NAVI beats FaZe to win first CS2 Major

The highly anticipated PGL Major: Copenhagen 2024, the first-ever Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) Major tournament, concluded on April 23rd with Natus Vincere (NAVI) emerging victorious over FaZe Clan in an exhilarating best-of-three grand final series. The USD 1,000,000 event, held at the iconic Royal Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark, marked the beginning of a new era for the Counter-Strike esports scene following the release of CS2 in 2023.

NAVI’s triumph was spearheaded by an exceptional performance from Valeriy “b1t” Vakhovskiy, who was deservedly named the MVP of the grand final. The Ukrainian prodigy’s impact was felt throughout the series, as he consistently delivered crucial frags and game-changing plays. This victory was particularly sweet for the NAVI, as it served as revenge for their defeat at the hands of the FaZe Clan in the IEM Katowice 2024 final just months earlier.

For several members of the NAVI roster, including Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen, Ivan “iM” Mihai, and Ihor “w0nderful” Zhdanov, this marked their first Major title. Meanwhile, CS2 legend Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev added yet another prestigious trophy to his already impressive collection.

The tournament provided fans with their first glimpse of professional CS2 gameplay, showcasing the game’s innovative new features and mechanics. The revamped weapon system, utility, and movement were on full display as teams adapted their strategies to the new meta. The excitement surrounding the debut of CS2 was palpable, with players and fans alike eager to explore the game’s potential.

PGL Major: Copenhagen 2024 also saw record-breaking viewership numbers, a testament to the enduring popularity of the Counter-Strike franchise and the anticipation surrounding the release of CS2. Peak concurrent viewership surpassed 1 million across all platforms, setting a new benchmark for CS2 esports events.

The grand final series itself was a thrilling affair, with NAVI and FaZe Clan trading blows across three tense maps. NAVI took an early lead by securing a hard-fought victory on Mirage, but FaZe Clan struck back on Overpass to even the score. In the deciding match on Inferno, it was NAVI who displayed superior tactical prowess and individual skill, ultimately clinching the series 2-1.

As the confetti rained down on the victorious NAVI squad, it was clear that this momentous occasion would be remembered as a turning point in Counter-Strike history. The first CS2 Major not only lived up to the hype but also laid the foundation for an exciting future filled with new possibilities and fierce competition.

With the PGL Major: Copenhagen 2024 in the books, all eyes now turn to the upcoming CS2 tournaments, as teams look to dethrone NAVI and etch their names in the annals of Counter-Strike esports history. One thing is certain: the future of CS2 is bright, and fans can expect even more thrilling moments and unforgettable performances in the months and years to come.