The IEM Rio 2024 Semi-Finals featured two very completely different matches, though we noticed the favorites come out on high in each. We had one match that was a complete blowout, whereas one was as shut as they arrive. Which one was which? Let’s check out the motion from Rio de Janeiro.
NAVI survive Heroic scare to succeed in sixth consecutive ultimate
Credit score: Helena Kristiansson | © ESL
NAVI wanted all three maps to take down Heroic, securing their sixth consecutive Grand Remaining in a run spanning again to the BLAST Premier Spring Finals 2024. At occasions, it felt like panic stations for NAVI, who misplaced the primary map and located themselves 8:1 down on the second earlier than lastly waking up on the server. We all know what this NAVI staff are able to, although. Even with their backs in opposition to the wall, they’ll step up at any time. As soon as they received going right here, the consequence was a foregone conclusion.
Heroic can be very dissatisfied they couldn’t attain a 3rd straight IEM Rio Grand Remaining, although. This could have been a two-map affair, and being to this point forward as underdogs, they regarded set to get the job finished. It’s nonetheless a strong signal of life for this roster – one thing to cling to all through the remainder of 2024. Right here although, it was 2:1 to NAVI, as most anticipated pre-game at IEM Rio 2024.
MOUZ demolish FURIA on residence turf
Credit score: Enos Ku | © ESL
Realistically, nearly everybody anticipated MOUZ to beat FURIA right here. That they did, however the swift 2:0 trend through which they did so was extraordinarily spectacular. 26:6 was the ultimate rating throughout the 2 maps mixed – this was merely no contest. Even in a stadium full of Brazilian followers who exploded at each FURIA kill, MOUZ confirmed no indicators of the stage jitters which have plagued them all year long.
Satirically, MOUZ haven’t checked out their greatest at IEM Rio 2024. Right here, they had been immaculate, silencing the Rio de Janeiro crowd with near-perfect Counter-Strike. Each MOUZ participant introduced their A-game, however we’ve got to spotlight torzsi. His statline for the collection stood at 40:10. That’s not a typo – 40 kills and 10 deaths. With him in this type of type, FURIA may as properly haven’t proven up.
Now, MOUZ face NAVI for the IEM Rio 2024 title. Two powerhouses of the sport in one of many largest CS2 matches of the yr. The very best-of-five Remaining can be a blast – we are able to sense it.
