Major tournaments in CS:GO have become a pivotal milestone in the evolution of esports, transforming video games into a professional industry. Supported by Valve, these events have become the ultimate goal for teams and players dreaming of claiming the prestigious title of CS Major Champions and making their mark in history. Majors have given us the chance to witness the gameplay of the strongest teams from around the world, battling for massive prize pools and the status of legends.

To date, over 20 Major tournaments have been held, each becoming an unforgettable event for fans. These competitions attract millions of viewers both online and offline, filling the stands of massive arenas, with tickets often selling out within hours of release. Major tournaments are not only about intense competition but also grand spectacles featuring unique content such as stickers, graffiti, and souvenir cases that emphasize the significance and uniqueness of each event.

Today, on the eve of the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024, we invite you to revisit the history of Major tournaments and celebrate the CS 2 & CSGO Major Champions, recalling the brightest moments and teams that have left their mark on the scene.

DreamHack Winter 2013: The First Major in CS:GO History

DreamHack Winter 2013 marked a significant moment in the history of the professional CS:GO scene. Held from November 28 to December 1, 2013, in Jönköping, Sweden, this tournament signaled the beginning of the Major Championship era and left an enduring legacy in the esports industry.

With a prize pool of $250,000 funded by Valve, the event attracted 16 of the best teams in the world. For CS:GO, this was a crucial step toward becoming one of the premier esports disciplines. The champions were promised $100,000, which made the competition incredibly fierce.

DreamHack Winter 2013 brought together some of the brightest names in the scene. Among the favorites were Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP), who had dominated the game since its release. Other notable participants included VeryGames, Complexity, Astana Dragons, and Na'Vi, who were just beginning their journey in CS:GO. At the time, this prize pool was considered a massive amount in esports.

The group stage followed a Bo1 format, where two wins secured a spot in the playoffs, while two losses meant elimination. After the group stage, eight teams advanced to the playoffs, where matches were played in a Bo3 format. The single-elimination bracket left no room for mistakes.

The tournament's grand final saw Ninjas in Pyjamas face off against Fnatic. NiP were the favorites, but Fnatic, considered underdogs at the time, triumphed with a 2:1 victory on the decisive map, de_dust2. Jesper "JW" Wecksell was the breakout star of the event, delivering an incredible performance with the AWP.

DreamHack Winter 2013 was not just a competition but a milestone event for the entire gaming community. For the first time in CS:GO, team stickers and capsules were introduced, engaging the community and providing financial support for the scene.

This tournament laid the foundation for the Major Championships, setting a high standard for future events. DreamHack Winter 2013 was the starting point for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive to establish itself as a cornerstone of esports.

The DreamHack Winter 2013 Championship Roster

Credit: HLTV/ESL

• Markus " pronax " Wallsten — In-Game Leader (IGL)
• Jesper " JW " Wecksell — AWPer
• Robin " flusha " Rönnquist — Rifler/ Support
• Andreas " znajder " Lindberg — Rifler/ Secondary Entry Fragger
• Jonas " krimz " Bengtsson — Rifler/ Lurker

ESL Major Series One Katowice 2014

ESL Major Series One Katowice 2014 became a pivotal event for both the country and city hosting this professional CS:GO tournament. Held from March 13 to 16, 2014, at the Spodek Arena in Katowice, Poland, it was the second Major tournament organized with Valve's support, featuring a $250,000 prize pool.

The competition brought together 16 of the world's best teams, including past tournament favorites such as Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP), Titan (formerly VeryGames), and Fnatic, as well as promising newcomers like the Polish Virtus.pro and the American iBUYPOWER. Teams were divided into four groups, with group stage matches played in a Bo1 format. The top two teams from each group advanced to the playoff stage.

Virtus.Pro, the Polish team, emerged as the tournament's biggest sensation. Backed by passionate home support, the team confidently advanced through the group stage and playoffs. Janusz "Snax" Pogorzelski and Paweł "byali" Bieliński stood out with individual plays that often decided crucial rounds. In the grand final, Virtus.pro faced off against Ninjas in Pyjamas, who had been consistently performing well throughout the season and were strong contenders for the championship title.

The final appeared intense, but Virtus.pro had everything under control from the first round. Virtus.pro and NiP played just two maps. On Mirage, the Polish squad defeated the Swedes with a 16:9 score. The next map, Inferno, was where many expected a comeback from NiP, but Virtus.pro had other plans. They managed to secure the second map with a 16:10 score, raising the second Major trophy triumphantly above their heads.

Virtus.pro Roster at ESL Major Series One Katowice 2014

• Filip " NEO " Kubski — Rifler/ Support
• Wiktor " TaZ " Wojtas — In-Game Leader (IGL)
• Jarosław " pashaBiceps " Jarząbkowski — AWPer/ Entry Fragger
• Janusz " Snax " Pogorzelski — Lurker/ Clutcher
• Paweł " byali " Bieliński — Rifler/ Entry Fragger

ESL One: Cologne 2014

ESL One: Cologne 2014 was a landmark event in the history of CS:GO. It was the second Major of the year and one of the first major tournaments to solidify the discipline's status on the professional stage. Organized by ESL with support from Valve, the event took place from August 14 to 17, 2014, at the LANXESS Arena in Cologne, Germany. With a prize pool of $250,000, 16 of the world's strongest teams battled for the championship title.

