IEM Beijing 2026 has given players more to remember than just matches and the battle for playoff spots. After one of the matches, woxic drew attention to the unusual conditions at the tournament and revealed that he had never played a professional match in such cold weather before.
woxic did not expect such cold conditions
After the match, the Turkish sniper explained that the temperature during the game had become an additional challenge for him. Judging by his reaction, the problem was so noticeable that he decided to get properly dressed for the cold immediately afterward.
I’ve never played a match in weather this cold in my life. I’m heading straight to the nearest mall to buy a winter jacket, thermal leggings, double socks, two layers of thermal tops, snow gloves, and a ski mask.
Despite the humorous tone, the situation clearly affected the player’s comfort. In a video recorded after the match, woxic could also be seen trying to warm his hands while sitting at his computer.
I’ve never played a match in weather this cold in my life. I’m heading straight to the nearest mall to buy a winter jacket, thermal leggings, double socks, two layers of thermal tops, snow gloves, and a ski mask.
We beat G2 2-1 gg wp to them. We’re still alive. Huge thanks to my teammates for sticking together and not giving up despite some silly mistakes. ❤️
— Özgür Eker (@w0xic) November 3, 2026
Aurora remained in contention
The match itself carried much greater significance for Aurora than just another group-stage series. The team lost to PARIVISION in their opening match and dropped to the lower bracket of Group B, where any further defeat would mean elimination from IEM Beijing 2026.
In Lower Round 1, Aurora faced G2 and won the series 2:1. This allowed the team to continue their tournament campaign, while G2 finished IEM Beijing 2026 in 13th–16th place.
The team refused to give up despite mistakes
woxic also praised the determination of his teammates. According to him, the team made mistakes during the series but did not fall apart after difficult moments and continued fighting until the very end.
We beat G2 2:1, gg wp to them. We’re still alive. Huge thanks to my teammates for sticking together and not giving up despite some silly mistakes.
For Aurora, this victory was particularly important after their disappointing start to the group stage. The team earned another opportunity to continue their lower-bracket run and compete for one of the available playoff spots.
Next opponent — BETBOOM
Following their victory over G2, Aurora advanced to the Lower semi-finals of Group B. Their next opponent will be BETBOOM, who previously lost to MOUZ in the upper bracket and also dropped into an elimination match.
The winner of Aurora vs BETBOOM will advance to the Lower final and retain a chance to qualify for the IEM Beijing 2026 playoffs. For woxic’s team, the tournament continues, although it seems that preparing for the next match will now also involve finding some warmer clothing.
