MOUZ’s xertioN on G2 Upset: “We’re Much More Comfortable on Stage”

MOUZ’s xertioN on G2 Upset: “We’re Much More Comfortable on Stage”

At IEM Kraków 2026, MOUZ pulled off a notable quarter-final victory over G2 Esports, securing another deep run in a premier event. After a two-map series win, the team booked their spot in the semi-finals, where they’ll face Team Vitality — the current global leaders and one of the highest-performing sides this season.

Following the upset over G2, Dorian “xertioN” Berman, the 21-year-old Israeli rifler for MOUZ, spoke to HLTV about what has allowed his squad to flourish under pressure.

Match Breakdown vs G2

• Overpass: MOUZ got off to a strong start on Terrorist side, handling the pace and control well before ultimately forcing overtime. They capitalised on key defensive plays to win the map.

• Dust2: According to xertioN, this was a “comfortable” pick for MOUZ, where they felt in control as the better team across both halves.

Across both maps, individual performances from players like Spinx and torzsi on CT setups were instrumental — highlighting MOUZ’s balanced firepower and tactical discipline on defense.

xertioN’s Comments on Stage Comfort & Preparation

When asked what makes this lineup effective, xertioN pointed to preparation and stage experience:

• Preparation vs G2: MOUZ reportedly had solid groundwork for G2’s tendencies, knowing how to exploit matchups and approach key rounds.

• Stage Comfort Level: “On stage, it’s much easier for us to be comfortable,” he said, emphasizing that MOUZ’s experience helps them perform in high-pressure scenarios.

• Veto Confidence: Dust2 has become a reliable map for MOUZ, and xertioN expects teams to continue picking it — a trend he welcomes due to his team’s confidence on the map.

Broader Context: xertioN’s Form & MOUZ’s 2025–26 Performance

This strong showing at Kraków continues a positive trajectory for both xertioN and MOUZ:

• In HLTV’s Top 20 Players of 2025, xertioN finished at #16, recognizing his impactful performances throughout the year across several elite tournaments.

• MOUZ also delivered notable results in premier events — including reaching the Runners-Up position at the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, where they fell just short of capturing the title.

Earlier in his career, xertioN discussed being more comfortable on stage and mentally strengthened, showing growth from his experiences in previous Majors and offline appearances — a trend that echoes in his current comments at Kraków.

What This Means for MOUZ Going Forward

With MOUZ now in the semis of IEM Kraków, the team will look to carry momentum into what remains of the 2026 competitive calendar. Their stage composure, strategic preparation, and map confidence — especially on staples like Dust2 and Overpass — will be key in challenging elite teams like Vitality.

MOUZ’s consistency also reflects a broader trend in CS2: teams that adapt to stage pressure and refine map executions tend to outperform those with only raw firepower, underlining why xertioN’s emphasis on comfort and preparation resonates strongly in the current meta.