swinging a miss iced out as Maus with the third they collect that
one.
Cleanly done here for Maus, as the mission is starting stronger on this map 4 and 0.
It's a double kill there, it doesn't let Molodly get out of control.
That was very scary.
Barely took a bullet there up close.
And as you said, during the round, good on Maus to hold onto that U-tail.
Yeah, especially because, you know, even thinking back to Mirage just moments ago,
like the early calling from Fallen when they swapped halves was very, very pasty.
And if you remember, like Maus tried to go for the same type of thing in that first trifle round there,
they were light on the U-tail early, they were trying to hold onto it late round,
and they got dealt a really, really pasty play out of Furia.
But here, just anticipating it's a little bit slower,
it comes to the territory it does to.
I said no one used anything and that's while they didn't really have a lot of information.
So.
Nice early read and feel for how theory we're going to approach that round.
It's a solid first step for now is on this city side.
Oh, flashed into the orb, but I thought she can't connect and now Coronel smokes.
Is there room to breathe in the middle?
I have to rotate Coronel, help out on A.
It feels like a fake but it's not. They're coming through the mid doors right now. Many
players stumbling through spanks. Important double kill. Because that prime is mid to
be. It's only Jimmy in position. It can do running at him through B.
You got a pincer on Jimmy. Oh no. You're kind of with an important pick up and Yuri's
cut-down exertion on his rotate.
This mid-scrap sacrificing players to get past Spinks.
Left Furia in a very good position. Bomb planted 2v2.
Low HP on your Kindar, so you're looking at Molodoy.
Can't afford to get nothing done here. Kindar might be in the spot to try and
clutch, but doesn't really have the facilities for it.
Brolin already out, but a lot of time picked off this bomb.
You kind of get his now it's on to Molodoy back of the site swings out wide and seals it with the clutch
Great patience there for Molodoy doesn't move a muscle. That's his teammate take all the contact and mouths is just walking in
But they don't have the time to walk forced to swing into that last player and fury a get on the board after an eco
no last, that was Technite's running out mid in spite of a double kill from Spinks.
The only issues in Sikro are getting on the mic making sure mows don't crumble
Because while this is statistically a map they've been struggling on, it's also their most played, maybe in part due to teams picking it against them.
But in the last three months, a lot of experience, a lot of learning, a lot of losses, but it's a chance to improve upon them.
They went on a seven loss streak to start this year.
And the exception of that win against Falcons to make it to the playoffs of Krakow, he
yet to beat a truly top team.
not where they're hoping to end up with the departure of Yuri out of those tunnels.
This feels like it's all a ruse.
You know you've had them paranoid about this mid to be utile.
So trying to force a bit of a reaction, you'll learn about the Torsche Op.
You do pay a price for that info.
Smoke.
Oh, and they're going A.
Mountain realized this was all a fake from Fallen jumping out mid to B.
The rest of the team pouncing on this A site great shot from case Arato
And with your kinder out short Uri punishing the long push it all just falls into place here for Furia
I'd just be exits for miles
As furious show them the door
That's a nice little fake there fallen dying for his team
team. And especially when you see that orb there, that's what really triggers your kinder
to go through the smoke knowing there's no A side orb.
It just gives you so much room. Like you sort of let him cross out through shore, even getting
to be low and slow on the angle, able to clear CT on the jump up as a result. Like, you
know, you wouldn't wouldn't have done that if the orb was still a big question mark.
paranoid about it at the car, at the crossroads.
So in these rounds, you know, just kind of, almost like a calculated sacrifices from Furia,
whether that was having to throw a couple of players into the meat grinder of Spinks
over and mid in their Tech 9 round, or just sending Fall into his death to sell the
fake to get the info.
Saved guns are all Mowers have.
Forward the cross there, not spotted.
They're boosting the AWP?
Yes they are, but Molotow is ready.
Why is he ready?
He's holding top Xbox.
You know they're coming into this with less and I think that smoke immediately makes
you ask a lot of questions.
Yeah, like are they pushing low and not are they boost the Xbox? That's crazy. You must have seen that before
Expecting a gimmick what with now is working with less good awareness on Mollard oil and it's netted them a 5v4
Big threat of the round dropped out
Now let's come through the gamble for players in a
Flash on Short could be nice, making the most out of a difficult situation, but it's on
the contact and there's multiple players who even get the Swig off before that Flash goes
out.
