5 Best CS:GO Major Finals of All Time
There have been some thrilling Majors throughout Counter Strike: Global Offensive's history. Close matches, three game thrillers, overtime, you name it, odds are a CS:GO Major has had it. There are five in particular that had a lot of action and had fans sweating throughout the finals.
The five best Major finals of all time certainly provided that thrill and some slight heart attacks for fans.
5. PGL Major Krakow 2017 - Gambit vs. Immortals
The PGL Major Krakow Final was one that saw the Brazilian side Immortals take on Gambit Esports in what was a close contest that went to a third map.
Immortals squeaked out of the group, but grew as the event progressed and proceeded to smash Gambit 16-4 on the first map. But, Gambit bounced back and took the next two maps by closer margins to win their first Major.
4. ELEAGUE Major: Atlanta 2017 - Astralis vs. Virtus.pro
The ELEAGUE Major: Atlanta 2017 Grand Final featured Virtus.pro take on Astralis. Virtus.pro made their way rather easily through groups, while Astralis struggled to a 3-2 record. Astralis knocked off some big names en route to the final, however. They took down Natus Vincere and Fnatic.
Virtus.pro faced a strong North team and a very good SK Gaming side, but they pushed on and made it to the final.
The series was very close throughout. Virtus.pro took the first map 16-12 on Nuke. Astralis countered by taking the next two maps, both with scores of 16-14, to win Atlanta.
3. ESL One Cologne 2014 - Ninjas in Pyjamas vs. Fnatic
Ninjas in Pyjamas made it to five straight finals of Majors from 2013-2015 and were only able to win one of them. But, at Cologne 2014 they were able to win one of those finals and beat Fnatic.
They started strong winning the first match on Cobblestone 16-11, but dropped the next map 16-8. NiP kept their composure and closed out the series on Inferno 16-13. That win still stands as their only CS:GO Major victory.
2. ESL One Katowice 2015 - Fnatic vs. Ninjas in Pyjamas
These two sides played out three Major finals with Fnatic winning two of the three. This championship in particular was one of the more high octane and intense finals. Fnatic didn't want to just win, they wanted revenge for their loss at ESL One Cologne 2014.
The Grand Final again went the distance to a third map. This time, Fnatic took the first map before dropping map two to NiP. Fnatic kept their composure and clinched it on Inferno 16-13 to win their second Major title.
1. ELEAGUE Major: Boston - Cloud9 vs. FaZe Clan
The best Major final of all time has to go to the most recent Major: FaZe Clan vs. Cloud9 at ELEAGUE Major: Boston. The first North American side to win a Major in a classic match that will go down in the record books.
Cloud9 were on the verge of elimination, with an 0-2 record in group play before sweeping all comers to make it to the final. They eliminated G2 Esports, SK Gaming and then beat FaZe Clan en route to the championship.
FaZe won the first map 16-14 before Cloud9 bounced back with a commanding performance on Overpass to win 16-10. Then, on Inferno, it was one of the craziest maps ever played. Cloud9 won 22-19 after both sides forced overtime at one point.
It was an instant classic and will be hard to top at future Majors.
Cover photo courtesy of ELEAGUE/Turner Sports.