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G2 Esports have made history by winning their first Counter-Strike 2 tournament, IEM Dallas 2024.
The team, initially entering the event with Jacky “Stewie2K” Yip as a stand-in for their regular in-game leader, Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen, exceeded all expectations to claim the title.
This victory marks a significant achievement for Stewie2K, who had been away from the Counter-Strike scene for over two years.
YOUR 100TH #IEM CHAMPIONS HAVE BEEN CROWNED.
🦅🇺🇸G-STEW HAVE DONE IT🇺🇸🦅
🏆@G2CSGO ARE YOUR #IEM DALLAS 2024 CHAMPIONS🏆#IEM100 pic.twitter.com/a3te6GK0xP
— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) June 2, 2024
G2’s path to the IEM Dallas trophy was anything but straightforward.
They faced and defeated some of the top contenders, including FaZe Clan and Team Vitality, showcasing remarkable resilience and skill.
Under the leadership of Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, the team also overcame the dark horse of the event, 9z Team, in the playoffs.
The grand final against Vitality was a gripping three-map series that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The action kicked off on G2’s pick, Inferno.
Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov set the tone with a 4K in the pistol round, leading G2 to a 7-5 advantage by the end of the first half.
Despite a strong start from Vitality in the second half, including a 1v1 clutch by m0NESY against Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut, the map went into overtime.
G2 eventually triumphed 19-16, thanks to brilliant plays from NiKo, m0NESY, and Nemanja “huNter-” Kovač.
The second map, Anubis, saw a similar back-and-forth struggle.
G2 initially gained the upper hand, but Vitality’s William “mezii” Merriman delivered a highlight ace, shifting the momentum.
Vitality secured a 16-13 victory, forcing a decider map.
Nuke, the final map, started with G2 taking an early lead, but Vitality’s defense soon turned the tide.
However, a crucial 1v1 by m0NESY against ZywOo tied the score at halftime.
In the second half, G2 maintained their composure and closed out the map 13-8, securing the championship.
m0NESY was named the tournament MVP, boasting an impressive 1.61 rating in the final.
The young prodigy @G2m0NESY has officially claimed his first #ESLProTour DHL MVP trophy! 🏆@DeutschePostDHL #IEM100 pic.twitter.com/9IRU5VI0CL
— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) June 3, 2024
His stellar performance was complemented by the return of Stewie2K, whose presence revitalized the team.
“I don’t care about who I play against. We just won IEM Dallas, it’s crazy,” m0NESY said, emphasizing the collective effort.
Stewie2K’s return to competitive Counter-Strike was met with widespread acclaim.
“I’m back,” he declared after the win.
“It’s probably the best feeling ever. I feel like I’ve been through hell for this, I’m very grateful and very thankful, honestly.”
His impact, both in and out of the game, was pivotal to G2’s success.
G2 Esports’ victory at IEM Dallas 2024 is a milestone for the team and a testament to their adaptability and skill.
As they prepare for the BLAST Premier Spring Final in London, the excitement continues to build.
With HooXi set to return as the in-game leader, G2 aims to carry forward their winning momentum.
For Stewie2K, this triumph is a reminder of his capabilities and an open invitation for future opportunities in the CS2 scene.
His journey, marked by perseverance and a remarkable comeback, has left an indelible mark on the tournament and the wider esports community.
G2’s victory at IEM Dallas 2024, highlighted by thrilling matches and standout performances, will be remembered as one of the most exciting chapters in Counter-Strike history.
