The First CS2 Major: NAVI's Copenhagen Cinderella Story (From a Pro's Perspective)

As I sit here in 2026, scrolling through my old VODs and sipping a lukewarm Red Bull, I can't help but get nostalgic about the first-ever CS2 Major. The PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 was a rollercoaster, and the grand final between FaZe Clan and Natus Vincere? Absolute cinema. Nobody expected NAVI to be there after s1mple dipped, but here we are. And FaZe, well, they're basically grand final merchants at this point. So grab your favorite energy drink, and let me take you back to that wild weekend in Denmark. 🎮

The Road to the Final: Not Exactly a Cakewalk

Both teams finished the Challengers Stage with a 3-2 record. Yeah, you read that right. They both limped into the playoffs like a hungover college student on a Monday morning. But once the playoffs started, they flipped a switch. FaZe eliminated Team Spirit and Team Vitality. NAVI took down Eternal Fire and G2 Esports. So much for early-stage form, huh? It's like showing up to a job interview in sweatpants and still getting the job. No cap.

The Rosters: Legends and New Blood

Let's break down the squads, shall we?

On FaZe's side, you had four Major champions, with only frozen making his Major final debut. Karrigan, the Danish IGL, had a chance to win his second Major in his home country. The first Danish IGL to win a Major was at Antwerp 2022, and guess what? That final was against NAVI, and FaZe won 2-0. History was on their side, right? Not so fast.

On NAVI's side, no s1mple, no problem. w0nderful stepped up and became the name of the moment. iM and jL also had their peaks of form. iM was even in his second consecutive Major final, having been a finalist with GamerLegion at the BLAST.TV Paris Major. Aleksib reached his second Major final, and b1t his third. These guys were hungry. 🔥

Map 1: NAVI Draws First Blood

FaZe started better, winning the pistol, but NAVI didn't take long to respond. The mid-round duels were absolutely nuts. Individual talent was on full display, with plays that made me jump out of my chair. NAVI won the second-half pistol, putting them in a comfortable 10-5 lead. FaZe clawed back to 10-9, but NAVI slammed the door with an unfavorable round. jL pulled off a fantastic clutch to close out the map. As a pro, I was like, "That's some next-level clutch gene right there." 😲

Map 2: FaZe Says 'Not Today, Satan'

NAVI had the first opportunity to close the series on their own map pick. But FaZe had other plans. An immaculate CT-side gave them a 10-2 halftime lead. The individual moments from FaZe players were just chef's kiss. ropz's pistol in the second half was the highlight, and FaZe kept the pace, never letting NAVI breathe. They forced a third map. I remember thinking, "Okay, Inferno. Here we go again."

Map 3: Inferno... and It's All Over

Since the Eleague Major Boston 2018, every Major final had gone the full three maps. FaZe were in that Boston final too, and they famously lost to Cloud9 on Inferno after a historic comeback. Lightning didn't strike twice. NAVI came out guns blazing, taking a 7-0 lead. frozen stopped the bleeding with a clutch, but NAVI were relentless. w0nderful only died twice in the first half, while karrigan finished the half with zero kills. Oof. Zero kills in a Major final half? That's like a chef burning water. NAVI led 9-3, won the second-half pistol, and never looked back. They won 13-3 on Inferno. GG.

As PGL tweeted: '@natusvincere are the PGL CS2 MAJOR COPENHAGEN 2024 CHAMPIONS! #PGLMAJOR'

Final Thoughts from a Pro in 2026

Looking back, that final was a turning point. It showed that CS2 was here to stay, and that new stars could rise. NAVI proved they could win without s1mple, and w0nderful became a household name. Karrigan's quest for a second Major fell short, but he's still a legend. As for me, I learned that you should never count out a team that finished 3-2 in the Challengers Stage. And also, never play Inferno against NAVI when they're feeling it. Trust me, I've been there. 😅

So here's to the first CS2 Major. It was a banger. And if you're new to the scene, go back and watch the VODs. You won't regret it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go practice my Inferno utility. Later, nerds. ✌️