The Shanghai Major has sparked much debate. Some dismiss it as another lackluster event, akin to IEM Rio. While it gained popularity in China, skeptics questioned its impact on the global Counter-Strike scene. However, as someone who attended the event, I can confidently say the Perfect World Shanghai Major has raised the bar for CS2 Majors. Here’s why.

FaZe’s Miracle Run and an Unforgettable Bracket

For me, the key to a successful Major often lies in the playoffs bracket, and this one delivered in spades. Memorable storylines make events legendary, like NAVI’s dominance in PGL Stockholm or G2’s rise against the odds. Shanghai offered its own dramatic narratives.

The top four teams reflected the best of 2024, minus NAVI, with FaZe and Spirit delivering a finale that echoed their IEM Katowice clash earlier this year. When I look back at this event, this bracket will stand as one of the most compelling.

Quarter-Finals: NiKo and G2 steal the show

While matches like MOUZ vs TheMongolZ and FaZe vs Vitality both had incredible storylines with them, for me it was G2's victory over Heroic that stole the show. Much like Stockholm, the series looked thoroughly in Heroic's control, but NiKo's incredible rifle play had different plans. The Bosnian buldozer managed to steal the show on map 2, buying enough time for his team to wake up on Mirage. And then we all witnessed, Major debutant, malbsMd absolutely annihilate Heroic. Especially the 1v2 on B site, where the Guatemalan instantly gunned down both players to win the round.

Simply put, that series summarized everything brilliant and terrible about that G2 lineup. When the stars pop off, anything is possible, but when the going gets tough, nearly any team can take them down. Unfortunately for Heroic, it wasn't their day yet again.

Semi-Finals: MOUZ's Nuke gameplan stuns donk

Throughout 2024, if there was one team that had no fear of donk, it was MOUZ. The two cores had been battling each other since the Academy days, and when donk emerged as a phenom, MOUZ simply beat him with teamplay. That was the case again on Nuke. From the first round it was clear that MOUZ's gameplan was structured around shutting down donk's mini-play. And it worked, donk managed just 6 kills on the map, giving the international side an easy win. But the Russian rifler surged ahead on subsequent maps, bidding farewell to the MOUZ roster. Meanwhile, FaZe were handed an easy win by G2, as the stars simply didn't show up.

The best Grand Finals in recent years?

Watching from the Arena, when FaZe picked Nuke, I exclaimed that it would be a 2-0 favoring Spirit. And for once, I am glad I was wrong. Nuke went away from FaZe quite easily as I predicted, but the veterans gave us a proper show. After watching Spirit's event vlog, it's clear that the team did not feel comfortable on Ancient, with sh1ro in particular dealing with his nerves. But after losing their dominant Dust2 lead, it was the AWPer himself who pulled it across the line to lock in that major. The storylines, the emotions, the crowd, everything made this easily the best Grand Finals in recent years.

Timezones and Viewership Challenges

The Chinese timezone posed difficulties for European viewers, evident in the dip in live viewership. Yet, despite these challenges, 1.3 million fans tuned in for the finals —excluding Chinese audiences. While this doesn’t rival the record-breaking 2.75 million from earlier Majors, it’s far from a failure.

This event underscored the need to share Counter-Strike’s magic globally. Only four of 21 Majors have been hosted outside Europe. For once, the European audience experienced what other regions endure year-round—watching at inconvenient hours.

Team Spirit’s Historic Triumph

The grand final between FaZe and Spirit was an instant classic. The first two maps brought thrilling moments, from Magixx’s grenade-assisted death to donk's heroic plays. But Dust2 stole the spotlight.

Spirit initially cruised to match point before FaZe staged a dramatic comeback, embodying their trademark chaotic brilliance. Ultimately, sh1ro’s clutch 1v2 sealed the win for Spirit, cementing their place in CS history.

Donk: A GOAT is Born

Donk’s MVP performance capped a record-breaking year for the 17-year-old prodigy. His meteoric rise has been nothing short of astonishing, outshining phenoms like ZywOo. Achievements that eluded legends like NiKo for years have come naturally to him. I believe we have witnessed the emergence of CS2's Greatest Player, and he is rewriting the laws of Counter-Strike.

Perfect World’s Outstanding Execution

When I heard Perfect World would organize the Major, I was skeptical. Running a Major is a monumental task. But after attending, I’m happy to admit they knocked it out of the park.

Unique Merchandising

The event’s merchandise stood out for its creativity and quality. Perfect World’s mascots, HAI and BYE, added a playful touch to the products, making them appealing even beyond the CS2 fanbase. I picked up several items, and every one of them is a hit. If you missed out, check the AliExpress store for a chance to grab some iconic items.

Stage Design and Security

The 360-degree stage setup was visually stunning, with sharp displays and innovative player introductions. Even from the media seats, which weren’t the best in the arena, the view and experience were seamless.

Security was another highlight. With lessons learned from past events, Perfect World implemented stringent measures to protect players and attendees without hindering media operations. Their approach set a new standard for esports events. Whenever I needed to move between sections for coverage, the security team was incredibly helpful.

Shanghai: A Perfect Host City

Shanghai proved to be an ideal location for the Major. The city offers everything a visitor could need, from efficient transport to tourist-friendly services. Englishspeaking locals and the vibrant atmosphere added to the experience.

Walking out of the venue, the buzz was palpable. Restaurants were filled with fans discussing matches, their tables adorned with Shanghai Major merchandise. On one occasion, leaving my press badge visible even sparked conversations with other fans. For me, this city felt like the perfect backdrop for such a monumental event.

A Major to Remember

The Perfect World Shanghai Major stands as one of the best esports events in history. From thrilling matches to impeccable organization, it captured the essence of Counter-Strike. After watching the playoffs in person, feeling the crowd’s roar, I can confidently place it alongside PGL Stockholm and Antwerp as one of the greatest. With 2025 around the corner, my expectations are higher than ever—and Shanghai has set the gold standard.