9Pandas qualify for the CS2 Major

9Pandas managed to beat GamerLegion in a thrilling series to win the final slot through the RMR Last Chance European Qualifiers, and qualified for the first ever CS2 Major. This will be seized’s first appearance at a Major since 2018 (ELEAGUE Atlanta Major). It took three maps and three overtimes in total to determine the slot owner, but 9Pandas were able to successfully complete their incredible journey through the intense European RMR qualifications.

The Pandas became the seventeenth team from the old continent to make their way to the PGL Copenhagen Major. Victories over SAW and 3DMAX were enough to earn them a spot in the Last Chance qualifier, where their impressive win over Astralis set them up for a showdown match against GamerLegion for the final spot.

Start of the match

The match started off with a highly competitive tone, as both teams showcased their skills and strategic prowess. The first map, Overpass, unfolded as a nail-biting affair, with the score locked at 6-6, leading to overtime. It was a crucial map for GamerLegion, and they managed to secure a hard-fought victory with a close 16-14 scoreline.

As the action shifted to the map Ancient, 9 Pandas made a strong comeback, taking the lead with a score of 13-8. The tension in the air was palpable as the teams battled it out for control and supremacy. However, all eyes were on the next map, Nuke, as it held the key to determining the fate of the slot.

The early stages of the Nuke map witnessed an impressive display from 9 Pandas, as they surged ahead with an impressive 9-1 lead while playing on the CT side. Their coordinated strategies and solid defense seemed to indicate that they were on the path to securing an undisputed series win. However, GamerLegion, refusing to surrender, clawed their way back into the game, winning the last two rounds of the half. Their resilience and determination were on full display.

The turning point came with some exceptional plays, particularly a clutch performance by Snax, a seasoned player known for his composure in high-pressure situations. In a remarkable 1v2 scenario, Snax showcased his experience and skill, making it seem like the series was inevitably headed for overtime.

The outcome of the match hung in the balance as both teams pushed themselves to the limits. The dedication and passion of the players were evident, as they fought tooth and nail for every round and every advantage. The intensity of the gameplay kept spectators on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the final result.

Ultimately, the series was a testament to the competitive spirit and skill on display in the world of esports. The teams showcased exceptional teamwork, individual talent, and strategic decision-making throughout the match. It was a thrilling and closely contested battle, highlighting the excitement and unpredictability that makes esports such a captivating and rapidly growing phenomenon.

9 Pandas broke through the site’s defenses and won the match

In a dramatic turn of events, it all came down to the 24th round, where 9 Pandas, despite facing economic limitations, managed to break through Plenta’s defense and secure victory in the series at the very last possible moment. Their performance throughout the entire series was nothing short of exceptional, and leading the charge was none other than the renowned “watermelon enthusiast,” seized. The 30-year-old player displayed remarkable skill, boasting an impressive +37 K/D and an outstanding 1.66 HLTV 2.0 rating on the Nuke map, ultimately propelling his team to the coveted spot in Copenhagen.

This outcome carries significant implications as the finalists of the previous Paris Major will now miss out on the upcoming Major, leaving them with a bitter disappointment. Meanwhile, Snax, who has been absent from these prestigious tournaments since his time with MOUZ at the FACEIT London Major in September 2018, will once again be left out. Instead, another veteran player will take center stage, as seized makes his triumphant return to the grand arena of Counter-Strike. Renowned as a key player in the former NAVI roster, seized’s last venture into similar tournaments was with FlipSide, where they experienced an early exit from the ELEAGUE Atlanta Major back in January 2018. Now, seized finds himself stepping back into the spotlight, embracing a sense of nostalgia as he reenters the competitive scene.

The ever-evolving landscape of professional Counter-Strike continues to captivate fans and enthusiasts alike, as established players and rising stars battle it out for supremacy. The journey of these teams and players is filled with ups and downs, unexpected twists, and opportunities for redemption. The competitive nature of the game ensures that every match is a spectacle, with each round and each decision carrying immense weight. As the dust settles from this intense series, fans eagerly await the next chapter in the unfolding saga of Counter-Strike’s competitive landscape.