Nice shot for Jimmy, but overwhelmed and outnumbered, pushed into the spawn and Furia
are really just playing it safe.
Oh, maybe I take it back, you can just go through.
He decides against it and Furia lock in the round.
They could have just gone for the swing to trade there, but they really just refuse to
troll.
Don't give him anything.
And that is a lock-in third round and Jimmy forced to save.
Downside of playing that safe is Jimmy gets out, but Molotoy really looks like he's
begrudgingly thinking about this.
would you risk your own orb doesn't look like it
your kinder won't get here in time see it looks like Jimmy will make it out with the
AWP. A little gift for Toshi brought in to this one.
Oh, I heard that.
Yeah, and then he just said, let's go, B rush.
That's a pre-ame and a half.
Poor Toshi, I mean.
It was already held before he did it.
Here comes the B rush.
Oh!
Magnet down at the front on Molodoy!
And that should be the round!
The King is all things.
Fulham is right.
Said he was thinking about it, said he was feeling it.
And it's the perfect call.
Yeah, two players in the side as well, but I just didn't expect that kind of disrespect.
You know full has always been so good at like knowing when to throw in these type of pace changes and with how this game's gone
You know think about some of the early props we were given a mouse out there holding on a day
You tell well, they're saving it till late in the round
That's been how this game is felt. That's far fewer played a very slow t-side for the most part
It's been about the mid control been about this slow wave of control across the map
So perfect time to throw in something different
No one was ready for that at B
You just know, you know, like Maus have been looking forward to having a fall by bringing
out all the guns, getting to play a real round.
No, not today.
And that's a two top performance.
I mean, to be fair, they've been getting more of the action.
This B-side has been the focal point of Furious T-side.
But Spinks and Jimmy knocked out.
And they're going to be a little bit more paranoid now for the rest of the half.
Number eight.
And despite that converted pistol, this is four rounds in a row, methodical from Furia.
Long take, Torsche.
Here to help out Brolin, they've already made it out behind the blue bin and now it
in comes the second volley of Util to make life hard out on Long.
I thought she's done what all can, awkward here as he hangs around, makes out with a second.
He's getting it for everyone. What the hell is he doing? Still staying behind the smoke.
He runs knife out to chase him down. But I think Fury are pretty happy with that exchange,
getting rid of the orb, going two for two along.
Even that's a fake dink there. So maybe a false sense of security as you go look
at a kill Moledoy in mid.
this lurking orb that we saw yesterday hiding out in middle, blocking any gain for information.
Jimmy's going to push B and Spinks will meet him in middle, but Polatoi has managed to avoid this.
What a position. He's holding door from the CT side of things.
As Fury put that bomb down, Jimmy's about to get punished.
Oh, the timing on that.
It's fine.
He is tracking.
Oh, even giving it up.
I mean, no spring sink going anywhere.
Backstab in.
And the full hunt of punishing round out of Furia playing it by the book right now.
been really safe in not letting mouse clutch any rounds on this map right anytime miles are in a 1v2 or 1v3
Whatever the stakes fury
Just play to contain. I think it also just shows a good knowledge of your opponent as well in like some of these moments
Where they'll get into a bomb site and you know even even that like smoke push where your kind are
Reconsidered it is like a good example, you know
You know now is on the type of team that like to take risks especially in the early game, right?
where there's still a lot of rounds that there's still kind of a buffer. They're always going to prioritize the fall by.
So a lot of the times if you kind of don't give them a reason to go fishing, they won't. They just kind of write it off.
And you're not like your opponents get warm, get a good feel for the game. There's been a lot of saves.
It's been a lot of that from Maus. And that can feel rough.
The rounds are just passing you by, you're not even getting to play.
I'm not sure what it is.
Toshi playing on default, eh?
Even a move like this, man, it's just something you would never really see now as do.
You can just contact, walk through the long smoke.
On a feeling it's pretty crazy, isn't it?
But he's got the space and he does it for free and now he's been given a full belly utile
It's gonna it's gonna double pump a exec to make it look like all the fury are here and then they'll hit B and
Mouse right now. I feel at home
Not the fury could know that
But this is just gonna be a nasty fake where if mouse don't get aggressive and clear part of the map
They will be left blind. This is at least a good reaction
Hear all this noise you go and clear mid you go and clear lower. We miss a smoke. It's a bit awkward
Spinks gets out with one and gets the info that it's actually this B play still now is they're on the other end of the map
One smoke and it's all they need
I'd be feeling like your best bet is to go quickly
You know your kindars out of position right now. You've actually got a four on three into this B site
I say that assertions very very late
He just cleared long to check for that flank, but the kind that's grouped up with his team
he's got a nade in case they smoke the bomb and save.
