ENCE is the Cinderella champion of IEM Dallas CSGO

TL;DR

  • ENCE defeated MOUZ 2-0 in dominant fashion to win IEM Dallas
  • The victory earned $100,000 prize money and automatic IEM Cologne qualification
  • NertZ’s crucial ace and 1v2 clutch on Mirage shifted momentum permanently
  • ENCE overcame early deficits on Nuke with strategic eco plays and map control
  • IEM Cologne represents one of CS:GO’s most prestigious final tournaments

In a stunning turn of events at IEM Dallas 2023, ENCE emerged as the unlikely champions, marking a significant milestone for the international roster’s competitive journey.

Following an intense week of elite Counter-Strike competition, ENCE secured their championship title through a remarkable underdog run. Their path to victory included impressive wins against Complexity, Astralis, and two victories over powerhouse FaZe Clan, culminating in a grand final showdown against fellow dark horse contenders MOUZ. ENCE claimed the trophy with two commanding map performances, earning not only the $100,000 grand prize but also securing automatic qualification for IEM Cologne beginning July 5, 2023.

ENCE established immediate control during the opening map of Mirage, building an impressive 11-4 defensive half. While MOUZ managed to generate some offensive momentum after switching sides, NertZ delivered a game-changing ace that concluded with a spectacular 1v2 clutch situation at the B bombsite. After several rounds of tactical exchanges, ENCE decisively closed out the first game 16-9, successfully defeating MOUZ on their own map selection.


Transitioning to Nuke, MOUZ initially appeared poised to replicate ENCE’s strategy of winning the opponent’s map choice, establishing an early-round advantage. However, critical economy-round executions from ENCE balanced the scoreline and secured them the strategic upper hand by round 17. Methodical terrorist-side approaches enabled MOUZ to remain competitive, with teams trading rounds until reaching a 10-10 deadlock. ENCE captured momentum following a successful A-site defense, advancing to a 13-10 lead. The team maintained this championship-level performance through to the conclusion, sealing their victory with a tactical pincer movement outside the facility.

ENCE wins IEM Dallas, secures trip to IEM Cologne

By securing this tournament victory, ENCE has guaranteed their participation in one of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’s final prestigious events at IEM Cologne 2023. Cologne, Germany stands as one of the most historically significant locations in Counter-Strike competitive history, having hosted top-tier professional play for over ten years. The only venue with comparable prestige is Katowice, Poland, with both IEM tournaments regarded by CS:GO’s elite competitors as equivalent to major championship events in importance and competitive stature.

Action Checklist

  • Study ENCE’s economy management strategies from their Nuke comeback
  • Analyze NertZ’s clutch positioning and decision-making on Mirage B site
  • Review ENCE’s defensive setups and transitions between maps

No reproduction without permission:Game Guides Online » ENCE is the Cinderella champion of IEM Dallas CSGO ENCE's surprising IEM Dallas victory earns them qualification for prestigious Cologne tournament in July 2023