Watch: Counter-Strike madness in Antwerp: Faze Clan wins World Cup in sold-out Sportpaleis | esports
A wildly popular Counter-Strike World Cup in Antwerp had its climax yesterday: the Americans of Faze Clan beat reigning champion NAVI from Ukraine in the final 2-0 and won a major (World Cup) for the first time. The atmosphere in a sold-out Sportpaleis was frantic.
Thousands of fans came to Antwerp to support their favorite team. The Sportpaleis was full of flags and banners that people wanted to show to the cameras.
The final was between Faze Clan and NAVI, but the fans who supported the loudest were those of VItality. The French team did not reach the play-offs. That didn’t stop their supporters club, the Golden Hornets, from loudly creating the atmosphere for the final.
Maïl “M1Lk” Aubry came from France with the Golden Hornets. “Unfortunately, vitality is out, so now I support Faze Clan in the final,” says Maïl.
Frenchman Maïl Aubry came from France to support Vitality.
The Golden Hornets have caught everyone’s attention the days. They cheered so loudly that several players and teams tweeted about them. The organizers also noticed the vocal support of the Vitality fans.
“They contacted us because we were supporting so loudly. They asked us to be sure and we even got access through the press entrance,” said the Frenchman. A block of Vitality supporters formed under the press gallery. They regularly launched the Viking-Clap and were the first to get excited about a crazy play by one of the players.
Popular all over the world
The Sportpaleis was packed with fans from all over the world. Also witness the various fans who came to Belgium from Brazil. They also love Counter-Strike there. “I watch every tournament and I know every player. I’m very proud to be here,” said Brazilian Leothomas Da Silva.
It is clear that Leothomas is crazy about all things gaming. “I’ve been studying Esports in France since last year, so I don’t have the terrain to come all the way from Brazil.”
Fans all over the world fraternized thanks to the common love for Counter-Strike. “It is great to see that so many different nationalities are present. Yesterday I even got to know someone from China,” says Leothomas enthusiastically
Only if it took place better in Portugal would this event still be possible
Pedro Escaleira is a Portuguese fan who came to support Imperial. “I’m staying with a friend in Belgium. I’ve always wanted to see a major live, so I’m really happy to be here,” says Pedro. “Now that Imperial is gone, I hope NAVI wins,” the Portuguese explains. Unfortunately for him, a second choice for the tournament was not the overall winner either.
It is the first time a major – or World Cup – that in Belgium, but that is not apparent according to Pedro. “It’s a great event, I would give the organization a 9/10,” praises Pedro. “Only if the tournament were in Portugal could it get 10/10,” he says with a wink.
Pedro Escaleira (right) came from Portugal to support Imperial.
Insane atmosphere that few sports can compete with
From the moment the teams appeared on the podium, the roof of the Sportpaleis fell off. No whistling, only loud cheers echoed through the concert hall in Antwerp.
Throughout the final, the audience only went crazy. Every play, every tough tactic was met with shouts and clamor from the fans, with the Golden Hornets as the driving force. They eventually saw Faze Clan triumph.
