The Thunderpick World Championship in Berlin concluded with The MongolZ defeating HEROIC 3-1 in the grand final. This victory earned them not just the championship title but also a grand prize of $500,000, with HEROIC placing second and receiving a $150,000 prize. Beginning on October 21, the $850,000 CS2 tournament featured 16 teams determined through regional qualifiers in Europe, North America, and South America. Divided into four groups, teams competed in a double-elimination format, with the top performers advancing to the quarterfinals.
Led by Garidmagnai “bLitz” Byambasuren, The MongolZ showcased exceptional performance throughout the tournament. They dominated both online and LAN stages, dropping only two maps in total. Their victories over formidable teams like fnatic, Imperial, and 3DMAX highlighted their readiness to compete at the highest level in Counter-Strike 2.
The final kicked off on Dust 2, HEROIC’s map pick. The MongolZ turned a tied 6-6 halftime score into a 13-8 win, thanks to their effective offensive strategies and key plays from bLitz. Their ability to capitalize on crucial rounds set the tone for the series.
HEROIC bounced back on Ancient, The MongolZ’s choice. A pivotal 1v3 clutch by Damjan “kyxsan” Stoilkovski in the pistol round energized HEROIC, leading them to a 13-6 victory. René “TeSeS” Madsen also contributed significantly, helping to level the series.
The third map, Anubis, proved to be the turning point of the series. Despite HEROIC’s early 5-2 lead, The MongolZ adapted their playstyle, exploiting weaknesses in HEROIC’s setups. Utilizing effective utility usage and timing, they rallied to claim map point with a 12-6 scoreline. HEROIC mounted a comeback attempt, narrowing the gap, but The MongolZ maintained their composure to close out the map 13-11. This victory shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.
On Mirage, The MongolZ delivered a masterclass performance that left HEROIC reeling. They dismantled HEROIC’s defense with a relentless offensive, securing a dominant 10-2 lead at halftime. Their aggressive plays, combined with strategic map control, prevented HEROIC from gaining any foothold. The momentum continued as they swiftly concluded the map 13-3, sealing their 3-1 victory and the championship title. bLitz and his teammates showcased synergy and confidence, making decisive plays that overwhelmed their opponents.
Despite facing European opponents on their home turf, The MongolZ enjoyed overwhelming support from the Berlin crowd. Fans were captivated by the underdog narrative and the team’s spirited performances. The audience’s enthusiastic backing added an electrifying atmosphere to the matches, boosting The MongolZ’s morale and potentially impacting the outcome.
Chants and cheers filled the arena every time The MongolZ secured a round or executed a remarkable play. This level of support is a testament to the universal appeal of competitive gaming and the ability of teams to transcend regional affiliations through their performance.
With their victory, The MongolZ now turn their attention to the Perfect World Shanghai Major Asia RMR, starting on November 11. The quick transition leaves little time for rest, but their current form positions them as strong contenders. Their performance in Berlin will undoubtedly make other teams take notice as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
