torzsi 50-bombs to prevent TheMongolz upset in IEM Cologne Play-in opener

The Hungarian AWPer carried MOUZ to a double-overtime victory over the tournament's biggest underdogs.

MOUZ and Ninjas in Pyjamas are slated to face off in the first match for qualification to the IEM Cologne group stage after the two international teams picked up victories over The MongolZ and Into the Breach.

While Ninjas in Pyjamas's victory was a straightforward 16-5 affair, MOUZ had to fight hard for their survival in the IEM Cologne Play-in upper bracket against The MongolZ as both sides debuted two new players in their first LAN together with fresh lineups.

In the end, it took a hard-carry performance from Ádám "⁠torzsi⁠" Torzsás to pull the match over the finish line. The Hungarian AWPer posted 50 kills in a double-overtime affair on Nuke and made his impact known especially in the second set with two quad-kills, a triple, and a double to prevent the upset.

Date	Matches
IEM Cologne 2023 Play-in
26/07/2023	Ninjas in Pyjamas 20:10 MOUZ	Match

Many MOUZ fans hoped for the reunion of Kamil "⁠siuhy⁠" Szkaradek and torzsi under the same banner to reactivate the Hungarian after his run of poor form. When asked about the reunion by Eefje "⁠sjokz⁠" Depoortere on the broadcast, the Hungarian shared the same sentiment.

"When we played in NXT, siuhy brought out the best in me. I hope we can do it again, it's a good start," he said.

Without torzsi's impact, The MongolZ would have undoubtedly closed out the game. At one point they held a healthy advantage in the second half after abusing newcomer Jimi "⁠Jimpphat⁠" Salo on ramp, until the Finn woke up with a couple of key multikills and helped MOUZ recover from the deficit along with the AWPer.

Expectations were low for The MongolZ after they made the latest series of changes, but May's new additions to the Mongolian side Usukhbayar "⁠910⁠" Banzragch and Ayush "⁠mzinho⁠" Batbold showed promising signs, with the former contributing well in the fragging department and the 16-year-old showing composure beyond his years with a couple of key clutches in regulation.