Introducing Imperial fe: The most dominant force in CS history
For years in Counter-Strike, we've all spoken about how Astralis are the most dominant team in CS history.
But what if we told you that there is a team far more dominant than Astralis ever were?
That team is Imperial fe, formerly known as Nigma Galaxy, who up until very recently had gone unbeaten on LAN for two and a half years.
The dominant force in women's CS having won eight ESL Impact events in a row, their star player ANa has won the Women's Player of the Year Award three years on the trot, and their time at the top has never once looked in doubt.
In a landmark moment for the team and for the women's scene as a whole, Imperial fe will make their tier one debut in the mixed game today, playing NAVI after boldy picking them in the first round of BLAST Bounty.
A massive underdog, we spoke to the voice of the women's scene, LucyLuce, in order to get a grasp on how they've managed to be so dominant and why NAVI would be foolish to underestimate them heading into their historic match.
Photo: Freddie "GrimyRannarr" Pricthard/INSITE"They have been the undisputed best team for the last three years"
What has made Imperial the best women's team?
Their core was one of the few still competing before ESL Impact started, and they were quick to establish themselves as the team to beat. But even when other teams like FURIA and NAVI started to catch them, they have always been able to push to the next level. This is a team defined by X factor more than anything else. Having the best player in the world certainly helps too!
For people who aren’t familiar with the women’s scene altogether, how would you describe its differences from the mixed scene?
The scene is a lot smaller as there’s obviously far fewer players, and a few years ago there were basically no tournaments and very little incentive to grow the scene. That’s changed a lot over the last couple of years and the level of competition has grown a lot, but there's still a long way to go. But there's definitely a greater sense of community in the women's scene, and I think everyone is rooting for Imperial to do well.
How would you describe the level to which Imperial fe dominates?
They have been the undisputed best team for the last three years, but they're not infallible. Both ex-NAVI Javelins and FURIA beat them this year. But Imperial are a team that thrives under pressure, playing some of their best CS when their backs are against the wall. They have some of that “FaZe bullshit” magic that's helped them lift trophies when other teams crumble.
Photo: Freddie "GrimyRannarr" Pricthard/INSITEHow has their team changed throughout their time at the top?
The biggest change came this year when vilga - their IGL and captain - was benched for zAAz. Role-wise both players are very aggressive and there's no denying zAAz’s firepower, but the big question was around leadership. I think zAAz brings a lot of the fire and hype that vilga was responsible for, but the most impressive story has been Tory taking on the IGL role.
I don't think many in the scene anticipated that change, and she has really come into her own in the role - both continuing their legacy in ESL Impact while being one of the best fraggers in the scene. Her first year IGLing and she was nominated for player of the year!
What would you about their team and how it’s made up?
Imperial tend to be an explosive team, and will be very quick to act when an opportunity presents itself. Look towards zAAz to provide those moments, as the most aggressive player. ANa is of course the best player in the world, a title she has held for the last 3 years. Her AWPing style tends to be less aggressive, and more calculated - calm and collected in the clutch.
I do think Imperial are a team that does their best work under lights on LAN, that's where they level up.
What does having a spot in this tournament mean not just for them but for the women’s scene as a whole?
It’s an amazing opportunity for more exposure to the scene and to some of our brightest stars. For Imperial, there's obviously a lot of pressure, but I think the wider community are quite excited to see them play.
It will take a long time to break down the barrier between the mixed and women's scene, but I feel that each opportunity like this is a step on the journey to that destination.
