Danil “donk” Kryshkovets once again proved that he is not just a young talent, but a true CS2 phenomenon. During the IEM Cologne 2025 group stage, the Team Spirit star played on an astronomical level, dismantling opponents one after another and finishing the stage with an incredible 1.52 rating across seven maps. His aggression, composure, and ability to deliver in key moments made him the face of the group stage and turned Spirit into the main contender for the trophy.
From Heroic to MOUZ: Donk’s Match Run
Spirit 2–0 Heroic
- (Ancient 16:14, Nuke 13:8)
The first match of the group stage was a signal to the entire scene: donk came to Cologne to dominate. On Ancient, Spirit had to fight back, and it was donk who became the driving force of the comeback. His 46–36 K/D, 98 ADR, and 1.35 rating looked as convincing as the clutch rounds he won in 1v2 and 1v3 situations.
On Nuke, he simply broke Heroic’s defense. Donk played aggressively on radio and ramp, enabling Spirit’s quick executes and locking down map control. This match showed that his influence goes far beyond raw stats.
Spirit 2–0 Aurora
- (Dust2 13:8, Nuke 13:10)
The second match turned into a one-man show. Donk delivered the best series of the group stage: 60–28 K/D, 141.7 ADR, and a 2.17 rating.
Those numbers look unreal even for online tournaments, let alone on LAN in Cologne. Donk won entry duels, cleared sites almost single-handedly, and left Aurora with no room to breathe. Dust2 became “donk’s map” — his AK-47 double kills and insane entry frags crushed their defense.
On Nuke, he kept the show going, creating countless opportunities for his team. This match became the symbol of his form: total domination on every level.
Spirit 2–1 MOUZ
- (Ancient 16:13, Mirage 19:22, Overpass 13:6)
Against MOUZ, donk faced his biggest challenge. The series was tense, especially Mirage, where Spirit lost in a grueling back-and-forth battle — but even then, donk remained the team’s rock. His stats: 76–65 K/D, 98.2 ADR, and a 1.32 rating.
On Ancient, he tore apart MOUZ’s defense time and again, and on Overpass, together with sh1ro, he secured a dominant series finish. Even when Mirage turned into a test of endurance, donk showed psychological resilience — no panic, just cold-blooded decisions.
What Makes Donk So Unique?
- Aggression with control: he often opens rounds but rarely gives up free deaths without trades.
- Clutch machine: his 1v2 and 1v3 wins became turning points in multiple games.
- Impact every round: his 141.7 ADR against Aurora is the highest of the group stage.
- Mental ice: even under the heaviest pressure, donk stays ice-cold.
Donk’s Overall Impact on Spirit
In every match of the group stage, donk was the engine of Spirit. His entry frags created man advantages, and on defense, he locked down areas of the map so decisively that opponents outright avoided his side.
Just as important — donk energized his team. Every clutch and crucial frag boosted Spirit’s morale and crushed the confidence of their rivals.
What’s Next?
Spirit head into the playoffs of IEM Cologne 2025 as the group’s top seed, and the entire CS2 world is watching donk. If he can carry this form onto the main stage at the LANXESS Arena, this tournament could become another legendary milestone in his career.
Donk is no longer just a “young prodigy.” He is the face of the new CS2 generation.
