Major polluted by scandal: review of PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 in Counter-Strike

The first-ever Major in the history of CS2 is now behind us, leaving behind mixed impressions. In this article, Bo3.gg will delve into the scandalous moments that unfolded at the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024. From unexpected upsets to intense rivalries, this Major was filled with gripping storylines that captivated fans worldwide. We’ll explore the controversies, surprising plays, and standout performances that made this tournament one to remember. Join us as we dissect the highs and lows, the triumphs and controversies, of the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024.

Unpredictable results

The PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 left a lasting impression on both fans and players alike. One of the key talking points that emerged from the tournament was the unpredictable nature of the match results. This was largely due to the best-of-1 format with a MR12 system that was implemented for the group stages. The best-of-1 format, where teams compete in a single map with a limited number of rounds, introduced an element of uncertainty and heightened the significance of early game performance. Teams that lost the initial pistol round and subsequent weapon rounds often found themselves at a significant disadvantage, with limited opportunities to turn the tide of the match. This led to intense pressure and a narrow margin for error, as a single misstep could result in elimination from the tournament. From a spectator’s perspective, the unpredictability of best-of-1 matches added an exciting and thrilling element to the viewing experience. Every round carried heightened stakes, as teams fought tooth and nail to secure victory. The potential for upsets and underdog stories made each match captivating and kept viewers on the edge of their seats. However, from a competitive standpoint, the best-of-1 format with a MR12 system was deemed by some as potentially unbalanced. Critics argued that the format placed too much emphasis on early game performance, diminishing the importance of strategy, adaptability, and resilience over the course of a longer series. The limited number of rounds also meant that teams had less opportunity to showcase their full potential and make a comeback if they faced a slow start.

To address these concerns and promote a fairer and more comprehensive competition, suggestions have been made for tournament organizers to consider transitioning from the best-of-1 format to best-of-3 for the group stages. This would provide teams with a greater opportunity to showcase their skills across multiple maps and allow for a more accurate assessment of their overall performance. Additionally, conducting event finals in a best-of-5 format has been proposed, which would further test the teams’ endurance, adaptability, and strategic depth. Advocates for these changes argue that adopting a best-of-3 format for the group stages and best-of-5 for the finals would help minimize the impact of randomness and provide a more balanced and competitive environment. It would also allow teams to recover from early setbacks and showcase their ability to adapt and strategize over the course of a series. However, it is important to note that the debate surrounding the format of professional CS2 tournaments is ongoing, with differing opinions among players, teams, organizers, and fans. Finding the right balance between excitement, fairness, and competitive integrity is a complex task that requires careful consideration of various factors, including player feedback, viewership preferences, and the overall goals of the competitive scene.

PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 showcased the excitement and drama that can arise from the best-of-1 format with a MR12 system. While it provided thrilling moments and unexpected outcomes, there are valid concerns about its potential imbalance and limited scope for comeback. The discussion about tournament formats will continue as the CS2 community seeks to strike the ideal balance between excitement and competitive fairness in future events.

Thorin, jL and Eternal Fire

Duncan “Thorin” Shields is a journalist who is known for his sharp wit and keeping a close eye on the pulse of the esports scene. He has never been one to shy away from making controversial remarks or delivering cutting-edge humor, often targeting esports players and teams. One incident that garnered attention was his critique of Natus Vincere’s rifler, Justinas “jL” Lekavicius, during the IEM Katowice 2024 tournament. jL showed up to a match against Eternal Fire with a depleted mouse battery, drawing Thorin’s criticism in a blunt and direct manner. This marked the beginning of their conflict. In response to Thorin’s criticism, jL decided to take a light-hearted approach. He posted a clown picture directed at Thorin and showcased his creativity by crafting unique weapon skins. To everyone’s surprise, jL’s performance during the Major tournament was exceptional, and he emerged as the Most Valuable Player (MVP). Thorin playfully acknowledged jL’s success, and it seemed like the conflict between them had been put to rest. However, the drama didn’t end there. Thorin continued to make waves throughout the championship, this time targeting the captain of Eternal Fire, who is highly regarded as the best Turkish In-Game Leader (IGL) in the history of Counter-Strike. Thorin’s remarks provoked strong reactions from the Turkish community, who passionately defended their beloved captain against what they perceived as unfair criticism. Meanwhile, during an interview, Engin “MAJ3R” Kupeli, the aforementioned captain, revealed that he struggles to communicate effectively with his team in Turkish. He admitted that it is not his first language, as he was born and spent the majority of his life in France. This revelation sparked a debate about language barriers within teams and the challenges they pose in terms of coordination and strategy.