So I mean, a numbers based team, it's a 4 on 4, you don't really have the utile or the
position in the go for this, so write it off, go again in the next.
Annoyingly, I think it's a really reasonable save, you know, as much as you want to
see Maus go for it, they've got no kit, they have zero flashbangs, Fiora have kind
of out called them in that round so it's just it would just be a bloodbath that
nine times out of ten miles wouldn't win and as we've already said fury have
been really tight in these post plans so I'm giving anything up there six to
three beautiful game out of fury right now six straight I mean it's a game
that's really being wanting in kind of the cooling department even
Demonstrated by just how many saves have come through from mouths, you know, you're frequently getting out positioned
You're frequently on kind of the wrong ends of the map
Full is thrown in a variety of these pace changes to which is
Always been a treat whenever you kind of get one of these pacey rounds out of furious suddenly
It's right, you know down the middle into be whatever it may be
And it's really nice house. It's just developed to you know
I remember the start was just a lot of really aggressive rounds and like pops and
spawn based cooling
But I think Furia have some excellent mid-ground moves. We saw that on Mirage the other day
We're seeing some nice developments on a macro level
Uh-oh Spinks
He is 22 health stuck lower and there is the spam
You waited so long as well after that initial spam to go.
This mid smoke.
I'm going to try and follow through with mid aggression.
Two players on catwalk, Jimmy out here in the mid doors, staking it all on these mid
fights.
They want Fury to keep going in mid.
fury or give it to them.
For all you know that can be fake.
That's like, that's kind of the beauty with how fury is set this game up.
You don't know what that means.
There's 30 seconds like two flashes long, but it feels anything but safe to rotate
on the back of it.
winnable for miles right now.
There's 20 seconds you set it yourself.
They've got to go back to B.
You have to go B.
15 seconds.
There's a player in the site.
Jimmy can tuck in close.
Dropping the bomb is a round winning move.
Even dropping the bomb back is crazy for Fallen.
I don't know if they can win this.
The tray doesn't come through.
Jimmy's done it.
To be fair, I think even if they clear him,
the fact that Fallen threw the bomb back,
Mender, that was done.
OK, Fury, get a little bit stuck in the middle there.
After finding a 4v3 getting you kind of out long
And then missing the mid smoke and they wanted to wait to how and that really just burns their clock down
I'm going to be. I'm going to
be really out. Nice little
gimmick there just to give
Mollie Doi some open run away.
Smallest details. If a fury
about well thought. Five before
they've been really squeezing
the lemon on this one. I want
to see them go for a full
execute together. They've got
four players on cat case or
overcooked the last one right so this is where you're dead on you do just look for something more group you've got that advantage already
You believe that you can just trade your way through this
Torsche
Swing in a miss down to spanks two dinks lot of damage done all three players so low on the short side
They have to be very cautious of these nades they've all come out for miles now. It's a backstab for Jimmy
This is three kills on a platter
your kindle walking back who's really supposed to you know wrangle this one in
you've got 25 seconds no health on either of your players have given that
one out so yeah root it to a plant still you need molotoy to deliver
something on the orb missing this timing it's brutal that's the round Jimmy
drawing the attention. Oh no, no, no doubt. Oh, and Molotov is hitting his. They were not
meant to get here. Molotov brings it down to a 1v1. And oh, Molotov's got the edge.
Never doubt him in these post plans. Furio had bombed down with pressure on Malz. They
let them make the mistake straight through that smoke on his own. And of course, Molotov
hits a quick flick this was a killer set awareness on Yuri too right like just to go and check that
that timing being open you can tell miles are so scared right now the fact that Jimmy gives up the
bomb there at 20 seconds and lets them plan of course he doesn't know they're all low but I feel
like there are some calls like I think it's two you know you think two more do I know they know
more boys low from that fight version I would like to see Jimmy hang on to that bomb that would
would have just been the round.
Too much respect being given by Maus today, it feels like.
And Furia are happy to meet them there.
Furia can overcook a round on the T side
and still get an eight round half.
