Monte Win First ESL Challenger CS2 Tournament in Jönköping

Amidst the chaos of the BLAST Premier Fall Final 2023, it’s simple to overlook that the first-ever ESL Challenger CS2 match was ongoing in Jönköping. The Grand Closing got here all the way down to Monte and Everlasting Fireplace, with the Ukrainian roster rising on prime in opposition to XANTARES and co.

Monte’s Lengthy Wait

Credit score: Adam Lakomy | © ESL

This victory has been a very long time coming for Monte. They’ve at all times been often called a group of grinders, however their solely actual CS tournament wins got here throughout CCT occasions. In greater tournaments, Monte have established themselves as a constant Playoff contender, however have by no means taken the required steps towards victory. A current runners-up defeat within the Roobet Cup 2023 in opposition to Virtus.professional was simply the newest salt within the wound.

On the ESL Challenger CS2 match in Jönköping, Monte lastly exercised their demons, 2:0’ing Everlasting Fireplace to take residence a cool $50,000 money prize, in addition to securing their place at ESL Professional League Season 19. Crucially, it’s a first-ever LAN match victory for the group, who can now hope to take this profitable expertise onto greater phases.

Monte’s ESL Challenger CS2 Run in Jönköping

Credit score: Adam Lakomy | © ESL

Regardless of not being the most important occasion on the block, the ESL Challenger CS2 match in Jönköping provided some stiff opposition for Monte. Their opener got here in opposition to TYLOO, the best CS team China has to supply. Then there was Nouns, who, honest sufficient, you in all probability count on Monte to beat.

After this although, it was robust Tier 1 opposition all the way in which. Within the Semi-Closing, they took some revenge on Virtus.professional, in a hard-fought 2:1 victory. Then got here the Closing in opposition to Everlasting Fireplace, the place once more they dug deep to safe the trophy.

Whereas CS is a group recreation, it was particular person brilliance that noticed them over the road right here. IGL sdy had what he referred to as on Twitter a “life match,” and it took younger Danish rifler br0 dropping a colossal 36-kill map in opposition to Everlasting Fireplace (whereas battling sickness!) to make sure the collection didn’t go to the wire. After this ESL Challenger CS2 match, Monte will hope to take this profitable momentum into greater and higher achievements.