5 Best Players to Watch at IEM Dallas

5 Best Players to Watch at IEM Dallas

rizegeeko

25 Apr, 2024, 21:50

|

Last updated: 10 Apr, 2025, 01:33

IEM Dallas 2024 is just around the corner, and with it, comes the chance to witness an exceptional skill display. Besides the expectations set upon the best players, more exciting storylines from fresh faces will guarantee electrifying matches.

For that, we decided to not only look for the top dogs, but also the ones we eagerly waited for their comeback on the big stage. So, here are five players you won't want to miss:

Danil "donk" Kryshkovets

Starting off the list with one of the most impressive players so far in 2024, Danil "donk" Kryshkovets. The young prodigy is a force to reckon with, after collecting two tournament MVPs at IEM Katowice and BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024.

Seeing “donk” run and gun is certainly a visual treat, especially with immense fragging ability. Even in the most dire situations, you should always expect something that will blow your mind. Hence why he became the main focus of his opponents.

Marco "⁠Snappi⁠" Pfeiffer made it clear that their main objective against Team Spirit is to stop “donk” when he said: “I expect us to fight donk. He is an unreal talent. It's amazing to sit and watch how he single-handedly wins matches. We need to try to find a way to stop him, but it's hard. We faced him in Katowice, and if a guy just turns the corner and shoots you instantly in the face, you can have the correct counter, but it can still be tough.” - Snappi to HLTV.

That statement isn’t exclusive to Team Falcons only, as every team has tried to limit donk’s impact.

Dorian “xertioN” Berman

xertioN at Pro League
Image source: ESL

MOUZ’s recent success was thanks to the collective efforts from the entire squad. However, Dorian “xertioN” Berman deserves special credits considering the difference he’s made since joining the German organization.

During both ESL Pro League and Betboom Dacha Belgrade, the entry fragger was the runner-up for the MVP title with his impressive showing. Evidently, he had the most total opening kills and came second in most of the other stats categories behind “donk”.

Furthermore, his numbers in the last three months are the perfect testament for his overall performance. With an overall 74.7% KAST, 85 ADR and a 1.21 opening kill rating, he’s definitely a player to keep an eye on.

On top of that, IEM Dallas marks the perfect opportunity to give both Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut and “donk” a taste of their own medicine, and clinch the MVP title.

Jacky "Stewie2K" Yip

The ELEAGUE Major 2018 winner Jacky "Stewie2K" Yip is back on LAN after two years since his last appearance with Evil Geniuses.

Despite being MIA from the professional scene, the American player remained active and played the game consistently on stream. But, considering his underwhelming short tenure with Legacy, it’s better to steer away from expecting a good showing.

Instead, it’ll be more entertaining to see how he’ll fit and what role he will play in the star packed lineup of G2. Coincidentally, Jacky will play alongside his rival back in 2018 Nikola “NiKo” Kovač which should add even more spice to the sauce.

With many questions surrounding the lineup and individual roles, it will certainly be an interesting journey to follow.

Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut

ZywOo at BLAST.tv Paris Major
Image source: Chloé Ramdani - Vitality

A list of players without Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut in it is as useless as the Decoy grenade. The French AWPer is already ahead of the competition, despite his rough start with Counter-Strike 2.

The highlight machine looks as frightening as ever. Recently, “ZywOo” finished ESL Pro League Season 19 with 100 ADR, almost 80% KAST and 2.94 opening kill ratio.

With his unique approach to the game, Mathieu can make the impossible possible. Namely, his incredible clutch ability on top of making and taking space on both sides.

In simpler words, expect a banger showing from the current best player in the world.

Yet, the only one who could stop the “Woo” was MOUZ. But, as they say, fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.

Notable "ZywOo" stats during the last three months:

  • Maps played: 25
  • K/D ratio: 1.42
  • Damage/round: 88.5
  • Total opening kills: 76
  • Opening kill ratio: 2.17

Denis "electroNic" Sharipov

Denis “electroNic” Sharipov’s debut under the Virtus.Pro banner in the Pro League was rather underwhelming. Remarkably, he had the lowest ADR among his team members. However, despite his subdued performance, Virtus.Pro managed to secure a spot in the playoffs. The Russian star indicated that they are still in the process of discovering their optimal strategies.

