NiP outclass LDLC on Ancient

LAN events are finally back with the IEM Cologne 2021 play-in event and, of course, the main event starting in three days. To start the event was a brawl between NiP and LDLC. The opening rounds are to be played as Bo1’s and perhaps surprisingly the match between NiP and LDLC was to be settled on Ancient. Despite the obscure map of Ancient, it was clear that NiP is at a different level than LDLC. Ultimately, they managed to defeat LDLC at the scoreline of 16-6.

As mentioned, the Bo1-series between NiP and LDLC was to be settled on the newest map in the official map-pool in Ancient. It was the Swedish side of NiP to start the strongest and they managed an early 4-0 lead after winning the pistol round. LDLC answered back, managing to win a couple of rounds. Despite the French LDLC roster’s best attempt, they had to admit defeat in the first half at the scoreline of 12-3.

The second half brought more exciting rounds of Counterstrike. LDLC started much stronger and managed to win the first two rounds on their t-side. The hope of LDLC, however, was quickly silenced as the Ninjas in Pyjamas, led by Danish AWP’er “device”, continued to outclass their opponents. At the scoreline of 16-6 NiP could walk away with their first victory at the IEM Cologne event against LDLC.

Map 1 – Ancient

16-6 NiP | device 1.59 Rating / 81.1 ADR / 21-8 K-D

Highlight of the BO1-series

MVP

Nicolai "device" Reedtz | 1.59 Rating - 21-8 K/D - 81.1 ADR - 77.3% KAST

Play-in update

In the opening rounds of the IEM Cologne 2021 Play-in event, there are matches to be played simultaneously. Whilst the NiP vs LDLC match was played two other top-tier Bo1-series took place.

mousesports vs Bad News Bears (1-0)

mousesports were huge favorites going into their first match against the NA roster of Bad News Bears. In addition, the map to be played in the Bo1-series was chosen to be Nuke, a map that mousesports are tried and tested on. Despite Bad News Bears putting up a valid fight it was, however, the side of mousesports to take home the victory in the end at the scoreline of 16-7. The MVP of the Bo1-series was mousesports player “frozen” with a rating of 1.57.

Spirit vs MIBR (1-0)

The third and final Bo1-series in the first three opening games of IEM Cologne 2021 Play-in was between Spirit and MIBR. Much closer than the previous two Bo1-series the matchup between Spirit and MIBR went all the way to overtime. Spirit managed to outperform their opponent in the dying stages of the match and with a second overtime needed they could see themselves victorious at the scoreline of 22-18. The MVP of the Bo1-series was Spirit player "mir" with a rating of 1.37.