The giant awakens: FaZe Clan eliminates Vitality from Shanghai Major

Leonardo Biazzi

Leonardo Biazzi

Fans can never doubt FaZe when it comes to decisive Major matches.

FaZe Clan have done the unthinkable at the Shanghai Major quarterfinals as they pulled an incredible reverse sweep against Vitality this Dec. 13.

Just when everybody thought that FaZe were done for at the Major and started to speculate on roster changes, Finn "karrigan" Andersen and his men woke up on Mirage and Anubis to eliminate Vitality.

FaZe have a golden chance to redeem themselves for the slump in the second semester of 2024 as all that separates them from the Shanghai Major grand finals is a win versus G2 this Saturday.

FaZe magic strikes again, this time fueled by ropz

CS2 players (Image via Perfect World)
CS2 players (Image via Perfect World)

Vitality became the clear favorite to win the series after they won the first map on Nuke, FaZe's map pick. The trio of Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut, Lotan "Spinx" Giladi, and Shahar "flameZ" Shushan came alive, while only Robin "ropz" Kool played well for FaZe in this 13-6 defeat.

However, despite the slow start on Mirage, FaZe found their rhythm on the CT-side once they had rifles, and tied the series with a convincing 13-8 victory.

And ropz, out of all players, shined once again on Anubis. The Estonian star had a rough run in the second semester of 2024, but when FaZe most needed him, he secured multikills and a couple of important one-versus-one clutches to help them beat Vitality by 13-7 on Anubis. He got 28 frags in the decider, while dying only 10 times.

Despite cheering for Vitality at the beginning of the series, the Shanghai crowd started to support FaZe halfway through the match and shouted "send them home" before FaZe concluded their comeback.

FaZe will return to the server this Saturday and face G2, who needed a superb clutch from Mario "malbsMd" Samayoa to defeat HEROIC, in the semifinals of the Shanghai Major.

The winner of this matchup will play against either Team Spirit or MOUZ in the grand finals on Sunday.

Stay tuned to esports.gg for more Shanghai Major news.