IEM Cologne Major contenders and MOUZ’s struggles — highlights from the latest episode of the Snake & Banter podcast

Analysts Jason “moses” O’Toole and Alex “Mauisnake” Ellenberg appeared on the latest episode of the Snake & Banter podcast. Here’s a quick rundown of the highlights in our article.

moses expressed doubt that MOUZ would find success and even suggested that the roster would fall apart by the end of the IEM Cologne Major 2026. According to the analyst, the team won’t be able to withstand real competition given the recent roster changes.

Jason also commented on The MongolZ’s lack of training. He noted that, in a sense, the team has already won overall, as it previously claimed the trophy and became the first Asian team to reach the top of the rankings.

In addition, O’Toole pointed out PARIVISION’s issues. The analyst noted that sooner or later, due to their strong performances, the players would either gain self-confidence or develop an unwarranted ego. moses is certain that in this case, the latter occurred.

In turn, Mauisnake stated that MOUZ captain Dorian “xertioN” Berman’s play had improved, but only temporarily. In the long run, this will only harm the team once he gets used to the IGL role.

Ellenberg also said he was surprised by The MongolZ’s lack of practice, because the team was supposed to be a contender for the title at PGL Astana 2026. But the Mongols didn’t just lose to Team Spirit or Team Falcons—they didn’t even make it to the playoffs.

In addition, Alex criticized the recent performances of PARIVISION rifler Andrey “BELCHONOKK” Yasinsky. The analyst emphasized that the player makes mistakes much more often than his teammates.

moses highly praised the work and achievements of Team Vitality’s management. It is precisely thanks to this that Dan “apEX” Madesclere was able to develop in the role of IGL, and William “mezii” Merriman remained on the roster instead of Lotan “Spinx” Giladi. Jason emphasized that in terms of organizational decisions, Team Vitality has long since surpassed the old Astralis.

Both Mauisnake and moses were impressed by Team Spirit’s performance at PGL Astana 2026 and considered the team a contender for victory at the upcoming Major.

At the same time, Ellenberg expressed concern about the performances of Natus Vincere sniper Igor “w0nderful” Zhdanov. According to him, the player seems to have lost the confidence he had been striving for all year.

moses noted a clear decline in Team Liquid’s form, based on the team’s performance at IEM Atlanta 2026. He suggested that if the team is working on its mistakes, there should be at least some progress.

The analyst stated that changes in Team Spirit’s coaching staff could lead to roster instability. Jason said he finds it hard to imagine Sergey “hally” Shavaev returning to the roster now that the team has already made progress alongside Dmitry “S0tF1k” Forostyanko.

moses also pointed out that S0tF1k is restructuring the team the way hally wanted, so nothing is changing fundamentally, but the situation looks murky and uncertain.

Earlier, Team Spirit took first place at PGL Astana 2026, defeating Team Falcons 3-0 in the grand final. The team’s rifler, Danil “donk” Kryshkovets, was named MVP, earning the eleventh medal of his career.