These past two weeks of the CS:GO competitive scene has been dedicated to IEM Cologne. With the end of this tournament, many teams will change their course with multiple moves and signings to prepare for the second half of the 2022 season. So, many fans expect the Grand Final of this big tournament at the Lanxess Arena. Speaking of which, there is no secret anymore the name of the two teams who will face each other for the sake of the champion’s title. NaVi and FaZe had secured a spot to the Grand Final, passing the Semifinals with solvency thanks to a 2-0 on the scoreboard.
Before waiting for the final match, we want to note that IEM Cologne 2022 is one of the most prestigious CS:GO tournaments that has already surpassed IEM Katowice in the number of spectators. So, we are sure that this year’s Grand Final in the Lanxess Arena will go down in history. Best of all, this event also opens the doors to bettors with multiple options and high limits to bet on.
When using the https://csgoeasybets.com/ webpage, you can dramatically increase the patency of your predictions and wagers on CS:GO matches. With that being said, let’s take a closer look at the two huge favorites and grand finalists of IEM Cologne 2022.
NaVi Return to the Final
NaVi has been extraordinary in the past three months and has looked almost impossible to defeat. After winning BLAST Premier: Spring Finals, the Ukrainian organization joined the competition in the Lanxess Arena with the other 15 professional teams competing for the prize of $1,000,000.
In Cologne, Natus Vincere continued to make history for the national CS:GO by securing a place directly in the Semifinals of the tournament after defeating MOUZ, NiP, and Movistar Riders in the upper bracket of the Group stage. With the start of the Playoff stage, the CIS giants geared themselves up to becoming the champions of IEM Cologne once again after taking down the Danes in the Semifinals with a resounding 2-0. Here are some highlights from this confrontation.
Map 1: Nuke (16-8)
The opening map was Nuke, chosen by Astralis who have won the last seven maps at the nuclear power plant. However, a great CT-sided performance of the CIS giants led the boys to an 11-4 lead before going into the second half. After the change of the side, the Ukrainian team managed to bemuse the Danes’ defense with a 16-8 on the scoreline.
Map 2: Mirage (19-17)
Though the Ukrainian organization took the Nuke on the fast track, it had to paddle in Mirage. Despite Astralis’ initial rock-solid defense with a 3-12 lead in the first half, b1t led his team to force OT by saving up to four map points. Finally, Natus Vincere managed to claim victory over Mirage and secure a spot in the final match of IEM Cologne.
FaZe Clan Through to the Grand Final
While Natus Vincere got rid of Astralis, FaZe Clan put an end to the dream story of Movistar Riders. This way, karrigan and his teammates joined NaVi in the Grand Final. In just two maps, the American organization demonstrated its ability and managed to take down the aggressive Spanish quintet of MRS.
Map 1: Ancient (16-12)
The enormous individual quality of all FaZe players and the CT-side superiority in Ancient was key to distancing themselves on the scoreboard to 11-4 in the first half. However, the Spaniards cut the difference by scoring 7 consecutive rounds as anti-terrorists. With 15-12, Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken saved a 1vs3 to close the first map and put 1-0 on the table.
Map 2: Nuke (16-9)
The Americans started their T side in Nuke with the superior offensive wall, managing to score 7 rounds in the first half. After the change of the side, FaZe demonstrated the reason for its choice of Nuke and reaped an almost perfect CT to set the final 9-16 and close the Semifinals.
What is at Stake for the Winner of the Tournament?
In addition to lifting the long-awaited title, the champion of IEM Cologne 2022 will earn one more victory of the Intel Grand Slam series. The latter gives a $1,000,000 prize to the first team winning four IEM or ESL tournaments this year.
After winning EM Katowice and ESL Pro League 15, FaZe Clan needs two more victories in 6 attempts. As for NaVi, the Ukrainian team has to win 4 IEM or ESL series events in 10 attempts to win the Intel Grand Slam in 2022. Thus, the s1mple and his troops want to prevent FaZe from taking this year’s Intel Grand Slam at all costs. All in all, the first half of the year could not end better with this real match between the two best teams of the moment.