CS:GO—5 things we learned from IEM Gamescom

So last week IEM Gamescom took place, sporting some of the best CS:GO teams in the world such as TSM and MouseSports. But all eyes had to be on EnvyUs, who recently went through major changes. So what did we learn from CS:GO's return to IEM?
 

The current MouseSports squad has the right approach, but not enough Star Power
Ever since Gob B took charge of the team, things have been looking up. Though his individual performance still remains a disappointment, ChrisJ and Nex have consistently put out good numbers at the board when it mattered and the duo of Dennis and Spiidi appear to do their role just fine. Making MouseSports one of those teams that probably won't win a major, but capable of causing an upset at any given time when firing on all cylinders.

CLG is walking a tightrope between success or major failure
Right off the bat CLG lost their opening against SK Gaming in a close match, then they went on to face the giants in EnvyUs &TSM which they lost once also in a close fashion. The good sign here is that CLG has shown that they can take it up a notch against superior opponents, the bad sign is that they can't seem to keep it at a high gear long enough to actually cause an upset. At this rate we will either see them finally break the curse or go through changes and we as we all know the NA shuffle is never pretty.

Exams have clearly affected TSM and they are slowly losing momentum
Until IEM Gamescom TSM were hailed as either the best or the 2^nd best team in the world. Then exams knocked the door and there goes the terrifying form of TSM. Don't get me wrong TSM are still a strong team, but now in their current state I do not see them being the hard counter to FNATIC anymore and they are clearly struggling against EnvyUS, losing to the French giants twice at IEM Gamescom.

Renegades were simply a cut below the top dogs, while SK are a question mark
Renegade does fine against teams of their own level, such as SK who they took down twice and lost to once. But whenever you put them up against a more skilled team, such as TSM or EnvyUs, things just look bad. As for SK, they were a mixed bag. On one hand they took TSM to overtime and on the other they lost to Renegades twice, then you factor in that they had a Niko as a stand-in instead of Friis and it all results in a big question mark for them

The new EnvyUs is a force to be reckoned with
I was one of those guys who did not completely agree with the roster change while being so close to the major for EnvyUs. Then there was also the question of so many star players working together properly, but most of those worries were wiped out at IEM Gamescom at least for the time being. The French giants took out everyone, only losing once to MouseSports once due to some sick plays from the German power house. Apex played downright insane in the first few matches and later KennyS stepped up when necessary, in fact it is safe to say that his clutch against TSM was one of the best in CS:GO this year. Overall EnvyUs looked phenomenal, which give the fact that they have had barely any time to work as a team shows the weight of sheer star power they have. So yeah, FNATIC better watch out because TSM is no longer the only team that can give them a run for their money.

Spreading the hype for technology and gaming, one word at a time. If you don't mind brutal honestly and countless debates, follow me @AbirZenith or hit me up with an email at: abirzenith@gmail.com