Woxic: Aurora into IEM Cologne quarters, first LANXESS

Aurora defeated 9z 2-0 at IEM Cologne to reach the quarterfinals. The series featured a 1v4 clutch by AWPer Özgür ‘woxic’ Eker on Dust2 that helped secure the win.

Aurora prepared for 9z during bootcamp by reviewing their previous matches. The team expected group swings, short pushes and coordinated fakes, and positioned three or four players near inner at times to counter those moves. The squad aimed to close the match in two maps rather than allow a decider.

Woxic described the Dust2 sequence as a kill through smoke that opened the site and an opponent who offered an unexpected chance. ‘When he gave me that chance, I was kind of feeling it today, every piece of the puzzle just connected,’ he recalled.

Woxic acknowledged he struggled in Aurora’s earlier loss to Spirit, saying he started well on Dust2 but later felt ‘lost inside the maps’ and that short negative runs affected his play. His coach told him the team’s chances would not have changed had he performed differently.

He praised rookie soulfly for communication, positioning and shooting, noting the player ‘really showed what he’s capable of’ and improved through Stage 3.

Woxic noted several opponents faced long series and extended waits between matches, including one team that played three overtime maps the day before. Aurora had a shorter schedule and used the extra rest time for preparation.

He added he had attended LANXESS Arena with previous teams but had not reached the main stage there until now, and he thanked teammates for keeping morale steady after setbacks.

Aurora will next play in the quarterfinals at IEM Cologne.