Team Liquid Dismantle FaZe S1mple Debut at IEM Dallas 2025

At the opening game of IEM Dallas 2025, the returning s1mple and the rest of FaZe Clan clashed against an on-the-rise Team Liquid. The swift yet close 2-0 saw the North American side reign supreme on their home ground.

More than 800k viewers tuned in to watch the GOAT take center stage once again. The viewership numbers on a Monday afternoon clearly underline the impact of s1mple on Counter-Strike esports.

A Swift Yet Close 2-0 

Starting on Team Liquid’s Ancient, FaZe showed strong resistance, but the lack of practice was evident. More often than not the defense looked disjointed and Team Liquid managed to build up on this weakness. Individually, FaZe did show up, which it only helped them secure four rounds in the first half.

Ancient's second half was much closer, with FaZe equalizing at 10-10. But Team Liquid pulled ahead and put an end to the first map with a 13-10 scoreline.

Inferno was similar, with FaZe’s defense exploited multiple times, helping Liquid secure a 9-3 lead. S1mple’s two clutches did help FaZe get back into the game, but yet again Liquid pulled ahead winning the map 13-10 and closing the series 2-0.

Is S1mple Back?

Despite the loss, FaZe still had some good rounds. Especially on the T-side on both maps, their executes looked much better and, with some practice, they can challenge strong Counter-Strike teams.

S1mple still looks like a safe pair of hands for the AWP. While he is not the “GOAT” version of s1mple who once dominated the scene, he is still a strong overall player who can put up multikill rounds and win important clutches for the team. He was also the best player for FaZe in the series. If all players on FaZe Clan show up, they can still turn the tournament around and make a run for the Playoffs.

The IEM Dallas 2025 action continues with the rest of opening matches currently underway. Catch the action live or follow the tournament on Strafe.

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Featured Image Credit: FaZe Clan

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