The tournament featured a mix of directly invited teams and those who qualified through regional qualifiers. Participants included renowned teams such as Fnatic, Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP), Virtus.pro, and Titan, as well as international squads like iBUYPOWER, Epsilon eSports, and LDLC. This diversity not only increased the competition but also boosted CS:GO’s popularity on the global stage. The format heightened the competitive spirit among teams and enhanced the spectacle for fans.

The group stage followed a GSL format with Bo1 matches, adding intensity and making each map highly significant. Two teams from each group advanced to the playoffs, where matches were played in a Bo3 format. This structure demanded maximum effort from the participants, as any loss in the playoffs meant elimination.

The tournament's grand final became a true CS:GO classic of its time. Fnatic faced off against NiP in the decisive match. For NiP, this final was crucial, as they had reached every previous Major final but had yet to claim victory. For Fnatic, the match was an opportunity to assert their dominance in the global rankings.

The match began on Cobblestone, where NiP secured a win with a 16-11 scoreline. Fnatic responded by leveling the series on the second map, Cache, with a 16-8 victory. However, the deciding map, Inferno, ended in NiP's favor with a close 16-13 result. This historic win broke NiP's streak of second-place finishes and crowned them as CS Major Champions.

NiP's Championship Roster at ESL One: Cologne 2014

• Patrik " f0rest " Lindberg — Rifler/ Secondary AWPer
• Christopher " GeT_RiGhT " Alesund — Lurker
• Richard " Xizt " Landström — In-Game Leader (IGL)/ Entry Fragger
• Robin " Fifflaren " Johansson — Main AWPer/ Support
• Adam " friberg " Friberg — Entry Fragger

DreamHack Winter 2014

DreamHack Winter 2014 was the third CS:GO Major of the year and continued the tradition of hosting some of the largest tournaments supported by Valve. Held from November 27 to 29, 2014, in Elmhult, Sweden, it brought together 16 of the world's strongest teams once again. With a prize pool of $250,000, which had become the standard for Majors of that era, the battle for the championship promised to be thrilling.

The tournament structure was already familiar to CS fans. Teams first competed in the group stage, which followed a GSL format with Bo1 matches. The top two teams from each group advanced to the playoffs, which were played in a single-elimination format with all matches being Bo3. Any misplay could cost a team their spot in the next round, and every mistake became a ticket home.

The event featured top-tier teams like Fnatic, Ninjas in Pyjamas, Virtus.pro, and Team LDLC, as well as teams representing various regions, such as Cloud9, iBUYPOWER, PENTA Sports, and others. This diversity made DreamHack Winter 2014 a significant event for the global growth of CS:GO.

The decisive map, Overpass, began with a confident start by LDLC on the T-side, where they won the first three rounds by converting the pistol and subsequent economic rounds. NiP quickly adapted, ending the first half with an 11:4 lead on the CT-side thanks to precise retakes and control over key positions. In the second half, LDLC showcased stellar defense, leveling the match and pushing it into overtime. In the extra rounds, the French squad demonstrated superior tactics and firepower, closing the match with a 19:16 victory and claiming the tournament title.

Team LDLC's Championship Roster at DreamHack Winter 2014

• Vincent " Happy " Schopenhauer — In-Game Leader and Primary AWPer
• Fabien " kioShiMa " Fiey — Rifler
• Nathan " NBK " Schmitt — Rifler/ Anchor
• Richard " shox " Papillon — Rifler/ Entry Fragger
• Edouard " SmithZz " Dubourdeaux — Rifler/ Secondary AWPer

ESL One: Katowice 2015 – A Legendary Tournament in CS:GO

ESL One: Katowice 2015 took place in the Polish city of Katowice, marking the second CS:GO Major tournament held at this iconic venue. The group stage matches were held from March 12 to 13, 2015, in a studio, while the main event ran from March 14 to 15 at the legendary Spodek Arena. This stadium became a symbol of esports, drawing thousands of fans and creating the unforgettable atmosphere of a historic tournament.

The prize pool for the event was $250,000, which was the standard for Majors at the time. The grand prize of $100,000 went to the championship-winning team.

The tournament format included a group stage and playoffs. In the group stage, teams were divided into four groups using a double-elimination system. Matches were played in a Best-of-One format, with decider matches for playoff qualification being Best-of-Three. The playoffs featured a single-elimination format, with all matches played as Bo3.

The tournament featured 16 teams. Eight of them, known as “Legends,” had reached the playoffs of the previous Major, DreamHack Winter 2014. These teams included Fnatic, LDLC (later renamed Team EnVyUs), Virtus.pro, Natus Vincere, Ninjas in Pyjamas, PENTA Sports, HellRaisers, and Cloud9. The other eight teams, called “Challengers,” earned their spots through qualifiers. Notable among them were Team SoloMid, Keyd Stars, FlipSid3 Tactics, and Titan.

Fnatic emerged as the tournament champions after defeating Ninjas in Pyjamas in a highly competitive final. The match extended to three maps, each incredibly challenging for both teams, delivering an emotional rollercoaster for fans.

The first map, Dust2, was a true showcase of a Major final. Both teams fought fiercely for every round, seizing on any opportunities and capitalizing on their opponents' mistakes. Ultimately, Fnatic prevailed with a narrow 16:14 win. On the second map, Cache, NiP imposed their playstyle. Brilliant moments from GeT_RiGhT and strong teamwork secured a 16:10 victory for NiP, leveling the series.

