M80’s s1n: One win from Stage 2, aiming to play in Cologne

Elias “s1n” Stein, M80’s in-game leader, said the team is one win from reaching Stage 2 of the Cologne Major after 2-0 victories over Lynn Vision and Sharks on the Play-In’s opening day. The side aims to play in front of German fans at the LANXESS Arena.

Both matches were best-of-one. Stein described the first day as important for momentum and said best-of-ones often indicate how a stage will unfold. The team credited their coach’s preparation and a simple tactical plan for the clean start.

Stein praised the roster’s communication and confidence: “People play confidently, and I love to see that as IGL.” He noted players contributed observations in analysis and during matches.

M80 faced extensive travel in recent weeks, moving between China, the United States and Germany. Stein noted the schedule affected the squad physically and caused jet lag, but he said the team felt fortunate to be at the Major.

Stein warned best-of-three matches will test the team’s map pool depth. He added that securing a Stage 2 berth would give M80 extra days to expand strategies and prepare other maps.

The lineup has been integrating new signing JBa. Stein described an adjustment period as the roster adapted in-game roles and made the newcomer comfortable. Matches in China against teams such as MOUZ and Falcons, although losses, helped the squad gain belief.

M80 shares hometown billing in Cologne with BIG. The team needs one more victory in the Play-In to reach Stage 2 and gain additional time to refine maps and preparations for later stages of the Major.