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Team Vitality to clash with NaVi at IEM Cologne 2024 (Image - ESL)
Natus Vincere (NaVi) and Team Vitality are the finalists for the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Cologne 2024 and will soon face each other at the cathedral of Counter-Strike in a decisive battle for this year’s championship. While it may seem like your regular event, this is also the first IEM cologne being played on CS2.
NaVi currently holds the title of taking home multiple big events in 2024 including the PGL Major and the Esports World Cup. They are also likely looking to make it three with IEM Cologne 2024. On the other hand, Vitality is looking to register its first major win of 2024. The team did secure the final tournament featuring CS: GO, but hasn’t peaked since the arrival of CS2.
The Semifinals saw Team Vitality take down SAW without any problem, with the matches ending pretty quickly. Both the IGL ‘apEX’ and the prodigy ‘ZywOo’ gave their best to take the team into the Grand Final. SAW, who recently took down the likes of G2 Esports and FaZe Clan, were not able to match up to the French pros. Although, they did have a commendable run.
Also Read: Two Most Popular CS2 Teams Check out of IEM Cologne Playoffs Early
A clean run from NaVi to make it into Grand Final
Alongside Vitality, NaVi also has not dropped a single match-up at the IEM Cologne 2024. Granted, their bracket wasn’t as challenging as others, but the team now face their ultimate challenge, making everyone wonder if the post s1mple NaVi will be able to do it thrice.
It was a CLOSE match but @natusvincere come out on top, defeating @mousesports 2-0 in the #IEM Cologne Semi-Final
— Intel® Extreme Masters (@IEM) August 17, 2024
16-14 Inferno
13-11 Mirage pic.twitter.com/RCzaHBbwfH
While MOUZ did give them a great fight, the team was able to overcome the challenge this time. The opening game saw their opponent make a big comeback after NaVi managed to take the game to match point early on. However, four back-to-back rounds from MOUZ forced overtime where they did challenge NaVi but failed to take them down.
The following game saw MOUZ with a great start with the potential to bring it into a decider, however, NaVi made a recovery and their opponent failed to hold the lead. After taking down both FaZe and G2 Esports at the 2024 CS2 PGL Major and Esports World Cup, defeating Vitality will add the big 3 rosters under them for 2024.