In response to Thorin’s comments, Furkan “1NCON” Gyüven, the owner of Eternal Fire, publicly lashed out at the journalist. He reacted with aggression and even issued a physical threat against Thorin, should they ever cross paths in person. The situation escalated further when Furkan’s Twitter account was ultimately suspended due to his aggressive behavior. Thorin, on the other hand, remained undeterred by the backlash. He made it clear that he would take action to hinder Eternal Fire’s ability to secure new sponsors, vowing to use his influence within the industry to discourage potential partnerships. This response only fueled the flames of the ongoing conflict between Thorin and the organization. The clash between Thorin and various individuals at the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 underscored the power of words and the impact they can have within the esports community. It shed light on the delicate balance between criticism, humor, and maintaining professional relationships. The incident also sparked conversations about the responsibilities of journalists and analysts in the industry, as well as the need for respectful and constructive discourse. As the dust settled, it became evident that conflicts and controversies are an inherent part of the esports landscape. They add layers of intrigue and passion to the events, captivating fans and fueling discussions for months to come. Whether it’s through sharp remarks, playful banter, or even heated confrontations, the clash of personalities and differing perspectives continues to shape the ever-evolving world of esports.

Activists

Throughout the playoffs of the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024, an unexpected and controversial incident unfolded outside the Royal Arena. In the days leading up to the event, pamphlets were distributed to attendees, alleging that G2 Esports’ former sponsor, CSGORoll, was involved in fraudulent activities. This created an atmosphere of intrigue and suspicion surrounding the tournament. The situation took a dramatic turn during the G2 – MOUZ match when a group of volunteers managed to breach the security barriers and stormed the stage. These individuals claimed responsibility for organizing the demonstration and were revealed to be representatives of CSGOEmpire, a prominent skin gambling platform. Their intention was to bring attention to their allegations against CSGORoll and expose what they believed to be a scam. Unfortunately, chaos ensued as security personnel attempted to apprehend one of the activists. In the midst of the commotion, the main trophy of the Major was accidentally knocked over and shattered, symbolically mirroring the fractured state of affairs surrounding the event. The incident not only disrupted the match but also cast a shadow of uncertainty over the integrity and security measures of the tournament.

Following the incident, the authorities swiftly detained the activists, and the arena implemented stricter security protocols to prevent further breaches. However, the repercussions extended beyond the immediate aftermath. The organizer of the demonstration and owner of CSGOEmpire publicly declared that similar incidents would persist at future CS2 events, hinting at an ongoing rivalry between skin gambling casinos vying for dominance within the community. This incident highlights the complex and controversial nature of the CS2 esports ecosystem. It showcases the battle for power, influence, and market share among various stakeholders, including sponsors, gambling platforms, and the community itself. The intertwining of competitive gaming and the skin gambling industry has long been a topic of scrutiny, and this incident only adds fuel to the ongoing debate regarding the ethical implications of such partnerships. The fallout from this incident also raises questions about the responsibilities of tournament organizers in ensuring the safety and integrity of their events. The incident at the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 serves as a wake-up call for the esports industry to reevaluate security measures and address the potential risks associated with the convergence of gaming and gambling. As the tournament continued, the focus gradually shifted back to the incredible displays of skill and competition on the CS2 stage. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder that beneath the surface of the games we love, there are deeper currents of controversy, rivalries, and conflicts that can impact the community as a whole. It is a call for transparency, accountability, and responsible conduct to ensure the long-term sustainability and credibility of competitive esports.

