The history of CS:GO Majors is a celebration of esports at its finest, showcasing some of the best CS GO players of all time and the teams that dominated the global stage. From the first Major at DreamHack Winter 2013, where Fnatic emerged as champions, to the groundbreaking victories of NAVI and Astralis, each tournament has shaped the legacy of competitive Counter-Strike.

Every Major has its heroes, strategies, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a legendary clutch, an underdog’s rise, or a dynasty’s reign, these events have captured the essence of skill, teamwork, and resilience. This timeline delves into each Major, uncovering the stories behind the victories and the players who defined an era.

DreamHack Winter 2013 – Fnatic

The inaugural CS:GO Major, held at DreamHack Winter 2013, was a landmark event. With a prize pool of $250,000, it set the stage for what would become one of the most celebrated esports traditions. Fnatic, led by Markus “pronax” Wallsten, emerged victorious, defeating Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP) in the grand finals.

The series was a fierce battle of tactics and skill, with Fnatic leveraging their adaptability to overcome NiP’s methodical playstyle. This victory marked the beginning of a dynasty for Fnatic and laid the foundation for future Majors.

EMS One Katowice 2014 – Virtus.pro

The Polish team Virtus.pro claimed their first Major title at EMS One Katowice 2014. Playing on home soil, they captivated the crowd with aggressive strategies and team synergy. The final against Ninjas in Pyjamas showcased Virtus.pro’s dominance, as they secured a 2–0 victory in front of an ecstatic audience.

This win established the core of the “Golden Five,” a lineup that would go down as one of the most beloved in CS:GO history. The event highlighted Virtus.pro’s ability to thrive under pressure, a characteristic that defined their legacy.

ESL One Cologne 2014 – NIP

After several heartbreaking second-place finishes, Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP) finally claimed their first and only Major title at ESL One Cologne 2014. Facing their rivals Fnatic in the grand finals, NiP demonstrated unparalleled resilience and tactical brilliance, winning 2–1 in a nail-biting series.

This victory was a testament to NiP’s skill and their perseverance. Players like GeT_RiGhT and f0rest solidified their legacies as CS:GO legends, delivering incredible performances under immense pressure. For NiP fans, this win marked the culmination of years of support for one of the most iconic teams in esports history.

DreamHack Winter 2014 – LDLC

Team LDLC stunned the CS:GO community at DreamHack Winter 2014, securing their first Major victory in a dramatic final against Fnatic. This event became infamous for the controversial “boosting” incident, almost overshadowing the competition. Despite the drama, LDLC maintained their focus and clinched the championship in an intense three-map series.

Led by Vincent “Happy” Schopenhauer, LDLC’s disciplined playstyle and strategic depth carried them through the tournament. Their ability to adapt under pressure demonstrated why they deserved the title, earning them a place in Major history.

ESL One Katowice 2015 – Fnatic

Returning to the top, Fnatic dominated ESL One Katowice 2015, showcasing why they were considered one of best CS:GO teams of all time. Their grand finals victory against Ninjas in Pyjamas highlighted their innovative approach to gameplay, with players like Olof “olofmeister” Kajbjer and Robin “flusha” Rönnquist delivering standout performances.

Fnatic’s tactical brilliance and teamwork were unmatched, making them the team to beat in 2015. This victory marked the start of a period where Fnatic would go on to dominate the CS:GO scene.

ESL One Cologne 2015 – Fnatic

Fnatic once again proved their dominance at ESL One Cologne 2015, securing back-to-back Major titles. In the grand finals, they faced Team EnVyUs, showcasing incredible mechanical skill and a deep understanding of the meta.

This victory cemented Fnatic as a dynasty in CS:GO history. Their ability to innovate during critical moments and maintain composure under pressure set them apart. The team’s consistency during this era remains a benchmark for greatness in competitive Counter-Strike.

DreamHack Cluj-Napoca 2015 – EnVy

Team EnVyUs, the French powerhouse, claimed their first Major title at DreamHack Cluj-Napoca 2015. Their path to victory included a series of dominant performances, culminating in a commanding win over Natus Vincere (NAVI) in the grand finals.

This tournament highlighted the individual brilliance of players like Kenny “kennyS” Schrub, whose AWPing prowess was instrumental in their success. EnVy’s aggressive playstyle and tactical ingenuity left a lasting impression on the CS:GO community.

MLG Major Columbus 2016 – LG

The MLG Major Columbus 2016 marked a significant moment in CS:GO history as Luminosity Gaming (LG) became the first Brazilian team to win a Major. Led by Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo, LG defeated NAVI in a thrilling grand final, showcasing their exceptional teamwork and resilience.

