In a first map that was getting away, MOUZ was able to seize the moment and win back the momentum.
MOUZ and G2 faced off in the quarter-final of IEM Krakow 2026. This was the first time these two rosters faced each other in a LAN match, and it just so happened it was with high stakes.
MOUZ was the team known to be Vitality’s bridesmaid last year. Despite making multiple semi-finals and finals, they failed to close out.
In this match, the tables were turned, as it was G2 succumbing to nerves.
G2 failed to close out an Overpass that was right there
MOUZ went for Overpass, a map that they only pick 14% of the time, as opposed to their usual Inferno pick.
G2 was in a commanding position in the closing stages of Overpass, getting to 12-10, despite losing a 1v2 clutch to Ádám ‘torzsi’ Torzsás. However, they were unable to close out, as their comms were chaotic and stressed.
“I don’t know if the nerves were because of the stage,” said G2 head coach Eetu ‘sAw’ Saha in the post-game interview.
When it got into overtime, MOUZ won the map convincingly, with the help of Lotan ‘Spinx’ Giladi. He delivered a true star performance with 28 kills, mostly from the lurk position on the T-side.
G2 did not have a star performer, but were good across the board. Nemanja ‘huNter-‘ Kovač was the exception, managing only 9 kills in a 16-13 game.
MOUZ in control of Dust2
On Dust2, MOUZ was in control for the majority. Nikita ‘HeavyGod’ Martynenko created a surge for G2 by winning a stunning 1v3 clutch, but it was in the final round of the T-side.
MOUZ’s T-side was clinical, picking off G2. Álvaro ‘SunPayus’ García’s AWP was a non-factor, as G2 never had control of the economy. The final round was the icing on the cake, when Ludvig ‘Brollan’ Brolin walked into an empty B-site.
MOUZ goes onto face their demon from 2025, Team Vitality, in the semi-final. There, perhaps we will have a confirmation if MOUZ have truly changed their outlook going into this year.
Spinx himself said after the game that MOUZ also played with nerves, and may have been punished by a better opponent.
G2 exits Krakow in 5th-6th place, overall. According to sAw, this was disappointing despite having a good run overall, in his view.
