The MongolZ defeat paiN 2–0 at ESL Pro League S23 Stage 2

The MongolZ successfully started their run in Stage 2 of ESL Pro League Season 23 with a 2–0 victory over paiN Gaming. The Mongolian squad won a tense Nuke in overtime and then confidently closed out Mirage to secure their first win of the stage.

Map veto:

1. paiN removed Ancient
2. The MongolZ removed Anubis
3. paiN picked Nuke
4. The MongolZ picked Mirage
5. paiN removed Dust2
6. The MongolZ removed Overpass
7. Inferno was left over

The series started on Nuke, where both teams delivered a very close game. Regulation ended in a draw, sending the match into overtime. In the extra rounds, The MongolZ managed to capitalize on their chances and edged out their opponents, eventually taking the map 19–17.

On Mirage, The MongolZ once again took control of the game. They adapted quickly to their opponent’s style and maintained the momentum throughout most of the map. The Mongolian side gradually built up their advantage and did not allow paiN to mount a comeback, closing the map 13–9 to secure the series without the need for a third map.

MVP of the Match

The most valuable player of the match was mzinho from The MongolZ. He finished the series with 89.9 ADR and a 1.19 rating, consistently winning key duels and having a strong impact in crucial rounds that helped his team secure the victory.

With this result, The MongolZ start Stage 2 with a 1–0 record, while paiN move to the 0–1 bracket. ESL Pro League S23 Stage 2 runs from March 6 to March 10, where 16 teams compete for a place in the playoffs. The remaining eight teams will share a prize pool of $185,000.