Nicolai “device” Reedtz from Astralis` Counter-Strike 2 team has spoken out about their defeat against Team 3DMAX at a recent tournament. He also shared his insights on what distinguishes elite teams from those lower in the rankings.
According to device, teams ranked around 8th to 12th in Europe, including 3DMAX, Astralis, Falcons, and Virtus.pro, are closely matched in skill. He stated that their match against 3DMAX was against a team of comparable level, both vying for a spot in the top 10. He noted 3DMAX`s dynamic and aggressive playstyle.
Device believes that teams at their level are capable of defeating even top-tier teams. However, inconsistencies in performance can lead to losses against lower-ranked opponents. He sees Astralis and 3DMAX as being in a similar competitive bracket.
He further observed that 3DMAX consistently makes proactive decisions, opting for constant movement and playing aggressively. In contrast, device believes that top-tier teams possess versatility in their playstyles. They can play with precision and control, or shift to a faster, more aggressive tempo to overwhelm opponents.
Device emphasizes that the margin for error is slim in MR12 format Counter-Strike. Mistakes can be heavily punished due to the rapid pace of rounds and economic shifts, potentially leading to quick losses. This ability to minimize errors and adapt is what he believes sets apart top-tier teams from others.