FaZe Clan has officially punched their ticket to the playoffs of the CS2 Major Shanghai. Despite a rocky start and questionable performances in earlier matches, a stunning comeback against FURIA has breathed life into their campaign.
However, doubts remain about whether FaZe can overcome their inconsistencies and deliver a competitive showing in the playoffs.
A Shaky Journey Through the Group Stage
FaZe’s path to the playoffs was anything but smooth. The team began their campaign against Wildcard, a squad viewed as one of the weakest contenders in the top 16.
Yet, FaZe struggled to establish dominance, narrowly clinching a 13-10 victory. Håvard “rain” Nygaard proved to be their savior in this matchup, delivering a stellar performance with a 1.98 rating to secure the win.
Their volatility persisted in the Bo1 rounds. FaZe suffered a defeat against Heroic but managed to bounce back with a crucial win over MOUZ, landing them in the 2-1 pool.
However, when the Bo3 series began, FaZe was humbled by G2, exposing glaring weaknesses in their map pool and individual firepower. Inferno, in particular, became a recurring pain point, setting the stage for their elimination match against FURIA.
Rain and ropz Lead FaZe’s Comeback Against FURIA
The elimination series against FURIA seemed to follow a familiar script as FaZe was demolished on Inferno with a 13-6 loss. Inferno’s issues continued to plague the team, with FaZe unable to keep up with FURIA’s aggressive pace. Heading into Dust2, their tournament life hung by a thread.
In a defining moment, rain delivered yet another critical performance on the CT side, holding back FURIA’s relentless attacks. His contributions created space for Robin “ropz” Kool, who finally rediscovered the form that had once made him a feared competitor. Ropz’s dominance on Dust2 carried over to Mirage, where FaZe took an early 12-2 lead, all but securing the series.
Despite FURIA’s valiant attempts, including sharp calls from Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo and standout plays from Kaike “kscerato” Cerato, the gap was insurmountable. FaZe capitalized on chaotic rounds to clinch the victory and advance to the playoffs.
Key Takeaways from FaZe’s Performance:
- Map Pool Weaknesses: FaZe’s repeated struggles on Inferno highlight a lack of strategic depth.
- Individual Inconsistencies: Key players like ropz only began to shine late in the series, reflecting a need for more consistent contributions.
- Rain’s Stability: Rain has been a cornerstone for FaZe, delivering standout performances when the team needed him most.
- Mental Resilience: Despite being pushed to the brink, FaZe managed to rally and secure their playoff spot.
Karrigan’s Honest Assessment
In a post-match interview, FaZe’s captain Finn “karrigan” Andersen acknowledged the team’s struggles. He admitted they lack a reliable map pick, a glaring issue that could spell trouble in the playoffs.
With Vitality awaiting them in the quarterfinals, FaZe faces a monumental challenge. Overcoming a 0-1 deficit in a series against one of the strongest teams in the world seems improbable without drastic improvements.
Can FaZe Deliver in the Playoffs?
While reaching the playoffs is an achievement, FaZe’s path forward remains uncertain. Their performance so far has been marred by inconsistencies, and they’ll need to summon their best form to contend with elite teams like Vitality.
Whether this Major represents a turning point or the final chapter for this roster will depend on their ability to adapt and execute under pressure.
Major Shanghai CS2: Playoff Teams and Quarterfinal Matches Confirmed