FURIA have sent MOUZ packing from StarLadder StarSeries Fall following a hard-fought 2-1 series victory. The Brazilian squad claimed the series 13-8 on Cache, dropped Mirage 16-19 in double overtime, then sealed the deal 13-6 on Nuke. KSCERATO was the standout performer, racking up 66 kills across the three maps and posting an impressive 1.44 series rating.
Gabriel FalleN Toledo's roster will now face compatriots MIBR in the lower bracket elimination match scheduled for later Saturday. MIBR advanced after taking down NRG earlier in the day.
The elimination marks a disappointing end to MOUZ's tournament run, especially considering their recent hot streak. The European squad had broken their trophy drought with a victory over Spirit at BLAST Bounty Season 2 and followed that up with a grand finals appearance at BLAST Open Porto. However, an early stumble against NRG put them in immediate danger. While they managed a reverse sweep against Natus Vincere to stay alive, they couldn't maintain that momentum against FURIA, falling short of the top four.
Cache saw MOUZ jump ahead 4-0 on defense, but FURIA responded emphatically with seven straight rounds. The Brazilians led 7-5 at the half and extended to 10-5 before closing out 13-8. KSCERATO dominated with a 1.51 map rating.
Mirage followed a similar script early on. MOUZ grabbed the first three rounds but trailed 5-7 at halftime and fell behind 10-5 after the switch. This time they mounted a fierce comeback, stringing together five consecutive rounds and reaching match point at 12-11. FURIA forced overtime and survived one match point, but MOUZ ultimately prevailed 19-16 in double overtime behind Adrian xelex Vincze's 34 frags and 1.51 rating, plus 30 kills from Dorian xertioN Berman.
Nuke became a battle of momentum swings. FURIA stormed to 6-0 as attackers before MOUZ answered with six straight to tie 6-6 at halftime. The comeback ended there as FURIA delivered a perfect seven-round defensive half to close the series. KSCERATO once again led the charge with 18 kills and a 1.57 rating.