Maus have won a single gun round of this map.
And that was the one expiring time on the B site.
I mean, it's really painting a dismal picture, like, thus far in this series, Maus have won
two rifle rounds.
No, don't say that.
I don't want to hear that.
That's crazy.
Two?
Two.
Yikes.
Fallen into the site, leads the charge, and Pacy attempted to close here at a furia.
They do have this smoke to play around. Torsche scoped in on the AWP.
Teammates nearby to support him.
There's smokes on a timer though, and eventually you will just be a guy
who's good in the open.
Oh, there it is! Get out with one at least!
Playing through the smoke, it spinks.
On for a backstab. Low HP for your kinder.
Won't be able to find them yet, but when the smoke fades,
spinks is in the position to end this.
Unless Yuri has cover.
You sacrifice your kinder, the low HP player. You needed that trade. And all what a sequence.
Three rounds. Beautiful hat trick to close things out. And yet three gun rounds total
thus far for mouse. Let's see if they can keep this one going as they move on to that
T side.
I
I don't know if I can see it through
When I need a clue
They are storming through it looking for a semi-final placing at Intel Extreme Masters Rio
2026 7 5 on the half here for
Furia and a nice clean mirage to set this series up
This is what of mouse is struggling maps right now picked by Furia and they're having a ball
Three gun rounds in the entire series for mouse have been one. That's got to change if they have a chance
And look at Furia go, right up the guts!
Such a pallet cleansing pistol isn't it?
Furia just bringing the momentum, bringing the heat, they come through with a top mid
push straight away.
That was his pallet cleansed with lead.
Oh!
That's not the case Serato. Fallen's also been discovered in the car.
Oh no, this can go very wrong and that's what it takes. Double kill for exertion.
They've got all the info they need. Long and CT. Hostiles inbound. Molodoy shot from afar.
Jully's getting messy. Molodoy, you'd feel it's unloosable for mouse. You'd feel it.
it is.
Like it all the kills from it but none of the glory.
Maus secure the pistol.
That's been the source of all their rounds today.
It's not where the game can be won.
This at least gives them a lifeline on Dust2.
Converting is the first step.
This will put Maus in the lead.
But, you know how I feel about the Fallen Scout?
Oh yeah, okay, you're going back to it now.
You got one last time.
And it was nice.
It was nice and the tag. Don't forget the tag. Very important.
Be stacked here for Furia.
Quite the stack.
Fallen Scout on the other side of the map.
It's almost like a mini stack in a way.
Two stacks. Have they stacked both sides?
Look at the stack on Furia.
They're blocking be we're not here don't come be I'm alone
Somehow say, okay, whatever you want. I don't fall in good, but he is about to get split
He has his limits
See where they lie fallen scout along they're closing in
Well, that's a collateral and a third tag from the fallen scout. I forget the tags
I mean, you know you've done a lot of damage there out towards long just the fact you've
already lost this short control and you're all rotating in through CT. I feel a little
too claustrophobic.
Oh, that's a shame. Save for Furia. What it could have been. Important round for Miles
there just making sure they don't lose to the force by it did a mirage it cost them
three out of four pistols in this series from ours.
Terrorists win.
I thought Fury were going to do something weird.
Like, Moledoy had extra money, right?
Obviously he's saving for the orb. It makes a lot of sense.
Like, what would be the craziest thing you could do, Hugo?
Right now after you just forced didn't pan out be saved on what's the craziest thing you could do
I am all for Molotoy, of course
He brings it in around those saving players that is crazy no armor all
Three rounds into the CT side after losing the force by Molotoy dons at AWP. He did it T side as well and getting it third round
Without armor there too. Doesn't seem to need it.
But he's already fired, Harry. They know it's in play.
It's just such a ballsy call.
Now you kind of do have a stack on both sides.
High low in the tunnels.
Even just knowing it's in play causes a lot of stress for now as it speaks back
here in the tunnels, struggles to get out with anything more than the first.
Oh, block the door to stop this mid to be going.
Now it's come through and they hit hard, your Kindar wrestling one back.
Does he have any more left in this D.Eagle? It's good damage,
but won't be enough to entice you. Molledoy did go for the crazy AWP by,
but that just means he really has to hold on to it.
