Team Spirit triumphed in a nail-biting finale to claim the Perfect World Shanghai Major, defeating FaZe Clan 2-1 and securing their fourth title of the year. The victory solidified Spirit’s dominance in 2024, book ending their year with major triumphs after starting it with a win in Katowice.
For FaZe, the loss was a heartbreaking repetition of their Copenhagen Major final earlier this year, where they fell to NAVI on the deciding third map.
Spirit are the Perfect World Shanghai 2024 Major champions!
The grand final began on Nuke, FaZe’s pick, after their impressive victory over G2 on the same map in the semi-finals. However, Spirit’s defense proved formidable, forcing FaZe into early economic struggles. Led by Håvard "rain" Nygaard and Robin "ropz" Kool, FaZe clawed back, but Spirit ended the half with an 8-4 lead.
1v2 by @donk1337 pic.twitter.com/5THdPecWpw
— Team Spirit (@Team__Spirit) December 15, 2024
In the second half, Danil "donk" Kryshkovets' incredible 1v2 clutch in the pistol round set the tone, and Spirit methodically closed out the map 13-8, despite FaZe’s best efforts.
ONE MAP AWAY FROM THE TROPHY pic.twitter.com/0wE87twtLK
— Team Spirit (@Team__Spirit) December 15, 2024
On Ancient, Spirit’s map pick, FaZe flipped the script. ropz delivered a monstrous 25-kill performance, spearheading a dominant showing.
KOOL, CALM, AND COLLECTED pic.twitter.com/LqotXOixX7
— FaZe Esports (@FaZeEsports) December 15, 2024
FaZe’s defense suffocated Spirit, with an 8-4 CT half followed by an unstoppable 5-0 streak to end the map 13-6, forcing a decider on Dust 2.
@donk1337 with another ACE at the Major!!!#ShanghaiMajor2024 pic.twitter.com/QhZ21HIFlJ
— PGL (@pglesports) December 15, 2024
The third map was a rollercoaster of emotions. Spirit raced to an 8-4 halftime lead and extended it to 12-5 before FaZe launched a stunning comeback. Finn "karrigan" Andersen's team fought tooth and nail to narrow the gap to 12-10. In one of the most insane rounds in CS2 history, rain and ropz turned a 2v4 situation into a breathtaking win, with ropz’s jumping noscope and razor-thin clutch electrifying the arena.
this has to be one of the greatest rounds in cs history pic.twitter.com/BvnRyNwvw4
— Jang~ (@iamJangW) December 15, 2024
But Spirit held their nerve. In the final round of regulation, Dmitry "sh1ro" Sokolov prevailed in a tense 1v1 against Helvijs 'broky' Saukants, denying FaZe the overtime they desperately sought.
The moment@Team__Spirit lift the trophy of #ShanghaiMajor2024. pic.twitter.com/oARsf68iun
— CS_PerfectWorld (@CS_PerfectWorld) December 15, 2024
The tournament was a crowning moment for donk, Spirit’s 17-year-old prodigy, who was named Major MVP after a stunning performance throughout the event. donk averaged a jaw-dropping 1.49 rating in Shanghai and looks all but assured to be named HLTV's No. 1 player of the year, making history as the youngest to ever achieve the honor. His brilliance was on full display in the grand final, where he delivered pivotal moments.
The defeat hit especially hard for FaZe’s captain, karrigan, who played through personal tragedy. Just days before the tournament, karrigan lost his brother, and he was seen in tears after yet another agonizing near miss in a Major final. Despite the grief and disappointment, the 34-year-old hinted that he intends to continue competing:
Big brother, I wanted to let you know I gave everything I had, we once again finished 2nd in the major but there will be more chances. GG WP @Team__Spirit
— karrigan (@karriganCSGO) December 15, 2024
Spirit’s victory in Shanghai caps off a stellar year, marking their fourth trophy of 2024. Meanwhile, FaZe’s resilience remains unquestioned, but questions loom about the roster’s future after two crushing Major final defeats.
As the dust settles, donk stands atop the CS2 world, a 17-year-old prodigy destined for greatness, while Spirit bask in the glory of their maiden Major title.
