In a stunning turn of events at the Shanghai Major, FaZe Clan defied all odds to topple Vitality in a nail-biting series, securing their place in the semifinals.
The concluding quarter-final of the 2024 Perfect World Shanghai Major seemed like a one-sided affair after a disastrous start for FaZe Clan on Nuke, but turned into an unforgettable comeback, culminating in a decisive victory on Anubis.
FaZe upset Vitality yet again!
The series began on FaZe’s map pick of Nuke, but the squad looked completely out of their depth. Vitality raced to an 8-0 lead, shutting down FaZe's every attempt to gain a foothold.
WHAT IS THAT @SpinxCS2 pic.twitter.com/jRK2iPN99v
— Team Vitality CS (@TeamVitalityCS) December 13, 2024
Despite some heroics from Robin "ropz" Kool, FaZe never truly recovered, and Vitality cruised to a commanding 13-6 win.
think they need the ip to the server pic.twitter.com/28IT9OQXMx
— Team Vitality CS (@TeamVitalityCS) December 13, 2024
The loss left many questioning FaZe's chances of even competing on Mirage, Vitality’s chosen map.
However, Mirage was a different story. Despite trailing 4-1 early on, FaZe clawed their way back into contention. Helvijs "broky" Saukants and Håvard "rain" Nygaard stepped up to match ropz’s intensity, driving their team to an unexpected 7-5 lead by halftime.
CAAAAAARRYGUNNNNNNN pic.twitter.com/E44yIsPUTy
— FaZe Esports (@FaZeEsports) December 13, 2024
FaZe’s resilience paid off as they handed Vitality their first map loss of the Major, shocking fans and forcing the series to a decider on Anubis.
STOLE THEIR PICK RIGHT BACK pic.twitter.com/Xhb6cMihH5
— FaZe Esports (@FaZeEsports) December 13, 2024
Anubis proved to be the perfect stage for FaZe’s final blow. Starting on the CT-side, FaZe secured eight rounds, including a crucial last-second defuse in the final round of the half.
4 FOR @FROZENNcs pic.twitter.com/Nhhdcp4WNw
— FaZe Esports (@FaZeEsports) December 13, 2024
Despite an 11-6 lead, the game was far from over. Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut delivered a sensational pistol clutch to keep Vitality in the hunt.
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED? pic.twitter.com/h2tyLqUzdJ
— FaZe Esports (@FaZeEsports) December 13, 2024
But FaZe refused to falter. They sealed the series, stunning Vitality and sending the favorites packing. The victory was a testament to FaZe’s tenacity and ability to perform under pressure, even after losing their map pick. They also eliminated Vitality from the PGL Copenhagen Major, earlier this year.
never count them out pic.twitter.com/CjDVwjUeVx
— FaZe Esports (@FaZeEsports) December 13, 2024
The upset sets the stage for an electrifying semifinal matchup between FaZe and G2, dashing fans’ hopes for a superstar AWPer showdown between Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov and ZywOo.
Now, the spotlight shifts to whether FaZe can continue their momentum against G2 in what promises to be another thrilling contest.