Karrigan: ‘Playing my worst CS’ but reaches IEM Cologne final

Finn “karrigan” Andersen guided Falcons to the IEM Cologne Major final after an overtime win over Spirit on Dust2. The semi finished 12-12 in regulation and went to extra time before Falcons advanced.

Falcons and Spirit traded rounds through the match. The game reached overtime after a back-and-forth second half on Dust2. Karrigan described the 12-12 scoreline as vindication for earlier Major losses against Spirit and recalled similar overtime defeats at previous events. “When I saw the scoreline, 12-12, I was like, ‘That was what it was supposed to be at the Shanghai Major,'” he said.

Karrigan joined Falcons 61 days before the event. He had considered retiring four months earlier and was due to watch the Major from home before being added to the roster shortly before the lock. He told teammates and staff he was struggling with form and motivation but continued to practice. “I’m in the worst shape, form, ever seen in my career. I’m fighting demons, but I have a fantastic team that helps me fight those demons with me,” he added, also noting that his wife encouraged him to keep competing.

On Dust2, karrigan said he spoke with players early in the Terrorist side after they lost focus and misread Spirit’s economy. That misread left Falcons with limited funds, they won a force-buy, then lost a key round after miscalculating Spirit’s money. He credited a strong CT side and steady team play for regaining control late in the match and pointed to several swings on B where Spirit entry players put Falcons under pressure.

Falcons will face FURIA in a best-of-five final the following day. Karrigan mentioned his long history of Major finals dating back to the Boston Major nine years ago and described the upcoming match as another chance to win a Major in CS2. He referenced teammate NiKo’s presence in the final and noted the recent retirement of veteran player FalleN, saying he understood such decisions.

Karrigan said he will return home to practice ahead of the new season but intends to focus on the final. “I’m going to give everything I have to make this possible,” he said, adding he would try to win the final even if his individual rating is low. He closed by saying the job is not finished and the team will prepare for the final match.