The decisive map, Inferno, became the culmination of the final. Despite the evenly matched gameplay, Fnatic consistently made quicker and better decisions, often outshining NiP in critical moments. The final score of 16:13 on Inferno gave Fnatic the map win and a 2:1 series victory. This triumph solidified their position as the best team on the scene and marked their second Major title.

ESL One: Katowice 2015 became a milestone event in CS:GO history. The tournament not only reinforced Spodek’s status as Europe’s premier esports arena but also established Fnatic’s dominance in 2015. It entered the history books for its high organizational standards, unforgettable moments, and the thrilling battles of the world’s best teams.

Fnatic Roster at ESL One: Katowice 2015

Credit: HLTV/ESL

• Olof " olofmeister " Kajbjer — Rifler/ Lurker
• Freddy "KRIMZ" Johansson — Support
• Robin "flusha" Rönnquist — Rifler/ In-Game Leader (IGL) — led the team and made in-game decisions
• Jesper "JW" Wecksell — AWPer
• Markus "pronax" Wallsten — IGL — developed strategies and coordinated the team’s actions

ESL One: Cologne 2015

In August 2015, the LANXESS Arena in Cologne once again hosted one of the most significant CS:GO tournaments—ESL One: Cologne 2015. The $250,000 prize pool, funded by Valve, remained unchanged from previous Majors, and 16 of the world’s best teams competed for the title of champions.

The tournament featured 16 top teams divided into two categories: “Legends,” who finished in the top 8 of the previous Major, and “Challengers,” who earned their spots through qualifiers. The format was consistent with past Majors: a group stage using the GSL system with Bo1 matches, and deciding matches in the groups as well as the playoffs played in a Bo3 format.

The tournament’s final saw Fnatic face off against Team EnVyUs. The Swedish team Fnatic entered the decisive match as the clear favorites. EnVyUs, representing France, were worthy opponents, featuring stars like Kenny "kennyS" Schrub, known for his incredible sniping skills, and Nathan "NBK" Schmitt, renowned for his versatility.

The grand final unfolded across two maps, but unfortunately, it didn’t meet fans' expectations. The first map, Dust2, was completely dominated by Fnatic. The Swedes played confidently on both offense and defense, closing out the game with a convincing 16:7 scoreline.

On the second map, Cobblestone, it seemed EnVyUs might put up a fight, but their efforts fell short. Once again, Fnatic confidently secured the win with the same score of 16:7. The final result crowned Fnatic as the ESL One: Cologne 2015 champions, earning them their third Major trophy and solidifying their status as one of the greatest teams in CS:GO history. However, many fans were left slightly disappointed by the final, as they had expected a more competitive showing from EnVyUs and hoped for a full three-map series.

DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca 2015

DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca 2015 was a significant event in the CS:GO world, bringing together 16 of the best teams from across the globe. The prize pool was $250,000, with $100,000 awarded to the champion. The tournament took place in Romania, in the city of Cluj-Napoca, at the Sala Polivalentă arena.

The tournament format remained unchanged from previous Majors. Sixteen teams first competed in the group stage, where every match could be decisive. The top teams then advanced to the playoffs, played in a single-elimination format with Bo3 matches. This structure had become a classic, ensuring excitement and tension in every game.

The tournament’s grand final was a showdown between Team EnVyUs and Natus Vincere. The first map, Train, was completely dominated by EnVyUs. The French squad quickly seized control and left little room for their opponents, securing a 16:5 victory. The second map, Cobblestone, was much more intense. Natus Vincere fought valiantly to turn the tide and keep their championship hopes alive by pushing the series to the third and final map, Dust2. However, EnVyUs once again demonstrated superior teamwork and, at times, outplayed their opponents with individual skill, clinching a hard-fought 16:14 victory to become the champions of DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca 2015.

Team EnVyUs Roster

• Vincent "Happy" Schopenhauer — IGL/ Lurker
• Kenny " kennyS " Schrub — AWPer
• Fabien "kioShiMa" Fiey — Support
• Dan " apEX " Madesclaire — Entry Fragger
• Nathan "NBK-" Schmitt — Rifler/ Secondary AWPer

MLG Major Championship: Columbus 2016

The MLG Major Championship: Columbus 2016 was the first Major tournament held in North America and captured significant attention due to its record-breaking $1 million prize pool for a Major. Featuring the world’s best teams and such a large prize pool, the tournament became a landmark event. Matches were held at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, where 16 top teams competed for the championship title.

The tournament format included eight directly invited teams based on their successful performances at the previous Major and eight teams that qualified through regional Minors and the final qualifier.

The grand final was a clash between Natus Vincere and Luminosity Gaming. The battle began on Mirage, where the teams delivered a spectacular performance. The map was full of back-and-forth swings, with both sides vying for control. Ultimately, Luminosity Gaming emerged victorious, winning the map 19:17 in overtime. On the second map, Overpass, the Brazilian team completely dominated, leaving no room for the Ukrainian squad to recover, closing the map with a commanding 16:2 scoreline. A third map, Train, was not necessary, as Luminosity secured the championship with a 2:0 victory.

