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DreamHack to Shanghai: How CS Major Champions Changed the Game

BBG News

Relive the Major moments of CS:GO and CS2 history that shaped the very fabric of the esport.

Major Championships for Counter-Strike have served as the epicenter of esports greatness since 2013. From the raw heat of DreamHack Winter to the daring exploration of Shanghai in 2024, these competitions have molded champions and ignited a worldwide enthusiasm for CS:GO and now CS2.

This narrates the story of the teams that reached the peak – an epic account filled with genius, surprises, and a continually expanding influence.

The Starting Line: DreamHack Winter 2013

At DreamHack Winter 2013, Sweden’s Fnatic kicked off the competition with a winning shot. Guided by Flusha and JW, they secured their first Major title and didn’t slow down. They went on to win ESL One Katowice 2015 and ESL One Cologne 2015 as well. In just two years, they had amassed three victories, making Fnatic the early torchbearers, sparking a competitive spirit that continues to blaze today.

Poland’s Moment: ESL One Katowice 2014

At ESL One Katowice 2014, Virtus.pro took advantage of their opportunity. With an enthusiastic Polish audience watching, PashaBiceps and his team gave a nearly perfect performance, dropping only one map. This win was more than just a victory in the game; it was a thunderous proclamation of Poland’s significance within the CSGO landscape.

A Broader Stage: NiP and the French Surge

In 2014, Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP) from Sweden grabbed the attention of the world with their victory at ESL One Cologne, a significant Major title that added to their storied legacy. France also made its mark: Team LDLC navigated through turmoil to claim DreamHack Winter 2014, while Team EnVyUs dazzled at DreamHack Cluj-Napoca 2015, fueled by kennyS’ exceptional sniping skills. These victories expanded the competitive landscape, suggesting the epic international clashes to follow.

Brazil’s Brilliance: 2016

2016 saw Brazil make a significant impact in the world of Counter-Strike. Luminosity Gaming, in particular, stunned everyone at MLG Columbus when Coldzera’s remarkable performances on Mirage etched their feats into legend. Later, as SK Gaming, the same team swept ESL One Cologne 2016. With two Major victories under their belt, this unstoppable roster from Brazil left a lasting impression on the CS:GO community.

These memorable matches from these tournaments have persisted in shaping the game’s cultural landscape and enthusiast network, with dedicated fans still invoking those epic scenes as they monitor live changes in CS:GO skin values. Who wouldn’t aspire to own a Coldzera sticker, reminiscent of his legendary Columbus jumping AWP maneuver?

Astralis: The Titans of CS

Since the ELEAGUE Major Atlanta 2017, Astralis has claimed dominance over Major tournaments. The Danish team, consisting of Device, Gla1ve, Magisk, dupreeh, Xyp9x, and zonic, amassed victories at FACEIT Major London 2018, IEM Katowice 2019, and StarLadder Berlin 2019. With four titles under their belt, they have revolutionized their tactics and established themselves as an unbeatable dynasty, redefining the concept of dominance in the world of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

The Underdog Spirit: Krakow & Boston

Underdogs flourish when things take an unexpected turn. Gambit’s PGL Krakow 2017 journey, driven by Zeus’ tactical brilliance and Dosia’s timely grenade, was a real-life fairy tale unfolding. Cloud9 responded for North America at the ELEAGUE Major Boston 2018, their final against FaZe Clan demonstrating unyielding determination. These victories showed that triumph isn’t exclusive to the favorites.

CS2’s Dawn: Copenhagen 2024

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but be excited about my recent experience at the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024, which introduced us to a brand-new era of Counter-Strike – CS2! Despite Natus Vincere stepping into the fray without their legendary player s1mple, they managed to shatter expectations and secure the first-ever CS2 Major victory. This tournament marked a significant turning point, serving as a bridge connecting CS:GO’s rich history with a future teeming with potential.

Spirit’s Shanghai Statement: PW Shanghai Major 2024

The narrative moved forward to the PW Shanghai Major 2024, where Team Spirit claimed victory. With impeccable accuracy, they outperformed a formidable FaZe team, establishing themselves as the latest powerhouse in CS2. Shanghai served as an ideal conclusion to a year filled with change, highlighting the constantly growing pool of talented players within the game.

A Living Legacy

From Fnatic’s triumph at DreamHack to Spirit’s success in Shanghai, the CS:GO Major champions create a rich and captivating tapestry of talent and intrigue. Each win adds another thread; it could be the continuation of a dynasty, the fulfillment of an underdog’s aspirations, or the dawn of a new era.

The impact of tournaments transcends just gameplay, shaping team tactics, community dynamics, and the digital memorabilia that celebrate significant moments in Counter-Strike’s history. This pulse runs through every match and memory, with many more stories waiting to be added to Counter-Strike’s ongoing narrative.

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2025-02-26 17:41

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