IEM Cologne 2024 has started with the day one full of action and adrenaline moments such as 13:0 and 1v5 clutch plays. Going by the first day of the event, this tournament is set to be one of the most memorable battles in the world of competitive Counter-Strike.
Here are the major narratives that unfolded during the first day of the IEM Cologne 2024 Play-Ins:
Heroic Struggles Without degster, Falls to MIBR
In our power rankings before the tournament, we predicted that Heroic could be in for some trouble, and those fears were realized when degster was unable to play due to visa complications. Even though Woro2k joined the team and played well, Heroic could not hold MIBR back and lost their first match 2-1. Heroic now stands in front of the challenge of having to fight their way through the Lower Bracket, while praying that their AWPer will be able to join the team before the tournament is over.
On the other hand, MIBR took advantage of the weakness of Heroic and took the opportunity to attack. The Brazilian squad was able to bounce back from the first map with dominating performances especially from insani and saffee. Their next match is against South American team 9z Team, a match they stand a good chance of winning if they continue to play like this.
Liquid’s New Roster Keeps Rolling
Honestly, I was quite surprised when Liquid decided to let go of cadiaN and handed the IGL duties to Twistzz. However, after their performance on day one, it can be seen that this decision might just be paying off. Liquid defeated paiN Gaming 2-0, and the usually strong Brazilian team seemed rather weak.
Liquid was focused on their new members, and Aussie jks led the fragging, while their young AWPer ultimate performed well after the BLAST Fall Groups. Slowly but steadily, this Liquid roster is beginning to resemble a team that could give the rest of the scene a run for their money. The next match against FURIA will show even more about their capabilities in this tournament.
Falcons Stumble Yet Again
When the Falcons roster was put together, it was done with the intention of winning. But today, they are associated with failure. Their most recent loss was to Eternal Fire, which they lost to in a 2-1 series that was very close. The last map was decided in the last moments of the match, SunPayus made a mistake and Snappi decided to go for it and Eternal Fire won.
Now, Falcons are on the edge of another early elimination, they are to play with ALTERNATE aTTaX which should be a piece of cake. However, as things stand, no outcome is certain and this draw will be keenly observed by those who are doubting the potential of this once bright squad.
Day One Results of IEM Cologne 2024 Play-Ins:
- SAW 2:1 The MongolZ
- BIG 2:1 FlyQuest
- 9z Team 2:0 3DMAX
- MIBR 2:1 Heroic
- Complexity 2:0 ALTERNATE aTTaX
- Eternal Fire 2:1 Falcons
- FURIA 2:1 Imperial
- Liquid 2:0 paiN Gaming
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