FaZe move past Players (Gambit)

The second and final Bo3-series of the day was set to be a clash between two of the biggest names in the CS:GO scene in FaZe Clan and Players (Gambit). Both rosters are coming from a successful run at the group stages, with Players having performed slightly better, only taking a single defeat in their group. With both rosters more than capable of making a deep run at the event, the Bo3-series between the two seemed to be anyone's match to take home. Once the brawl had begun, however, a picture began to take form. A relentless FaZe roster and a "ropz" on fire took Players by storm. Whilst it took all three maps to find a victor, it was ultimately FaZe who proved the stronger roster and who managed to qualify for the Quarter-finals of ESL Pro League Season 15.

The first map of the series took place on Inferno and was picked by FaZe. Inferno is by far the most played map of FaZe in the past three months (13 maps) and for good reason it proved today. A blinding T-sided start for the European FaZe roster catapulted them into a comfortable lead against Players. With both "ropz" and "broky" feeling themselves it seemed an impossible task for the CIS boys to stop FaZe's offense. At the scoreline of 11-4, Players would have to post an incredible comeback on their own T-side to take home Inferno. A comeback never became the reality. Instead, it was FaZe to continue their domination, this time on the CT-side, and take home Inferno at the scoreline of 16-4.

The second map of the series was picked by Players and was set to take place on Mirage. Whilst it is by no means a bad map for FaZe, it has been home ground for Players (Gambit) for quite some time. Coming out of the gates much more confident than on Inferno, it was Players to gain a lead from early on. Despite multiple close rounds in the first half of Mirage, FaZe had to see themselves behind at 10-5 before switching sides. What was an impressive first half for Players became a dominant showing of skill in the second half of Mirage. Not allowing a single round to their opponents, Players locked down Mirage at the scoreline of 16-5 and forced a third and final map in the series.

The third and deciding map in the series was set to be played on Overpass. With both teams having posted a dominant performance on their own map pick it was bound to be an intense brawl in the third and final map of the series. With everything to play for it was as close as possible in the first half of Overpass. With each team refusing to give their opponent an inch, rounds were traded back and forth and it was impossible to pick the better team at the halftime scoreline of 8-7. Whilst it was unclear as to who the better team was in the first half, FaZe stepped up their game in the second. A great CT-sided performance led them to victory at the scoreline of 16-9.

The 2-1 victory against Players means that FaZe will advance to the Quarter-finals of ESL Pro League Season 15 where they can look forward to a brawl against the scary NaVi roster.

Highlight of the Bo3-series

FaZe – Players 2-1 | ESL Pro League Season 15 (Playoffs)

16-4 (Inferno) | ⁠ropz – 1.69 Rating / 23-9 K-D / 96.0 ADR

5-16 (Mirage) | HObbit – 1.90 Rating / 24-10 K-D / 118.0 ADR

16-9 (Mirage) | ropz – 1.50 Rating / 23-13 K-D / 89.5 ADR

MVP:  Robin "ropz" Kool – 1.35 Rating / 63-40 K-D / 86.2 ADR