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IEM Cologne 2023 Group B Review | Astralis Rise From The Dead
IEM Cologne Group B has concluded for 2023, with just the Playoffs to go until we crown a winner in the Cathedral of Counter-Strike. We’ve seen some impressive performances from the IEM Group Stage teams, and we’re looking at what Group B offered up.
Astralis Battle Back
After Astralis stumbled in their opener against G2, you’d be forgiven for thinking three wins in a row through the IEM Cologne 2023 Lower Bracket would be too much to ask. But this is a different Astralis, a team risen from the dead and ready to compete for big prizes again.
Credit: Stephanie Lindgren | © ESL
NIP and MOUZ were easy work for the Danes, with a strong NAVI team the final test. Every single player passed with flying colors. Special praise should be reserved for Buzz, who on the decider against NAVI, dropped the best map of his entire competitive career. They’ve put a lot of faith in the FACEIT prodigy, and he repaid it by carrying them to the LANXESS Arena at the expense of a NAVI side who haven’t missed Cologne for a decade.
Worries For FaZe
Our Group Stage preview for IEM Cologne Group B had FaZe qualifying here, but they never really got going in Cologne. There’s no shame in losing to both G2 and NAVI – it’s a tough draw. But to not even take a single map along the way will be a bitter disappointment.
Credit: IEM on Twitter
This is still a team of stars, but it’s hard to see where they go from here. There’s an inconsistency ingrained in this roster, which is seriously affecting their trophy chances now. They won’t be rushing to make roster changes, but it’s clear that something needs fixing going forward.
Vitality and G2
Vitality were surely the favorite of all the IEM Group Stage teams to make it to the Playoffs. They hit those expectations, but will be slightly disappointed to have missed out on the Semi-Finals to G2.
Credit: IEM on Twitter
For G2, we’re seeing a team rise like a phoenix from the ashes. It’s been a tough few months for the roster. They just couldn’t seem to do anything right prior to the Summer break, with confidence at an all-time low. Every player has seen a stark improvement during IEM Cologne Group B, and with either Heroic or Astralis up next, they’ll fancy themselves the win the whole thing.
What’s Next For Group B?
With Vitality, Astralis, and G2 all headed to the LANXESS Arena, it’s going to be a tough run. There are no weak teams left in the competition, so expect fireworks on the server. They join up with the teams from IEM Cologne 2023 Group A to see out the Playoffs.
Credit: IEM on Twitter
For the rest of the matches in the tournament, you can head over to GG.Bet to put your esports knowledge to the test and bet on the teams from IEM Cologne Group B.
GG.Bet has deposit bonuses tailored specifically toward IEM Cologne 2023, meaning the Playoffs are the perfect time to get involved. You can already find amazing odds for the Playoff openers, with a ton of niche markets available online for you to place your bets. You can decide whether Vitality will hold firm against Cloud9, who may finally have Ax1Le available for action.
Meanwhile, an all-Danish affair with Heroic and Astralis promises to be an absolute banger. Can Astralis continue their resurge against arguably the best team in the world? You can place your bets at GG.Bet, which is hands-down the best place for you to enhance your IEM Cologne 2023 experience.
