There was much fanfare leading up to Counter-Strike 2‘s return to U.S. shores at IEM Dallas, but it’s safe to say all eyes were on G2 Esports and stand-in Stewie2K on opening day. Unfortunately, results didn’t pan out for the American Major winner in his return to tier one CS.

With in-game leader HooXi ruled out due to a commitment at home—his sister’s wedding—superstar NiKo took the captaincy armband while Stewie slotted into HooXi’s roles on day one of IEM Dallas, with G2 overcoming a fast-finishing Falcons 13-10 to book a slot in the upper bracket qualifier. There, G2’s day took a turn, however, as the squad was brought back to reality by ZywOo and Vitality, who demolished Stewie and co. in a swift 2-0.