In the midst of the awkward post-Major period, IEM Chengdu 2024 is here to prop up the competitive Counter-Strike scene with another strong tournament. Some of the biggest teams in the world are attending in China, and we’ve already seen a great day of action on the server.
With teams like Liquid, Astralis, and Cloud9 playing, we’re taking a look at the key highlights of the first day!
Promising signs for Liquid
Credit: IEM on X.
After a rough couple of months, day one of IEM Chengdu 2024 saw some of the most promising results so far for the all-star Liquid roster. Starting out the day was a tough clash against Heroic, but a clinic from Twistzz and cadiaN ensured an easy win. Then, it was G2 up next. This series needed all three maps to settle the score, but again it was Liquid emerging on top. Now, Liquid get to play their first Playoffs on stage together.
Overall, Liquid’s fast start in China is down to the form of Twistzz. He went absolutely huge over the course of the day, and ensured Liquid were always going to make it through to the Playoffs. With this kind of form, they can definitely be dark horses for the tournament overall.
dev1ce’s IGL era gets off to a strong start
Credit: ESLCS on X.
Perhaps the biggest narrative of IEM Chengdu 2024 has been the beginning of dev1ce‘s IGL journey. Could he do it, or would it be just another case of a star player having ideas above his station? A 13:2 win over last-minute Monte replacements Steel Helmet is unlikely to answer the question for good, but it’s a solid start to his Astralis IGL career nonetheless.
Individually, dev1ce topped the scoreboard going 21:4, while stavn and jabbi were both markedly improved from their most recent outings. Again though, with this level of opposition, it’s hard to determine how much that really means. Tomorrow’s match against FaZe Clan should be a better indication of where this roster is at right now.
FlyQuest stun Cloud9
Credit: IEM on X.
FlyQuest, the team we had as one of the underdogs in our IEM Chengdu 2024 power rankings, got off to a great start by shocking Cloud9 in a comfortable 13:6 win. A flawless T-side was the key here, with the still-AWPerless Cloud9 simply having no answer to the Aussie’s attacks.
Individually, every single FlyQuest player delivered on their debut for their new organization. IGL dexter led from the front with 18 kills, but all of INS, Liazz, aliStair, and Vexite showed they have what it takes to be a real handful at IEM Chengdu 2024. With Virtus.pro up next for a Playoffs spot, we reckon they might just be able to do it.
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