The first day of the group stage at ESL: One Cologne 2016 has concluded, with some intriguing results across the board.
Astralis vs. Team Dignitas – 8:7, 8:5 (16:12)
Winner: Astralis
Map: de_Overpass
MVP: Nicolai "device" Reedtz
The first match of the day saw Astralis serve their countrymen. The victors kicked off on the T side of Overpass, where they successfully managed to storm the defence. Both teams went shoulder to shoulder, concluding the first half at a close 8:7 in favour of Astralis. On the defence, the Danes were able to repel Dignitas, denying entries and successfully retaking sites, landing Astralis a 16:12 finish, along with a ticket to the group A's winners bracket.
Gambit Gaming vs. Counter Logic Gaming – 8:7, 8:6 (16:13)
Winner: Gambit Gaming
Map: de_Dust2
MVP: Dauren "AdreN" Kystaubayev
The second match of group A saw a close match between Gambit Gaming and CLG. Dust2 being a notoriously aim-oriented map, the CIS mix managed to successfully dismantle CLG. Gambit started on the T side of the map, where they team managed to go head-to-head during the first half, securing a slight lead of 8:7 against their opponents. CLG demonstrated a decent performance once they transferred onto the T side of things, however it was insufficient, as Gambit grinded them out in the long-run, closing out the match at 16:13 and securing themselves the second and last spot in the winners' bracket of group A.
Natus Vincere vs. FlipSid3 Tactics – 13:2, 3:5 (16:7)
Winner: Natus Vincere
Map: de_Train
MVP: Ladislav "GuardiaN" Kovács
Next up were the group B matches, where Na'Vi kicked off to a strong start. The CIS representatives are well-known for their strong Train performances, therefore it is quite the mystery as to why FlipSid3 decided to pick this map in particular. Na'Vi kick off on the CT side, where they manage to dominate the half, shutting down any advances from their Ukrainian opponents. Said domination lead to a 13:3 first half finish, putting Na'Vi at a serious advantage. After switching over to the CT side, FlipSid3 showed a glimmer of hope, picking up five rounds, however Na'Vi made sure to close the match out quick, snatching three rounds of their own. Natus Vincere persevere 16:7, securing the first winners' bracket placement of group B.
Ninjas in Pyjamas vs. OpTic Gaming – 11:4, 5:0 (16:4)
Winner: Ninjas in Pyjamas
Map: de_Dust2
MVP: Jacob "pyth" Mourujärvi
The Ninjas in Pyjamas decided to up Na'Vi's performance, making group B matches the fastest to conclude. The Swedes initiated on the T side of Dust2, where they showed an incredible performance against OpTic. Aim duels were won, sites were taken, bombs were planted, allowing for a commanding 11:4 finish against their Canadian opponents. What ensued in the second half was, simply put, a mercy killing, as NiP secure five consecutive rounds to land the second winners' bracket placement of group B.
Team Liquid vs. Team EnVyUs – 9:6, 7:1 (16:7)
Winner: Team Liquid
Map: de_Train
MVP: Jonathan "EliGE" Jablonowski
Group C kicked off to a very interesting start - Team Liquid demonstrated what the roster is capable of when on their A-game. The NA representatives started on the T side of Train, where they were able to secure a decent lead against the Frenchmen from EnVyUs. Rounds went by, ultimately in favour of Liquid, as they cut the first half at 9:6. After switching onto the CT side, the team \_ounged through the second half of the match, allowing but a single round in favour of the Frenchmen. Liquid secure the winners' placement with a cool 16:7 score against EnVyUs.
Virtus.Pro vs. Mousesports – 7:8, 9:2 (16:10)
Winner: Virtus.Pro
Map: de_Train
MVP: Janusz "snax" Pogorzelski
The final match of Group C saw a rare sighting of the wild bear, by many known as "Virtus.Plow". Train is known to be one of the Poles' stronger maps, however Mousesports could not be counted out this early due to their firepower potential. The first half was rather slow with both teams playing a calculated, balanced game, going blow for blow. Mousesports secure a lead over Virtus.Pro upon its conclusion, 8:7. This is where poking the bear with a stick really hit Mouz like a Train (pun intended). The Poles stepped over to the T side and demonstrated aggressive behaviour, reminiscent of past days. Mousesports simply didn't have an answer to the outstanding plays made by V.P, allowing the veterans of CS a 16:10 finish, joining Team Liquid in the winners' bracket of group C.
SK Gaming vs. G2 Esports – 7:8, 9:3 (16:11)
Winner: SK Gaming
Map: de_Cobblestone
MVP: Marcelo "coldzera" David
Group D, the final of the day, saw ex-Luminosity Gaming, now SK Gaming, demonstrate a solid performance against a strong G2 Esports. Initially the Brazilians took the CT side, where they had a few difficulties against the Frenchmen. G2 managed to go even with SK, leading by a mere round (8:7) upon the end of the first half. After jumping onto the T side of the server, SK lit up. The Brazilians were simply too much for the French to deal with, reminding not only their opponents, but also the world why they are the main contenders for Cologne's Champions' title. SK secure nine rounds to G2's three, ending the first match of group D at 16:11 in favour of SK.
FaZe Clan vs. Fnatic – 8:7, 8:7 (16:14)
Winner: FaZe Clan
Map: de_Dust2
MVP: Philip "aizy" Aistrup
The last match of day one saw a wildly un-expected result, where FaZe Clan got the upper hand on an unexpecting Fnatic. The match was incredibly close throughout, where FaZe managed to clinch it in the end. The European mix started on the CT side of Dust2, where they took in round by round, slowly grinding rounds in their favour. At the end of the first half, FaZe amassed an 8:7 lead, which proved to be instrumental in their long-run success. The second half was an exact copy score-wise of the first. The European mix played their game against the Swedish powerhouse and it proved effective. FaZe Clan grind Fnatic into the losers' bracket of group D, concluding day one of ESL One: Cologne 2016 at 16:14.