This win marked the first Major title for a Canadian organization, even though the Luminosity Gaming roster consisted entirely of Brazilian players. It was a pivotal moment for both the North American scene and CS:GO as a whole, highlighting the game’s international appeal.

Luminosity Gaming Roster at MLG Major Championship: Columbus 2016

• Gabriel " FalleN " Toledo — In-Game Leader/ AWPer
• Fernando " fer " Alvarenga — Entry Fragger
• Marcelo " coldzera " David — Lurker/ Clutch Player
• Epitácio " TACO " de Melo — Support
• Lincoln " fnx " Lau — Rifler/ Secondary Entry

ESL One: Cologne 2016

ESL One: Cologne 2016 was held in Cologne, Germany, at the LANXESS Arena, attracting around 20,000 fans in the stands and millions more online. It was the second Major of 2016 and the ninth in CS:GO history, featuring a $1 million prize pool. The tournament brought together 16 teams: eight received direct invitations due to their strong performances at the previous Major, while the rest qualified through regional Minors and qualifiers.

The grand final saw SK Gaming face off against Team Liquid. For SK Gaming, playing with the roster that had won MLG Columbus 2016 under the Luminosity Gaming banner, this was an opportunity to become two-time Major champions. For Team Liquid, it was a chance to claim their first Major title.

The match began on Train, where SK Gaming immediately showcased their preparation. With solid defensive plays and precise execution on offense, they convincingly secured the map with a 16:7 scoreline. On the second map, Cobblestone, Team Liquid started strong but couldn’t maintain their momentum. The Brazilian squad quickly took control and closed the map 16:6, securing a 2:0 series victory.

This tournament was memorable for several reasons. First, it marked the first Major victory for the roster under the SK Gaming banner. Previously, this lineup had won MLG Columbus 2016 as Luminosity Gaming. Second, the Brazilian roster of Gabriel "FalleN" Toledo, Marcelo "coldzera" David, Fernando "fer" Alvarenga, Epitácio "TACO" de Melo, and Lincoln "fnx" Lau once again proved their dominance, delivering some of the best teamwork seen in CS:GO. Notably, Marcelo "coldzera" David was named the tournament MVP and later ended the year as HLTV’s #1 player, with his teammate FalleN taking the #2 spot.

For Team Liquid, the tournament was also significant. It was the first time in history that a North American team reached the final of a Major. While they couldn’t secure the win, reaching the decisive stage was a major accomplishment and a sign of growth for the North American scene. The tournament’s grand final attracted an enormous audience, setting a viewership record with over 27 million people tuning in.

Credit: HLTV/ESL

ELEAGUE Major Atlanta 2017

The ELEAGUE Major Atlanta 2017 took place in Atlanta, USA, at the Fox Theatre. This tournament was the first Major of 2017 and the tenth in CS:GO history. The prize pool was $1 million. Sixteen of the world’s best teams competed for the championship title: eight held "Legend" status due to their success at the previous Major, while the others qualified through regional qualifiers.

The grand final of this thrilling Major saw Virtus.pro face off against Astralis. For Virtus.pro, it was an opportunity to once again bring their Polish roster to victory at CS:GO’s biggest stage. For Astralis, this final was their chance to prove that they were ready to win at the highest level. At the time, the Danish squad was still finding their footing and had yet to taste victory on the global stage.

The first map, Nuke, began with a strong performance from Virtus.pro. They displayed exceptional preparation for the tournament and their opponents. Thanks to their experience and individual skill, they secured the map with a 16:12 scoreline. However, on the second map, Overpass, Astralis showed resilience. The match was incredibly close, but the Danes kept their composure in critical moments, narrowly winning 16:14. This map became the turning point of the series.

On the deciding map, Train, Virtus.pro led for most of the game, including a commanding 13:7 advantage. It seemed victory was within their grasp. However, Astralis mounted a stunning comeback, capitalizing on their opponent’s mistakes and securing a series of crucial rounds. They ultimately triumphed with a 16:14 scoreline, winning the series 2:1. Such an intense battle had never been seen before in a Major final, and the victory was well-deserved for Astralis.

This tournament was a landmark event for Astralis, marking their first Major victory and the beginning of a new era in professional CS:GO. Markus "Kjaerbye" Kjærbye, who delivered an outstanding performance in the final, was named the tournament MVP.

For Virtus.pro, while they fell short in the final, they reinforced their reputation as one of the strongest teams of the era. Unfortunately, this Major would be their last time reaching the grand stage in that period.

Astralis Championship Roster at ELEAGUE Major Atlanta 2017

• Markus " Kjaerbye " Kjærbye — Rifle (Entry Fragger)
• Nicolai " dev1ce " Reedtz — AWP
• Peter " dupreeh " Rasmussen — Rifle (Entry/Support)
• Andreas " Xyp9x " Højsleth — Support/Clutcher
• Lukas " gla1ve " Rossander — In-Game Leader

PGL Major Kraków 2017

PGL Major Kraków 2017 was one of the most memorable tournaments in CS:GO history, held from July 16 to 23, 2017, in Kraków, Poland, at the Tauron Arena Kraków. As the 11th Major, organized by PGL, it stood out for its unexpected outcomes and the triumph of an underdog team. The tournament consisted of two stages. The group stage used the Swiss system: each team played until they either won three matches or lost three. Matches were played in a Best-of-1 format, with the top eight teams advancing to the playoffs. The playoffs were single-elimination, with all matches being Best-of-3.

