The Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Counter-Strike 2 events of the year, bringing together 24 elite teams from around the world in an intense, multi-week showdown. Set to take place from November 30 to December 15, the tournament will be hosted in Shanghai, where fans are eager to see who will claim victory in this pivotal moment of CS2’s competitive journey. Fans have the exciting opportunity to participate in match predictions with a chance to win from a $20,000 prize pool and unlock a diamond medal on their Skin.Club profile. In light of this major event, we look back at previous Major champions from the last five years, celebrating the most iconic players and teams that have left a lasting legacy in the Counter-Strike scene.
IEM Katowice 2019 – Astralis
The IEM Katowice Major 2019 was a monumental event for Astralis, a team that had already begun to define an era in Counter-Strike. As they claimed their third Major title, Astralis matched fnatic’s record, marking themselves as one of the greatest teams in the history of CS:GO. Facing ENCE, a team that captured fans’ imaginations with their underdog run, Astralis showed no mercy and delivered a performance that would be remembered for years.
Their star-studded roster included Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz, Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen, Andreas “Xyp9x” Højsleth, Emil “Magisk” Reif and Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander. Under gla1ve’s leadership, Astralis introduced groundbreaking strategies, using utility like no other team before. Their execution and tactics made them the most feared lineup, as they closed out the tournament without a single defeat.
The victory was particularly bittersweet for dupreeh, who was dealing with personal loss, adding an emotional layer to his celebration as he dedicated the win to his late father. This Major was a display of teamwork, mental resilience, and game-changing strategies, solidifying Astralis as a true powerhouse.
StarLadder Major Berlin 2019 – Astralis
Astralis continued their dominance in 2019 by securing a fourth Major title at the StarLadder Major in Berlin, making history as the team with the most Major victories in CS:GO. The Danes were facing challenges leading up to the event, as they had not won a tournament in five months, but they returned in full force. Along the way, they conquered Team Liquid, a rival that had been a dominant force in the scene, to claim their place as the undisputed kings of Counter-Strike.
With only one map dropped during the Legends stage, Astralis displayed complete control, showcasing why they were a step above every other team. Their win against AVANGAR in the final was one-sided, proving their unmatched skill and coordination. This Major placed Astralis in the record books and was a testament to their sustained excellence and adaptability.
PGL Major Stockholm 2021 – Natus Vincere
The return of the Major stage in 2021 was a momentous event after the two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At PGL Major Stockholm, Natus Vincere stepped up and claimed their first Major victory, and they did so in historic fashion. NAVI became the first team to win a Major without dropping a single map, a feat that showcased their dominance.
Led by Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, considered one of the greatest players in CS:GO, NAVI’s roster consisted of Denis “electroNic” Sharipov, Kirill “Boombl4” Mikhaylov, Ilya “Perfecto” Zalutskiy and Valerij “b1t” Vakhovsjkyj. They defeated G2 in the grand final, with s1mple delivering a stellar performance, further cementing his legacy as an all-time great. Their perfect run not only rewarded NAVI with their first Major title but also left an unforgettable mark on the Major history.
This victory was a crowning moment for s1mple, whose career had been marked by individual success but had lacked the Major title until Stockholm. NAVI’s triumph was also a statement that team chemistry and dedication could overcome years of setbacks and challenges. Today, NAVI consistently ranks as a fan favorite, boasting some of the most skilled players in CS2 history, and we are looking forward to their performance at the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024.
PGL Major Antwerp 2022 – FaZe Clan
FaZe Clan redeemed their long-standing dreams at PGL Major Antwerp 2022, capturing their first Major title after years of chasing the crown. Led by the legendary Finn “karrigan” Andersen, FaZe finally overcame the heartbreak of their loss at the Boston Major in 2018. Their path to victory included a thrilling semi-final against Spirit and a grand final triumph over Natus Vincere.
FaZe’s roster – Håvard “rain” Nygaard, Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken, Robin “ropz” Kool, Helvijs “broky” Saukants and karrigan – delivered a near-perfect performance, combining individual talent with strategic brilliance. The addition of ropz at the start of the year added a new dimension to FaZe’s lineup, allowing them to claim multiple titles leading up to the Major.
This win not only marked FaZe’s ascent to the top but also gave karrigan, one of the most respected in-game leaders, his first Major title. The victory highlighted the rise of international lineups in CS:GO, proving that diverse rosters could achieve success on the biggest stage.
IEM Rio Major 2022 – Outsiders (Virtus.pro core)
The IEM Rio Major in Brazil was a tournament filled with surprises, and it culminated with a victory by Outsiders, the Virtus.pro core competing under a different name. Alexey “Qikert” Golubev, Dzhami “Jame” Ali, Evgeniy “FL1T” Lebedev, David “n0rb3r7” Daniyelyan and Petr “fame” Bolyshev defied the odds to take the title in a tournament that many expected to be dominated by other top teams.
Outsiders faced HEROIC in the grand final, putting on a masterclass in patience and tactical play. Jame, known for his unique approach to the game, led the team to victory with his methodical and calculated style. The win was Outsiders’ first Major title, and it introduced a fresh set of champions to the Counter-Strike scene.
This Major was also notable for being the first in South America, providing a passionate home crowd that brought an unparalleled energy to the event. Outsiders’ victory was a testament to resilience and tactical brilliance, earning them respect in the global CS:GO community.
BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023 – Team Vitality
The final CS:GO Major, BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023, saw Team Vitality lifting the trophy in front of an electrifying home crowd. Led by the exceptional Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut, Vitality went undefeated, making a strong statement as they claimed their first Major title. Their journey to the top was characterized by solid teamwork, smart strategies, and ZywOo’s unmatched skill.
Vitality’s lineup included Dan “apEX” Madesclaire, Emil “Magisk” Reif, Lotan “Spinx” Giladi, Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen and ZywOo. The grand final victory was especially significant for dupreeh, who set a record with his fifth Major title, solidifying his place in Counter-Strike history. The Paris Major was a fitting farewell to CS:GO, crowning one of its most gifted players, ZywOo, as a Major champion. After steadily climbing the global rankings, Vitality now has a team that rivals the best in the world, and we can’t wait to see them in the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024.
PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 – Natus Vincere
The start of a new chapter in Counter-Strike was marked by the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024, the first Major for Counter-Strike 2. Natus Vincere returned to the spotlight, capturing their second Major title in a thrilling showdown. NAVI’s new lineup of Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen, Valerij “b1t” Vakhovsjkyj, Justinas “jL” Lekavičius, Mihai “iM” Ivan and Ihor “w0nderful” Zhdanov showed exceptional resilience and skill as they faced FaZe Clan in the grand final.
NAVI’s 2-1 victory against FaZe in Copenhagen represented a new beginning for the organization and the game. Justinas “jL” Lekavičius emerged as the tournament MVP, showcasing a standout 1.22 rating and reinforcing NAVI’s position as a powerhouse in CS2. This victory marked a promising start for Counter-Strike 2, as NAVI set the benchmark for future teams in the game’s new era.
Over the past five years, Counter-Strike Majors have showcased the evolution of gameplay, the rise of new talents, and the unmatched excitement of the esports community. Each champion has left a unique legacy, setting new standards and inspiring future players. As Counter-Strike embarks on a new era with CS2, the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 stands as the next landmark event, promising to carry forward the legacy of thrilling gameplay, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments. With the Shanghai Major on the horizon, the excitement around CS2 continues to grow, and fans around the world are ready to witness which team will rise to the top and claim their place as the next champions in Counter-Strike history.