Nice flash for Torsche there over the top, needed that to get to the
first kill Yuri coming back into B. He was in the open. That could have gone very well
for Furia, right? You're kind of hitting two Deagle tags on Zershin. If Yuri can take one with him
suddenly we're looking at a winnable round. But you're right, the savers paramount here,
and he will get challenged.
just going to take one with him fallen maybe the same oh I mean as far as the first three
round losses gone for furia they've done well to take some guns maximize damage and now
they've got the orb into their first gun round as well mouse in the lead let's see if mouse
can win their fourth buy-round of the series. That's crazy when you think about it, right?
If you really knew what pace to expect out of Maus on this T-Side, they've used one
smoke in the entirety of the round, and that was just to go and get the long control.
That's kind of just a precautionary measure, don't know if Maus had the spawn, and so
get that in but now you have the space out towards these long doors. Fallen's even crept through the
smoke. It's hiding in it. Yeah, he's in it. This is risky.
Oh, maybe hoping they push past him while it's up but now he'll fall back.
Oh, goodness that smoke. Oh, no clear and so Fallen gets away with murder.
has support from Molodoy won't get the trade but gets a tag off down range
bomb can get retrieved here for Brolin over on long it's just times a big
problem right now for Maus big kill on Yuri getting aggressive acts a big case
Rottis 5 and 11 having a tough game he's got the whole round in the palm of
his hand he's got a win it 25 seconds and hoping for this mid to be Molly
will slow their roll up Katz instead that's forced their hand fury are
already. Two players here. You're kind of low health on the first man facing him, even
that flick on down. Oh, it's Kcerato helping out. A Furia repellent, a change of direction
forced out a mouse thanks to that mid util, and it left them running into the stack. Well,
that's rough a mouse. I mean, that Molly just decides it for them. They really want
to go mid to be and they've got the bottom performer against them there in that site,
But the Molotov means they have to go back up CAD and I love the fury of believe in that Molotov.
They trust that it holds Mael's back and they just go and play AA.
Would have been easy to still get stuck in and stopping a B hit.
Fallen maybe an overcook on Long.
If he kept his gun out, could have just found the third kill and relieved all worry.
But no problem when that's your entry kill.
I was 5v4 and looking to just jump on this b-site
The flash you could say was a little late
And no one else went through after it
Maybe good there's three players over towards this b-site. Are they just gonna go again? I weren't three players now. There are
Oh, they might just have to double pump this and now Mollidow is here so the rest of Furia
All right go somewhere else. That's what mouse is saying
You can't it's ready to aggro into the tunnel
Oh, yeah, just if you really know what they're up against they know what mouse are like
He goes and instantly claims this space bag
Plotting the Furia flag in the tunnels and now on for a backstab, Jimmy's dead to the position he just came from.
So it again happened earlier, didn't it?
Furia just know exactly what Maus are doing. Perfect read of this game across both halves.
This might be a kill-hit for Xershin, but it's not a matter.
His team have all died in the process, even a second, and disallowed by your kinder.
That's insulting from Furia.
Just uh, yeah 5v4. I don't know what happened. Yeah, you're a smart amount of me
Can you can you figure out why?
Maybe you want to go through
But when they realize a player is close they think I canceled the call
But I don't know like the play wasn't even close to swing with spanks. I
Don't failure in communication and now case I was had enough he's born double double orb case Rato's orping
That's where we're at right now.
Ah yes, Spawnlin has loved them over on Long.
They get it nice and easy for him. Another multi-kill on the Longdoors.
Double digits for Furia. And this is one that's
really only close in Scoreline alone. Like 10-8
feels like this is a competitive game but that's really not been the case.
It's both pistol rounds for Maus. Two rifle rounds in this map. One rifle
round on the first. This has been a very one-sided series. Skorland's kind of lying to you.
Yeah, I don't believe what it says.
Okay, faking along with flashes. He's kept falling there, but he's not even calling for help right
now. Now, Fallen has the second door. Okay, Serato assisting Molotov in the middle.
So for a moment, an opportunity, a chance on this B bombsite.
Maybe the B hit is the way in.
Now he's doing it properly.
Door smoke, flashes, Yuri on his own.
Now need something.
Maldedoy helps out with our first kill right before the smoke blooms.
Wow.
Even good for another.
And so quickly, what was a one-man hold becomes a stack for Furia.
So another example of the smallest details having the biggest impact, right?
