Faze defeat Evil Geniuses in close thriller

Perhaps the most exciting Bo1-series of the opening round was between Evil geniuses and FaZe. Both rosters have some iconic players within their rosters and a close battle was on the cards. The two teams clashed on the map of Mirage, meaning plenty of room and possibilities for aim-duels and crazy frags. With both teams ready to fight the battle was far from one-sided and seemed as if it could have gone either way. In the end, however, it was FaZe to prove themselves the better roster on the day. FaZe could claim their victory on Mirage after an impressive performance leading to the scoreline of 16-12.

The map of Mirage is, as mentioned, perfect for aim-duels and individual play due to its many open spaces. It was Evil Geniuses who, thanks to a phenomenal individual performance from “MICHU”, could see themselves starting the strongest. It didn’t last for long, however, as FaZe quickly regained focus and made things even. A first-half filled with aggression and individual performances from both the FaZe and EG players saw both teams going to halftime as close as possible at the scoreline of 8-7 favoring FaZe.

The second half was just as close as the first and it was clear that neither team would give up the battle without giving it their all. Trading rounds back and forth it was unclear as to which roster had the upper hand. Ultimately, however, it was FaZe to prove themselves the stronger roster. They managed to defeat Evil Genuises with a 16-12 victory, meaning a vital start at the IEM event for the legendary FaZe.

Map 1 – Mirage

16-12 Faze | MICHU 1.42 Rating / 87.0 ADR / 28-17 K-D

Highlight of the BO1-series

MVP

Michał “MICHU” Müller| 1.42 Rating - 28-17 K/D - 87.0 ADR - 71.4% KAST

Play-in update

In the opening rounds of the IEM Cologne 2021 Play-in event, there are matches to be played simultaneously. Whilst the FaZe vs EG match was played two other premium Bo1-series took place as well.

Complexity vs ViCi (1-0)

The biggest underdogs in the IEM Cologne 2021 Play-in, without any doubt, the side of Chinese ViCi. In their opening match they faced Complexity in search of a huge upset. The upset, however, never became a reality and it was instead Complexity to close out the Bo1-series with a 16-10 victory against the Chinese roster. The MVP of the Bo1-series was Complexity player “k0nfig” with a rating of 1.48. 

OG vs TeamOne (1-0)

Brazilians are known for their incredible Counter-Strike ability, however, the side of TeamOne were not the favorites going into their opening match at the event. They faced the side of OG who are currently ranked as the 13th. best team in the world. It was also the European roster of OG to take home the victory in the end at the scoreline of 16-6. The MVP of the Bo1-series was OG player “mantuu” with a rating of 1.83.