MIBR’s deep run to the semi-finals at ESL Pro League Season 20 was a significant breakthrough for the Brazilian squad. It marked one of the best results from the team in recent years, elevating them above many regional rivals, including FURIA. Despite the success at EPL, there were still glaring issues that made it clear MIBR needed roster changes to maintain consistency and continue their rise. The addition of Lucas "Lucaozy" Neves was seen as a much-needed step to address these shortcomings and boost the team’s firepower.
A Long Time Coming: Lucaozy's Arrival at MIBR
Lucaozy’s move to MIBR was highly anticipated. The organization had been eyeing him since late 2022, but a $280,000 buyout offer in May 2024 was unsuccessful. Now, nearly two years later, they’ve finally brought him on board. Lucaozy himself joked about the lengthy transfer process, saying, “Forget about the buyout, I'm at the end of my contract. The values are totally different. Let's be happy again, just like when I carried [MIBR coach nak] in DETONA.”
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What Lucaozy Brings to the Table
When it comes to individual stats, Lucaozy is an upgrade over Breno "brnz4n" Poletto in nearly every metric. With a 6.5 rating, 0.76 kills per round (KPR), and 83 average damage per round (ADR), he’s expected to bring much-needed firepower to the squad. By comparison, brnz4n had been averaging a 5.9 rating, 0.62 KPR, and 70 ADR. Clearly, Lucaozy’s arrival could elevate MIBR’s potential if the team can adjust to the new dynamic.
The challenge for MIBR now lies in integrating Lucaozy into a roster that has already been showing signs of growth. With André "drop" Abreu as the new IGL and Felipe "insani" Yuji playing pivotal roles on the T-side, Lucaozy’s role will need to be carefully adapted to ensure no overlap with Insani’s aggressive approach. During his time at Fluxo, Lucaozy had to adjust his playstyle when Andrei "arT" Piovezan joined, known for his extremely aggressive style. Therefore, while Lucaozy is capable of adapting, it will take time for him to fully settle into the new system at MIBR.
Early Struggles and Looking Ahead
While Lucaozy’s arrival brings optimism, the initial results have been less than stellar. MIBR’s performance since his debut has been disappointing, with the team exiting CBCS Masters 2024 in last place after a string of poor results. The most recent matches saw MIBR losing series against BESTIA and Sharks, and having only one victory over Solid in BO1.
Despite these setbacks, it’s important to remember that integrating a new player, especially one as crucial as Lucaozy, takes time. MIBR has a few weeks to work out the kinks before their next significant event, ESL Challenger Katowice 2024, which kicks off on October 25. That event will feature teams like Eternal Fire and Falcons, providing an opportunity for MIBR to test themselves against top-tier competition ahead of the even more crucial Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024: American RMR in November. The RMR will be the ultimate test for this new-look roster, as it will determine whether MIBR can make it to the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024, one of the biggest events on the CS2 calendar.
Can MIBR Return to the Top of Brazilian CS?
With the new lineup, MIBR has the pieces to make a serious run in the coming months. The potential firepower is undeniable, but the key lies in how well drop can manage the various playstyles and ensure that Lucaozy and insani complement rather than overlap each other’s roles.
MIBR has already climbed above FURIA in the rankings, and with Lucaozy now onboard, they have the potential to solidify themselves as Brazil’s top team. But it’s clear that there’s still a lot of work to be done, especially as they look ahead to bigger challenges on the international stage.
In conclusion, MIBR’s future is full of promise, but it hinges on how quickly they can integrate their new star player and overcome the early struggles that have marred Lucaozy’s debut. With the ESL Challenger Katowice and the American RMR looming, MIBR will soon have the chance to prove whether this revamped roster can fulfill its potential.
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