PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 Recap: Best players in all categories

As the inaugural Major for Counter-Strike 2, PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 was not just a tournament; it was history in the making. Amidst the transition to a new era of Counter-Strike, players from around the globe convened to showcase their mastery of the game. This retrospective celebrates the players who shone in their roles, defining the competitive landscape of this landmark tournament.

Best Snipers

In the inaugural Counter-Strike 2 Major at PGL Major Copenhagen 2024, the role of the sniper was more crucial than ever, with players adapting to the nuances of the new game. Amidst this transition, several snipers stood out for their exceptional skill, precision, and ability to turn the tide of matches with their AWP prowess:

Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov (G2): Dominating the sniper leaderboard, m0NESY boasted an impressive 0.406 AWP kills per round. His pinpoint accuracy and quick reflexes made him a formidable force, contributing significantly to G2's performances throughout the tournament.
Dzhami "Jame" Ali (Virtus.pro): With 0.350 AWP kills per round, Jame's strategic positioning and lethal sniping were key to Virtus.pro's tactical executions, showcasing his reputation as a sniper who can consistently deliver under pressure.
Ádám "torzsi" Torzsás (MOUZ): Torzsás, with 0.316 AWP kills per round, proved his mettle as a top-tier sniper, his contributions vital in MOUZ's matches, highlighting his adaptability and prowess in Counter-Strike 2.
Özgür "woxic" Eker (Eternal Fire): Woxic's AWP skills shone through with 0.290 kills per round, his aggressive playstyle and clutch sniping making him a critical asset to Eternal Fire's strategies.
Ihor "w0nderful" Zhdanov (NAVI): As part of the NAVI lineup, w0nderful achieved 0.289 AWP kills per round, showcasing his growing reputation as a sniper capable of holding his ground against the best, contributing to NAVI's journey to the finals.

Clutchers

The ability to clutch, to pull off seemingly impossible wins in high-stakes situations, is what defines the legends of Counter-Strike. PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 saw numerous moments where games were turned around by sheer individual brilliance:

Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov (G2): Demonstrating his versatility, m0NESY not only excelled as a sniper but also stood out in clutch situations. His ability to maintain composure and secure round wins in 1vX situations was a spectacle, adding to his team's tactical depth.
Justinas "jL" Lekavicius (NAVI): NAVI's jL emerged as a clutch master, with notable performances including a 1v3 situation. His ability to read opponents and make split-second decisions under pressure was crucial for NAVI, especially in their path to the final.
Helvijs "broky" Saukants (FaZe): Broky, known for his calm and calculated playstyle, excelled in clutch situations, reinforcing FaZe's strategies and contributing to their advance to the final. His 1vX victories were not just wins but statements of intent.
Valerii "b1t" Vakhovskyi (NAVI): B1t's clutch capabilities were on full display, with a standout 1v3 victory that showcased his skill and strategic mindset. His contributions were pivotal in NAVI's matches, proving that he could be relied upon when the stakes were highest.
Finn "karrigan" Andersen (FaZe): The experienced karrigan proved that clutching is not just the domain of young guns. His strategic clutches, particularly in 1v2 situations, were instrumental in FaZe's performances, demonstrating his invaluable experience and leadership on the battlefield.

These players, through their remarkable sniping and clutching abilities, not only defined the competitive landscape of the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 but also set high standards for future talents in the evolving world of Counter-Strike 2.

Headshot Machines

The transition to Counter-Strike 2 brought with it a renewed emphasis on precision and skill, particularly in landing headshots, which can dramatically alter the outcome of any engagement. During the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024, certain players distinguished themselves by consistently delivering headshots, earning them the title of "Headshot Machines":

