G2's performance in Dallas will go down as one of the most absurd in history. Just take a look at the screenshot. M0NESY practically carried the team single-handedly (well, with some help from a rejuvenated NiKo) to win the tournament, despite two teammates having K/D ratios of 0.79 and 0.68.
This is a typical scene: M0NESY way ahead, NiKo trailing behind him, Hunter much further back, and then two guys sitting at the back of the class. Even HooXi's temporary absence didn't disrupt G2's established structure—Stewie2k performed at about the same level as the Dane.
We've come to expect such performances from G2 and M0NESY's struggles at tournaments where the team typically only makes it to the semifinals. This victory is truly an anomaly, which is why the excitement can easily distort reality. Even Thorin, who has seen it all, got a bit carried away:
"M0NESY is the best player of 2024. Donk has too small a sample size, and Zywoo too often fails in crucial matches."
1. Once again, G2's triumph is like a fairy tale. The losses at the next tournament will hurt even more, and I don't think anyone, except G2 fans, believes the team will establish itself at the top of the world rankings. Even in much brighter times—after their wins in Cologne and Katowice in 2023—it was clear that this team was a flash in the pan. It's just too difficult for them to play consistently well.
2. M0NESY is still somewhat distant from competitors for the top spot—Zywoo and especially Donk:
- Ilya's rating is 1.31;
- Mathieu's is 1.38;
- Danil's is 1.46.
Thorin complains about Donk's small sample size, but has the "Number of Maps" statistic become key? Moreover, the gap (unlike the rating) isn't that significant: Donk has played 57 maps, Zywoo 61 (which isn't considered a small sample anymore), and M0NESY 90.
In terms of MVP awards, M0NESY is behind Donk (1 to 2), but they are equal in titles.
3. It's all quite sad. M0NESY is in peak form, but what if IEM Dallas isn't the only moment in the year when his efforts finally pay off? If Ilya had teammates at the level of Spirit or Vitality, he would be closer to trophies more often. And he would be the best in the world.
Consider this: in over two years at G2, M0NESY has only reached five finals—a shocking number for his level of talent.