When we hear the word ‘esports’, the first name that comes to mind is ‘Counter Strike Global Offensive.’ This iconic first-person tactical shooter has been a pivot in the world of esports. But as things stand, CS:GO is slowly handing over its legacy to its upcoming and most anticipated successor, Counter Strike 2.
The Intel Extreme Masters Cologne, which is one of the biggest CS:GO tournaments, has featured this legendary game for the last time in the recently concluded 2023 edition. This step has been taken to shift its focus to the upcoming CS2. And fans will remember G2 as the last victor of this legendary CS:GO tournament.
G2: The Last Champions of CS:GO Era
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Lanxess Arena, which is situated in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany (the venue of this tournament), has been catering unforgettable CS:GO moments to its viewers for a long eight years. But this year, the tournament puts a full stop to CS:GO and starts a new line with CS2. This year the tournament took place from July 26 through August 6.
In this special year, the German esports organization G2 has aced the Finnish esports organization ENCE 3-1 in a thrilling encounter in the grand final of the IEM Cologne 2023 to claim the $400,000 throne. This year’s tournament was all about our G2. This team has lost just three maps in their prolific run in the tournament. On their journey to the final, they have beaten many esports giants, like FaZe, Vitality, and Astralis.
G2 are your IEM Cologne Champions
The last of CSGO 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3fgoTdqsDm
— Jake Lucky (@JakeSucky) August 6, 2023
Despite measurably failing in the BLAST Paris Major Run, G2 kept the core of NiKo, jks, HooXi, m0NESY, and huNter intact. And this decision to keep the same roster saw them keep the IEM Cologne trophy with them. With notable mention to their IGL, Rasmus Nielsen, aka HooXi, who was the primary one to be cut short from the team but played a pivotal role in G2’s success, G2 got the fruit of their patience.
It was a no-brainer that the Bosnian superstar, Nikola Kovac, aka NiKo, came out to be the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. He hasn’t yet won any majors in CS:GO, but winning this tournament is still a lot for him.
Fans Are Thrilled about This Epic victory.
Fans have really enjoyed this thrilling encounter. Let’s hear from them:
This fan congratulates the German team for this epic victory.
congrats G2!
— itzBolt (@itzBoltNFT) August 6, 2023
According to this fan, it wasn’t a surprise that G2 would claim the throne.
No surprise
— WrighteousJ (@wrighteousj) August 6, 2023
According to this fan, despite not winning a major, this win has completed the chapter of CS:GO for him.
NiKo may not have won a major yet, but he closed the chapter of CS:GO at least 🙂
— 🟥 Bring Back Rue 🟥 (@vee_ghost) August 6, 2023
This fan has spit out some true facts.
Counter Strike is THE esport, looking forward to the next journey with CS2🙏
— Orion (@I_Am_Orion) August 6, 2023
This fan believes CS2 is knocking on the door.
CS2 is so close now
— PlayCODNews (@PlayCODNews) August 6, 2023
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Amid the happiness and joy of G2 being the champions of one of the most coveted tournaments in the CS:GO arena, there lies the grim reality of CS:GO’s goodbye.
With a heavy heart, we bid adieu to this revolutionary title from the esports world and embrace the change with CS2.
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Watch the trilling final here.
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