IEM Cologne, often equated with the prestige of a Major, has been the battleground for the greatest teams and players in esports history. This year, G2 and ENCE vied for the coveted Cologne crown. ENCE, fresh from a roster overhaul and an IEM Dallas triumph, faced G2, struggling to regain their IEM Katowice form.
The Showdown: G2’s Impressive Victory
The series concluded with G2 securing a 3-1 victory over ENCE. G2 took an early 2-0 lead, winning on both Nuke (ENCE’s map pick) and Mirage (their own pick), dropped a game on Anubis, but swiftly retaliated, closing the series on Ancient.
Nuke: G2’s Surprise Win
Despite Nuke being ENCE’s comfort pick, G2 shocked everyone with a dominant performance. Starting on the CT side, G2 secured 11 rounds, with Jks leading the scoreboard. The second half was a blur, with G2 dismantling ENCE’s defense and securing the map.
Mirage: A Nail-Biting Battle
Mirage saw ENCE start strong on the CT-side, but G2 soon found their footing. The teams traded rounds, keeping fans on edge, with the half ending 8-7 in ENCE’s favor. However, G2 regained momentum in the second half, eventually winning the map 16-10.
Anubis: ENCE’s Last Stand
Facing elimination, ENCE fought hard on Anubis. Despite G2 winning the pistol round, ENCE managed to secure a few early rounds. However, G2’s offensive prowess proved too much, and ENCE could only secure 5 rounds in the first half. Despite a late comeback attempt by G2, ENCE closed the map 16-13.
Ancient: G2’s Final Triumph
The final map, Ancient, saw G2 take an early lead. Despite ENCE tying the score at 9-9, G2 retaliated and closed out the game 16-9, securing their first IEM Cologne title.
G2’s Momentous Victory
With this win, G2 Esports not only takes home the IEM Cologne 2023 title but also a whopping $400,000 prize. Despite their loss, ENCE walks away with a respectable $180,000. This tournament serves as a testament to the intense competition and thrilling gameplay that defines esports.
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