MongolZ eliminate Monte 2-1 at IEM Cologne Major

MongolZ eliminated Monte 2-1 in the Stage 3 1-2 pool of the IEM Cologne Major on Saturday. The map scores were Nuke 13-9, Inferno 7-13 and Dust2 13-11.

The match in Cologne put MongolZ on the line for more than the tournament itself. A loss would likely have pushed them out of the top 12 in the July VRS update and removed them from the invite bubble for upcoming tier-one events. The win advances MongolZ to the final Swiss round and keeps them eligible to reach the LANXESS Arena.

On Nuke, Monte opened strong and led 8-4 at one point in the first half. Jack “Gizmy” von Spreckelsen produced a notable Heaven play for multiple kills and Aurélien “afro” Drapier contributed on offense. MongolZ recovered in the later stages and closed the map 13-9.

Inferno belonged to Monte, who converted early advantages into a 13-7 win. MongolZ managed only one of the first six rounds on a quad-kill by Ayush “mzinho” Batbold, and Monte maintained control through the remainder of the map to force a decider.

Dust2 decided the series. MongolZ started 5-1 helped by multi-kills and strong CT-side rounds from captain Garidmagnai “bLitz” Byambasuren. By halftime Monte had leveled the score. MongolZ won the second pistol and later opened A twice to reach match point before sealing the series with a B-site execute in round 24.

Individual numbers showed a balanced effort from MongolZ. Anarbileg “cobrazera” Uuganbayar finished 47-41 with a 1.14 rating. Usukhbayar “910” Banzragch went 49-38 with a 1.13 rating. Ayush “mzinho” Batbold was 45-47 with a 1.12 rating and bLitz posted 44-39 with a 1.10 rating. Sodbayar “Techno” Munkhbold recorded 30-50 and a 0.76 rating.

Monte’s top lines included afro at 54-41 with a 1.14 rating, Gizmy at 39-44 and a 1.08 rating, and Oscar “AZUWU” Bell at 42-45 with a 1.04 rating. Aleks “Rainwaker” Petrov was 38-39 (0.96) and Aurimas “Bymas” Pipiras finished 42-46 (0.82).

Monte’s exit ends their run at IEM Cologne in Stage 3 after they advanced from Stage 2 with a 3-2 record. MongolZ progress to the last Swiss round with the opportunity to qualify for the LANXESS Arena and to preserve their standing ahead of the July VRS update.