From March 17 to 31, 2024, the first Major of CS2, the PGL Copenhagen Major, took place at the Bella Center in Copenhagen, Denmark. This highly anticipated event drew global attention, becoming a significant milestone in the professional CS2 season. This article will thoroughly review the event highlights, participating teams, schedule, and player performances, taking you through this exciting journey in esports.
Importance of the First CS2 Major
As the first Major of CS2, the PGL Copenhagen Major marked the official debut of this new version on the professional stage. Players were eager to explore new mechanics, maps, and weapons, and the competition became an ideal platform for teams to showcase their new tactics. This Major was not just a showdown between teams but also an opportunity for developers to engage with the player community, fostering a better understanding and excitement for the new version.
Event Structure and Competition System
The PGL Copenhagen Major had a structure that included RMR (Regional Major Ranking) and the main stages. The RMR event was held in early 2024, determining the 24 teams that participated in the Major. The main stages consisted of a group stage and a playoff stage, using the Swiss system, followed by a single-elimination tournament.
RMR (Regional Qualification Events)
Before the Major, RMR events were held in various regions to determine the 24 participating teams. These events used a scoring system to evaluate team performance, allowing successful teams to qualify for the Major.
Regional Rankings
The qualification process for the PGL Copenhagen Major was different from previous events. Valve did not solely rely on team performance in the RMR for qualifications, considering various factors such as prize earnings, the prize earnings of opponents, the number of opponents defeated, and head-to-head records.
Schedule and Stages
- Open Qualifiers: January 8 to 17
- Closed Qualifiers: January 18 to 28
- RMR Europe - Group A: February 14 to 17 — Bucharest, Romania
- RMR Europe - Group B: February 19 to 22 — Bucharest, Romania
- Open Qualifier Requalification: February 23 to 24 — Bucharest, Romania
- RMR Asia: February 26 to 28 — Shanghai, China
- RMR Americas: March 1 to 4 — Monterrey, Mexico
- Open Stage: March 17 to 20 — Copenhagen, Denmark
- Playoff Stage: March 21 to 24 — Copenhagen, Denmark
- Decisive Stage: March 28 to 31 — Copenhagen, Denmark
Participating Teams
This Major featured 24 teams, including several well-known organizations and new talents. Among the standout teams were:
- FaZe Clan: One of the top teams in the international esports scene, known for their strong team collaboration and high-level stars. They have won numerous championships during the CS:GO era and aimed to continue their success in CS2.
- NAVI: A Ukrainian team that has excelled in several Majors, known for their versatile tactics and standout players.
- G2 Esports: A European team known for their aggressive tactics and talented roster, always a strong title contender.
- Team Liquid: A leading representative from North America, with extensive competition experience and a variety of tactics.
- Heroic: A Danish team recognized for their consistency and excellent teamwork, featuring promising young talents.
- FURIA: A representative from Brazil, famous for their aggressive playstyle and high individual skill.
- MIBR: A historic Brazilian team with vast experience in international competitions.
- Sprout: A new force in Europe, with young players showing great potential.
- Eternal Fire: A new talent from Turkey, with players active in the global scene.
Additionally, several teams from Asia, South America, and other regions participated in this Major, showcasing the diversity and competitiveness of global esports.
Phase Results
Opening Stage (March 17 to 20, 2024)
The opening stage took place from March 17 to 20, 2024, with 24 teams competing in a league format to secure spots in the next stage. The teams that advanced to the playoffs were:
- Heroic
- Cloud9
- Eternal Fire
- FURIA
- Pain Gaming
- Imperial
- Mongolz
- 9z
Playoff Stage (March 21 to 24, 2024)
The playoff stage took place from March 21 to 24, 2024. In this stage, eight teams that advanced from the opening stage faced off against eight teams that qualified through the RMR. The teams that reached the semifinals were:
- Spirit
- MOUZ
- Eternal Fire
- Cloud9
- Vitality
- forZe
- G2 Esports
- FaZe Clan
Decisive Stage (March 28 to 31, 2024)
The decisive stage, the most anticipated part of the Major, took place from March 28 to 31, 2024. The eight teams competed in a single-elimination format for the championship. The final standings were as follows:
- Vitality
- FaZe Clan
- G2 Esports
- Team Vitality
- MOUZ
Review of Main Events
Group Stage Surprises
The group stage was marked by intense competition, with several teams alternating in the lead. One of the most notable matches was between G2 and Heroic, where G2 emerged victorious after a series of thrilling rounds, impressing the spectators. This match highlighted not only individual skills but also the importance of teamwork.
Playoff Turnarounds
The semifinals brought emotions to the surface, especially in the match between FaZe Clan and NAVI. The competition was fierce, with both sides giving their all, but FaZe managed to advance to the final with a narrow victory. The players' performance was one of the season's highlights, with FaZe demonstrating excellent teamwork and adaptability in their strategies.
The Decisive Confrontation
In the final, FaZe Clan faced G2. The match was tense, with the crowd living each round intensely. With exceptional team performance and individual skills, FaZe Clan clinched the title with a 3-2 result, becoming the first champions of the CS2 Major. After the victory, the players expressed their excitement and pride in the achievement, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Event Highlights
The Incredible Victory of FaZe Clan
FaZe Clan stood out in the playoffs, especially in the semifinal against G2, where, despite being at a disadvantage, they managed to turn the situation around with remarkable teamwork and decisive performances.
The Glow of Vitality
Vitality showed strength in the group stage, easily advancing to the playoffs with impressive plays from their key players.
The Decisive Victory of Cloud9
Cloud9 overcame Heroic in a tight matchup in the playoffs, triumphing in a decisive round with a narrow victory that showcased their resilience.
The Stability of G2 Esports
G2 maintained a high level of performance throughout the event, especially in the playoffs, where their tactical execution and teamwork proved challenging for their opponents.
Tactical Innovations
The new mechanics of CS2 allowed teams to experiment with innovative tactics, particularly in the use of maps and balancing new weapons, increasing the event's appeal.
Community Interaction
The PGL organized the event with attention to detail, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The audience shared their opinions on social media, boosting engagement and popularity for CS2.
Post-Event Interviews and Future Development
After the victory, the captain of FaZe Clan commented: “This is the result of our effort; we have always been preparing for this moment.” He emphasized the importance of teamwork and expressed confidence for the future. This win not only elevated the team's profile but also established a solid foundation for their professional careers.
Future Outlook
The success of the PGL Copenhagen Major solidified a foundation for CS2, and the successful execution of the event generated excitement for future competitions. The rise of new teams and the transition of veteran players continue to enrich the professional CS2 ecosystem.
