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NAVI win IEM Rio 2024
Natus Vincere were crowned the champions of IEM Rio 2024 after taking down MOUZ in an epic grand final. Giving Aleksi "Aleksib" Virolainen his first Intel Extreme Masters trophy.
What started as a troublesome group stage ended with the best-case scenario on NAVI’s sixth consecutive grand final appearance. With this title, they solidified themselves as the best team this year and a hot contestant to clinch another Major title as the rendezvous in Shanghai is only a couple of months ahead.
After winning the first two maps, NAVI were only a step short of the title before MOUZ found the resilience to make it a competitive series with both teams fighting tooth and nail on the fourth map, Ancient.
NAVI with a hot start
Both teams started with their foot and gas trading blows. But it was MOUZ who had the lead going into the half time at 7-5 with a collective effort. The second half, however, saw a total domination from NAVI highlighted by Mihai "iM" Ivan and Justinas "jL" Lekavičius’s incredible impact who powered through MOUZ’s defense. Although MOUZ nearly brought things back, NAVI denied them the opportunity to reach overtime, stealing away Inferno 13-11.
NAVI's pick of Dust2 was a dominant showing, with the entire team excelling on the offensive side. They secured a commanding 10-2 lead in the first half and quickly closed out the map with a 13-2 victory.
MOUZ back on track
Facing a 0-2 deficit in the series and reeling from the heavy defeat on Dust2, Kamil "siuhy" Szkaradek's squad regrouped for their pick of Mirage. They quickly gained momentum, establishing an early 6-1 lead on offense. Which they extended to an 8-4 advantage by halftime, reversing the tide in the series.
MOUZ's dominant first-half performance brought them back into contention, and Ádám "torzsi" Torzsás's ace in the second pistol round cemented their momentum. With that boost, MOUZ allowed just two more rounds to slip away, closing out their second map pick with a commanding 13-6 victory, making the series a neck-and-neck battle.
NAVI had the final say
The fourth map took us to Ancient where NAVI boasts an 80% win rate, yet, MOUZ came swinging in the first half as Jimi "Jimpphat" Salo and Ludvig "Brollan" Brolin stood out on defense, leading their team to a dominant 10-2 half. Just went it seemed all done and dusted, NAVI pulled a miraculous comeback. Powered by a masterclass performance from Ihor "w0nderful" Zhdanov, who flipped the script with eight consecutive rounds, ending MOUZ’s dream in achieving a reverse sweep.
With their victory in Rio, Natus Vincere truly lived up to their name. Proving they’re a cut above the rest with their current lineup. While the players are undoubtedly the driving force, credit must also go to Andrij "B1ad3" Ghorodensjkyj.
The team’s success wouldn't be possible without a brilliant coach who steps in with timely and decisive timeouts that often turn the tide in their favor. Losing the greatest player in the world yet still achieving success is a testament to B1ad3’s brilliance as a coach. He is steadily building a legacy as one of the best coaches in Counter-Strike history.
What’s next?
With IEM Rio concluding, teams will set their eyes towards the Lion’s City, Singapore for the BLAST Premier World Final starting October 30. So, stay tuned for the last tournament before heading to the RMRs where the excitement mounts to see which teams make it to the Shanghai Major.
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Featured Image source: ESL
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