23:30 - bsl

This means that was all he wrote. We'll be back tomorrow for live updates with pictures, reactions and funny stories of some incredibly exciting quarter final matches. These are, according to KODE5 official Thomas "kul1" Kuhlenbach:

Team EG - SK
MIBR - Fnatic
MYM - Mousesport / Hellraiser (To be decided later tonight)
MTW - Roccat

23:24 - bsl

Impressive display by MIBR. They made light work of SK and took the match 16-7.



23:15 - bsl

A whopping first half from the Brazilian team. 11 to 4 as terrorists on de_nuke is impressive. "FNX" pulled off a 20 frag half for his team.

SK will need to come out swinging now.

23:08 - bsl

The crowd seems split down the middle. More than anything they seem concerned with enjoying a fine match of Counter-Strike and an exceptional display of electronic sports.





23:04 - bsl

MIBR jumped to an early lead as terrorists on de_nuke. The Brazilians took the first five rounds in fashion but Dennis "walle" Wallenberg had enough.

In the sixth round he took down four opponents outside - and that changed the momentum early in the match. The next rounds fell to SK as well as their coach "Budak" screamed "See guys? This is not that difficult after all."

22:58 - bsl

The match is underway - I'll head over to get some updated pictures and a situation report.

22:51 - bsl

From my limited knowledge of the Russian language I do think the announcer just said SK would be starting their match with MIBR very shortly.

22:34 - bsl

Nobody wants to lose this match. I overheard SK's coach "Budak" discussing with the Fragbite journalists about what would happen SHOULD they go down.

It'll be tooth to nail throughout the map and I do hope you take the opportunity to hop on Gotfrag TV and watch the cast there even though "Midway" and "Vansilli" are bound to be two steps shy of the grave now after 13 hours of broadcasting - over night (the studio is in Arizona).

Nevertheless we are with you to continue covering every second of the last, great match of KODE5's first day.





22:09 - bsl

MIBR just got off stage - we have one big match left here this evening, or morning depending on where you are watching from. SK Gaming will take on the Brazilian powerhouse - I'll get back to you with updated photographs (hopefully NOT of sleeping Brazilian players) as they get closer to starting.

22:09 - bsl

Yeah, MIBR won it on stage. In a cool gesture the crowd clapped as the Brazilians shook their Russian opponents hands.

Sportsmanship before all.

22:01 - bsl

Lots of cheering from the stage, albeit not enough to silence "Lurrpis" - I'll find out how MIBR are doing against eyesports.


21:51 - bsl

"Lurrpis" has a lot of energy tonight - he just got up to yell after a round win - I was honestly concerned that vein in his neck would pop.

Score right now is: Roccat WINS.





Apparantly "ruuit" won a one on two situation with 1, that's O N E health point. Wow.


21:51 - bsl

"Lurrpis" is screaming his lungs out. The Finnish team got six rounds as counter-terrorist on de_nuke - right now the score is five to three in their favor.

I do realize this was a confusing way to put it - but it comes out to 12-11, in favor of Mousesports.


21:37 - bsl

The screaming started again in the stage area. I guess Eyesports are testing MIBR early on...

In other news: SK beat the Chinese late arrivers from Dragon quite comfortably.





21:30 - bsl

Mousesports is playing Roccat right now. They are up 9-1 against the Finnish team in what has been a one-sided match so far.

MIBR is getting underway on the stage against Eyesports from Russia.

21:03 - bsl

We are all standing on our last legs here in Moscow. I thought I would give you a look at the many faces of KODE5:



It's an event where stars and unknown players compete against each other into the night

20:49 - bsl

Mousesports just drew with Hellraiser - a team from the Ukraine. The Germans were up by a lot after their terrorist half on de_nuke so they are bound to be unhappy with this result.

20:36 - bsl

It's clear that ATE.I - who qualified in India - really have been looking forward to coming here. Their noiselevel is so far unprecedented - and that's a good thing, they're going for it!



20:32 - bsl

As the two last groups gets underway it also means more loudness and screaming in the tournament area. Yee-haw!


