The MongolZ defeat Aurora and move closer to the ESL Pro League S23 playoffs

The MongolZ defeated Aurora 2–0 in a Stage 2 match of ESL Pro League S23, taking another step toward securing a playoff spot. The Mongolian squad confidently closed the series on Dust2 and Mirage, avoiding the need for a deciding third map.

Map veto:

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

The first map, Dust2, ended with a 13–9 victory for The MongolZ. The Mongolian side showed a solid performance on the T side and managed to impose a fast pace on their opponents. Aurora tried to stay in the game and reduce the deficit, but in the crucial rounds The MongolZ looked more confident, controlling the economy and key positions on the map to secure the win.

On Mirage, the battle turned out to be much closer, but The MongolZ came out on top again with a 13–11 scoreline. Both teams traded rounds throughout the map, with momentum constantly shifting from one side to the other. Aurora attempted to push the game toward a comeback in the late rounds, but The MongolZ maintained their composure and closed out the series without needing a third map.

MVP of the Match

The best player of the match was XANTARES from Aurora, despite his team’s loss. The Turkish rifler delivered the most consistent individual performance in the series, finishing with 87.7 ADR and a 1.24 rating, repeatedly finding key frags and keeping Aurora competitive on both maps.

With this victory, The MongolZ remain one win away from the playoffs, while Aurora will continue their run in the 1–1 bracket. ESL Pro League S23 Stage 2 runs from March 6 to March 10, where 16 teams compete for playoff spots. The remaining eight participants will share a prize pool of $185,000.