The total prize pool for the tournament was $1,000,000, with the champions receiving $500,000. The grand final was historic, featuring Gambit Esports from the CIS region and the Brazilian team Immortals. It was the first Major final for both teams, and their presence in the final was surprising, as favorites like Astralis, SK Gaming, and FaZe Clan were eliminated earlier in the tournament.

The final was played across three maps. The first map, Cobblestone, was Immortals’ pick, and the Brazilians dominated, securing a convincing 16:4 victory, leaving Gambit little chance to gain momentum. On the second map, Train, Gambit regrouped and claimed a 16:11 win. The decider map, Inferno, showcased Gambit’s incredible composure and teamwork. It included a legendary moment featuring Dosia’s grenade in the “sandbags” position. Gambit triumphed 16:10, becoming the tournament champions. This victory marked the first Major title for a CIS team and a significant milestone in CS:GO history.

The win was particularly symbolic for Gambit’s captain, Daniil "Zeus" Teslenko. Shortly before the tournament, Zeus was unexpectedly removed from the Natus Vincere roster, a team he had been synonymous with for many years. After being cut, Zeus joined Gambit, where he not only revived his career but also led the team to their first Major championship. Following their victory at PGL Major Kraków 2017, Zeus returned to NaVi in August 2017, just a month after the Major. His return was a significant moment for NaVi, as Zeus had proven himself to be one of the best leaders in the world and played a key role in revitalizing the team.

PGL Major Kraków 2017 will forever be remembered as the tournament where underdogs achieved true triumph.

Gambit Roster at PGL Major Kraków 2017

Credit: PGL

• Daniil " Zeus " Teslenko — In-Game Leader (IGL)
• Abay " HObbit " Khasenov — Rifler (Lurker)
• Mihail " Dosia " Stolyarov — Support
• Rustem " mou " Telepov — AWPer
• Dauren " AdreN " Kystaubayev — Rifler (Entry-Fragger)

ELEAGUE Major Boston 2018

ELEAGUE Major Boston 2018 was one of the most thrilling tournaments in CS:GO history, organized by ELEAGUE and held from January 12 to 28, 2018. It was the second Major held in the United States. The tournament began with the initial stages at the ELEAGUE studio in Atlanta, Georgia, while the playoffs took place at the Agganis Arena in Boston, Massachusetts.

ELEAGUE Major Boston 2018 was the first Major to expand the number of participating teams from 16 to 24. These teams were divided across three stages. The first stage, the New Challengers Stage, took place from January 12 to 15, featuring 16 teams: 8 representatives from qualifiers and 8 bottom-placed teams from the previous Major. This stage followed a Swiss system format, where teams with three wins advanced, while teams with three losses were eliminated.

The next stage, the New Legends Stage, ran from January 19 to 22 and featured the top 8 teams from the New Challengers Stage alongside 8 “Legends” from the previous Major. The format remained the same. The final stage, the New Champions Stage (playoffs), took place from January 26 to 28. Here, the top 8 teams competed in a single-elimination format with Best-of-3 matches.

The grand final was one of the most spectacular in CS:GO history, featuring Cloud9 and FaZe Clan. It was a historic moment for the North American scene, as Cloud9 became the first team from the USA to reach a Major final. The first map, Mirage, was Cloud9’s pick, but FaZe narrowly claimed victory with a 16:14 scoreline. The second map, Overpass, chosen by FaZe Clan, ended 16:10 in favor of Cloud9, who bounced back strongly after their earlier loss. The deciding map, Inferno, was a true test for both teams. The match went into overtime and ended 22:19 in favor of Cloud9. This moment was immortalized in CS:GO history due to Cloud9’s incredible comeback and stellar performances by Tyler "Skadoodle" Latham and Timothy "autimatic" Ta.

The final was fueled by the passionate support of the home crowd, adding an extra layer of intensity to the match. Despite FaZe Clan’s star-studded roster (NiKo, GuardiaN, rain, karrigan, olofmeister), they were unable to secure the victory, making this one of the biggest upsets of the year.

Cloud9 Roster at ELEAGUE Major Boston 2018

• Tarik " tarik " Celik — Team Captain/ Rifler
• Tyler " Skadoodle " Latham — AWPer
• Timothy " autimatic " Ta — Rifler/ Secondary AWPer
• Jake " Stewie2K " Yip — Entry Fragger
• Will " RUSH " Wierzba — Rifler/ Support

FACEIT Major: London 2018

FACEIT Major: London 2018 was the thirteenth Major in CS:GO history and the first organized by FACEIT, featuring a $1,000,000 prize pool. The tournament was held from September 5 to 23, 2018, in London, United Kingdom, with the playoffs taking place at The SSE Arena, Wembley.

The tournament featured three stages. The first stage, The New Challengers Stage (September 5–9), brought together 16 teams, including participants from Minor tournaments and teams that placed 9th–16th at the previous Major. Matches followed a Swiss system format, with Best-of-1 matches and deciding Best-of-3s. The top eight teams advanced to the next stage. The second stage, The New Legends Stage (September 12–16), also followed the Swiss system and determined the top eight teams, which advanced to the playoffs and earned "Legend" status. The final stage, The New Champions Stage (September 20–23), was a single-elimination playoff featuring the top eight teams, with all matches played as Best-of-3.