20:16 - bsl

Mousesports is making light work of Hellraiser - they were up 10 to 4 as terrorist on de_nuke when "gore" is left in a one on two situation. The Austrian plants the bomb, and as he tries to focus team youngster "cyx" is so eager to help that he almost start to point on "gore's" screen.

"gore" gives him a look and a big "hush" as if to say: "Son, I won these rounds before you even started thinking about playing computer games."

Old school > new school

!

20:16 - bsl

As I am feeling extremely tired here in Moscow, and still on European time - I want to take my hat off to "Vansilli", "Sirscoots", "Midway" and anyone else working this event in the Gotfrag office in Arizona.

These guys are making sure you have a top notch stream of the matches with commentary - and they are doing it in a totally wrong time zone - it means they basically began casting at midnight and have gone through the night - with no stopping now.

All of us have some more hours to go - but like I said, cudos to our crew in AZ.





20:11 - bsl

I just talked to an unhappy MIBR official - and old school competitor - "gaules." According to him MIBR have been told that they have to wait another hour - then expect to set up and warm up for five minutes before playing.

Upon completion of the first map they were instructed by admins, again according to the Brazilian, that they would have another five to ten minutes before the next map - and so forth with their third match as well. Consider this in the context that the players do not know the maps in advance, they are drawn at random prior to each match.

If this is correct there is something seriously wrong with the way the admins are handling the self-inflicted delays.

20:07 - bsl

As the first two groups are FINALLY completed - it's time to get into groups B and D where teams like SK, MIBR, Mousesports and Roccat are lurking.

20:03 - bsl

Virtus are eliminated. The official numbers were 10 to 5, 6 to 1 for a total result of 16 to 6.





19:59 - bsl

Interesting note:

As the Fnatic - VP match was paused, in a two on one in favor of Fnatic, "ins" literally had his opponent in his sights - and the Russian players had 1 health point left. After five minutes of waiting the game was unpaused, but "ins'" crosshair had travelled towards the roof of the map.

The Swedish player seemed to use the whole width of his mousepad to regain his bearings, but it did not matter - he was able to sinke the Russian player nontheless.

19:57 - bsl

The rules here in Moscow allow for the players to communicate when they are dead in-game, often referred to as "ghosting." It does add a tactical element to the game - and allow smart players to dictate their team mates even after their health bar has reached zero.

However this practice is somewhat controversial, many tournament organizers prefer not to use it.

19:41 - bsl

Fnatic were up 3 to nothing - then in the fourth round someone crashed and the game was paused mid-round. It was during a two on one situation in favor of the Swedes though - it does not look as if the Russian's have the fortitude to come back - unfortunatly for the loyal fans in the audience.

19:40 - bsl

As Virtus and Fnatic continue their struggle I saw some other famous gamers waiting to be set loose on the virtual battlefield. Both SK and MIBR have been here all day - like the rest of the players.

The teams will play a highly anticipated match during their group stage - for now they have different approaches to preparing for that match:





19:31 - bsl

10 to 5 for Fnatic first half - as Terrorist.

19:29 - bsl

Score is 8 to 5 for Fnatic. The crowd chant for "Virtus Pro" but the Russian's are having a hard time right now.

19:25 - bsl

I think Virtus just won a round 'cause d*** that was loud.





19:24 - bsl

Fnatic's captain Patrik "carn" Sättermon is really getting into the match - screaming commands at his team mates.

19:23 - bsl

We have talked a lot about the crowd so far but this is the first time you can actually hear chants for "Virtus Pro - Virtus Pro" ring out in support of the struggling Russian team.


19:22 - bsl

Virtus quickly took the first three rounds as counter-terrorist. Fnatic has fought back though, and are currently in the lead.

19:08 - bsl

The annoncer just called Virtus. Pro and Fnatic - it means their stage match, and Group A tie-breaker, will get underway shortly. Will keep you posted!

18:53 - bsl

"Cogu" from Made in Brazil stopped by for a quick chat. The Brazilians have been here all day and "FNX" was visably tired as he stretched out to relax over three chairs from the tournament area.

