Action started on Tuesday to begin the six day campaign of 16 teams each searching for the trophy in the first ever $1,000,000 prize pool CSGO tournament in Columbus, Ohio. The favorite to win the tournament was Fnatic, winning 6 of the last 10 premier tournaments.
Group A was the closest group, consisting of Luminosity, Ninjas in Pyjamas, FlipSid3 Tactics, and mousesports. Luminosity made it out of the group as the clear favorite, not dropping a map, and continuing their top form momentum from IEM Katowice, where they took 2nd place. NiP, with coach THREAT standing in for pyth, managed to squeak by Mousesports in the Best of 3 decider match to make it into the quarterfinals.
Final Standings:
1. Luminosity (2-0)
2. NiP (2-1)
3. mousesports (1-2)
4. FlipSid3 Tactics (0-2)
Standout Individual Performances: fnx, Coldzera, GeT_Right, Threat
Group B came as somewhat of a surprise to some, with Liquid managing to defeat Fnatic in their match on Dust II in overtime. This outcome continued Fnatic’s recent trend of poor performances in group stages, squeaking into quarterfinals, and winning tournaments. American hopeful Liquid also defeated FaZe, continuing their poor record since their roster changed hands from G2 to FaZe, winning less than 10 games since.
Final Standings:
1. Liquid (2-0)
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2. Fnatic (2-1)
3. FaZe Clan (1-2)
4. Splyce (0-2)
Standout Individual Performances: s1mple, elige, dennis, olofmeister
Group C left EnVyUs fans worried as they finished 0-2, continuing their downward spiral despite new pickup DEVIL. Otherwise, the group finished as expected, with Danish pride Astralis and American CLG making it through, leaving Dosia of Gambit just short of another shot at greatness.
Final Standings:
1. Astralis (2-0)
2. CLG (2-1)
3. Gambit (1-2)
4. EnVyUs (0-2)
Standout Individual Performances: jdm64, tarik, device, cajunb
Group D was the toughest group to predict, with Na’Vi and Virtus.pro playing in top form going into the tournament, G2 being a solid team, and Cloud9 being a team known for showing up and upsetting teams at majors. However, it appears C9 lost this reputation when star clutch player, Hiko, left the team. This group ended up being a steamroll showcase, as no losing team put up double digits on any map. Na’Vi, clear favorites, gave us no surprise as they handily took the group, winning 16-9 and 16-4 over Cloud9 and VP, respectively. All 5 players of VP managed to put up good performances in the B03 decider against G2 to put them through to the quarterfinals, winning 2-1.
Final Standings:
1. Natus Vincere (2-0)
2. Virtus.pro (2-1)
3. G2 (1-2)
4. Cloud9 (0-2)
Standout Individual Performances: GuardiaN, Edward, NEO, Snax
Quarterfinal Match-ups:
Na’Vi vs. NiP
Seized stepped up big for Na’Vi in this match, putting up 50 frags in the 2-0 win. This map was the first time we saw THREAT under-perform, finishing at 18 kills, 40 deaths on the series. Although GuardiaN’s AWP appeared to be below its normal caliber, the rest of the team was able to make-up for it, moving them into yet another semifinal appearance.
Result: Na’vi 2-0 NiP
MVP: Seized (50-27)
Astralis vs. Fnatic
Although making it out of groups, Fnatic could not quite snap out of their group-stage slump, losing composure after the first map, allowing Astralis to show a dominating 16-5 win on the second map, Cache. There was some drama in the second map, as Astralis, being up 15-5, showed some disrespect by pausing the game. When questioned about the pause in an interview, Karrigan stated that Fnatic has never respected Astralis as a team, so they paused to give them 2 minutes to think about how convincingly they were beaten by them.
Result: Astralis 2-0 Fnatic
MVP: Dupreeh (52-27)
Liquid vs. CLG
The American showdown. Liquid looking to show dominance with their new addition of Ukranian star s1mple, with CLG hoping to maintain their status as a top American team. The series started off poorly for Liquid, with CLG taking the first half 12-3. Liquid managed to rally behind massive AWP plays by s1mple, clawing back and defeating CLG 16-13 in an amazing match, dropping only 1 round in the second half. CLG appeared to have been rattled too much by giving up such a lead, and Liquid took the second map handily, moving them into the semifinals, placing Hiko a notch above all American players by clinching his second Major semifinal.
Result: Liquid 2-0 CLG
MVP: s1mple (51-35)
Luminosity vs. Virtus.pro
With the recent performances of VP, it was hard to tell whether Luminosity would continue their dominance of top level CS, or be plowed by the Polish talents. VP managed to take the first map in OT in a very close slug fest. In the end, Luminosity was able to take the second and third maps on the back of coldzera’s impressive AWPing, putting him up to 73 frags on the series. Although a tough loss for Virtus.pro, one cannot help but admit that Luminosity is playing in impeccable form.
Result: Luminosity 2-0 Virtus.pro
MVP: coldzera (73-53)
Semifinal Match-Ups:
Na’Vi vs. Astralis
On paper, this is a very close match-up, as both teams are considered among the elite, and Astralis being in top form coming off their victory over #1 ranked Fnatic. However, this momentum was not enough to unseat an extremely hot Na’Vi looking to take their first CSGO Major ever. Although GuardiaN continued to struggle, still recovering from his wrist injury, both Flamie and Edward stepped up big time to continue their streak of not dropping a map in the tournament. Astralis appeared to break down, losing all composure after Cajunb threw a round Astralis had locked up by peeking Edward before time expired, with no time left for Edward to plant.
Result: Na’Vi 2-0 Astralis
MVP: Edward (50-28)
Liquid vs. Luminosity
With the American crowd roaring behind Liquid, chanting phrases such as “USA” and “s1mple, s1mple”, it would be a tough series for Luminosity. After Liquid going up 15-9 on the first map after a miraculous turnaround from an early deficit, with the crowd roaring, coldzera started off an insane comeback by picking up a 4K with the AWP, no-scoping 3 players with just 2 shots. LG managed to take Liquid into OT, where a heartbroken Liquid did not manage to win even a round. Liquid managed to come to yet another 15-X lead in the second map, yet again, with nerves of steel, LG took the map round by round, and yet again took Liquid into OT and beat them, leaving Liquid completely heartbroken by their inability to closeout each map. Although an impressive showing making it to the semis with adreN still playing, Liquid could not help but be disappointed in the way their streak ended.
Result: Liquid 0-2 Luminosity
MVP: coldzera (64-42)
Grand Finals Preview:
Natus Vincere vs. Luminosity
This will be Luminosity’s second grand final appearance, losing to Fnatic at IEM Katowice. Na’Vi will be taking the stage in their second grand final appearance at a CSGO Major. Both teams are looking very strong heading into the match, but with Luminosity’s early game struggles against Liquid, it appears Na’Vi have a slight edge if star AWPer GuardiaN can show up tomorrow. Na’Vi also has much more experience on the international stage, and have yet to drop a single map during the tournament. Should be a fantastic series to watch, and best of luck to both teams.
My pick: Na’Vi 2-0
Players to Watch: Edward, GuardiaN, coldzera, FalleN’s IGL.
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