The BLAST Premier Fall Final 2024 was nothing short of fascinating, and the Grand Finals match between G2 Esports and NAVI will be remembered for its ferocity and high stakes performance. In an eagerly anticipated showdown of titans, G2 emerged triumphant, claiming their long-awaited championship. The victory not only ended their nine-match losing run against NAVI, but it also signified the result of months of hard work, strategic planning, and outstanding individual performances from the G2 roster.
For months, G2 Esports had been haunted by their record against NAVI, having lost nine consecutive matches. The weight of these defeats added significant pressure on the team going into the BLAST Premier Fall Finals. Led by their fearless in-game leader, Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen, G2 was determined to change the narrative.
The Grand Final itself was a best-of-five series, which set the stage for a dramatic battle. NAVI, with Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen at the helm, had been a thorn in G2’s side since the Finnish leader joined the team. Aleksib had never lost a best-of-five series against G2, further heightening the stakes. But history would be rewritten when G2 demonstrated their tenacity and defeated their rival in a spectacular way.
WE BROKE THE CURSE pic.twitter.com/uYDA1AyRfm
— G2 CS (@G2CSGO) September 29, 2024
For malbsMd, this victory was monumental. Not only did it mark his first LAN tournament win, but it also made him the first Guatemalan to ever claim a top-tier Counter-Strike 2 title. In his post-match interview, malbsMd expressed gratitude and pride, saying, “Gaming is possible. If I can make it, everyone can make it.”
Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov reminded everyone why he is regarded as one of the top young Counter-Strike players. At only 19 years old, m0NESY had an average rating of 1.33 throughout the tournament and was vital in turning the tide in G2’s favor at critical moments.
For his outstanding achievements, m0NESY was named tournament MVP. His ability to perform under pressure, particularly in key moments, was crucial for G2’s success in the Grand Finals. Fans and commentators alike have speculated that m0NESY could be in contention for the title of best player of the year, and his performance at BLAST has undoubtedly boosted his chances.
— IlyaO (@G2m0NESY) September 29, 2024
The Grand Final against NAVI lived up to the hype. G2 displayed a mix of skill, strategy, and fortune, pulling off several low-probability clutches that ultimately swung the momentum in their favor. The first two maps, Ancient and Dust II, saw G2 win 13-9 and 13-11, respectively. However, NAVI made a strong comeback on the third map, Mirage, which they won 13-11.
Despite NAVI’s resurgence, G2 remained composed and finished the series with a commanding performance on the fourth map, securing their long-awaited championship victory.
With the BLAST Premier Fall Finals trophy in hand, G2’s eyes are now set on the upcoming Shanghai Major. Given their dominant performance in the tournament, many are questioning whether G2 could be the team to beat at the next major event. Their victory over the world’s top-ranked team, NAVI, has boosted their confidence, but the road ahead will not be easy.
