The Mongolians sent Cloud9 and FURIA home.
FaZe Clan did what Cloud9 and FURIA couldn't do and eliminated IHC from IEM Katowice 2023. The squad led by Finn "karrigan" Andersen finished the job and ended the Mongolian Cinderella run in the Inferno and Ancient maps.
With this result, FaZe kept their dream of reaching the playoffs alive. Now, they will face the winner of the Liquid and Spirit matchup next Tuesday for the final spot at the Spodek Arena. As for IHC, the CS:GO scene is eager to see what they will do next.
Stomping the Brazilian dream
Before qualifying for the group stage, IHC had to go through hell in the play-in of IEM Katowice. In its run in this phase, the Mongolians were responsible for crushing paiN Gamings' chance of qualification. In addition to that, they also brought a huge upset against FURIA.
The Major semifinalist weren't able to stop Tengis "sk0R" Batjargal and his team. FURIA saw IHC eliminate paiN Gamings' compatriots and went down the same road, without taking even one map from the Mongolians. At this point, they already had a story to tell.
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Setting up a "crisis" in Cloud9
Many said that IHC did enough by eliminating FURIA. If they couldn't win even one match in the group stage, no one would bat an eye at them. Viewers thought that after they lost to Liquid in the first match and had to face Cloud9.
Still, IHC wasn't done and had a point to prove. They needed to show that the blow against FURIA wasn't just a lucky strike. It didn't even take them three maps to do it. They closed the deal in Inferno and Mirage and set up a minor crisis in Cloud9, where Timur "buster" Tulepov had his first appearance.
The result turned everyone's eyes to the Russian and Brazilian squad, but not in a good way. Well-known analysts, such as Jacob "Pimp" Winneche and Janko "YNk" Paunović shared harsh opinions regarding FURIA and Cloud9. IHC was eliminated, but went down in great style in IEM Katowice 2023.
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