The upcoming IEM Dallas will serve as his true debut in front of a live audience. Naturally, there's a great anticipation to witness his contribution to a powerhouse team like Virtus.Pro.

With his exceptional mechanical prowess, electroNic stands as a formidable player capable of delivering significant impact. There's a hopeful buzz surrounding his potential to provide the extra edge for his team to once again claim championship titles.

In conclusion, IEM Dallas 2024 promises to be an electrifying event, with exceptional talent and rising stars ready to showcase their skills on the big stage. From the remarkable performances of players like "donk", “xertioN” to the anticipated return of Jacky "Stewie2K" Yip, and the dominance of Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut, there's no shortage of excitement.

Credit: PGL


Read More:

GUILD and BNE Go Separate Ways, Team Disbands

gob b removed as BIG Head Coach

Latest news

Team Spirit Coaches to Miss Stage 2 of IEM Cologne Major 2026

Team Spirit Coaches to Miss Stage 2 of IEM Cologne Major 2026

Team Spirit's IEM Cologne Major 2026 campaign faces an early setback as both coaches, hally and S0tF1k, miss Stage 2 due to hospitalization and visa issues. With no coach behind the team, IGL magixx must take on added responsibility as Spirit aim to secure their place in the LANXESS Arena. The situation presents an unexpected challenge for one of the tournament favorites and a crucial test of the squad's resilience.
15h
Ganesh Jadhav

KSI Becomes First 'Original' in New Football Game 'GOALS'

‘GOALS’ is a new online football game title designed by its namesake studio based in Stockholm, Sweden. Framed as a free-to-play, competitive, online title, ‘GOALS’ seeks to enter the competitive sports-esport cross-section with the tagline as the “next evolution of football gaming experiences”.
20h
Foo Zen-Wen

G2 Esports Brings Fantasy Webcomic Red Aura to Global Audiences on WEBTOON

G2 Esports, one of the world's most recognisable names in competitive gaming, is stepping further into the world of original entertainment with the English-language global launch of its fantasy-action webcomic, Red Aura, on WEBTOON. The series goes live on Saturday, June 6, under the platform's prestigious WEBTOON Originals label.
4 Jun
Martin Arévalo-Östberg

Esports or Stock Market? Valve's New CS2 Sticker System Makes Top 100 Cologne 2026 Stickers Cost $19,447!

Buying one of each of the 100 most expensive CS2 Cologne 2026 stickers now costs $19,447.37. Valve removed capsules, introduced a token-based Major Shop with dynamic pricing, and tied revenue to rankings. The community is calling it a paywall that turned collecting into speculation. This article examines how the new system concentrates wealth at the top, hides pricing algorithms in a black box, and prices casual fans out of Major sticker culture.
4 Jun
André Guaraldo

IEM Cologne Major 2026 Viewer’s Guide: Schedule, Where to Watch, and More

The 32 best CS2 teams in the world will convene in Germany for the IEM Cologne Major 2026 from June 2-21. Here's the tournament's schedule and livestream details.
1 Jun
Adarsh J. Kumar

EWC 2026 Paris Tickets on Sale: Venue, Prices, and More

Tickets for the Esports World Cup 2026 are now live. Following the venue change, all previous ticket holders have been refunded, and new ticketing information is available.
29 May
Adarsh J. Kumar

IEM Cologne Major 2026: The Only Stage 1 Pick'Ems Guide You Need

The IEM Cologne Major 2026 is almost here, and with it comes one of the most exciting traditions in all of CS2: the Pick'Ems Challenge. Stage 1 kicks off on June 2, and it's time to lock in your predictions before the server goes live. We've done the homework so you don't have to: here's our IEM Cologne Major Stage 1 Pick'Ems Guide!
25 May
Thales Costa

Comments (0)

Log in to comment on this match