Silenced Cries: How NA’VI and Cloud 9 saw their Major journeys end at the hands of underdogs

Where were you when the laughter stopped?

Eliminated from Contention

Tournament favorites Natus Vincere (NA’VI) and Cloud 9 have both found themselves eliminated from the Rio 2022 CSGO Major following a series of well-fought quarterfinals for both teams. Mouz and Furia move on to the semifinals. Furia face off against Heroic and Mouz will battle final CIS remnant Outsiders.

Both NA’VI and Cloud 9 entered the major in strong steading, as heavy favorites to win the entire event. Prior to the start of playoffs, four CIS teams numbered amongst the quarterfinals, and it was shaping up to have at least three of them in the semis. This was not to be however, as back to back days would see upsets for CIS fans. Their elimination marks the departure of the final teams from the top 5 globally ranked at the Major.

There was a Dream

Mouz battled hard against the Cloud 9 roster, pushing them to a third map. In the second half of the final map, Mouz locked down their defense side, only allowing Cloud 9 a single point. The final score was 16-9 (allowing only 2 from C9 on attack).

NA’VI meanwhile, faced off against the supposed cannon fodder of Furia, in a series that most expected to be over in 2 maps. Once again, the underdog pushed hard and made a case for a third map. Mirage was a keenly contested affair that had its momentum shift in the final moments of the game, as a failed defuse sparked the rolling stone of Furia that would not be denied.

Not a Cloud in the Semifinals

A slow start to 2022 for Cloud 9 at the PGL Major Antwerp did not deter a strong comeback performance at IEM Dallas, winning the event in style by beating fresh Major winners FaZe Clan amongst other notable names. The squad showed strong consistency across the board at the ESL Pro League S16, taking down FaZe Clan once more before a close loss to Team Liquid.

Cloud 9 entered the Rio Major as the 5th ranked team in the world. Despite that, they were heavy favorites to win coming out the gate as they clean swept the Challengers and Legends Stage without losing a single map (aside from a single loss to Grayhound at the beginning).

Born to Break Hearts

Former 1st ranked team NA’VI saw their reign end at PGL Major Antwerp to FaZe Clan. A 2nd place finish ended Oleksandr “S1mple” Kostyliev’s dreams of a second consecutive major title. Strong showing at Blast Premier Spring Final and IEM Cologne were not enough as in Cologne, victory would be snatched away once more by fated rivals FaZe Clan.

Despite the new unsteadiness, NA’VI held a teeter-totter between 1st and 2nd rank leading up to Rio. However, by the time of entry, they had plummeted to 4th place. Hopes were still high for a second major though. They entered the legends stage, losing close maps to Cloud 9 and Liquid. However, winning against rising team Bad News Eagles, BIG and Vitality allowed entry into playoffs.

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Bitter Losses

For both Cloud 9 and NA’VI, coming into the Major as highly regarded as they were, the loss to unexpected teams stings all the more. Pundits had all but assured the trophy would end in of their hands. A free run for both with an expected clash in the finals, was what was assured with confidence. That said, such momentous wins for Mouz and Furia sets the stage for dark horse run.

Image credit: Josip Brtan/IEM