The world of Counter-Strike 2 witnessed an extraordinary turn of events as Passion UA, a rising Ukrainian team, achieved a monumental victory by eliminating Astralis—one of the most storied names in Counter-Strike history—from the RMR for the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024.
This victory secures Passion UA’s place in the upcoming major and symbolizes the relentless determination of the underdogs.
Passion UA’s Meteoric Rise
Passion UA entered the European RMR B as an underdog but quickly proved their mettle with back-to-back victories in Best-of-One matches. Notably, they defeated top-ranked teams like Virtus.pro (VP) and Team Spirit, ranked #3 in the Valve World Ranking. However, their most stunning accomplishment came when they defeated Astralis 2-0 in a Best-of-Three series.
- Map 1: Inferno
Passion UA dominated Astralis on their own map pick with a commanding 13-9 victory. Each team member delivered exceptional performances, showcasing their cohesive gameplay and determination to rise above expectations. - Map 2: Ancient
Ancient proved to be a closer contest, with Astralis putting up a strong fight. Despite setbacks, including losing both pistol rounds and struggling in early duels, Passion UA held their ground. Under the leadership of Rodyon ‘fear’ Smyk, the team secured a narrow 13-11 win, clinching the series and sealing Astralis’ fate.
Astralis’ Struggles Continue
The defeat marks Astralis’ fourth consecutive missed major, a devastating blow to the Danish team’s storied legacy. Adding to their woes is the absence of Nicolai ‘dev1ce’ Reedtz, their star AWPer, who is sidelined due to health concerns.
Dev1ce’s absence has been a critical factor in Astralis’ struggles, with fans and teammates eagerly awaiting updates on his potential return. His contributions have been deeply missed, and his absence underscores the challenges faced by the team in maintaining their competitive edge.
Passion UA: A Symbol of Resilience
Passion UA’s success is more than just an esports triumph; it reflects the resilience of the Ukrainian esports scene amid challenging times. Backed by notable supporters like football star Oleksandr Zinchenko, the team’s journey from underdogs to major qualifiers is a testament to their hard work and unity.
- Fear’s Leadership:
Rodyon ‘fear’ Smyk, known for his stints with Na’Vi Junior and The Witchers, has been instrumental in guiding the team through high-pressure matches. His strategic prowess and composure were key in securing victory against Astralis.
Impact on the Counter-Strike Community
The elimination of a powerhouse like Astralis by a relatively unknown team has sent shockwaves through the Counter-Strike community. Passion UA’s achievement underscores the growing potential of emerging talents and serves as an inspiration to aspiring players worldwide. Their story is one of perseverance, teamwork, and the unyielding belief in their abilities.
What’s Next?
With their qualification secured, Passion UA now turns their focus to the Perfect World Shanghai Major, where they will face some of the toughest teams in the world. This opportunity not only puts them on the global stage but also cements their position as a rising force in Counter-Strike 2.