k1to to play IEM Cologne as faveN remains sidelined

The Germans will be using the same roster that won the Roobet Cup at the upcoming event.

BIG will be utilizing their current academy player Nils “⁠k1to⁠” Gruhne for the fourth consecutive event as the organization has confirmed that Josef “⁠faveN⁠” Baumann has not recovered in time for IEM Cologne. Playing on home soil, the German outfit will therefore have the same five-man lineup that won the $250,000 Roobet Cup over FaZe this week.

k1to was fielded as a substitute at the Pinnacle Cup Championship, where he replaced COVID-struck Karim “⁠Krimbo⁠” Moussa, and then did the same at BLAST in Lisbon where he stood behind the squad in place of Fatih “⁠gob b⁠” Dayik. For the Roobet Cup and at the upcoming IEM Cologne, k1to takes the place of 22-year-old faveN.

faveN spoke about his issues on Twitter, claiming on June 27th that he has “abdominal influenza” and three days later adding that there “seems like there is no end in sight” to his illness as he is still struggling with, among other things, stomach cramps and sleep.

While playing without faveN is a hit for BIG on paper, “Die Mannschaft” has proven to be no pushovers with former main-squad member k1to as well. The 23-year-old was relegated to the academy team earlier this year but showed his potential in the grand final of the aforementioned Roobet Cup when he posted a 1.11 rating against the world No. 1.

BIG have the following lineup for IEM Cologne:

Johannes “⁠tabseN⁠” Wodarz
Tizian “⁠tiziaN⁠” Feldbusch
Florian “⁠syrsoN⁠” Rische
Karim “⁠Krimbo⁠” Moussa
Nils “⁠k1to⁠” Gruhne

Fatih “⁠gob b⁠” Dayik (coach)