Just days before the start of one of the most prestigious Counter-Strike 2 tournaments, IEM Cologne 2024, a sudden change has been announced for 9z Team’s debut match. ESL, the tournament organizer, revealed that BetBoom, originally scheduled to face 9z Team, has withdrawn from the event. As a result, 9z Team will now face 3DMAX in their opening match.
Last-Minute Changes Shake Up IEM Cologne 2024
As the excitement builds within the Counter-Strike community, the anticipation for upcoming major events continues to grow. With the Major set for Shanghai in December, the lead-up to this major event includes several key tournaments, one of which is IEM Cologne.
Known as the “Cathedral of Counter-Strike,” this tournament is a cornerstone of the competitive scene, held in Cologne, Germany.
Change of Plans for 9z Team
Originally, 9z Team was set to clash with BetBoom Team, but due to visa issues, BetBoom was forced to withdraw. ESL quickly acted, bringing in 3DMAX as a replacement. This French team, comprised of players Lucky, Djoko, Ex3rcice, Maka, and Graviti, received the invitation due to their ranking in the ESL standings, making them the next in line.
Key Features of IEM Cologne 2024:
- Venue: Cologne, Germany – a historic location in the Counter-Strike community.
- Replacement Team: 3DMAX steps in for BetBoom due to visa issues.
- Match Format: The series between 9z Team and 3DMAX will be a best-of-three (BO3), following ESL’s decision to eliminate best-of-one (BO1) matches from the tournament.
- Broadcast: Fans can catch all the action live on Twitch.
Conclusion
This unexpected change adds a layer of unpredictability to the tournament, with 9z Team now preparing to face a different opponent than initially expected. Their opening match is scheduled for August 7, and it will be crucial for both teams as they aim to make a strong start in one of the year’s most important CS2 tournaments.
As the tournament unfolds, viewers can expect intense competition and high-stakes matches, all contributing to the build-up towards the Shanghai Major later this year.
IEM Cologne 2024 Adopts New Format: Elimination of Best-of-One Matches in CS2