IEM Sydney 2023: Group Stage & Grand Final Review
radoslaw-davidovic
The first CS2 tournament, IEM Sydney 2023, has just ended. Many exciting and unexpected things happened at the tournament, and today, we will consider how the winning team went through this path and how they almost lost everything a step away from the goal.
So let’s get started.
In article you will find:
IEM Sydney 2023 Quarterfinals
For readers who haven’t been following the news lately and want to know what IEM Sydney is, it is the first CS2 tournament in which players play not only in the updated game but also with the updated round system MR12. The tournament has a $100,000 grand prize, and the team that places first receives a ticket to Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2024.
The following teams advanced to the Quarterfinals: ENCE and FaZe, BetBoom and Complexity. The teams competed in a classic BO3, and the winner advanced to the next round, where they faced MOUZ and G2. The team that lost at this stage left the tournament and received only $10,000 each.
ENCE vs FaZe
Let’s begin with the first match between FaZe and ENCE. Looking ahead, it’s clear this was a one-sided game, as one of the opponents proved significantly stronger.
Here’s the list of map selections and bans:
- FaZe removed Vertigo
- ENCE removed Inferno
- FaZe picked Nuke
- ENCE picked Anubis
- FaZe removed Mirage
- ENCE removed Overpass
- Ancient was left over
The first map was Nuke, picked by FaZe. At the beginning of the map, ENCE succeeded, securing three rounds while playing as CT. However, in the fourth round, FaZe, benefiting from a good loss bonus, invested in equipment and won the fourth round. After the fourth round, FaZe began to assert their dominance. They continued to secure rounds, concluding the first half with a solid 8:4 score.
After switching sides, FaZe players, specifically “ropz” and “rain,” didn’t give ENCE a chance to recover on this map and quickly advanced to a 12:4 lead. Ultimately, the game ended with a 13:5 score, and FaZe confidently sealed the win on the first map.
The second map was remarkably easy for FaZe, even though Anubis was ENCE’s pick. ENCE failed to secure a single round, making it the first-ever 13:0 score in the history of CS2 in favor of FaZe.
BetBoom Team vs Complexity
The second Quarterfinal match was a matchup between Complexity and BetBoom. BetBoom performed well in the upper bracket of Group A and deservedly got into the Playoffs. Complexity had a slightly more difficult path. They got into the lower bracket of Group B. Then they got out of the loser’s bracket and got a spot in the Playoffs.
Here’s the list of map selections and bans:
- Complexity removed Mirage
- BetBoom removed Inferno
- Complexity picked Anubis
- BetBoom picked Ancient
- Complexity removed Nuke
- BetBoom removed Overpass
- Vertigo was left over
The first map was Anubis, picked by Complexity. Right from the start, Complexity showed they had a good reason for picking this map by confidently winning the first pistol round. They continued to dominate, securing a lead of 6:0. BetBoom attempted to resist but only managed to win three rounds in the first half, with Complexity leading 9:3.
The second half was less eventful, with Complexity’s play indicating they would eventually claim the map. They did so with a final 13:6 score.
The second map, Ancient, was much more gripping than the first. It was filled with tension, with the outcome uncertain until the end. In the first half, BetBoom led with a 7:5 score. However, when Complexity switched to the T side, the situation began to change, and Complexity gradually gained dominance.
In the twentieth round, a game previously favoring BetBoom turned into a tie at 10:10. Thanks to Complexity winning multiple consecutive rounds, they had a strong economy, even after losing the following round. It allowed them to buy quality equipment.
The subsequent rounds were intense and emotional. BetBoom won the 21 round, and Complexity took the 22, resulting in another tie at 11:11. Nevertheless, Complexity rallied their strength. It pushed forward, changing the score to 12:11 and ultimately securing victory at 13:11, closing out the second map.
IEM Sydney 2023 Semifinals
In this stage, four teams met to determine who would advance to the most important stage, the Grand Final. Teams that would leave the tournament at this stage received $20,000 each.
MOUZ vs FaZe Clan
The first match in the Semifinals was between MOUZ and FaZe Clan.