When I asked him if he knew when they would start playing he simply answered;

"In 15 minutes - or two hours," before smiling and walking away.

18:53 - bsl

"jESUIT" is so pleased with team EG's performance that he is given a rendition of "God Bless America" in the press area.

18:39 - bsl

It is now official. Virtus is playing Fnatic - on stage - for the right to compete in the quarter finals tomorrow.

Do or die time.





18:38 - bsl

I want to extend my warmest thanks to KODE5 for allowing such great and vastly talented musicians perform on stage with the volume turned up so they can be heard all the way to Vladivostok.

18:34 - bsl

It is, at this point unsure what will happen in Group A. Fnatic and Virtus. Pro have an equal amount of points (7). Fnatic has 67 rounds won and 41 lost (+ 26) while VP has 57 to 37 (+ 20).

If KODE5 use the rounds to separate the teams Fnatic will progress to the quarter final but right now I am hearing rumors that the teams will be pit against each other in a run off match - on stage.

Stay tuned.

18:31 - bsl

The home town favorites managed only to win one before it came down to a three on two situation - with Virtus with the numerical advantage. They chose to go to the small bombsite on de_inferno but "che" was hiding all the way down in the banana.

The American simply let the three Russian players run by him before he ploughed them down to win the match and ensure an American presence in the play offs tomorrow.

18:30 - bsl

I am very impressed with EG - they did not seem to break sweat beating Virtus up on that stage. They quickly gaing 15 rounds with Virtus forced into a corner having to win six straight.

18:21 - bsl

Can the Russian's come back and get the tie - or win - they need to stay in the tournament?

The crowd sure think's so!

18:19 - bsl

The first half result was 9-6 and Ninespot ended up with a phenomenal score:

33 and 8 - 'nuff said.





18:16 - bsl

I just watched EG play a tremendous first terrorist half in front of a hostile crowd. The Americans were cool and collected, they did not look bothered by the screaming from the spectators at all - which, to their credit, they called in advance.

17:57 - bsl

EG and Virtus are underway on the big stage. The crowd just went bananas - I'll head over there to give you a glimpse of the action shortly.





17:45 - bsl

China just arrived. Dragon spent 12-14 hours locked in a room at the airport but they are finally here with no time to spare. The Chinese players will have to suit up and play pretty much right away.

17:23 - bsl

Keyboard warriors would have that these teams do not like each other. However, neither Jordan "Nothing" Gilbert from EG nor Aleksey "LeX" Kolesnikov was unwilling to downplay (or is this up playing it - hehe?) the alleged animosity and pose for a picture prior to the match. Take a look at EG vs Virtus on stage:





17:21 - bsl

As Virtus and EG are setting up on stage I decided to write an article about the impact of fan support in esport - it should be uploaded VERY soon - be sure to check it out to get some insight into this anticipated match!

17:11 - bsl

Virtus.Pro and their much anticipated match with EG should start soon on stage.



17:06 - bsl

A modest "yes" rang out as MYM took the match 16-14.

17:04 - bsl

8-5 for MYM - this means the Polish team has 15 and the Danes are at 13 rounds. This one is coming down to the wire as both teams want that win.

16:57 - bsl

MTW have started to pull some rounds back. The score is 6-2 for MYM and 13-10 overall for the Polish team.

16:52 - bsl

It's 4 - 0 for MYM now - make that 5. They are steamrolling the Danes at the moment. MTW needs to dig deep to regain their composure if they want to avoid being blown out of the water here.



16:45 - bsl

Belay my last: "LUq" IS screaming again - he took down two himself and MYM won the t-side pistol round.

16:42 - bsl

MTW fought back valiantly and are in control with 8 offensive rounds at half time. "LUq" is not screaming any more.

16:32 - bsl

"Bit" from MIBR just informed me that MYM is leading 5 to 3 in their match against MTW. Stay tuned for some intense pictures from that game.

