The Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 has concluded, with Spirit emerging victorious after a thrilling 2-1 final against FaZe. This victory marks Spirit’s third major title in 2024, following their wins at IEM Katowice and BLAST Premier: Spring Final. They also reached the final of BLAST Premier: World Final, where they were bested by G2. With this triumph, Spirit took home the grand prize of $500,000, while FaZe settled for $170,000 as runners-up.
Donk Crowned MVP
The undisputed star of the tournament was Danil "donk" Kryshkovets, who claimed the MVP award thanks to his jaw-dropping performances throughout the event. His overall rating of 7.5, an average of 0.98 kills per round and 101 ADR, showcased his dominance at China. At just 17 years old, this achievement makes him one of the brightest stars in Counter-Strike, putting him in a prime position to become the player of the year.
Donk's Tournament Ratings:
- vs FURIA: 7.5
- vs Wildcard: 7.4
- vs NAVI: 7.8
- vs HEROIC: 7.8
- vs Liquid: 8.0
- vs MOUZ: 6.1
- vs FaZe (Final): 8.1
Throughout the event, donk delivered masterclass performances, dominating even the toughest opponents. His clutch plays (especially one versus HEROIC), precise aim, and remarkable game sense were crucial in Spirit’s road to victory. His ability to maintain such a high level of play under immense pressure speaks volumes about his potential.
Exceptional Players of the Tournament (EVPs)
Several players stood out alongside donk, earning recognition as Exceptional Valuable Players (EVPs):
Robin "ropz" Kool
- Rating: 6.8
- Team: FaZe
- Impact: The Estonian rifler was the heart and soul of FaZe’s run at the Major. His late rounds performances and consistency kept FaZe competitive, especially in the grand final against Spirit. Without ropz, FaZe might not have reached the final.
Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov
- Rating: 6.6
- Team: G2
- Impact: While not his best tournament, m0NESY still showed flashes of brilliance. His sniping was crucial in G2’s deep run, though his inconsistency in the playoffs held the team back. Nonetheless, his skill earned him EVP recognition.
Nikola "NiKo" Kovač
- Rating: 6.7
- Team: G2
- Impact: Though G2 fell short of the final, NiKo put in a stellar performance throughout the event. His sharp aim and relentless aggression made him one of the best riflers of the tournament. His final event with G2 ended on a high note, despite the team’s elimination in the semifinals.
Looking Ahead
With the season now over, all eyes turn to 2025, which will begin with the first event in the new partnerless system, BLAST Bounty Spring that takes place in Copenhagen from January 23-26. Spirit’s triumphant season has set the stage for even greater expectations next year. FaZe, on the other hand, will need to regroup after another heartbreaking loss in a Major final.
As the Counter-Strike scene evolves, donk’s remarkable rise symbolizes the start of a new era. His journey from a promising rookie to a Major-winning MVP has captivated fans worldwide. With such exceptional talent on display, the future of competitive CS2 looks brighter than ever.
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