The grand final was a clash between Astralis from Denmark and Natus Vincere from Ukraine. The first map, Nuke, ended in a dominant 16:6 victory for Astralis. The Danes showcased their mastery on their strongest map, extending their undefeated streak on Nuke to several months. Standout performances from dev1ce and dupreeh consistently pressured their opponents. The second map, Overpass, also went to Astralis with a 16:9 scoreline. Despite Natus Vincere’s efforts to fight back, Astralis proved to be an impenetrable force at this tournament. The final ended 2:0 in favor of Astralis, crowning them champions of FACEIT Major: London 2018.

This tournament is remembered for several notable facts. Most significantly, it marked the beginning of Astralis' era of dominance, which later solidified them as the most successful team in CS:GO history. It was their second Major title following ELEAGUE Major: Atlanta 2017. Astralis extended their winning streak on Nuke to 19 consecutive matches, an unprecedented achievement at the time.

Despite their loss in the final, 2018 was one of the most successful years for Natus Vincere. s1mple and electronic displayed incredible form throughout the tournament, propelling Na`Vi to the grand final. Additionally, this Major was the last to feature the Pick’em Challenge system without capsules, as Valve revamped in-game event systems afterward.

Astralis Roster at FACEIT Major: London 2018

Credit: PGL

• Nicolai "dev1ce" Reedtz — AWPer
• Peter "dupreeh" Rasmussen — Entry Fragger
• Andreas "Xyp9x" Højsleth — Support/ Clutcher
• Lukas "gla1ve" Rossander — In-Game Leader
• Emil " Magisk " Reif — Rifler/ Lurker

Intel Extreme Masters XIII - Katowice Major 2019

The Intel Extreme Masters XIII - Katowice Major 2019 was the first tournament held under Valve's updated competition format. The event took place from February 13 to March 3, 2019, in Katowice, Poland. The iconic Spodek Arena, known for hosting major esports events for years, served as the venue for the final stage.

The tournament format was revamped to enhance fairness and competitiveness among teams. One of the key changes was a new seeding system: instead of the traditional approach, seeding was based on rankings provided by the teams themselves. These assessments were combined to determine the teams’ standings before the tournament began. Additionally, in the New Challengers and New Legends stages, all elimination and advancement matches were played in a Best-of-3 (BO3) format, reducing the influence of randomness. An Elo ranking system was also introduced to determine matchups after the first round, updating after each game to provide more accurate pairings.

The grand final was a showdown between Astralis from Denmark and ENCE from Finland. The first map, Train, ended in a dominant 16:4 victory for Astralis, showcasing their complete control and leaving ENCE with no opportunities. The second map, Inferno, also went Astralis' way with a 16:11 scoreline. Despite ENCE's efforts to challenge their opponents, Astralis proved too strong, confidently closing the series 2:0 and securing the championship title.

Katowice Major 2019 marked yet another milestone in Astralis' era of dominance. It was the Danish team’s third consecutive Major title. The Finnish team ENCE surprised everyone with their run to the final, defeating strong contenders like Team Liquid and Natus Vincere along the way.

One of the tournament's standout elements was the intense competition in the Legends Stage, where some favorites, such as FaZe Clan and MIBR, failed to reach the playoffs. Additionally, Astralis extended their unbeaten streak on the map Nuke to 30 matches, an unparalleled achievement at the time.

StarLadder Berlin Major 2019

The StarLadder Berlin Major 2019 was the fourth Major tournament held in Germany, this time taking place in Berlin. The event ran from August 23 to September 8, organized by the Ukrainian company StarLadder. The competition brought together 24 teams from around the world to compete for a $1 million prize pool. The tournament format included three stages: the New Challengers Stage, the New Legends Stage, and the New Champions Stage, with the latter being a single-elimination playoff.

The grand final featured Astralis and AVANGAR. The match, played in a best-of-three format, was entirely dominated by the Danish team, without any unexpected or tense moments. The first map, Inferno, ended in a decisive 16:6 victory for Astralis, who confidently dictated the pace throughout the game. The second map, Dust2, followed a similar pattern, with Astralis comfortably defeating their opponents 16:5. The final score of 2:0 in favor of Astralis confirmed their absolute dominance and cemented their status as legends, proving that this era in CS:GO could rightfully be called their own. This victory made Astralis four-time CS:GO Major Champions.

This tournament also marked the end of the professional CS:GO career of Zeus, a player from Natus Vincere, who announced his retirement after the event. The entire arena in Berlin gave the legendary captain a standing ovation as he bid farewell to the scene, adding an emotional and historical moment to the memories of fans.

During those years, Astralis won everything they could, and the team dynamics were strong, supported by their psychologist’s efforts to maintain harmony within the roster. As a result, the lineup remained unchanged throughout this dominant period.

PGL Major Stockholm 2021: A Return to the Arena

PGL Major Stockholm 2021 was the first CS:GO Major after a two-year hiatus caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Due to this, the previously scheduled ESL One: Rio Major 2020 was canceled, and Majors, the key events in the CS:GO world, had not been held since 2019. The tournament took place from October 26 to November 7, 2021, in Stockholm, Sweden, once again bringing together the 24 best teams in the world.