I think we look pretty dead anyway, but the fact that Molotoy gets a kill as the door smoke blooms
That changes everything for mouse. It's one whole less player to trade out on Yuri
He's able to multi Molotoy repeats window
These little things
Matter so much at this level and mouse is just getting mulled
We were saying you know like we haven't really had those games where Molotoy's been the the guy stepping up and rising above it
all think he's just been fine thus far. This series has been exactly that. Molodoy. Top
in the charts, both maps. It's the perfect send into those playoffs. Semis now just rounds
away and I think you want Molodoy feeling like he's bringing his A game. The integral
piece, Hemingy Kindal's addition what elevated this furious squad up towards the top of CS.
Just playing very entertaining Counter-Strike and the fact that we're still getting these great
games out of Fallen on an individual level right like I would say this map is even the
best example but last game he played phenomenal against Navi on that map of Nuke in the comeback
He had some insanely good moments like here. He's even but he's had a lot of anti-co-kills. Whatever
He's had a great tournament as well
So across the board Furia
Lighting up now charge through the B smoke, but case a rato
The transfer the spray is a thing of beauty
and he wants all five
pot shots as they break the smoker forth for Kcerato, let him have it. He's just going to run in with a pistol and
for Rilo comes in Kcerato chase for the ace
another fake Torsche holds
Kcerato waits for confirmation and he goes through for all five. What a beautiful round for Kcerato and Harry
What's happened again? Mows pushing through before the door smoke blooms
rooms. Yeah well now they've had a couple of warnings about it haven't they matter what
a what an every one of these Furia games you just get one of these throwing in you had
the Molotoy ace the other day. Case the Rato after a kind of quiet second map one that
he's been struggling in guess his. Something in the water here in Brazil. Furia are loving
an ace per series. Finally, an opening for Maus 5v4 and it's fallen, felled out towards
Long. She's had a few opening kills so they haven't converted into rounds. Always pushed
all the way in the top middle with your Cyclops mode scoped in the entire time. It's getting
re-block that long if they try and leave they're going to go into that AWP.
He's still worried about planes crossing out of spawn it's the long doors and they're coming from.
Starting to depart now. He will miss this window.
Your kinder won't.
Kill down lower he is trapped here though for the meantime.
swings out finds damage problem with a big kill for V3.
All the way back on short. Oh, no way he goes through that is very
molotoy. Finally punished on an overly aggressive move. Arfuria.
That one fell over the top.
And so mouse walking to be the bomb is still long, but they
can witness off kills right now unless case or auto right
they're more scared of B than A but I'm still so nervous for the man like no
round is felt safe they don't have a smoke for the cross so they've got to get
past K Serato you need Torsche to nail him on the orpes missed that shot they
can feel the fear they can feel the nerves bestowed on mouths in this spot
Backstab infi Yuri on the short side and a pulled Brolin gets rid of him. Phew
That's okay sir, I won't give it a try he wants to hold on to this AK
Here you were more than interested in giving that 2v4 ago 1v3 that is a bridge too far
Oh, big round for Brolin here. Taking the gap given over on short after Molotov swings
through that Molotov. And it comes up in spades as Yuri doesn't expect him still there. So
captain top performer again for Malz as he was yesterday, but
Malzahar barely hanging onto this game right now, three chances for Furia to close it out and secure
semi-finals. Malzahar playoff lock either way. There's a chance of redemption after a couple of
poor tournaments, but right now Furia are not making it easy for anyone, right? Even
that comeback against Navi proving to be a contender so far from their group stage performance.
Fury and Falcons with the cleanest runs.
So, default for Maus, pooling, up on Short.
Okay, so we're all to commit it along for once.
And Furio trying to waste Maus's time by trading Molotovs on Short.
The kinder committed in middle needs to move before the smoke fades and so back to be he
goes as mouse try and pressure the A site, won't commit through that smoke, mouse morphing
into a mid to B and Furia, quick on it.
Ready to respond to this they would love to just close it here and now stop it before
it becomes a problem falling right through that smoke.
Blacks turned and a mow down for Furia, causing it in style.
They blister past Maus into those semi-finals.
We're getting Furia on home turf in the semis.
What's better than that?
And in this series, had a bit of everything.
Masterful calls out of fallen, running rings around Maus.
Molodoy popping off, finally taking full control over a Furia win.
