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5 Best Players to Watch at IEM Dallas
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
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
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
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