FUT upset MOUZ and advance to the ESL Pro League Season 23 semifinals

FUT defeated MOUZ 2–1 in a match at the ESL Pro League Season 23 Finals. The Turkish squad won a tense three-map series to secure a spot in the tournament semifinals, where they will face NAVI.

Map veto:

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

The match started on FUT’s pick, Dust2. In the first half, MOUZ managed to gain a slight advantage thanks to their structured defense, leading 7:5. After switching sides, FUT repeated their opponent’s success on the CT side, putting together an eight-round streak that secured them the map 13:11.

A similar situation occurred on Overpass, where FUT led 7:5 in the first half. After switching to the CT side, MOUZ read their opponents better and conceded only three rounds, winning their map pick 13:10 and sending the series to the deciding Mirage.

On the decisive Mirage, FUT dominated the first half on the defensive side, building a 9-round lead. After the side switch, MOUZ regained momentum and put together an eight-round streak, getting close to overtime. However, FUT managed to win the final round and close the map 13:11 without overtime.

Match MVP

Despite the loss, the MVP of the match was Jimpphat, who finished the series with 80.3 ADR and a 1.22 rating.

Despite entering the match as underdogs, FUT managed to surprise their opponent and secured an important victory, advancing to the semifinals where they will face NAVI. MOUZ finish their run in 5th–8th place, earning $15,000 for the team and $33,000 for the organization. The ESL Pro League S23 Finals take place from March 13 to March 15, where eight teams compete for the $250,000 first-place prize.