The tournament format included several stages. First, teams competed in the Challengers Stage and Legends Stage, where the best advanced to the playoffs. The final stage, the Champions Stage, took place at the Avicii Arena in front of a live audience, which was a special occasion after a long period of online tournaments. The prize pool of the tournament was $2 million, making it the largest in the history of Majors at the time.

The grand final was truly a historic moment, featuring Natus Vincere and G2 Esports. Natus Vincere demonstrated dominant form throughout the tournament and the entire year, winning nearly every event they participated in with their revamped roster. The match was played on two maps: the first map, Ancient, where NAVI secured a 16:11 victory. The second map, Nuke, turned out to be a true drama. G2 Esports nearly forced the series to the deciding third map, but Natus Vincere won in overtime with a score of 22:19, finishing the match 2:0 in their favor.

This Major was also memorable because Natus Vincere became the first team in CS:GO history to win the tournament without losing a single map. Team leader Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev showcased incredible form, earning the MVP award. The PGL Major Stockholm 2021 was a significant event for both NAVI and the entire CS:GO community, marking the return of tournaments of this scale after a long break.

At PGL Major Stockholm 2021, the Natus Vincere roster was as follows

Credit: PGL

• Oleksandr " s1mple " Kostyliev — AWPer
• Denis " electroNic " Sharipov — Rifler
• Ilya " Perfecto " Zalutskiy — Support
• Valerii " b1t " Vakhovskyi — Rifler, Lurker
• Kirill " Boombl4 " Mikhailov — In-Game Leader

PGL Major Antwerp 2022

PGL Major Antwerp 2022 was the first Major CS:GO tournament held in Belgium. The event took place from May 9 to 22, 2022, bringing together, as per tradition, 24 of the best teams from around the world. The tournament followed the familiar format, consisting of three stages: Challengers Stage, Legends Stage, and Champions Stage. The first two stages used the Swiss system, where teams played until they either won three matches or lost three. The best teams advanced to the next stage. The Champions Stage featured a classic single-elimination bracket with eight participants.

The prize pool for the tournament was $1 million, with $500,000 awarded to the winners. Matches were played offline, with the grand final held at the Sportpaleis Arena in Antwerp, which has a capacity of 20,000 spectators.

The final pitted two of the season's strongest teams — FaZe Clan and Natus Vincere — against each other. The match was played in a best-of-three format, delivering an incredible battle across two maps. The first map, Inferno, ended 19:16 in favor of FaZe Clan after an intense overtime. On the second map, Nuke, which was one of Na'Vi's strongest maps at the time, FaZe Clan once again came out on top, winning 16:10 and securing the title of CSGO Major Champions.

This tournament was notable for FaZe Clan becoming the first fully international team to win a Major. Their roster featured players from different countries: Estonia, Denmark, Latvia, Canada, and Norway. This set them apart from most teams, which traditionally consisted of players from a single region, breaking a long-standing tradition of dominance by regionally unified squads. The event attracted 2,113,610 viewers across streaming platforms during the final matches, making it the second most-watched tournament in CS:GO history.

The international FaZe Clan roster at PGL Major Antwerp 2022

• Finn " karrigan " Andersen — In-game leader (Denmark)
• Håvard " rain " Nygaard — Rifler (Norway)
• Robin " ropz " Kool — Lurker (Estonia)
• Helvijs " broky " Saukants — AWPer (Latvia)
• Russel " Twistzz " Van Dulken — Rifler (Canada)

Credit: PGL

Intel Extreme Masters Rio Major 2022

Intel Extreme Masters Rio Major 2022 was a landmark event for Brazilian Counter-Strike fans, as it was the first Major held in their country. The tournament took place from October 31 to November 13, 2022, bringing together 24 teams from around the world to compete for a total prize pool of $1,250,000. Participants competed in the standard Major tournament format, progressing through three stages: Challengers Stage, Legends Stage, and Champions Stage.

The grand final for the Major title featured Outsiders and Heroic. The match was played in a best-of-three format, with the first map being Mirage, chosen by Outsiders. They confidently demonstrated their strength, and despite Heroic's resistance, the Danish team could not overcome their opponents, losing 16:12 on Mirage. The second map, Overpass, saw Outsiders deliver an even more dominant performance. They maintained full control of the game, leaving Heroic with no chance for a comeback or a third map. The match concluded with a convincing 16:5 score, securing Outsiders the Major championship title.

One of the tournament's highlights was the incredible support from the local audience. Even after the Brazilian teams were eliminated, fans continued to fill the arena, creating an unmatched atmosphere. Every match was accompanied by loud chants, applause, and shared enthusiasm. Particular attention was drawn to FURIA, which reached the semifinals but lost to Heroic in a closely contested battle. Despite the home team’s defeat, FURIA's performance was a true celebration for local fans, and their players were praised for their skill and the emotions they brought to their supporters.

This unique energy, characteristic of the Brazilian crowd, not only enhanced the tournament experience but also demonstrated how deeply Counter-Strike has rooted itself in the region’s culture. The emotions present in the arena made Intel Extreme Masters Rio Major 2022 an event that will remain in the memories of both spectators and participants for years to come.

