The first-ever Counter-Strike 2 Major in Copenhagen, Denmark, has crowned its champion, and it's none other than the Ukrainian powerhouse Natus Vincere (NAVI) team.
In an epic showdown, NAVI defeated FaZe Clan 2-1, claiming the title of the inaugural CS2 world champions.
What Made NAVI's Victory So Special?
For those new to the world of Counter-Strike, NAVI's triumph in Copenhagen holds a special significance.
Not only did they become the first-ever CS2 world champions, but they also etched their name in history as the first team to win a Major title in both CS:GO and CS2.
They previously won a Major at the CS: GO Stockholm Major in 2021.
Final Showdown
The grand final was nothing but a rematch of the Antwerp Major final from 2022, where FaZe Clan had emerged triumphant over NAVI.
This time, however, the tables turned as NAVI showcased their unwavering skill and determination.
The grand final of the CS2 Major witnessed an intense best-of-three series between NAVI and FaZe Clan.
Map 1: Ancient (NAVI 13-9 FaZe Clan)
Map 2: Mirage (NAVI 2-13 FaZe Clan)
Map 3: Inferno (NAVI 13-3 FaZe Clan)
What Prize Did NAVI Take Home?
Alongside the coveted title of CS2 world champions, NAVI walked away with a whopping $500,000 in prize money.
While this figure may seem modest compared to other esports tournaments, it's important to note that teams also receive a share of the revenue generated from in-game sticker sales, which typically amounts to millions of dollars.
The winning team also gets a coveted spot at the BLAST Premier World Final and Esports World Cup 2024.
Here is the prize distribution from a total of $1,250,000 of the prize pool:
1st - $500,000 - NAVI
2nd - $170,000 - Faze Clan
3rd-4th - $80,000 - Team Vitality and G2 Esports
5th-8th - $45,000 - Team Spirit, Cloud9, Eternal Fire, MOUZ
9th-16th - $20,000 - Complexity Gaming, Virtus.pro, paiN Gaming, Imperial Esports, ECSTATIC, HEROIC, The MongolZ, FURIA Esports
17th-24th - $10,000 - SAW, Legacy, GamerLegion, Lynn Vision Gaming, ENCE, Apeks, AMKAL ESPORTS, KOI
Viewership Records Shattered
The grand final between NAVI and FaZe Clan wasn't just a spectacle for those in attendance; it also captured the attention of millions of viewers worldwide.
With a peak viewership of 1.8 million, the decisive series became the third most popular event in Counter-Strike history, according to Esports Charts.
Here are the top 5 most watched Counter-Strike Events of All Time
PGL Major Stockholm 2021 — 2.75M Peak Viewers
PGL Major Antwerp 2022 — 2.1M Peak Viewers
PGL Copenhagen Major 2024 — 1.85M Peak Viewers
BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023 — 1.5M Peak Viewers
IEM Rio Major 2022 — 1.4M Peak Viewers
This remarkable achievement solidifies the game's enduring popularity(even though it's a rocky start) and the unwavering dedication of its global fanbase.
What's Next for the Competitive CS2 Scene?
As the dust settles on the Copenhagen Major, the future of the competitive CS2 scene looks brighter than ever.
Tournament organizer PGL has announced plans to host at least 11 CS2 events in 2025 and 2026, marking a significant increase in their output.
This move comes in response to the recently announced shift that will see franchised CS leagues outlawed, paving the way for a more open and inclusive ecosystem.