Amid a forced roster change and an inconsistent start to the year, GamerLegion arrived at IEM Dallas 2025 with a clear goal — to prove they are more than just a “solid mid-tier team.” Their opening victory over 3DMAX was not only a strong start but a potential tone-setter for the rest of their tournament campaign.
acoR — More Than a Stand-In, a Potential Game-Changer
Ahead of the tournament, it was revealed that primary AWPer Henrich “sl3nd” Hevesi would not be able to participate due to visa issues. In situations like these, most teams opt for a safe, disciplined substitute — someone who will just play the role. But GamerLegion took a different approach.
Instead of playing it safe, they brought in the experienced Frederik “acoR” Gyldstrand — a player with top-tier experience from teams like MOUZ. His playstyle is aggressive, instinctive, and map-controlling — and GamerLegion made the conscious choice to embrace that.
“We didn’t put too much pressure on him and tried to keep things simple,” ztr explained.
“We gave him the freedom to play his own game, not just follow instructions. And it paid off.”
Considering how quickly acoR blended into the team and delivered a consistent performance in his debut, it’s safe to say — he’s not just a patch. He could very well become the X-factor in GamerLegion’s Dallas run.
No Lowered Expectations: Playoffs Are Just the Beginning
One of the most striking takeaways from ztr’s interview was how the team sees their current situation. There were no excuses — only belief, confidence, and a clear plan.
“We believe acoR is such a good player that we should maintain our expectations,” the captain emphasized.
“Maybe with a bit of caution, but we’re not planning to lower our ambitions.”
The team understands that success is built on consistency. Even with a temporary lineup, the target remains unchanged. Reaching the playoffs at IEM Dallas 2025 is not the limit — it’s the starting point.
That mindset is what defines mature rosters. GamerLegion are trying to step out of the shadow of “promising teams” and start competing like true contenders, not just underdogs with surprise potential.
The 3DMAX Series: Collapse on Anubis, Recovery on Ancient, and a Nerve-Wracking Nuke
The series began poorly for GamerLegion. 3DMAX confidently won their map pick Anubis 13:4, leaving little room for GL to maneuver. The team struggled to deal with the French side’s explosive pace, losing control in both halves and only managing to secure one round on T-side.
“Anubis is probably our statistically worst map. We knew that, so we immediately shifted focus to something more comfortable,” said ztr after the game.
That shift came in the form of Ancient, and the change in dynamic was dramatic. GamerLegion looked far more prepared, taking five rounds on CT before storming to victory with an 8:2 T-side half. PR (Oldřich Nový) and Tauson were instrumental, setting the pace, creating space, and locking down crucial duels.
The final map, Nuke, was left over as the decider. And while GL once again prevailed, it was a much closer affair — 13:11. The first half ended 6:6, but the team found momentum in the second, stringing together seven rounds on T-side and showing smart use of pauses to adjust mid-game.
According to the match stats, REZ had the highest ADR (91.4), and Tauson delivered the biggest impact with a +15 K-D difference.
acoR held his own: 42-42 K-D, 1.10 rating, and maintained his role as a steady AWP presence.
While he didn’t top the scoreboard, his reliability and positioning were clear signs of his value in this transitional lineup.
Key Takeaways:
- Roster change: acoR replaces sl3nd due to visa issues;
- Debut success: 2:1 win over 3DMAX;
- Map wins: GamerLegion bounced back on Ancient and edged out Nuke;
- Spring recap: unstable but with breakout potential;
- Goal: playoffs at minimum, but sights set higher.
Spring Season in Review: Contrasts and Lessons
The 2025 season has been a rollercoaster for GamerLegion. At times, the team looked close to breaking into consistent playoff territory. At others, they dropped out early in disappointing fashion.
“It’s been a wave-like period,” ztr admitted.
“Sometimes we were just one map away from playoffs, other times we went 0-3 in events without even facing top-4 teams.”
That inconsistency, though painful, is revealing. The team is still forming its identity, yet it’s already hungry for results. That combination often leads to volatility — but can also result in a breakthrough when things start to click.
IEM Dallas represents their chance to end the first half of the year on a high note. It’s not just about surviving the bracket — it’s about building the mental foundation for a summer filled with bigger events.
