MOUZ has been a consistent performer in group stages throughout 2024, often advancing without a single loss. However, their playoff record tells a different story. Despite strong starts, the team repeatedly falters in the crucial matches, particularly against top-tier opponents like FaZe and NAVI. This trend raises questions about what’s holding MOUZ back from achieving greatness on the biggest stages.

A Year of Missed Opportunities

MOUZ’s 2024 campaign saw two notable victories in studio-format tournaments: ESL Pro League Season 19 and BetBoom Dacha #1. However, they failed to claim any trophies in events featuring full arenas and live audiences. Their playoff runs frequently ended abruptly, such as their loss to NAVI in the IEM Rio 2024 final and early exits in other tournaments. Even at the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024, MOUZ fell short with a crushing loss to Spirit.

Efforts to Address the Issue

The organization has made efforts to overcome their playoff struggles. They brought in Xyp9x, a legendary former Astralis player, as an assistant coach to lend his experience to the roster. Additionally, MOUZ set up a simulated stage environment at their Hamburg facility, complete with crowd noise and distractions, to help players acclimate to high-pressure situations. Despite these measures, the results have not significantly improved.

Nerves and Inexperience

One key factor is the inexperience of some players, particularly xertioN and Jimpphat. Both have shown flashes of brilliance during group stages but often struggle to replicate that form in playoff matches. xertioN, who is usually the team’s top performer in earlier stages, tends to underperform when it matters most. Similarly, Jimpphat has struggled to maintain consistency, possibly due to the high expectations placed on him as a young talent.

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Insights from Rejin

Former MOUZ and TSM coach Rejin shared his thoughts on the team's struggles. According to him, the lack of experience among key players like xertioN and Jimpphat might be a contributing factor. While players like siuhy, torzsi, and Brollan have generally performed well, there seems to be an underlying issue of chemistry and fit within the team.

I mean that's a hard question, right, but I think what you have to look for is why is it happening? Why are they choking? I think some of it is because of experience, right? Like your best rated player is xertioN, right. As I believe it is Brollan is doing all right, torzsi is doing all right, siuhy is doing all right. Jimpphat is doing all right. I think Jimpphat is quite highly rated. He also plays like the sit positions, right, But he's been a little underperforming compared to what he used to. Maybe there is a lot of noise we don't know about because like there's a roster change coming up, right? Most likely in fact, it's like a question to go somewhere else. So that could also play into that. Like you have this in the back of your mind, Brollan. I don't know, like, yeah, it seems a little weird the way he fits in on the team.

 

"I think some of it is because of experience," said Rejin. "xertioN is rated highly, but he seems to struggle in playoffs. Jimpphat plays well, but not as consistently as before. There might also be some behind-the-scenes issues, like potential roster changes or players thinking about their future."

Rejin also suggested that the team might benefit from a stronger carry player in specific roles, implying that MOUZ could consider roster adjustments to enhance their playoff performance.

I think that siuhy is playing these roles like where I probably if you had a stronger carry, like a stronger player there, it would probably be better. Let's say you had a NiKo from G2 or whatever, right? Like some player there, I think it would be better for the team. And then you move siuhy over you. So basically you would replace Brollan in that case, right? I don't know if it's nerves, whatever it is, I think they played really well. But yeah, from an outside perspective, there are some questions at least.

 

The Path Forward

For MOUZ to overcome their playoff woes, they may need to focus on mental preparation and adaptability. Addressing nerves and ensuring younger players can perform under pressure are critical steps. If necessary, roster changes could help balance the team’s dynamics and improve their chances of competing against the best on the biggest stages.

While MOUZ has shown promise, their inability to deliver in the playoffs remains a hurdle. With the right adjustments and continued growth, 2025 could finally be the year they overcome this challenge and cement themselves as a dominant force in Counter-Strike.