In a thrilling quarterfinal clash at the Shanghai Major, Team Spirit edged past Team Liquid 2-0, securing their first Major semifinal appearance since PGL Antwerp 2022.
Despite a valiant comeback attempt by Liquid on Dust 2, Spirit’s resilience and firepower, led by their 17-year-old prodigy Danil "donk" Kryshkovets, proved decisive.
Spirit are through to the semifinals in Shanghai!
The series began with intrigue during the map veto phase. Liquid surprised many by banning Vertigo, while leaving Dust 2 - Spirit’s best map - in the pool. Nevertheless, the match kicked off on Anubis, Liquid's pick.
Spirit made the unconventional choice to start on the CT side, a decision that paid dividends. They neutralized Liquid’s usually dominant T-side, closing the first half at 6-6. As the teams switched sides, Spirit's offense came alive, spearheaded by donk.
Get donked. #ShanghaiMajor2024 pic.twitter.com/oOmK3StwFH
— CS_PerfectWorld (@CS_PerfectWorld) December 12, 2024
The teenage sensation delivered a jaw-dropping performance, racking up 24 kills, including two aces, and further showcasing his potential to become the first non-AWP player crowned No. 1 in HLTV rankings since Marcelo "coldzera" David in 2017. Spirit cruised to a 13-9 victory on Anubis, setting the stage for a potential sweep.
DOUBLE ACE ON ANUBIS by @donk1337 pic.twitter.com/Tt3JI1ZVHC
— Team Spirit (@Team__Spirit) December 12, 2024
The momentum carried over to Dust 2, Spirit’s map pick. A strong T-side effort, bolstered by donk and the strategic acumen of captain Leonid "chopper" Vishnyakov, saw Spirit take a commanding 7-5 lead at the half. Their dominance continued as they extended the scoreline to 12-6, with PGL's Twitch full off “gg” predictions.
Can't believe Liquid didn't bring it back after this insane 1v2 from Twistzz pic.twitter.com/1U1podqvob
— Counter-Strike News (@TheCSTimes) December 12, 2024
However, Liquid was far from done. Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken, a former Major winner with FaZe, rallied his squad in an inspired comeback attempt. Liquid clawed their way to within a single round at 11-12, with an opportunity to force overtime and keep their hopes of a deciding map on Ancient alive. But Spirit held their nerve in the final moments, closing out Dust 2 at 13-11 to seal the 2-0 victory.
SEMIFINALS SECURED GG @TeamLiquidCS pic.twitter.com/aAa8UC9Fc8
— Team Spirit (@Team__Spirit) December 12, 2024
Spirit’s win propels them into the semifinals, where they will face MOUZ on Saturday. With donk in scintillating form and the team firing on all cylinders, Spirit enters the match as favorites, eyeing a coveted spot in the Major’s grand final.
Who do you think will win said semifinal encounter? Are MOUZ next in line to be "donked"?