B1ad3 breaks incredible record at IEM Sydney 2023

16 Sep

Andre Guaraldo

In the world of competitive Counter-Strike, records are made to be broken, but some feats are so remarkable that they may stand the test of time. Such is the case with the extraordinary achievement of Natus Vincere's coach, B1ad3, at IEM Sydney 2023. While standing in for the team's star player, s1mple, on short notice, B1ad3 has etched his name into the annals of Counter-Strike history by becoming the first player to compete on five different versions of the game on LAN. These versions include the original CS 1.6, CS: Condition Zero, CS: Source, CS:GO, and the newly released CS2.

Stepping up when it matters

S1mple's unexpected absence from IEM Sydney 2023, due to paperwork issues, left Natus Vincere in a challenging situation. With time running out to find a replacement, the team turned to their head coach, B1ad3, to fill the void. While the coach's initial performance may have raised some eyebrows, with just four kills in their opening game against Apeks, it is important to note that his role as a stand-in was abrupt and under high-pressure circumstances.

His performance on Mirage against MOUZ also left room for improvement. However, the tide began to turn as they dominated on the second map, Inferno, with B1ad3 showcasing his skills with the AWP, reminiscent of their star player, s1mple. This sudden improvement suggests that B1ad3's game sense remains as sharp as ever.

A living legend

B1ad3's journey through Counter-Strike is nothing short of legendary. He began his career in 2005 as a player and continued to compete until 2018 when he transitioned into coaching. Since joining Natus Vincere in 2019, B1ad3 has been an integral part of the team's success, helping them secure numerous trophies, including the PGL CS:GO Stockholm 2021 Major.

At 36 years old, he stands as one of the most renowned and active figures in the Counter-Strike scene. B1ad3's longevity and adaptability in the game demonstrates not only his love for the sport, but also his commitment to elevating the performance of his team.

B1ad3's contribution to Counter-Strike spans decades between playing and coaching (credits: BO3.GG)

A record that may stand forever

B1ad3's remarkable achievement in competing across five different versions of Counter-Strike on LAN sets a bar that may prove insurmountable. As the esports landscape evolves, the likelihood of future iterations of Counter-Strike being released makes his record all the more impressive. While s1mple's absence was a setback for Natus Vincere, it provided a platform for B1ad3 to demonstrate his dedication and resilience.

Whether or not he adds further accolades to his storied career at IEM Sydney 2023 remains a mistery, but one thing is clear: the gaming community now has a new benchmark for what it means to be a Counter-Strike legend.

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Featured image credits: B1ad3's Twitter