The IEM Cologne 2023 Playoffs are just around the corner, with six teams looking to claim one of the most prestigious pieces of silverware CS:GO has to offer. Amidst all the action, there are some frags we’ll remember more than others, the ones that will echo into Counter-Strike history. These are the IEM Cologne best plays (so far!).

Surprise – this man makes the list! Credit: ESLCS on Twitter

5. cadiaN’s 1v3 Clutch

If there’s one man you can count on in a clutch, it’s cadiaN. Every week now, it seems Heroic’s IGL adds to his impressive highlight reel with yet another clutch.

For cadiaN, this will just be another notch on his belt. Don’t let that detract from the calmness it takes to be able to do this, time and time again.

4. dev1ce’s Scout 4k

What do you do if you’re Astralis, and you have one of the best AWPers in the world on an eco round at IEM Cologne 2023? You give him a Scout, of course.

Ultimately, you have to feel for MOUZ a little here. It’s such a young team facing off against dev1ce, one of the most decorated players in the history of the game. That experience shows here, as he’s just able to walk around at will, tagging MOUZ players left, right, and center.

3. NertZ’s Spray Transfer 4k

A late contender to the IEM Cologne best plays list, NertZ’s remarkable spray transfer against Heroic has to be recognized. IEM Cologne 2023 Group A saw its fair share of action, but there was little as exhilarating as this.

Hiding in the smoke in a post-plant situation with just a single teammate by his side, NertZ doesn’t have the full picture here. That doesn’t stop him from emptying a single AK-47 magazine into four Heroic players, each in a different position. The first three are absurd, as he completes it with multiple spray transfers. At that point, the fourth is a formality, in one of the craziest displays of mechanical prowess we’ve seen in a long time.

2. ZywOo’s 1v3 Clutch

This is CS:GO at its finest. A mastery of the basic mechanics on display, combined with an otherworldly awareness of the state of play. ZywOo is the greatest among the remaining IEM Cologne players, and for good reason.

ZywOo’s 1v3 clutch against MOUZ is so special, not because of any crazy flicks or absurd headshots. Instead, we’re seeing a master at work, using the map to isolate fights, turning a 1v3 into 3 1v1s. There’s a reason he’s considered one of the greatest to ever grace the game, and it’s a joy to watch. This young MOUZ team were already IEM Cologne 2023 underdogs, and they never stood a chance here.

1. m0NESY’s Deagle Ace

Out of all the IEM Cologne players, it was never going to be anyone else. G2’s m0NESY just makes it look too easy when he pulls out the $700 headshot machine, as the unfortunate Astralis players waltz aimlessly into his crosshair.

One bullet is all he needs for this lot, evoking memories of Happy’s Deagle ace on Inferno back in the day. This m0NESY clip more than earns its place atop the IEM Cologne best plays.

The fun doesn’t stop here, though. With the IEM Cologne 2023 Playoffs next, we’re sure to see more incredible plays on the big stage. Think you know who’ll take the plaudits? Head over to GG.Bet for a bunch of IEM Cologne 2023-specific deposit bonuses, with amazing odds on the Playoff games already available.

It’s the best way to add stakes to every single match, while you watch out for the best plays at IEM Cologne 2023!