The primary part of the match is over, and we’re looking again earlier than we transfer on to the subsequent
There’s at all times a whole lot of hype surrounding any CSGO Main, and Intel Excessive Masters Rio Main 2022 was no totally different. In the midst of its Challengers Stage, it has lived as much as its promise and confirmed to be one of the vital thrilling Majors in current instances. That is solely the second Main in historical past to carry the Challengers Stage in entrance of a crowd, and boy was it price it. Individuals got here out in droves and lots of watched and cheered because the groups went at every others’ throats.
There have been just a few completely stunning outcomes, barely something went the best way it was anticipated to, and plenty of hearts had been damaged. With out additional ado, then, let’s check out what the Challengers Stage provided.
Spherical 1
Promising newcomers GamerLegion started the match by thumping native favorites 9z 16-6 on Inferno, however what was extra stunning was MOUZ doing the very same factor to CIS veterans Outsiders.
Up subsequent, Brazilian groups’ poor run of type continued as 00 Nation had been massacred 16-3 on Vertigo by up-and-coming underdogs Dangerous Information Eagles. This was adopted by OG taking out Aussie stack Grayhound Gaming 16-5 on, as soon as once more, Inferno.
German hopeful BIG made a press release and a half with a 19-16 win over regional powerhouse FURIA Esports on Vertigo, and American aspect Evil Geniuses eased previous Chinese language outfit IHC 16-9 on the primary Nuke of the match.
World primary Vitality trumped Brazilian stack Imperial 16-9 on Inferno, and Cloud9 vs Fnatic was essentially the most intense recreation of the primary spherical, with the ultimate rating being a 19-17 win for the latter.
Spherical 2
EG vs MOUZ was, at one level, rather a lot nearer than the ultimate rating of 16-10 to the latter would recommend, however MOUZ had been by no means actually in any actual hazard. In the meantime, IHC gave Outsiders a run for his or her cash however couldn’t conquer their mountain because the Russian squad received 16-12 on Overpass.
BIG regarded dominant of their first half towards Dangerous Information Eagles on Mud 2, however the kids utterly shut their opponents out on the CT-side to win the match 16-11. In the meantime, 00 Nation had been brutalized 16-6 by FURIA on Mirage.
On the decrease finish of the desk, Vitality’s second match didn’t pan out as they may have hoped, with the French and Danish workforce dropping 16-10 to GL on Vertigo. In the meantime, within the second native derby, 9z beat out Imperial 16-11 on Mirage.
Fnatic vs OG was a hard-fought affair, however the Swedish group managed to edge their opponents out 16-13 on Mirage. On the similar time, Grayhound Gaming shocked the world by handing C9 their second defeat 19-17 on Dust2.
Spherical 3
Among the many Excessive groups, MOUZ vs Fnatic concerned the 2 sides exchanging snug 16-8 and 9-16 victories on Vertigo and Inferno respectively, however the former managed to shut the sequence with a 16-9 win on Historical. Afterwards, BNE outclassed GL with simple 16-9 and 16-7 wins on Historical and Mirage.
EG vs 9z within the Mid class was an exhilarating battle between North and South America, with the southerners profitable the sport 19-17 in Extra time. Subsequent, Vitality failed to beat Outsiders and misplaced 12-16 on Overpass.
BIG proceeded to trounce Grayhound Gaming 16-6 on Mud 2, however OG vs FURIA was an especially shut affair with the latter profitable 19-16 in extra time on Overpass.
The closest match of the match to date occurred between elimination-threatened 00 Nation and IHC, with the profitable Historical 16-14 however the Chinese language aspect hanging again with completely similar 19-16 wins on Inferno and Overpass. This was adopted by two extra Extra time video games — each of which had been received by C9 towards Imperial. The primary completed 19-15 on Overpass, and the second ended 22-19 on Vertigo.
Spherical 4
Within the first Excessive match, BIG stomped 9z 16-4 on Nuke, however may solely take Mud 2 19-15 in Extra time. It was the same story between Outsiders and Fnatic, with the previous smashing the Swedish outfit 16-1 on Overpass earlier than taking Mirage 16-14. Lastly, FURIA stored their area’s hopes alive with 16-9 and 16-11 wins over GL.
Down under, IHC proved that they belong within the Main by pushing OG to the restrict. The Europeans took 16-11 on Inferno and 16-14 on Historical, however the Asians earned large respect from the followers. Vitality took out Grayhound Gaming comfortably, with 16-6 and 16-12 triumphs on Inferno and Mirage. Lastly, C9 stored their very own match goals alive whereas sending EG packing with a 16-5 bashing on Mud 2 and a comfortably 16-11 win on Overpass.
Spherical 5
With all the pieces on the road, Vitality and OG fought tooth and nail on Vertigo, however the former emerged victorious with a scoreline of 19 to 17. Nevertheless, OG knocked the stuffing out of their opponents with a dominating 16-6 win on Inferno. Vitality had the final chortle, although, as they outclassed OG 16-8 on Mud 2.
C9 took twin 16-13 victories over GL on Overpass and Mirage. The primary was a tenacious comeback after a disastrous begin, however the second noticed each instances locked in a conflict of attrition earlier than one pulled barely away.
Lastly, 9z’s hopes had been snuffed out by Fnatic, who received 16-11 on Mirage and 16-14 on Nuke. As soon as once more, each matches had been tight video games, however expertise spoke over spirit.
Evaluation
MOUZ and Dangerous Information Eagles would possibly simply shake some Legends Stage groups to the core after they get there, and after their current performances, only a few individuals will likely be stunned in the event that they make it to the playoffs.
It’s good to see Outsiders and BIG lastly hitting on the degree they’re anticipated to hit at, however the jury’s out on whether or not they’ll be capable to replicate such outcomes shifting ahead. FURIA alternatively have made an important restoration after a poor begin, and we see them conquering some higher-level foes.
Fnatic have confronted some severely meaty opponents and gotten the higher of most, and so they’re undoubtedly able to inflicting some harm up forward. Vitality alternatively have rather a lot to show after a completely underwhelming present to date. Lastly, C9 are on the rise, and if they’ll discover their stride in time, everyone knows what they’re able to.
It was a disappointing ending for GL and OG. Each appear like they’re not fairly prepared for top-level opposition but, though OG actually appears to have extra firepower. The identical may be stated of 9z, who would have certified proper on the prime if that they had been capable of win towards GL.
Grayhound and IHC will go away the match cherishing their singular wins, however EG will go away completely dissatisfied after having proven some good type in current instances.
Sadly for the fallen native heroes (pun absolutely meant) Imperial and 00 Nation, their tournaments had been nothing in need of disasters. They should replicate and rearrange lots earlier than they’ll regain their morale once more.
Be a part of us once more once we recap the Legends Stage as soon as that’s over.
