Fan Unboxes Rare Knife Skin Live at IEM Cologne 2024 Playoffs

IEM Cologne has entered its playoff stage, taking place in the iconic LANXESS arena with a massive crowd in attendance. Amidst the excitement, one fan managed to unbox a rare knife skin live on stream, right in the middle of the stadium.

During the quarterfinal matchup between FaZe Clan and SAW at the Germany-based tournament, the ESL broadcast team panned to the crowd between rounds. They spotted a fan wearing a NAVI jersey proudly lifting his gaming PC for the camera, showing off his CS2 account as he opened loot boxes for skins. To the crowd’s delight, the fan unboxed a Phase 4 Ursus Doppler knife skin, prompting cheers from the arena.

This event echoed a similar moment at the Paris Major in 2023, where a fan appeared to unbox a rare skin live, only for it to be revealed later as a pre-recorded video. However, this time the unboxing was confirmed to be genuine. IEM Cologne host and interviewer James Banks sought out the fan and verified that the Ursus Doppler, in Factory New condition, was indeed in his account. This skin is estimated to be worth around $500 USD on the skin market, though its value could be higher depending on its float rate and other factors.

While it’s not the most expensive CS knife ever unboxed, it’s certainly a moment worth celebrating.

Counter-Strike esports crowds are known for their enthusiasm and creating unforgettable moments at major events. In 2023, a fan brought a trumpet to an event and led the crowd in chants, and in 2022, another fan allegedly spat on a NAVI player.

IEM Cologne 2024 is particularly special, marking its 10th anniversary and solidifying its place as a legendary event in the history of the German tournament.