IEM Chengdu Grand Final: FaZe Add to CS2 Trophy Cabinet

FaZe Clan remains the last one standing in China after the IEM Chengdu Grand Final 

FaZe have won yet another CS2 title, dominating MOUZ 2-0 in the IEM Chengdu grand final. They cruised to a comfortable win on Overpass (13-10) and Nuke (13-6) to seal the deal. David “⁠frozen⁠” Čerňanský, acquired by FaZe in late 2023, celebrated his first piece of silverware with the team, at the expense of his former employers. 

FaZe Clan’s Dominant CS2 Run Continue With IEM Chengdu Grand Final Win

FaZe Clan extend their LAN dominance in the CS2 era, claiming their third title in seven consecutive finals! Their victory at IEM Chengdu, however, marks their first championship since the CS Asia Championships in Shanghai, where they also defeated MOUZ in the grand final. This impressive run stretches all the way back to IEM Sydney.

THE CURSE IS BROKEN.

AFTER 4 SECOND PLACES IN A ROW @FaZeClan LIFT A TROPHY AT #IEM CHENGDU 2024.

THE BEST CS2 TEAM IN THE WORLD. 🌍 pic.twitter.com/IejwibAnl4

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) April 14, 2024

MOUZ Fall to FaZe Once Again

MOUZ appeared to have left their LAN struggles behind ahead of the final showdown at the Wuliangye Chengdu Performing Arts Centre. Often criticized for underperforming in front of a live crowd, the German side surprised everyone with a dominant semi-final win over G2. The relaxed atmosphere of the Performing Arts Centre, compared to the usual Major-level pressure, seemed to suit them perfectly. FaZe, on the other hand, looked weary after their recent Major run and a grueling finals streak.

Credit: ESL

However, FaZe entered the final heavily favored. Boasting a perfect 6-0 record against MOUZ in recent head-to-head encounters and a dominant 12-2 map advantage, Finn “⁠karrigan⁠” Andersen’s men could not have asked for a more familiar opponent in the IEM Chengdu Grand Final. The writing seemed to be on the wall, and the battle between the two sides did not produce any surprise outcomes. 

MOUZ’s Poor Map Choice Set the Tone of the Match

MOUZ, known for their strength on Ancient, opted for Overpass instead. This gamble proved costly, with FaZe securing a dominant 8-4 lead at halftime after shutting down MOUZ's offense, who only managed a single opening kill (against pistols) in the entire pistol round.

Despite picking Overpass and losing decisively, MOUZ hoped to find redemption on Nuke. However, FaZe, despite starting on the weaker T-side, silenced any doubts with a dominant 6-0 run. The would be IEM Chengdu champions never left their feet off the accelerator and left their opponents with an insurmountable mountain to climb. FaZe clinched a decisive 13-6 victory on Nuke to lift the trophy with a map to spare. 

What’s Next?

THE #ESLProLeague SEASON 19 GROUPS! 🔠

32 teams, 4 groups, the first season on CS2 👀

All groups have been seeded and drawn using the team's ESL World Ranking 🌍 pic.twitter.com/TNFvduAWL7

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) January 17, 2024

FaZe's Chengdu victory comes with a short break.  The freshly crowned IEM Chengdu champions will have little time to wash off fatigue before diving back into competition. ESL Pro League kicks off on April 23rd, with FaZe seeded in Group A. Meanwhile, MOUZ, the reigning champions from the last CSGO event, will be eager for redemption as they battle in Group C.

Broky Named IEM Chengdu MVP

Credit: ESL

Helvijs “⁠broky⁠” Saukants has been crowned MVP of IEM Chengdu by HLTV and 1xBet. The Latvian AWPer was instrumental in FaZe's championship run, leading the chart in kills and delivering clutch plays throughout the tournament. It didn’t come as a surprise, therefore, when broky was handed the crest after the IEM Chengdu Grand Final. 

Despite a sluggish start, broky rose to the occasion, becoming the lynchpin of FaZe's success. His mastery of the game shone brightest as he effortlessly switched between the AWP and the AK-47, to bamboozle the opponent. This tactical versatility proved to be the ultimate weapon in his and FaZe’s arsenal in China. 

The 23-year-old can now show off three MVP titles to his friends and fans. The first came in IEM Katowice 2022 and the next followed in BLAST Premier Fall Final 2022.