TL;DR
- Renegades defeated ENCE 2-0 in Berlin Major quarterfinals with dominant Mirage and comeback Nuke performances
- Sean ‘Gratisfaction’ Kaiwai and Justin ‘jks’ Savage delivered crucial clutch rounds that shifted momentum
- ENCE maintained Legend status despite roster change announcement, securing top-eight finish
- Renegades advance to semifinals against Vitality/Avangar winner on September 7
- Australian squad demonstrated superior economic management and anti-stratting execution
The Australian Renegades squad delivered one of the most impressive performances at the StarLadder Berlin Major, completely overwhelming their favored opponents.
In a stunning Champions Stage opening match, Renegades systematically dismantled ENCE Esports with a clean 2-0 victory that showcased their tactical preparation. The elimination sends the Finnish organization home with a 5th-8th placement, marking a significant upset in the playoff bracket.
Renegades established immediate control on Mirage through a perfectly executed T-side pistol round, setting the tone for their aggressive approach. However, their seventh-round B-site assault met stiff resistance from ENCE’s defense, resulting in a complete squad wipe that threatened their momentum.
This defensive stand provided ENCE with critical economic stabilization, allowing them to purchase multiple AK-47 rifles. The turning point came when Sean “Gratisfaction” Kaiwai delivered an extraordinary clutch play that forced an ENCE economic reset, maintaining Renegades’ commanding position.
As the first half progressed, Renegades grew increasingly confident, implementing bold tactical maneuvers including wide peeks from palace positions and extended flanking routes. Their calculated aggression consistently paid dividends, culminating in an impressive 11-4 halftime advantage that demonstrated their map control proficiency.
ENCE displayed brief signs of life early in the second half with a clever fake execution that included an unexpected A-site plant during an apparent B rush. This tactical deception briefly boosted their morale, but Renegades countered with an incredible pistol-only defense against ENCE’s full-buy round, effectively sealing their opponent’s fate and leading to a decisive 16-5 conclusion.
The second map on Nuke appeared destined to favor ENCE based on historical performance metrics, but the actual gameplay unfolded contrary to expectations. ENCE initiated strong with a converted T-side pistol round victory, only to have Renegades immediately respond by securing consecutive rounds to stabilize.
Renegades seemed positioned to assume control, but their difficulties in closing out anti-eco situations resurfaced when ENCE managed to convert CZ75 pistol rounds into full rifle acquisitions and significant momentum. Despite carrying a 9-6 advantage into halftime, ENCE’s lead proved surprisingly fragile and short-lived.
The critical momentum shift occurred when Renegades captured the second half pistol round and successfully converted, plunging ENCE into a downward spiral. Nuke presents particular challenges for terrorist sides when counter-terrorists establish economic dominance, and ENCE consistently failed to assemble consecutive full-buy rounds as they lost key duels and fell victim to multiple clutch performances from Justin “jks” Savage.
ENCE never recovered their competitive footing, enabling Renegades to mount a remarkable comeback for a 16-12 Nuke victory and 2-0 series sweep.
What’s next for ENCE and Renegades?
While this elimination represents a difficult outcome for ENCE Esports, their Berlin Major campaign ultimately constitutes a successful tournament performance. The team competed under challenging circumstances following the pre-event announcement regarding Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen’s impending departure from the roster.
Significant questions surrounded how this organizational decision would affect ENCE’s competitive form in Berlin. The squad responded emphatically by dominating the Legends Stage with an undefeated 3-0 record against elite competition.
Although ENCE entered the playoffs with expectations of deeper advancement and potential championship contention, securing top-eight placement and maintaining Legend status for the next CS:GO Major represents a substantial achievement for the Finnish organization.
Meanwhile, Renegades progresses to the semifinal round where they await the victor of the Team Vitality versus Avangar matchup. The Australian representatives resume competitive action on September 7 with championship aspirations firmly within reach.
Action Checklist
- Analyze pistol round execution and economic impact on both maps
- Study Renegades’ flanking routes and aggressive peeking strategies on Mirage
- Review key clutch moments from Gratisfaction and jks for individual skill development
- Examine anti-eco round management and full-buy round execution
- Assess team momentum shifts and psychological factors throughout the series
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