TL;DR
- OG secured semifinals spot with dramatic last-second Inferno clutch against Evil Geniuses
- Aleksib’s celebration was a Finnish hockey move called ‘juti pumppu’ from Timo Jutila
- FlameZ joined the celebration, potentially misinterpreting it as air guitar
- The new entry fragger delivered impressive 74-kill performance in crucial match
- Team faces Vitality/Virtus.pro winner for grand finals berth starting June 11
OG’s Counter-Strike squad delivered an unforgettable moment at IEM Summer when Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen and Shahar “flameZ” Shushan erupted in celebration following their crucial victory over North American powerhouse Evil Geniuses.
The pan-European team earned their $250,000 tournament spot through grueling European qualifiers, then demonstrated their championship potential by defeating both Team Spirit and Heroic during the group stage. Their final group match against Evil Geniuses determined whether they would advance directly to semifinals or face additional elimination rounds.
After both squads secured victories on their respective map picks, the decisive third map unfolded on Inferno. OG demonstrated exceptional preparation for this critical battleground, establishing a commanding 10-5 defensive half that positioned them for series closure. Despite Evil Geniuses successfully retaking the bombsite in round 21, Aleksib refused to surrender, executing a daring assault through banana alley.
With less than one second remaining on the clock, a blind spray through smoke connected with a final headshot. The two-on-one clutch victory with merely six health points remaining triggered an explosive celebration worthy of the high-stakes moment.
Aleksib’s unique celebratory motion traces its origins to Finnish ice hockey culture. The gesture, known as “juti pumppu” in Finland, pays homage to retired professional player and commentator Timo Jutila, who popularized the distinctive pumping motion during his broadcasting career.
Entry specialist flameZ immediately joined his teammate’s energetic display, though spectators noted his interpretation appeared closer to air guitar than the intended hockey reference. Camera angles captured flameZ positioning his hands near Aleksib as both players rose from their seats, creating a memorable visual moment that quickly circulated across social media platforms.
FlameZ represents the most recent addition to OG’s competitive lineup, having joined in April as replacement for Nathan “NBK-” Schmitt in the crucial entry fragger role. His performance against Evil Geniuses showcased why management prioritized his acquisition, delivering a dominant 74 eliminations against just 42 deaths throughout the intense three-map series.
OG’s current championship-caliber roster configuration includes:
- Mateusz “mantuu” Wilczewski
- Valdemar “valde” Vangså
- Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen
- Shahar “flameZ” Shushan
- Nikolaj “niko” Kristensen
OG’s impressive group stage campaign guarantees them at minimum a top-four finish in the prestigious tournament. Their semifinal opponent will emerge from the Team Vitality versus Virtus.pro quarterfinal matchup, with the winner advancing to compete for the grand finals berth and championship title.
The Intel Extreme Masters Season XVI Summer playoffs commence on June 11 at 9:45 Central Time, setting the stage for high-stakes Counter-Strike action. For teams looking to improve their competitive approach, our Class Guide offers valuable insights into role specialization and team composition strategies.
Action Checklist
- Analyze last-round clutch situations for celebration timing opportunities
- Study cultural celebration references to enhance team bonding moments
- Review entry fragger performance metrics against elite competition
- Practice smoke penetration techniques for clutch round scenarios
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » FlameZ shows air guitar skills after insane IEM Summer clutch OG's dramatic IEM Summer victory celebration reveals Finnish hockey tradition and roster chemistry