They're now through and into the semis top-to-bottom this team is performing at a high level
Mollerboy hitting hard 17 of a on this map fallen rolling back the years as is tradition and Yuri even coming through with some very impactful moments
So furia certainly a contender here in this corner vitality already felt in one game looking
Beatable at least according to the Falcons. I think furia are eyeing of that trophy in Brazil
It would be the first time if they can do it and you know for now is still into the quarters
But I think this was a pretty horrific way to find yourself there
You want to feel like you you contested you want to feel like you kind of had a chance in this matchup
And it wasn't close. I know the score ends dirty nine on map two
But we were kind of keeping track of it throughout they won what four rifle rounds in this entire series
This was a real struggle
But but I will celebrate fury and handed down a stiko on the show floor
Okay Serato, congratulations on winning another game, but I want to talk to you about this
group stage so far because it's been not that smooth as it looks on the paper, right?
Can you give me kind of like good, bad and ugly of Furia throughout this group stage?
I mean, we play against good teams, not being miles, they are really good and also
patchway was not easy at all.
I think that we had a lot of resonance yesterday, so it will just keep your confidence
on the top and we came for this match with the mentality of we can if you can win the
9-3 or yesterday we came with this one. Definitely good comebacks on your part as well but individually
feeling good I saw the ace to put the furion on 12th um anything you want to add I mean
you're feeling like you're enjoying yourself on the server it feels like very natural for
for you right now.
Yeah, I mean, the spray was like a SESCO spray, right?
It feels like, so I'm happy that I could actually change my sensitive for three, you
know, so it was easier to control and also using the meta mouse.
Okay, I mean, I don't want to take this opportunity away from you.
You're obviously in the arena in the semifinals and I want you to invite all the all
the Brazilian fans because you're the last Brazilian team in the tournament and
It will be obviously beautiful to see you lift that trophy, but you have to go through the whole play, so please go ahead and invite them, yeah?
Thank you very much and congratulations one more time, Desk. Take it away.
Yeah, good feel over there for the side of Puria, obviously, where you want to be.
You want to go ahead and tackle all your demons now
and potentially even grab that same idea and run in the playoffs with it.
That is one stack playoff you're watching right now.
You know, all the good teams, all the best team from this tournament
obviously made it to the playoffs, but also the big names in that regard.
Furia making it in a fashion that I like a lot.
You know, the play good counter strike.
I think we are seeing more and more of some of the things
that we'd like to see from Furia.
We see Molozawa having a great tournament.
We see them being able to win the coaches.
We seem to be able to turn around rounds where you're playing 3V4,
winning close scenarios all the time, which was kind of like the DNA of the year of 2025.
So I'm not saying they're back just yet, but it's looking better this tournament.
Janko, let's just really dive into the idea that four gun rounds in a series is not enough.
That's crazy.
Yeah, that's the problem. It's not the fact that they lost.
It's the fashion in which Maus has lost this game.
It wasn't competitive whatsoever.
They wanted pistols converted, just couldn't get anything done in gun rounds.
And it's not even like all these gun rounds were close.
And no, they were just getting shut down completely, right?
Which isn't a good sign going into the playoffs.
But I absolutely agree. It's stacked.
I mean, five out of the top six teams, Spirit is the one that's in the playoffs.
That's not ranked. Aurora is ranked higher than them, actually.
But you could argue, you rather want Spirit, you rather want to see Donk in the playoffs.
And it's just going to be some crazy games, crazy brackets.
I think the fans are gonna feast this weekend.
Yeah, I think they absolutely are.
I mean, it's as if we didn't get a good enough game
and counter strike right there
or the game prior to it with the Falcons Vitality.
It doesn't matter.
Group A, the whole thing kind of concludes
in this fashion where Falcons do come through.
They do best or demon in Vitality and they do it two-one.
So they move on into that semi-final Vitality move
into a quarter and our Group A lower bracket, Jacob.
Yeah, I mean, the big surprise
So to speak was obviously a spirit finding himself struggling a little bit down there in the lower bracket losing a map to red candidates earlier today.
Didn't have that on my bingo card. I've seen some messages from Donk. Apparently he's been feeling sick. So I don't know if that's an excuse or an explanation as to why it's not going well for them.
But my eyes are locked on spirit for the playoff. They need to do better. They need to play better counter strike if they need to be a contender heading into Cologne.
But making it was the first step, you know, but do you slightly better now they get mouse up a leave in the quarter final.
It's not too bad of a matchup for spirit.