Traditional PGL Problems

PGL tournaments have traditionally been plagued by various sound and video issues during their broadcasts, and the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 was no exception. Throughout the championship, viewers tuning into the streams encountered subpar audio quality, with instances of the crowd overpowering the in-game sounds or commentators’ voices, among other issues. Moreover, there were instances where the official English broadcast completely crashed in the middle of a match, leading to technical pauses that disrupted the flow of the game. These technical hiccups have become so commonplace in PGL events that they were often overlooked or disregarded by the community. It is disheartening to witness such recurring technical problems in major esports tournaments. These issues not only detract from the overall viewing experience but also disrupt the competitive integrity of the matches. Viewers rely on high-quality production and seamless broadcasts to fully immerse themselves in the excitement of the games. When technical glitches occur, it hampers the enjoyment and creates frustration among the audience.

While it is understandable that technical issues can arise in any live event, it is important for tournament organizers to prioritize the stability and reliability of their broadcasts. Consistent problems with sound and video quality reflect poorly on the professionalism and competence of the production team. It becomes imperative for organizers to invest in robust infrastructure, thorough testing, and skilled technicians to ensure that technical difficulties are minimized or completely avoided. As esports continues to grow and attract a wider audience, it is crucial for tournament organizers to uphold high standards of production value. Viewers invest their time and passion into following these tournaments, and they deserve a seamless and engaging viewing experience. By addressing the recurring technical issues and striving for excellence in broadcast quality, tournament organizers can enhance the overall credibility and appeal of their events. It is my hope that future PGL tournaments, and all esports events in general, prioritize the delivery of top-notch broadcasts that captivate and satisfy viewers. The community’s engagement and enthusiasm for esports should be met with professionalism, technical proficiency, and a commitment to providing an exceptional viewing experience. Only then can we truly showcase the incredible world of esports to its fullest potential.

There were no teams from Denmark in the playoffs

The Danish clubs had eagerly awaited a home Major for so long, and finally, it arrived. However, almost all of the local rosters failed to even qualify for the tournament. The only Danish team at the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 was ECSTATIC. The team confidently navigated the Opening Stage but stumbled during the Elimination stage, failing to advance to the playoffs. It was a major disappointment for the local CS2 fans. The champions of the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 were Natus Vincere. The event took place from March 17th to 31st in Copenhagen, Denmark. The teams competed for a prize pool of $1.25 million. It’s unfortunate that the Danish teams couldn’t make a stronger showing on their home turf. The fans were undoubtedly hoping for a more prominent presence from their local talent. Nevertheless, the tournament showcased the incredible skill and competition of teams from around the world. Natus Vincere’s victory further solidified their position as one of the top teams in the CS2 scene. As the Danish CS2 community reflects on the results of the Major, it serves as a reminder of the ever-increasing level of competition in the esports landscape. It underscores the need for continuous improvement and adaptation to remain at the forefront of the game. The disappointment of the local fans can hopefully serve as motivation for Danish teams to strive for greater success in future tournaments.

The PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 will be remembered not only for the triumph of Natus Vincere but also as a testament to the global reach and popularity of CS2. Despite the absence of Danish teams in the later stages, the event captivated audiences worldwide and showcased the intensity and excitement that makes esports such a thrilling spectacle. Moving forward, Danish teams will have to regroup and refocus their efforts on future competitions. The dream of a Danish team lifting the Major trophy on home soil will have to wait for another opportunity. However, the passion and dedication of the Danish CS2 community remain strong, and they will undoubtedly continue to support their favorite teams as they strive for success on the international stage.