FaZe delivered one of the most shocking upsets at Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024, defeating Vitality 2-1 in the quarter-finals. Coming into the match as heavy underdogs, FaZe overcame past struggles and secured their spot in the semifinals. FaZe demonstrated resilience, mental strength, and tactical brilliance, proving they are still a top contender.

The Battle Begins on Nuke

The quarter-final kicked off on Nuke, FaZe’s map pick, but Vitality came prepared. Starting on the CT side, Vitality's defense was rock solid, quickly building an 8-0 lead. Lotan "Spinx" Giladi and Shahar "flameZ" Shushan delivered exceptional performances, anchoring crucial sites and winning vital gunfights. FaZe struggled to break through, relying on individual brilliance from Robin "ropz" Kool, who single-handedly kept his team alive.

Despite being down 0-8, FaZe managed to recover four rounds before halftime, thanks to a crucial 4K from ropz and some effective executes toward the A site. Vitality, however, maintained their dominance on the T side and closed the map with a convincing 13-6 win. Even in defeat, ropz showcased his class with a 22-13 score, outperforming every other player on the server.

READ MORE: NAVI’s Emotional Responses After Major Elimination: What’s Next for the Team?

Mirage: FaZe Strike Back

Vitality picked Mirage, where they had crushed FaZe 13-5 during the RMR. The early rounds seemed to hint at another dominant showing from Vitality, as Spinx and flameZ led the charge, winning the first four rounds. However, FaZe regrouped quickly, making adjustments on the CT side. Helvijs "broky" Saukants and Håvard "rain" Nygaard stepped up, securing crucial multi-kills and shutting down key pushes.

FaZe’s mid-round calling improved dramatically, with Finn "karrigan" Andersen setting up perfect defenses that left Vitality struggling for answers. A late-game 2v4 clutch from FaZe crushed Vitality’s momentum, securing a 13-8 win for FaZe and leveling the series at 1-1.

Anubis Decider

With the series tied, everything came down to Anubis—a map where both teams had struggled throughout the season. FaZe, having learned from their previous encounters, executed a near-flawless game plan. Despite starting on the less favored CT side, they built an early lead with solid defensive holds. ropz continued his incredible form, winning multiple clutches and securing crucial entries on the attacking side.

Vitality, who looked sharp early in the match, appeared out of sync on Anubis. Key players like Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut and flameZ failed to deliver the level of performance expected from them. A desperate comeback attempt from Vitality in the second half fell short, and FaZe closed the map 13-7 to complete the upset and secure a place in the semi-finals.

Key Factors Behind FaZe’s Win

Several factors contributed to FaZe's stunning victory. First, their mental resilience played a crucial role. After losing their map pick, FaZe didn’t collapse but instead focused on improving their play. The team’s ability to adapt mid-series was a major factor in their success.

Another critical aspect was the resurgence of FaZe’s stars. ropz, in particular, was on fire throughout the series, posting a remarkable 61-35 K/D and 93 ADR across three maps. His clutch plays on Anubis, including multiple 1v1 victories, were game-changing. Broky and rain also played pivotal roles, especially on Mirage, where they anchored the defense effectively.

Moreover, karrigan’s leadership was exceptional. His tactical reads and mid-round adjustments allowed FaZe to adapt to Vitality’s playstyle. The team’s improved synergy and individual performances helped them win crucial rounds that ultimately decided the series.

Vitality’s Missed Opportunity

For Vitality, this loss raises significant concerns. Despite starting the series strong, their inability to maintain focus after winning Nuke proved costly. Inexperience from younger players like flameZ and William "mezii" Merriman may have played a role, as the pressure of a Major quarter-final seemed to affect their decision-making.

Additionally, ongoing rumors about Spinx’s potential departure could have impacted team morale. Reports suggest Spinx has been considering leaving Vitality for months, possibly contributing to the team’s inconsistent performance.

READ MORE: Despite the quarterfinals losses, Liquid and The MongolZ had an extremely successful Major

What’s Next?

With their quarter-final victory, FaZe will face G2 in the semi-finals. This matchup is going to be interesting as well. As there is a long story between the teams and a 5 match-win streak in the G2’s favor. 

Vitality, on the other hand, faces an uncertain future. With potential roster changes looming and questions about team chemistry, their path forward remains unclear. However, their overall performance in 2024 has been strong, and a rebuild could set them up for success in the next season.

FaZe’s victory over Vitality wasn’t just an upset—it was a statement. They proved that even when counted out, they could rise to the occasion through resilience, teamwork, and tactical brilliance. As they march into the semi-finals, FaZe has shown they are still a force to be reckoned with, and their journey at the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 is far from over.