Despite playing with a stand-in throughout, FaZe swept G2 to win IEM Katowice for the first time.
FaZe are 9/1 to win the ESP Pro League.
Curse lifted
FaZe broke their Spodek curse to win IEM Katowice, defeating G2 in a 3-0 sweep. Despite the bare result, the Grand Final was a close affair and could have swung either way, with both teams having moments of brilliance.
All three maps went the distance or beyond, including a five-overtime affair on the second map of Mirage. Although G2 put up stern resistance, it was FaZe who ultimately proved stronger in the clutch, led by Helvijs 'broky' Saukants's MVP performance.
It was a remarkable run by FaZe, who were without Havard "rain" Nygaard for all the playoffs. Justin "jks" Savage stepped in to great effect, posting up some fantastic performances throughout the run.
Despite the loss, it was a breakout tournament for G2's 16-year-old prodigy Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov, who proved all the hype surrounding him was justified. Nemanja "huNter-" Kovac was another standout performer for G2 throughout Katowice.
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G2 can't hold early lead
The opening map of Inferno saw G2 race into a 11-4 lead, but FaZe would reel off 12 straight rounds in the second half, recovering from 7-15 down to win their map pick.
It was more deja vu on Mirage, G2's pick, as FaZe were the ones to race into an 11-4 lead on their defensive half. G2 would force a lengthy overtime, but it was FaZe who edged ahead on the fifth go around, taking Mirage 31-27.
Despite a pair of heartbreaking map losses, G2 fought to the very end, but it was FaZe who would lift the trophy, completing the 3-0 sweep with a narrow 16-14 victory on Dust2.