Here’s the list of map selections and bans:
- FaZe removed Mirage
- MOUZ removed Anubis
- FaZe picked Nuke
- MOUZ picked Vertigo
- FaZe removed Inferno
- MOUZ removed Overpass
- Ancient was left over
On Nuke, FaZe played as a terrorists in the first half and demonstrated strong gameplay. Their pick of Nuke was no coincidence, as it’s a map where they’ve historically performed exceptionally well. FaZe took a commanding lead in the first half, finishing with an 8:4 score, which is quite impressive for a team on the T side.
The second half was a breeze for FaZe as they effortlessly won all five rounds, playing aggressively and securing a 13:4 victory.
Moving on to Vertigo, FaZe had a strong start with a successful pistol round. They could buy better equipment in the following rounds, but MOUZ seized the initiative with a good loss bonus and solid gear. MOUZ won the first round on this map and continued their dominance, taking a 4:2 lead.
However, FaZe wisely used two tactical timeouts to discuss their strategy, which was a game-changer. They stopped MOUZ’s dominance, equalized the score, and won three consecutive rounds. FaZe finished the first half with a 7:5 lead.
The second half of Vertigo saw FaZe securing two more rounds. MOUZ, however, made another attempt to take control, winning four rounds in a row, mirroring the pattern from the first half. Commentators even made light of the situation.
As expected, this situation allowed FaZe to earn extra money for losing rounds, facilitating their comeback. FaZe leveled the score and won three more rounds consecutively, securing victory and earning their spot in the Grand Finals of IEM Sydney 2023.
G2 Esports vs Complexity
The second match in the Semifinals was between G2 and Complexity. The match was very interesting because many people believe the teams are equal. However, Complexity showed that this is not so, and they are currently in incredible form and capable of incredible things.
Here’s the list of map selections and bans:
- Complexity removed Mirage
- G2 removed Overpass
- Complexity picked Anubis
- G2 picked Ancient
- Complexity removed Nuke
- G2 removed Inferno
- Vertigo was left over
The first map was Anubis, picked by Complexity. The team initially played slowly, which is correct for defense, but it seemed the team was not warmed up. There were strange actions from the players, but Complexity generally played the first half in their favor at 7:5.
After switching sides and warming up in the first half, they performed well as terrorists and took rounds one by one. Good smokes, timings, and overall good play helped Complexity win four rounds and go to 11:5. G2 was able to stop Complexity’s dominance a little, but not for long. Complexity confidently closed the map with a 13:8 score.
On the second map, we saw a very interesting situation. Complexity started on the CT side and killed their opponents in all six rounds. G2 tried to fight back, but it was in vain. Complexity easily closed the map with a 13:3 score and advanced to the Grand Final, where they faced FaZe.
Now, let’s get to the most interesting part – the review of the Grand Final.
IEM Sydney 2023 Grand Final
The most anticipated event: who became the champion of the first CS2 tournament? In this confrontation, the very strong Complexity, who showed that they are in incredible shape and should not be underestimated, met the professionals of their business, FaZe, who have been showing excellent play for a long time and rightfully deserve the title of the most stable and strongest team.
The winning team received the prize of $100,000 and a ticket to Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2024. The team that took second place received only $42,000.
FaZe Clan vs Complexity
The Grand Final was a close and hard-fought match, so let’s start without unnecessary words.
Here’s the list of map selections and bans:
- Complexity removed Mirage
- FaZe removed Anubis
- Complexity picked Overpass
- FaZe picked Nuke
- Complexity removed Inferno
- FaZe removed Vertigo
- Ancient was left over
It is unclear why Complexity banned Mirage, as Nuke is currently FaZe’s signature map.
Overpass
FaZe began the first map as counter-terrorists and managed to play the first two rounds quite well. However, in the first round, Complexity was able to plant the bomb, securing bonus money, and in the second, they decided to save, setting the stage for the third round.
Thanks to “hallzerk”, who made two crucial kills in the third round, Complexity managed to plant the bomb and secure a win, starting a streak and quickly taking the score to 5:2 in their favor.
However, in the 8 round, “ropz” skillfully encountered the enemy’s attack, eliminating three Complexity players. It turned the round around and halted Complexity’s domination. This round helped FaZe maintain their economy and disrupt their opponent’s. In the following rounds, FaZe secured victories without much difficulty, finishing the first half at 7:5 in their favor.
