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22:14, 08.03.2024
Counter-Strike Majors not only represent the pinnacle of professional gaming skill but also a test of stability and stress resilience for the participating teams. Over the years, only a few clubs have managed to maintain a high level of performance and a constant presence at the world's most prestigious CS tournaments. In this article, Bo3.gg will look at the ten most consistent organizations in the history of Counter-Strike Majors.
#10. Team Liquid
Team Liquid, a North American organization, has participated in 12 Majors, consistently demonstrating a drive to win. Although they have yet to win a Major, their constant presence at the top of tournament leaderboards speaks to their stability and high ambitions.
In 2019, Liquid had a brief but impressively successful period. In just four months, they won the Intel Grand Slam, earning one million dollars paid in gold bars. This success allowed them to become the world's best team, albeit for a short time.
#9. G2 Esports
G2 Esports is also a veteran of Majors, having participated in 12 and qualified for their 13th. The club always puts together a roster capable of competing for top places. Despite the lack of Major wins, the organization can compete with the best.
#8. Cloud9
Another representative from North America, Cloud9 has won a Major and proved that it can compete and win at the highest level. The upcoming Major will be the club's 13th.
#7. FaZe Clan
The FaZe Clan organization remains committed to the concept of international rosters, which has borne fruit. The club became the champions of PGL Major Antwerp 2022 and continues to demonstrate high competitiveness. The current FaZe Clan roster has successfully qualified for the next Major, which will be the organization's 13th.
In addition to the 2022 Major, FaZe Clan won all Major tournaments — IEM Katowice, IEM Cologne, ESL Pro League. With the transition to CS2 and minor changes in the lineup, the team continues to hold leading positions on the pro scene.
#6. MOUZ
MOUZ, despite participating in 13 Majors and lacking titles, continues to prove that it is a force to be reckoned with. Thanks to stable performances at Majors and focusing on graduates from its own academy, the organization has become self-sufficient and financially stable.
#5. Virtus.pro
Virtus.pro, with its legendary Polish roster, is one of the most recognizable tags in CS history. The Polish five brought the club one championship, one second place, and five 3-4 places.
Unfortunately, the story of this team ended dramatically: due to a series of failures and erroneous decisions by the management, conflict arose between the players. Although together they made a powerful team, after splitting up, none of the players could maintain a tier-1 level in the long term.
#4. Astralis
The Danish club Astralis, having participated in 10 Majors, won the top spot four times and placed in the top three twice. These achievements came during the so-called "Astralis era," when their roster was unmatched by other teams. However, the "era" ended, and the results significantly worsened.
The golden roster of Astralis introduced revolutionary changes to Counter-Strike. They introduced innovative preparation methods, strategies, and teamwork on the server. Astralis proved that the use of smoke grenades could be significantly broader than just a couple of standard throws. Other clubs are still significantly behind the level achieved by the Danes in 2018-2019.
#3. Ninjas in Pyjamas
The Swedish club Ninjas in Pyjamas, despite current difficulties, has left a noticeable mark in the history of CS Majors. The organization has one Major win and several runner-up finishes. At one point, NiP dominated the CS pro scene, but now it struggles to attract top players.
NiP dominated the pro scene in 2012 and 2013, setting a record for the longest winning streak of 87 maps in a row. This team also made it to the finals of five consecutive Majors. The achievements of the Swedish team are unforgettable.
#2. Fnatic
Fnatic, another Swedish giant going through a crisis, remains one of the most successful in CS history. Three Major wins confirm Fnatic's incredible contribution to the development of the pro scene. The organization was represented at 16 Majors.
In addition to successes at Majors, the Swedish club won IEM Katowice twice and claimed the championship titles in the first two seasons of ESL Pro League. It's very unfortunate that the organization couldn't keep such a talented lineup. Can Fnatic return to the top in CS2?
#1. Natus Vincere
Natus Vincere tops this list. PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 will be NAVI's twentieth in the club's history. The Ukrainian organization is the only one that has performed at all CS Majors. Various NAVI lineups have won one Major, finished second four times, and placed third or fourth three times.
In 2021, in addition to the long-awaited triumph at a Major, the team also won a series of Major tournaments held by ESL and BLAST. However, in 2022, the team's successes began to decline, and now the organization is going through a restructuring phase. Nevertheless, NAVI continues to maintain a high level, regularly participating in Majors!
These clubs demonstrate incredible stability and the ability to adapt to dynamic changes on the professional Counter-Strike scene. Their example is an inspiration for the new generation of esports athletes.
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