Outsiders Roster at Intel Extreme Masters Rio Major 2022

• Dzhami " Jame " Ali — Team Captain and Primary AWPer
• Evgeniy " FL1T " Lebedev — Rifler, specializing as a Lurker
• Petr " fame " Bolyshev — Rifler, performing as an Entry Fragger
• David " n0rb3r7 " Danielyan — Rifler, playing the Support role
• Alexey " Qikert " Golubev — Rifler, acting as an Anchor on sites

BLAST Paris Major

BLAST Paris Major 2023 was the final Major tournament in the history of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, marking the end of an era for this version of the game. The tournament took place from May 8 to May 21, 2023, in Paris, France, at the AccorHotels Arena, which holds over 20,000 spectators. The prize pool was $1,250,000.

The tournament consisted of three stages: Challengers Stage, Legends Stage, and Champions Stage. In the Challengers Stage, 16 teams played in a Swiss system format, where elimination and advancement matches were best-of-3, while others were best-of-1. The top eight teams advanced to the Legends Stage, where a similar system determined the playoff participants. In the Champions Stage, eight teams competed in a single-elimination format, with all matches played as best-of-3.

The grand final saw the home team Team Vitality face off against the Swedes from GamerLegion. The first map, Overpass, was completely controlled by Vitality — they dominated their opponents with ease, closing the map 16:6. On the second map, Nuke, GamerLegion put up much stronger resistance, making it a competitive battle. However, Team Vitality maintained their composure and played as a cohesive unit, securing the map 16:13. The match ended 2:0, and Team Vitality deservedly became the champions of the tournament.

Team Vitality claimed the tournament's grand prize of $500,000, along with slots in IEM Cologne 2023 and BLAST Premier World Final 2023. This triumph was particularly meaningful for the team, as they played the final in front of a home crowd. Team leader Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut was named MVP for his outstanding performance and best stats throughout the tournament.

BLAST Paris Major 2023 was the last tournament for CS:GO, and now teams will compete in Valve's new game, CS2. In the new game, many teams will have the chance to strive for the title of CS2 & CSGO Major Champions.

Team Vitality roster at BLAST Paris Major 2023:

• Dan "apEX" Madesclaire — Team Captain and In-Game Leader (IGL).
• Mathieu " ZywOo " Herbaut — Primary AWPer, the team’s key player.
• Peter "dupreeh" Rasmussen — Rifler, specializing as an Entry Fragger.
• Emil "Magisk" Reif — Rifler, performing as an Anchor on sites.
• Lotan " Spinx " Giladi — Rifler, playing as a Lurker.

PGL Major Copenhagen 2024: First CS2 Major Winners

PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 was a landmark event in esports history as it marked the first Major tournament held in the new game, Counter-Strike 2. The tournament took place from March 17 to 31, 2024, in Copenhagen, Denmark, at the iconic Royal Arena, known for its electrifying atmosphere and impressive capacity. The event brought together the best players and teams from around the world, with fans filling the arena to witness the debut of top-tier competition in the new era of Counter-Strike. The total prize pool was an impressive $1,250,000, underscoring the scale and prestige of the event.

The tournament followed the familiar three-stage format: Opening Stage, Elimination Stage, and Playoff Stage. The first two stages employed a Swiss system, where teams competed for a spot in the final stage. The Playoff Stage was a single-elimination bracket, with all matches played in a best-of-three format.

The grand final of the first CS2 Major featured Natus Vincere and FaZe Clan. The first map, Ancient, was FaZe Clan's pick, but Natus Vincere claimed a confident 13:7 victory. The second map, Mirage, went to FaZe Clan, who delivered a dominant performance with a 13:2 win. After such a significant defeat, it seemed unlikely that Natus Vincere could recover. However, on the decisive map, Inferno, Natus Vincere showcased their superiority, securing the match with a 13:5 score and earning the championship title.

Notably, Natus Vincere competed in the tournament with a nearly entirely new roster. Despite the team changes, they not only delivered phenomenal gameplay but also became the first CS2 Major champions in history to claim Major championships in both Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Counter-Strike 2, etching their name in esports history.

The roster of Natus Vincere (NAVI) for PGL Major Copenhagen 2024

Credit:PGL

• Valerii "b1t" Vakhovskyi — Rifler (Entry Fragger)
• Ihor " w0nderful " Zhdanov — AWPer
• Aleksi " Aleksib " Virolainen — In-Game Leader (IGL)
• Mihai " iM " Ivan — Rifler (Lurker)
• Justinas " jL " Lekavicius — Rifler (Support)

Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024:

At the moment, millions of Counter-Strike fans are focused on the second-ever CS2 Major — Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 — and the first ever CS2 Major in China. The tournament has only just begun, yet it has already delivered numerous surprises and intense matches. Among the tournament favorites are Natus Vincere, the champions of the previous Major, as well as Vitality and G2 Esports, who have been performing exceptionally well throughout the season.

However, the tournament has also brought many unexpected moments and teams that made it to the main stage. One such team is Passion UA, which defeated strong opponents like Team Spirit and Astralis on their way. They became the first team with an entirely Ukrainian roster to qualify for a CS2 Major.

Another surprising standout is 3DMAX. This team wasn’t taken seriously by many but managed to secure victories against Team SoloMid, Eternal Fire, and even G2, making it a true sensation of the event.

The current group stage results demonstrate that the tournament is full of surprises, making the prediction of the CS2 Major champions increasingly difficult. But one thing is certain—the event will be incredibly exciting, and EGamersWorld will be here to keep you updated, highlighting the most interesting and thrilling moments of the tournament and esports news in general.