Kamil "siuhy" Szkaradek (MOUZ): Topping the headshot charts, siuhy achieved a staggering 66.7% headshot rate, demonstrating unparalleled precision and making every shot count, contributing significantly to MOUZ's performance throughout the tournament.
Jonas "Queenix" Dideriksen (ECSTATIC): Matching siuhy's precision, Queenix also boasted a 66.7% headshot percentage, his sharpshooting skills a key asset for ECSTATIC, proving that accuracy can indeed turn the tide of battle.
Petr "fame" Bolyshev (Virtus.pro): Fame, with a 64.5% headshot rate, showed exceptional aiming skill, contributing to Virtus.pro's strategies with his ability to consistently take down opponents with precision.
Jonathan "EliGE" Jablonowski (Complexity): EliGE, known for his aggressive playstyle, maintained a 64.2% headshot rate, his accuracy and reflexes making him a formidable opponent in any engagement.
Håvard "rain" Nygaard (FaZe): Rain's 63.4% headshot rate underlined his role as a precision shooter for FaZe, his consistent performance helping pave the way to their appearance in the final.

Supports

In the strategic landscape of Counter-Strike 2, the role of the support player has become even more critical. These players excel not just in their ability to hold angles and secure sites but also in their utility usage, which can set up their team for success or disrupt the enemy's plans. The following players stood out as exceptional supports during the tournament:

Evgeniy "FL1T" Lebedev (Virtus.pro): Leading the support category, FL1T's strategic HE grenade usage, with an impressive 10.22 HE ADR, played a crucial role in Virtus.pro's tactical executions, demonstrating the impact of well-timed utility.
Dan "apEX" Madesclaire (Vitality): Close behind, apEX's 10.01 HE ADR highlighted his expertise in grenade placement and timing, significantly contributing to Vitality's ability to control the pace and flow of their matches.
Patrick "Patti" Larsen (ECSTATIC): With an 8.5 HE ADR, Patti proved to be a pivotal support element for ECSTATIC, his utility play disrupting opponents and opening opportunities for his teammates.
İsmailсan "XANTARES" Dörtkardeş (Eternal Fire): XANTARES, known for his raw aim, also excelled in a support capacity, achieving a 7.33 HE ADR and showcasing his versatility and strategic understanding of the game.
Engin "MAJ3R" Küpeli (Eternal Fire): MAJ3R's support play, with a 7.17 HE ADR, was instrumental in Eternal Fire's strategies, his experience and utility usage providing his team with crucial advantages in key rounds.

These "Headshot Machines" and "Supports" not only showcased individual excellence but also underscored the importance of teamwork and strategic play in Counter-Strike 2, contributing to the dynamic and competitive spirit of the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024.

Openers

In Counter-Strike 2, the initial moments of a round are crucial, setting the tone for what's to come. The players who excel in securing the first kill, known as openers, often give their teams a significant advantage. During the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024, these players stood out for their ability to consistently secure opening kills, demonstrating their critical role in their teams' strategies:

Sergey "Ax1Le" Rykhtorov (Cloud9): Leading the pack with 0.172 open kills per round, Ax1Le's aggressive yet calculated plays frequently put Cloud9 in advantageous positions, showcasing his ability to dictate the early game dynamics.
Tobias "kraghen" Kragh Jensen (ECSTATIC): Kraghen, with an impressive 0.168 open kills per round, proved vital for ECSTATIC's early round strategies, his opening kills setting the stage for the team's success in numerous rounds.
Danil "donk" Kryshkovets (Spirit): Donk's knack for finding the first kill, with a rate of 0.165 open kills per round, was a key factor in Spirit's ability to control the pace of their matches, demonstrating his importance to the team's overall performance.
Ludvig "Brollan" Brolin (MOUZ): Brollan, known for his sharp aim and quick reflexes, contributed significantly to MOUZ with 0.112 open kills per round, his ability to secure early advantages often tipping the scales in their favor.
Nico "nicoodoz" Tamjidi (HEROIC): With 0.109 open kills per round, nicoodoz's role as an opener for HEROIC was crucial, his early round impact setting up his team for success in many crucial rounds throughout the tournament.

Conclusion

PGL Major Copenhagen 2024, marking the debut of Counter-Strike 2 on the Major stage, was a landmark event that not only celebrated the game's evolution but also highlighted the adaptability and sheer talent of its players. From the precision of the best snipers and the nerve-wracking clutches to the unerring accuracy of headshot machines, the invaluable support plays, and the decisive openers, this tournament showcased a diverse array of skills that underline the multifaceted nature of competitive Counter-Strike.