The second half of the map was also quite successful for FaZe as they won two rounds as terrorists, building a solid lead of 9:5. However, Complexity shouldn’t be underestimated. In the 15 round, they demonstrated excellent teamwork, securing a crucial round.
It triggered a series of tense rounds, and eventually, the score went from 9:5 to 10:10. Every mistake was costly. FaZe managed to take the 21 round, but Complexity’s “EliGE” made critical kills in the following rounds, leading his team to a 13:11 victory, just a step away from defeat.
Nuke
Nuke is FaZe’s signature map. The team excelled on this map throughout their journey to the grand final, defeating strong opponents and consistently proving their strength to the world. However, Complexity specialized in entirely different maps, putting them in a challenging position.
The beginning of the map favored Complexity as they successfully secured the first two rounds while playing as Counter-Terrorists. However, FaZe quickly found their rhythm and demonstrated their capabilities by winning three consecutive rounds.
Complexity won one more round, but FaZe followed with another two, repeating this pattern. In the first half, FaZe clarified that Nuke was their territory, making it a difficult map for Complexity. The first half ended with an 8:4 score in favor of FaZe.
In the first round, Complexity, playing as Terrorists, showcased their sharp shooting skills and wiped out FaZe. This strong start allowed Complexity to win the next three rounds, equalizing the score at 8:8 after being down by four rounds.
The subsequent gameplay was intense and tightly contested, with both teams refusing to concede any rounds. Finally, in the 23 round, FaZe secured a 13:10 victory, forcing a tie at 1:1 and leading to another map.
Ancient
Ancient was by far the most challenging and thrilling map of the tournament, one we highly recommend watching. It was a map filled with unpredictability, tension, and constant surprises, making every round a fierce battle.
The first half started with a strong defensive display by FaZe as if they were Spartans guarding their fort. Every round was incredibly tense, as the team frequently found themselves with just one or two defenders against 3-4 terrorists. However, FaZe repelled these attacks and took a significant lead of 9:3 by the end of the first half.
However, as the sides switched in the second half, the situation reversed, with Complexity standing firmly in their defensive positions. It’s worth noting that players from the Complexity team, particularly “hallzerk,” “EliGE,” and “floppy,” had a significant impact on nearly every round.
They consistently made 1-2 crucial kills that thwarted FaZe’s advances. The second half was truly mirrored, with Complexity winning 9 out of the 12 rounds, just like FaZe did earlier.
With the score tied at 12:12, the first overtime series began, and once again, the teams played evenly. Initially, one team would win a round, then the other, until the score became the classic CS:GO 15:15, which meant a second series of overtimes! The tension was at its peak, and nobody knew who would emerge as the champion.
The 31-round began with “karrigan” securing two kills, stopping Complexity’s attack. Then Complexity attempted to enter the A-site, but “broky” was waiting for them with his signature AWP. It helped FaZe secure this round and the next two, leaving just one match point for victory. However, in the 34 round, “EliGE” managed a triple kill, adding some intrigue.
The 35 round was decisive for Complexity. FaZe confidently attacked the B-site, securing the first two kills and taking deep positions. The defending players tried to support their teammates and rushed to the B-site, but FaZe was already waiting. With “Grim” left as the last player for Complexity in a 1v4 situation, he couldn’t make a difference, and FaZe rightfully won the tournament with a 19:16 score.
Congratulations to the champions of Intel Extreme Masters Sydney 2023, FaZe Clan!
IEM Sydney 2023 Tournament Highlights
Let’s explore the awe-inspiring tournament highlights.
To Wrap Up!
The dust has settled on the Intel Extreme Masters Sydney 2023, and FaZe Clan has emerged victorious, clutching a $100,000 prize and a coveted invitation to the Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2024. They’ve etched their names in esports history as the inaugural CS2 champions of IEM.
Stay tuned with us and keep reading our blog to stay at the heart of the action!
Radosław Davidović is Hellcase’s customer success manager. He enjoys blogging to share his knowledge and experience with customers.