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IEM Dallas 2024: Reasons to watch the event
As we head to IEM Dallas, the buzz grows for the historic 100th Intel Extreme Masters celebration. Yet, amidst the glitz and glam, there's more than meets the eye – hidden storylines waiting to be uncovered.
Within the teams, there's a palpable mix of anticipation and determination. MOUZ, with their recent victories, emerge as a sleeping giant. But, they're not the only ones with fire in their bellies; other top contenders stand ready to challenge their reign.
Additionally, we've noted significant updates ahead of the event and further developments are expected afterwards, based on the teams’ performances.
Fresh faces
Denis "electroNic" Sharipov
Recently, some participating teams had roster changes in hopes of finding their footing. Virtus.Pro, on the back of their early exits at PGL CS2 Copenhagen Major and IEM Chengdu, signed former Cloud9 player Denis "electroNic" Sharipov in a hit move to replace Nikolay "mir" Bityukov.
Read More: Virtus.pro unveils ElectroNic as new CS2 signing, mir moved to substitute
electroNic’s first appearance under the VP banner in Pro League was underwhelming. In fact, he had the lowest ADR among his team. Despite his shy showing, Virtus.Pro made Playoffs while still figuring out what works best for them, according to the Russian star.
“I try to just play my game and do as told. It doesn't always work out. Sometimes, I do what I want while talking that through with Jame and the rest of the team in advance. But we also try to combine my experience and their game to create something even more fearsome than it is right now.” - electroNic to HLTV.
IEM Dallas will mark his real debut in front of a crowd, with both Pro League and BetBoom Dacha only fitting a limited audience.
Undoubtedly, electroNic will quickly adapt to Dzhami "Jame" Ali’s style of calling, especially with him having a say in the team’s style considering his in-game leading experience.
Overall, the Major winner is a great addition for any team. He only needs time to show his capabilities and that could well be happening in Dallas.
Abdulkhalik "degster" Gasanov
Despite not playing an official match since May 2023, Abdulkhalik "degster" Gasanov’s impact during his debut at BetBoom Dacha Belgrade was admirable.
The AWPer was the highest rated player in Heroic. Additionally, he boasted incredible numbers in the event, giving his opponents a hard time.
Amongst his notable stats are:
- Third best AWP kills per round (0.32)
- Second most AWP kills (67 kills)
- Second best success in opening duels (65.1%)
Initially, “degster” replaced Nico "nicoodoz" Tamjidi who was benched only after five months with the Danish organization. Considering the latter’s mediocre performance, it was merely a matter of time.
Meanwhile, Heroic are poised to show a better face in Dallas. Especially with “degster” hitting the ground running early.
Read More: Degster signs up as HEROIC's New AWPer
Jacky "Stewie2K" Yip
Finally, the most anticipated player to bless the stage with his appearance is Jacky "Stewie2K" Yip. The smoke criminal will be a stand-in for Rasmus "HooXi" Nielsen, who will miss the event due to attending his sister’s wedding, according to G2.
Jake's return to LAN events at IEM Dallas is a moment many have awaited, marking his first appearance in over two years since his time with Evil Geniuses at the PGL Major Antwerp RMR.
In the meantime, "Stewie2K" has been making his way back into competitive Counter-Strike, recently teaming up with Legacy's Brazilian lineup during the Esports World Cup 2024 North America Closed Qualifier.
Though his recent showings may not have been his best, there's a curious excitement about what Jake can bring to Dallas, especially with such a talented lineup surrounding him.
Read More: Stewie2K officially replaces HooXi for IEM Dallas
CadiaN on the edge
The latest report regarding Casper "cadiaN" Møller with Team Liquid gave the event a special flavor. According to HLTV, the American organization is “exploring the possibility of benching the IGL/AWPer” after some challenging times with the team.
However, the final verdict lies in the hands of Casper as no decision will be made before the conclusion of IEM Dallas.
Although, it might seem like a real opportunity to stay within the team. The odds are against the Danish player, as it could well be his last event in a Liquid jersey.
cadiaN only played qualifiers until the real test came at the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024: American RMR, where they lost to Complexity and ultimately missed the Major.
Since then, everything came crashing like a house of cards, finishing 9th-16th in BLAST Premier: Spring Showdown 2024 and not getting past the quarter finals at IEM Chengdu and ESL Pro League Season 19.
With shaky results across the board, his short tenure with Liquid is reaching its final stages, unless he has a trick up his sleeves to pull at IEM Dallas.
Team Falcons, to fly high or fly home
Apparently, money doesn’t buy trophies in Counter-Strike, and Team Falcons are a prime example for that. Despite dumping a ton, it seems like there’s no fun.
This team remains shrouded in mystery regardless of signing the best after acquiring the ENCE core. However, things are looking dim for the Saudi organization since entering CS2.
Except for a semi finals finish at IEM Katowice with Mohammad "BOROS" Malhas, they had nothing to show for. And although reuniting Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen with his ex-teammate and coach sounds like a good plan, reality is far from that.
Maybe rebranding to a “question mark” would be a better fit for their identity. But, as long as they still compete, fans will always look forward to what their stars can bring.
A vicious fight for the top
MOUZ to continue their dominance, FaZe Clan to reclaim their throne, NAVI to prove their worth and Team Spirit to “donk” on everyone.
With many strong teams fighting for the trophy, a spectacular show is almost guaranteed. But, who will rise to prominence is the question. Certainly, just like any other event, a few teams emerge as the favorites. But, the winner’s name is as clear as muddy water.
Kamil "siuhy" Szkaradek’s men by far look the best, with back-to-back trophies. After all, not many can stop Danil "donk" Kryshkovets. Yet, they’re making it seem so easy.
Whereas teams like FaZe Clan are likely to fall at the last step, MOUZ seem to have solid feet by smashing their opponents in Grand Finals. In fact, they haven’t dropped a map in their BO5 finals against NAVI, Vitality and Spirit.
With head and shoulders above the rest, MOUZ are on the path of becoming the fifth winners of the Intel Grand Slam.
Overall, we have a spectacular event at our hands. And with many storylines going into Dallas, it's certainly worth keeping an eye on it as the action unfolds live from the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
Credit: ESL
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