By Sagar V. Mankar 
Team Spirit emerged victorious against FaZe Clan with a 2-1 win at the 2024 Shanghai Counter-Strike Major, securing the championship title in one of the world’s most prestigious esports tournaments.
Hosted by Perfect World Esports, this landmark event marked the first time a Counter-Strike Major was held in Asia, specifically in Shanghai.
Alongside the team’s triumph, 17-year-old Danil “Donk” Kryshkovets was crowned the tournament MVP, making history as the youngest player to win both a Major championship and an MVP title.
A Historic Event for Counter-Strike in Asia
Spanning from November 30 to December 15, the Shanghai Major brought together 56 top-tier teams from around the globe to compete for glory and a share of the $1.25 million prize pool. The event not only showcased intense gameplay but also highlighted the growing significance of Asia in the global esports landscape.
The Road to Victory
Team Spirit’s journey to the title was nothing short of remarkable. With a roster featuring Danil “donk” Kryshkovets, Dmitry “sh1ro” Sokolov, Boris “magixx” Vorobiev, Leonid “Chopper” Vishnyakov, and Myroslav “zont1x” Plakhotja, they advanced to the grand final after defeating Team Liquid 2-0 and MOUZ 2-1.
FaZe Clan, their formidable opponent, demonstrated resilience throughout the tournament. They overcame tough battles against favorites Vitality (2-1) and G2 Esports (2-0) to secure their spot in the final showdown.
Donk: The Young MVP Star
Danil “Donk” Kryshkovets’ exceptional performance earned him the MVP title, solidifying his place as a rising star in the Counter-Strike community. Despite his remarkable achievement, donk remained humble, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and relentless practice.
“I’m incredibly proud of my team. Titles don’t matter as much as enjoying the game with my teammates. The crowd here in Shanghai was fantastic, and I’m excited to play more tournaments in Asia,” Donk shared during the post-match press conference.
The Shanghai Major attracted over 70,000 live attendees, including nearly 10,000 international visitors, while millions tuned in online.
Sources: China Daily