North America finally has a Major Champion
It all came down to this; FaZe Clan, a team comprised of allstars from all across Europe that had a standing of 10-1 since the start of the tournament, versus Cloud9, an organization that has long been a joke in the CS:GO scene. This is the first Major Finals appearance for both of these teams and both of them are hungry for the title.
The competition started off on Mirage with the North American team on the T-side. They were quick to secure a 7-1 lead over the EU powerhouse with the help of Tyler Skadoodle Latham. FaZe fought back with the help of Ladislav GuardiaN Kovács, where he got a 4k to force the first half to 6:9.
As the second half begun, the Europeans started dominating the pistol round with Håvard rain Nygaard securing a 3k for his team. Cloud9 gambled with a force-buy that paid off for them and was able to push the match closer and closer to match point before FaZe closed out the first game in a close 16:14 scoreline.
Overpass, FaZe’s pick, started off once again with Cloud9 storming out of the gates in the pistol round securing a quick 3:0 lead. A couple of rounds in, FaZe finally made a foothold in the first half before ending it 3:12 in favor of the North Americans.
As the second half started, rain once again secured a 3k to help establish a good start for the second half. But just like in Mirage, the boys in blue went for a force-buy which helped them secure the following round.
Cloud9 secured map point before FaZe clawed their way back up the scoreboard at 8:15. Despite Nikola NiKo Kovač’s sudden explosion in the map, the North American squad was able to secure the second game and forced the game to the final map of the series.
Still feeling the morale boost from winning the second match, they quickly went into Inferno with a 5-1 lead against the Europeans. FaZe tightened up the pressure and kept the game close until Cloud9 went back into their senses and finished the first half 10-5 in their favor. The European Allstars suddenly and out of nowhere completely shut down any sign of an economic advantage of Cloud9, eventually reaching match point.
At 15-14, Jake Stewie2k Yip made a crucial hold against FaZe that eventually forced the game into overtime.
The first overtime initially looked like it was going to be Cloud9’s game, but FaZe came back and tied the game 18:18 with the help of GuardiaN and forced the game into second overtime (the first time in a Major to go double overtime).
During the second overtime, Tarik tarik Celik was the point man for Cloud9 as he helped secure the game for his team during the second overtime. He sealed the deal with a crucial ace that would eventually have them lift the trophy in their home crowd as they secure the first ever Major victory of North America.