Yeah, if you're spirit, you're probably happy about that given the current current, I guess, state of mouths. Like they're beatable, right?
I think that's the easiest way to put it. Let's go ahead and just switch that attention over here to that same place for mouths called home group B
And at least that upper bracket those initial games you can see how they all panned out on the left side of the screen
And as we went further fury, I continued to put the pressure on Aurora though not necessarily
I mean, I personally had them beating mouths. I love mouths. I just think Aurora is just a little bit more on their stuff
Yeah, and also with how Mouse has been disappointing the last two tournaments, you're wondering
if that's a sign of things to come and fortunately they were able to take down Aurora and book
a playoff spot, it will start in the quarter-finals though and also just a few moments ago Navi
closed out the game against Aurora booking that final playoff spot and setting up
a rematch against Vitality, the grand final of Blast Rotterdam.
they're going to meet in the best of three in the quarters.
That's a rough game, you know. I think Navi were not unlucky,
losing to 3A yesterday, but they were up 9-3 and the final map of Nuke
couldn't quite get it over the finish line. So for them to find themselves now in
in the playoffs is one thing that's obviously good, but facing Vitality in the first game,
that's a bit of a surprise not only to Navi, but against everyone.
Yeah, and last time around, before that grand final, there wasn't a ton of time for Navi
to prepare right because they played the second semi and the grand final was pretty early and we know
that blade can do a lot with some time so having a full day tomorrow to do proper preparation for
vitality perhaps it can be the push they need you know to surprise and and take them down.
And you know that we're looking at teams with it you know extensive means of preparation
all you know in terms of coaching staff in terms of
Everything that goes along with getting ready for these matches. That's the word. I'm looking for point being
Vitality still have a chance of going against this. Yes, I'll grand slam. Yeah, but this would be a crazy
Right because they they have to go through navi who's you know arguably the second best team in the world right now
You win that game. You're playing against furia
In brazil in a sold out farmasi arena, right?
You have to win that game in a best of three to then go in a best of five against
You know whoever on the other side of the bracket potentially Falcons again, who just beat you in the tournament
So let's just say if they do end up winning it here. It would be a spectacular win at that
Jacob, what are you doing tomorrow? She's kidding. It doesn't matter only thing that matters
What's going on Friday and that would be the beginning of our playoffs for Rio you guys okay?
Yeah, I think that's great, you know some of your best way choice. What are you doing tomorrow? I care about you
I want to know
Yeah, that's what I thought you know
Well, what I was gonna say was I was gonna kind of get back together with you guys go over some of these
Bods really kind of bring it all in full circle because what goes around's all around Jacob in this stream is over
So you can count on me waiting on you in the parking lot
Thank you so much everybody for watching the Intel Extreme Masters here today
Of course, we will not be back tomorrow, but that day prior you're gonna want to start that you're gonna
want to pick it up right there that's for the playoffs are gonna be we'll see there yeah go hit it
You can see doing so...
He's only got a gun him with a jumping block head shot!
And that's why...
Beautiful.
It's right for him.
Now look at the end of wonderful.
He can provide the covering.
Finally, the AWP's all looking out for an RV.
What the hell are you doing?
What are you doing?
Come on, let's go.
Surely not! Surely not, Apex Blacktan!
And that will be the close! Falcons!
Into the semifinals against all odds!
The perfect name, Kceran really took his time.
And it's not hard to see why Furia dominate Maus.
Let me draw in the attention of Ray Prolin.
Oh no, no, no!
Brings it down to a 1v1.
I
The Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2026 is brought to you by ESL and partnership with Intel,
Acer Predator
Checks
And DHL
And it's all done, a truly great unbelievable road
when they forced their own victory over classes.
And they did it again, in the Black Lion.
It's my move!
Give it up for your anthem, Extreme Masters,
BAM!
Stop it!
Placent matches set your starting point.
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Your starting point will be based on your recent ELO inactivity.
We're introducing Facet rating so you can see exactly how much you stack up against
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Facet rating measures how much your actions have increased your team's chances of winning
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Season 8 launches April 22nd.
Good luck and have fun.
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What was the last time
I swore that I could quit
But my body says to the wise
I'm drowning in your touch Holding hands with a mirage
I swore it was the last time I swore that I could quit
But my body says to the vines
I'm drowning in your touch
Horses and hunts with a mirage
I'm dreaming of your kiss
I'm not ready to surrender yet
In this