CS:GO Major History: The Evolution of a Competitive Legacy

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) has become a cornerstone of the esports world since its release in 2012. Its competitive scene has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous teams, players, and strategies, all vying for the prestigious title of a Major Championship. In this article, we will delve into the rich history of CS:GO Majors, recounting the journeys of the most iconic teams and players, and the unforgettable moments that have shaped the competitive landscape.

DreamHack Winter 2013: A New Beginning

The first-ever CS:GO Major took place in Jönköping, Sweden, in November 2013. DreamHack Winter 2013 marked the beginning of a new era in CS:GO, as the best teams from around the world gathered to compete for the coveted title of Major Champions. Fnatic emerged victorious, defeating Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP) in the final and cementing their place in history as the first-ever CS:GO Major winners. This victory would set the stage for the "Fnatic Era," a period of dominance during which the Swedish powerhouse would claim two more Major titles in 2015.

The French Renaissance: Team LDLC and Team Envy

In the wake of Fnatic's success, French teams Team LDLC and Team Envy (formerly known as Team LDLC) stepped up to challenge the Swedish titans. With players like shox, Happy, and kennyS leading the charge, these teams demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork. Team LDLC claimed victory at DreamHack Winter 2014, while Team Envy secured the title at DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca 2015. This period of French success would become an important chapter in CS:GO Major history.

The Luminosity and SK Gaming Dynasty: Brazilian Brilliance

The next significant era in CS:GO Major history began with the rise of Brazilian team Luminosity Gaming. Under the leadership of in-game leader (IGL) and AWPer FalleN, and featuring star player coldzera, Luminosity showcased an aggressive and fearless playstyle that took the competitive scene by storm. Their journey to the top culminated in an unforgettable semi-final match against Team Liquid at MLG Major Championship: Columbus 2016, which Luminosity won. They would go on to claim the title in Columbus and followed up with another victory at ESL One: Cologne 2016, this time under the banner of SK Gaming.

The Astralis Dynasty: Danish Dominance

Astralis emerged as the next powerhouse in CS:GO Major history, with their reign beginning in 2017. The Danish juggernauts, led by IGL gla1ve and featuring star players like dev1ce and dupreeh, quickly became known for their tactical prowess and incredible individual skill. Astralis secured their first Major title at ELEAGUE Major: Atlanta 2017, defeating Virtus.pro in the final. They continued to dominate the scene, claiming three consecutive Major titles from 2018 to 2019 and setting a new benchmark for professional CS:GO.

The Astralis era was characterized by their exceptional teamwork, coordination, and adaptability. Their methodical approach to the game and ability to read and react to their opponents' strategies made them a formidable force in the competitive scene.

The Rise of CIS Teams: Natus Vincere and Gambit

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CS:GO esports scene transitioned to online tournaments, and the Majors were put on hold. This period saw the rise of CIS teams, with Natus Vincere (NAVI) and Gambit dominating the online era. NAVI, led by s1mple and electronic, and Gambit, featuring sh1ro and Ax1le, demonstrated exceptional skill, aggressive gameplay, and a deep understanding of the game's fundamentals.

NaVi made history by winning the PGL Major Stockholm 2021, the first CS:GO major in two years. They defeated G2 Esports, a team from Europe, in the grand final with a score of 2-0. NaVi did not lose a single map throughout the entire tournament, a feat that has never been achieved before in a major. NaVi’s star player, s1mple, was named the MVP of the event, as he showed incredible skill and consistency in every match. NaVi earned $1,000,000 for their performance, while G2 received $300,000 as the runners-up.

NaVi became the third team to win the Intel Grand Slam after Astralis and Liquid, earning $1,000,000 in prize money.

The first international team to win a major

FaZe Clan, an international team with players from different countries, achieved an incredible feat in 2022 by winning both the PGL Major Antwerp and the Intel Grand Slam. They became the first team to win a Major with a mixed roster, and the fourth team to win the Grand Slam after Astralis, Liquid, and Natus Vincere. Twistzz became the first player to win the Grand Slam twice in his career, having previously done so with Liquid in 2019.

The first CS:GO major to take place in South America

Outsiders, a team of former Virtus.pro players, achieved a stunning upset by winning the IEM Rio Major 2022. Outsiders entered the tournament as an underdog, having to qualify through the challengers stage. They also made history by being the first team to win a major without an organization backing them. Heroic earned $170,000 as the runners-up.

The Road Ahead: A New Era Emerges

As we approach the upcoming Major in 2023, the competitive landscape of CS:GO continues to evolve. G2 Esports has emerged as a top contender, led by IGL HooXi and featuring star players like NiKo and m0NESY. Their aggressive playstyle, coupled with their tactical depth, makes them a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming tournament.

Conclusion

The history of CS:GO Majors serves as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of professional esports. From the early days of the Fnatic era to the Astralis dynasty, and the rise of the CIS teams, the CS:GO Major Championships have provided unforgettable moments, captivating storylines, and relentless competition. As we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in CS:GO Major history, we are reminded of the passion, skill, and dedication that these players and teams bring to the game. The future is bright for CS:GO, and the stories that have yet to be written will undoubtedly continue to captivate and inspire fans around the world.