xelex adapts to arena as MOUZ reach IEM Beijing final

MOUZ beat BETBOOM 2-0 in the IEM Beijing semifinal, securing their fourth grand final appearance of the season. The result repeated MOUZ’s group-stage win over Kirill “Boombl4” Mikhailov’s team.

The series began on Ancient, where Adrian “xelex” Vincze struggled to hear BETBOOM’s attacks over the arena noise. MOUZ completed the sweep on Mirage, where the 18-year-old produced a stronger performance.

“When they were coming with an A execute, and I couldn’t hear them running, and I couldn’t tell if I heard my teammate running behind me or if it was them, it was just tough,” xelex said in an interview after the match. “I was a bit shaky too; of course, it’s just the arena experience.”

Xelex felt more comfortable after the first map and expects the adjustment to help him in the final.

“I think I just needed one map to warm up or just get used to it,” he added. “So I think it will be better for sure for the grand final.”

MOUZ played their group-stage matches on the B stream behind closed doors, making the semifinal xelex’s first arena match at the tournament. He described the arena as warmer than the B-stream area, where he had previously played in a hoodie.

MOUZ expected BETBOOM to attack the B site more often on Ancient after controlling their opponents’ attacks toward A in the group stage. Xelex also noted that MOUZ were comfortable playing Ancient again and welcomed the return to Mirage, his favorite map.

The rookie joined MOUZ earlier this season and has become comfortable with the team’s players and working environment. He described himself as an aggressive option who can be sent into difficult positions when needed.

“I like to be aggressive if it’s needed of me,” xelex explained. “If I have to be sent out somewhere, I can do it, and I’m down for it.”

MOUZ will face The MongolZ in the best-of-five grand final. The Mongolian team defeated NAVI in the other semifinal, preventing a MOUZ-NAVI rematch. Xelex would have preferred to face NAVI but expects The MongolZ to provide a different challenge with their unusual style.

MOUZ entered IEM Beijing seeking a title before the upcoming Major, with another tournament in Hong Kong scheduled afterward. Xelex identified winning the final and lifting the trophy as the team’s immediate goal. He also noted that a best-of-five requires focus and energy over several hours.

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Reviewed and fact-checked by Alex Panasenko on November 7.