The knockout stage for IEM Summer 2021 is set as NIP were eliminated in the final match group stage qualifier.
A tight 1-2 series that ultimately ended in Virtus.pro’s favor decided NIP’s fate. The Swedish organization took an untimely exit before the knockout stage as the CIS squad advances on to face Vitality. Game one of the series, Mirage, initially looked promising for NIP. Though hotly contested, Hampus “Hampus” Poser’s performance lead NIP to a 16-14 victory.
NIP were unable to keep up this level of play, as VP fired back on the next two maps. Sanjar “SANJI” Kuliev had an impeccable showing on Inferno (11-16) and Overpass (4-16). Overall, SANJI had a massive role in VP’s success, finding 59 total frags and a 76.6% KAST. Now advancing to the knockout stage, Virtus.pro have another chance to make a deep tournament run.
Can Vitality comeback in knockouts?
Vitality’s 2021 has been challenging to say the very least. Weathering the storm of roster shuffles and slumps, Vitality appeared promising in the early parts of IEM Summer 2021. A 2-0 loss to G2 certainly put a halt on their improvement, however they still remain in the tournament, just staring in the quarter-finals.
Vitality lost in a respectable 0-2 to G2. Falling within less than 6 rounds of their opponents, putting up a particularly strong fight on Vertigo. G2 kept Vitality from taking any map however as Nemanja “huNter-” Kovac put up 48 total kills in the two game series. After suffering a sweeping loss, Vitality will have to redeem themselves with a win against the surging Virtus.pro to stay in the race.
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Image Credit: Vitality