16:20 - bsl

MYM just went live with MTW - the pistol round ends as "ave" take two Polish players out in the lower bomb site on de_nuke. The Danes scream their lungs out.

16:02 - bsl

The EG upset created some discussion but the situation seem resolved now. We are switching gears to enjoy "LUq's" loudness as we sit right behind him as they take on MTW from Denmark on de_nuke in what should be a classic match.





16:00 - bsl

This means EG progress from group A regardless of their result against arch-enemy Virtus. Pro. It seems as if the Russians also advance PROVIDED they tie or beat EG and not slip up against the lesser known teams.

Fnatic need someone to save their competitive life to stay in this tournament.

15:56 - bsl

EG won it! And they are incredibly complacent about it all - no exaggerated screaming - seemed like "business as usual" to them - and it certainly is not.

This is the first upset of the day.

15:49 - bsl

EG has Fnatic on the ropes - score is now 15 for the Americans. An upset is looming.




15:40 - bsl

Fnatic's captain "carn" is trying to get his troops to come together as he yells "COME ON" (freely translated from Swedish)

15:40 - bsl

"jESUIT" just came flying back from the tournament area. EG won the second half pistol round and extends their lead to 12-4!

15:39 - bsl

Team EG shows they have grit and determination to back it up. Half time score against Fnatic is 11 terrorist rounds for the US to four ct rounds for Sweden.

15:32 - bsl

After a rocky start as Counter-Terrorist (down 0-7) Fnatic is fighting back taking three rounds in a row off EG.

I hope this does not turn into one of those matches I have seen a million times before when a merited team play a not so merited team that take a decisive lead - only to lose that, their nerve in the process and the match in the end. Everybody likes an underdog - and EG needs the support they can get right now.

15:26 - bsl

Hold your horses yankees! Team EG is up 6-0 against the boys from Sweden!

15:19 - bsl

Team EG from the US goes up against Fnatic in their first big test of the tournament. The Americans just won the opening pistol and celebrated in the traditional loud and screaming way.

15:08 - bsl

MTW is the best team in Denmark - they are about to beat Gravitas quite comfertably on de_inferno.

14:40 - bsl

A Gotfrag lunch in Moscow consists of a softdrink, a banana and a ham 'n' cheese sandwitch. And yes, I am making sure "jESUIT" gets his vitamins.

14:16 - bsl

The action died down a little after that incredible stage match - but there is still another one on the horizon - coming up soon.



14:07 - bsl

MYM, MTW and Fnatic are winning their matches against lesser known teams.

13:54 - bsl

MYM are winning so comfortably that "LUq" decided to take on "Neo" instead:





13:41 - bsl

LUq from MYM seems to be singing the Polish national anthem as he is playing in-game.

13:38 - bsl

"Fragla" - a fan from Turkey requested a photo of his favorite team Dark Passage. Gotfrag is happy to oblige:





13:36 - bsl

Correction: Team EG beat Damage Control quite comfortably. Denmark's finest MTW is currently taking Team Xqr to town.

13:32 - bsl

America's hope, team EG, is live against South-Africa's finest Damage Control. The Americans are favored to win their first game of the day.

13:31 - bsl

MYM's LUq has been screaming for the better part of two hours as he has been warming up. I think he wants to get in the game.

13:28 - bsl

According to KODE5 organizer Thomas Kuhlenbach the Chinese team Dragon who have been stuck in customs at Moscow airport MIGHT get to see action at this event after all. A decision is pending this afternoon.

13:22 - bsl

The huge crowd on hand went absolutely bananas as Virtus was successful at taking the last round to force a tie against the Swedish champions.





"Lex" had a monumental game with over twenty frags as terrorist and he smiled and gave us the thumbs up after the match was over.

Fnatic looked disappointed - and rightfully so after the way they started the match.

13:17 - bsl

The Russian's refused to say die and came back to force a decicive round at 15-14 in favor of Fnatic.

13:15 - bsl

Virtus looked poised to win but Fnatic came back through some phenomenal multi-frag rounds by "f0rest." He kept them in the game and pushed their score to 15 with only a few rounds remaining.

