The stage is set for an epic finale at the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024, as FaZe and Spirit prepare to clash in the final match of the year. The encounter is steeped in history, echoing the season's opening grand final at IEM Katowice 2024, where Spirit stunned the world by dominating FaZe. Now, as the year comes to a close, both teams stand ready to battle once more in what promises to be a memorable showdown.
The Katowice Miracle
Spirit’s journey in 2024 began with an unforgettable performance at IEM Katowice. The team started the event from the Play-In stage and made a miracle reaching the final. Their opponents, FaZe, were among the favorites, having received a direct invite. Despite this, Spirit delivered one of the most dominant performances in CS2 history.
The two teams faced off twice at Katowice—first in the group stage, where Spirit claimed a 2-0 victory, and then in the grand final, where they dismantled FaZe 3-0. Danil "donk" Kryshkovets emerged as the tournament's standout, delivering a legendary performance. This defining win set the tone for what would become a fierce rivalry.
A Year of Highs and Lows
Spirit’s Rise
Following Katowice, Spirit enjoyed their best year ever. They secured playoff spots in multiple S-tier tournaments, including IEM Dallas, BB Dacha, and the BLAST Premier Spring Final. Their resilience brought them to the finals of BLAST Premier World Final and now the grand stage in Shanghai.
The key to Spirit’s success lies in their young and dynamic roster. Despite the inevitable adjustments throughout the year, players like donk and Dmitriy "sh1ro" Sokolov remained consistent forces. The team evolved, adapting to the increasing focus from top-tier opponents determined to neutralize donk’s impact.
A Major victory would cement Spirit's place among the CS2 elite. This is their first Major final, offering a chance to secure their first title. If donk wins the MVP award, he will become the youngest player ever to do so, solidifying his rising star status in the scene.
FaZe’s Rollercoaster Year
For FaZe, the year began with great promise but also significant challenges. After finishing as runners-up at Katowice and the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024, they captured the IEM Chengdu 2024 title. However, fatigue from playing in eight consecutive Tier 1 finals took its toll.
A notable low came at IEM Cologne 2024, where they suffered a shocking defeat to the Portuguese underdogs SAW. Roles and positions adjustments followed, after David "frozen" Čerňanský replaced Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken last year. Initially, the change didn’t cause disruptions, but hit later. At Shanghai FaZe’s legendary players like Robin "ropz" Kool and Helvijs "broky" Saukants found their rhythm once again, peaking just in time for the Major. This is even more impressive as they were able to bounce back from one of the lowest individual performances in their careers. Broky played his second worst LAN event at BLAST Premier World Final 2024 with the rating 5.7, while ropz really struggled at Esports World Cup 2024 with 5.6.
Winning the Major would be a monumental achievement for FaZe. It would mark their second Major title and validate their decision to stick with the current roster. Four of their players could join the exclusive club of two-time Major winners (except for frozen), while coach NEO could become one of the few to win a Major both as a player and as a coach.
Head-to-Head Showdowns
FaZe and Spirit have faced each other six times throughout 2024, playing a total of 14 maps. Spirit emerged victorious in four matches, while FaZe claimed two wins. Spirit dominated the map count with 10 map wins compared to FaZe’s four.
Their first encounter took place at BLAST Premier Spring Groups 2024. Spirit competed with two stand-ins, which lessened the impact of FaZe's eventual win.
The most intense battle came at the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024. FaZe defied expectations by forcing Spirit onto their permaban map, Vertigo. Against all odds, FaZe secured an amazing 16-14 overtime victory after completely outplaying the opponents in terms of preparation and experience. This victory allowed the team to reach the final of the first Major in 2024.
Notable Encounters:
- IEM Katowice 2024: Spirit swept FaZe in the grand final (3-0).
- PGL Major Copenhagen 2024: FaZe managed a narrow win on Vertigo but fell on Nuke.
- IEM Dallas 2024: Spirit edged out FaZe with back-to-back close wins on Nuke and Anubis.
The Road to the Final
Spirit advanced through the Elimination Stage with a solid 3-1 record, showing consistent form despite facing tough opponents like Liquid and HEROIC. They secured their playoff spot early, proving they were still a force to be reckoned with. Spirit dominated MOUZ in their semifinal clash. The team didn’t have an outstanding performance but the opponent was just much worse, losing key duels and underperforming due to pressure.
FaZe's journey was far more grueling. After a shaky start, they fought their way through the Elimination Stage, ending with a 3-2 record. Their final match against FURIA was a nail-biter, pushing them to their limits. Despite facing elimination, they rallied with outstanding performances from ropz, securing their playoff berth in dramatic fashion.
What’s at Stake
For Spirit, a Major win would cap off their best year ever, validating their rise to the top of the CS2 scene. Meanwhile, for FaZe, victory would be a redemption arc, closing a turbulent year on a triumphant note. Both teams are driven by legacy, ambition, and the burning desire to end 2024 as the undisputed kings of Counter-Strike.
As FaZe and Spirit meet once again in Shanghai, the question remains: Will Spirit continue their dominance, or will FaZe rewrite the narrative and emerge victorious in their final battle of the year? All eyes are on the grand final as these titans prepare for one last battle.
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