Faze Clan won a steep and painstaking contest against FURIA, thereby assuring themselves the playoff berth in the Perfect World Shanghai Major. The high-stakes match was all the more gripping for stretches of fight against three maps which eventually doomed FURIA’s run in the tournament.
FURIA claimed the first map against FaZe on Inferno from the very start. The side led by exceptional calling and a terrific performance of 17 kills from FalleN was badgering FaZe’s defense, completing the first half 9-3. However, FURIA closed the map in 19 rounds after a brief rally from FaZe, making it 1-0.
Dust 2 was where it changed for FaZe, though this time they went into the half a few rounds behind. Karrigan, with a few tactical changes, inspired the team in the second half, as momentum swung to FaZe with five in a row, and only two to FURIA, before sealing this map and leveling the series.
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The third and final map of the decider was Mirage, which cemented FaZe’s dominance. FaZe got off to a flying start, giving no more than two rounds to FURIA in the first half, with crucial opening kills delivered by ropz. Karrigan tactically bent FalleN’s will, leaving FURIA not much room to respond. Even as FURIA staged a late fight to push the game into overtime, FaZe closed the game a lot faster, hence booking a ticket into the playoffs.
FaZe’s victory highlighted Karrigan’s leadership and ropz’s sharp execution and is one of the most significant moments in their Shanghai Major campaign to date. The loss now ends FalleN’s dream of going further with FURIA, despite having performed brilliantly early in the series.
They win now and march on to the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center to face top opposition for the playoffs of the title chase.