Top 5 Key Moments from the PGL Copenhagen Major

The PGL Copenhagen Major is nearing its end as FaZe and NAVI will meet in the grand final, but things could have been much different if some key moments didn't pan out the way they did.

From misplays to PC crashes, and incredible clutches to miracles eco rounds, it's safe to say that the first-ever CS2 Major has delivered, and fans can't complain about the level of Counter-Strike they have been watching since March 17th.

#5 zont1x couldn't handle the pressure against FaZe

It was one of those kinds of matches for Myroslav "zont1x" Plakhotia against FaZe on Vertigo. One mistake tainted his whole performance during the decider map. Despite having a lot of impact during some crucial rounds, zont1x showed a clear lack of experience when it came down to clutch moments.

After a 0/9 start, the Ukrainian found himself in a 1v1 to end the first half of Vertigo. With just 15 seconds, zont1x chose to run from A to B to plant the bomb but halfway through the way he second-guessed himself and tried to bait Helvijs "broky" Saukants into peeking, which didn't happen and FaZe won the round. It was evident that zont1x was feeling frustrated and was feeling the pressure, but it wasn't over just yet.

zont1x managed to bounce back on the CT-side and helped Spirit reach overtime. It was during the T-side of overtime that zont1x would crumble once again, as he found himself in a 1v2 situation with just enough time to plant the bomb, but decided to fake the plant and was easily killed by the FaZe players, who would have won the round even if they hadn't moved.

#4 Americas secure 7 spots for Shanghai Major

Some wins matter more than others, not just when it comes down to trophies. As FURIA eliminated SAW from the PGL Copenhagen Major Opening Stage, the Brazilians also secured a 7th spot for an American team in the Perfect World Shanghai Major, happening in December.

This is the highest number of teams from the Americas ever in a Major since the 2016 MLG Columbus Major, which also featured seven teams from the continent. paiN, Imperial and FURIA are responsible for this big win for the region, which also translates into a bigger and more competitive Americas RMR.

Unfortunately, neither of the three Brazilian squads and Complexity couldn't advance to the playoffs, meaning all seven qualified teams from the Americas RMR will enter the Opening Stage of the next Major, alongside two Asian squads, as TheMongolz also managed to advance to the Elimination Stage.

#3 Virtus.pro is cursed - Jame's PC crashes during 4v4 retake; fame victim of a jump bug

It was the talk of the community for a few days. The score was 11-11 on Inferno with Virtus.pro just two rounds away from securing a playoff appearance and G2 needing to win the map to force a decider.

During the 4v4 post-plant situation, Dzhami "⁠Jame⁠" Ali was relocating inside the B site when all of a sudden his character started exposing himself without the Russian AWPer controlling him. Turns out, an NVIDIA driver crashed and cost VP the round.

The team lost Inferno 13-11 and Anubis 13-6. This was where Virtus.pro were victims of a bug that gave away Petr "fame" Bolyshev's position and allowed G2 to win a round that otherwise could have easily gone VP's way.

#2 G2 v. MOUZ interrupted by skin gamblers

It was the lowest point of this Major. Amidst some conflicts between skin gambling websites, everyone was a victim of a sad display of misbehavior. Some individuals stormed the stage, stopped the match between G2 and MOUZ, and the players were escorted backstage for security reasons. It's the first time something like this happens.

The match then resumed, but it wasn't the same, as players were, naturally, not able to totally focus on the game they were playing and MOUZ would eventually lose. How would have the match gone if the stage hadn't been stormed? We'll never know, but hopefully this never happens again.

The day after these events, PGL increased the number of security guards and removed the catwalk from the stage, as player would now be unable to get closer to the fans. The organizer added more barriers between the stage and the crowd, while also adding some more rows of chairs.

#1 STYKO donates 20% of his sticker money

Life is not a game, and mental health is a sensitive topic. Martin "STYKO" Styk has always pushed for a better environment where mental health as a topic takes center place, even more during his time as a member of the Counter-Strike Professional Players' Association.

After Apeks exited the PGL Copenhagen Major, the Slovakian player announced on X that he would be donating 10% of his sticker income to the Twisten Foundation, a foundation set up in honor of Karel "Twisten" Ašenbrener, a former VALORANT player who passed away in 2023. STYKO would also donate 10% to David "cynic" Polster's family after the North American player passed away earlier in 2024.