13:07 - bsl

Of man - the Russian's are fighting back to the delight of their screaming fans. Fnatic are on the defense and are very crammed up in the bombsites at the moment - a sign that the momentum rests with Virtus.Pro - something their 7-1 lead reflects as well.

13:00 - bsl

A strange thing about this stage setup is that there is a Russian commentator doing play-by-play for the audience - in Russian - over the loudspeakers so anyone can hear. In theory it could aid the Russian-speaking teams but thus far it did not seem to affect the match much as Fnatic was playing strong early on.





13:00 - bsl

"LeX" is fighting to keep his boys in the game despite a harsh first half outcome.

12:59 - bsl

Intense action on the stage - at first I was sure Virtus was soundly leading but the score was actually 6-1 in favor of Fnatic. The Swedes totally overwhelmed the Russian behemoth during the first half.



12:54 - bsl

Intense action on the stage - at first I was sure Virtus was soundly leading but the score was actually 6-1 in favor of Fnatic. The Swedes totally overwhelmed the Russian behemoth during the first half.

12:34 - bsl

Everything is finally live and working - I'll head on over to the stage area - the Russian fans are erupting right now so I'll be sure to get some reactions for you.



12:26 - bsl

Virtus. Pro and Fnatic is live - and commentated on - in Russian. Thank the good Lord for Gotfrag TV. Go get em guys!

12:07 - bsl

Right now both Fnatic and Virtus. Pro are doing their pre-game talk. "LeX" is allready really fired up and in his usual passionate mood. Fnatic are more methodical than I have seen them in the past - "carn" is visably holding a playbook and going through strategies.

This could mean new stuff for them - or that they are telling the truth when they say their preparations have been subpar.

12:03 - bsl

I'll be over at the stage going back and forth trying to give you some reactions from that game - hopefully "Midway" and Vansilli" will hook us up with some great play-by-play.

12:01 - bsl

Mark "jESUIT" Cheben reports to having internet - I do not so far so it seems they can only hook up one of us at a time........................





11:59 - bsl

I stopped by Fnatic and Virtus. Pro as they are setting up on stage. They are getting warmed up in front of a huge crowd. This match is going to be live.

11:41 - bsl

I NEED SOMEONE TO YELL AT WHY IS THERE NO INTERNET SO I CAN DO MY JOB???!! AND WHY IS THIS STILL A PROBLEM AFTER SOME 8 YEARS OF PEOPLE HOLDING THESE TOURNAMENTS?! So far this is a bad joke.

11:37 - bsl

This is sort of hilarious - I got the password to the KODE5 wifi now - but it does not work and we are still offline as lUQ from MYM is making funny faces behind me as he is

plugging his gear. His passionate in-game presence has often been key when the Polish powerhouse is performing so his jolly mood might spell good news for the return investement for the owners of that organization.

11:34 - bsl

Trying desperatly to get online now - but with no luck. This is making it really hard to do our jobs - and as they let the players into the tournament area there is still no

internet. Or power to the press (get it?).





11:07 - bsl

Will this opening ceremony ever end?

11:03 - bsl

Fnatic are loitering around - some of their players look dreadfully tired as they rest their heads on tables and chairs.

10:55 - bsl

It (the opening ceremony) just got underway as we tried to shoot some stuff for the video / web-broadcast. Still no internet here, and my computer is about to run out of juice
in the absence of power.

10:07 - bsl

Uh-oh - we got to the event and the internet is down. Openeing ceremony delayed, allegedly by 30 minutes.

09:44 - bsl

The Metro is where the Russians get some sleep apparantly. We are in a car full of sleeping people - the question is; How do they wake up when they need to get off?





08:10 - bsl

The whole working out thing...didn't work out. Finally got out of bed and into the shower. Breakfast sounds so good right about now as we worked all day yesterday from 0630 in the morning till 2330 in the night without food. Why? Didn't have time - I did eat some cashew nuts though.

07:30 - bsl

Wake up call - time to work out.