The victory symbolized the rise of Brazilian CS:GO, with players like coldzera and fer becoming household names. Their performance in Columbus solidified LG’s place among the elite teams of CS:GO history.

ESL One: Cologne 2016 – SK

Following their success at MLG Columbus, the core lineup of Luminosity Gaming rebranded as SK Gaming and continued their dominance at ESL One: Cologne 2016. Their back-to-back Major wins highlighted their ability to adapt and maintain peak performance under different banners.

SK Gaming’s cohesive strategies and unparalleled synergy set them apart as one of the most feared teams of the era. This victory solidified their legacy and reaffirmed Brazil’s prominence in the competitive scene.

Eleague Major Atlanta 2017 – Astralis

Astralis finally broke their Major curse at the Eleague Major Atlanta 2017, spectacularly claiming their first Major title. Facing Virtus.pro in an epic grand final, Astralis showcased their signature team-oriented playstyle and mental fortitude, winning 2–1 in a hard-fought series.

This victory was a turning point for Astralis, as they established themselves as one of the most consistent and dominant teams in CS:GO history. Their innovative approach to the game set a new standard for excellence.

PGL Krakow 2017 – Gambit

In one of the most surprising Major victories, Gambit emerged as champions at PGL Krakow 2017, defeating Immortals in the grand finals. The underdog story of Gambit captivated fans worldwide, with Danylo “Zeus” Teslenko leading the charge.

Zeus’s leadership and Gambit’s aggressive strategies caught their opponents off-guard, resulting in a memorable championship run. This event solidified Gambit’s place as one of the most unique Major-winning teams.

ELEAGUE Major Boston 2018 – Cloud9

The ELEAGUE Major Boston 2018 was a landmark moment for North American CS:GO as Cloud9 became the first team from the region to win a Major. Their historic victory came after a thrilling grand final against FaZe Clan, which ended in dramatic overtime on the final map.

Players like Stewie2K and Skadoodle delivered clutch performances that turned the tides in Cloud9’s favor. This underdog story captured the hearts of fans worldwide, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of Major tournaments.

FACEIT Major: London 2018 – Astralis

Returning to the top, Astralis claimed their second Major title at the FACEIT Major London 2018. Their dominant run through the tournament culminated in a convincing victory over Natus Vincere (NAVI) in the finals.

Astralis’ methodical approach to the game and exceptional teamwork highlighted why they were considered the best team in the world. This Major win started an era of unprecedented dominance for the Danish squad.

IEM Katowice 2019 – Astralis

At IEM Katowice 2019, Astralis continued their reign, claiming their third Major title. Their tactical prowess and precise execution overwhelmed every opponent they faced, including ENCE, who they defeated in the grand finals.

This event solidified Astralis’ reputation as a dynasty in CS:GO, with their innovative strategies and disciplined playstyle serving as a blueprint for future teams. The victory further established their legacy as one of the greatest teams in esports history.

StarLadder Berlin Major 2019 – Astralis

StarLadder Berlin 2019 marked Astralis’ record-breaking fourth Major title. Their grand final victory against AVANGAR was a masterclass in preparation and execution, with Astralis dominating the series from start to finish.

The team’s consistent performance across multiple Majors cemented their status as the most successful team in CS:GO history. Key players like dev1ce, dupreeh, and Xyp9x played crucial roles in maintaining their winning streak.

PGL Stockholm Major 2021 – NAVI

After years of near misses, NAVI finally captured their first Major title at the PGL Stockholm Major 2021. Their flawless performance throughout the tournament, including a dominant 2–0 victory over G2 Esports in the finals, showcased their unparalleled skill.

This event was a crowning achievement for Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, widely regarded as the greatest player in CS:GO history. NAVI’s victory was historic for their team and the CS:GO community, as it marked the first flawless Major win.

PGL Antwerp Major 2022 – Outsiders

Outsiders shocked the world by winning the PGL Antwerp Major 2022. Despite entering the tournament as underdogs, they displayed remarkable discipline and adaptability, defeating Heroic in the grand finals.

Led by Jame, who was later named MVP, Outsiders’ victory was a testament to their strategic depth and ability to thrive under pressure. This win cemented their status as a formidable force in competitive CS:GO.

IEM Rio Major 2023 – Vitality

The IEM Rio Major 2023 was an emotional journey for Team Vitality, who claimed their first Major title in front of a passionate Brazilian crowd. With star player Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut leading the charge, Vitality defeated Heroic in a thrilling final.

This victory was a milestone for ZywOo, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in CS:GO. The team’s synergy and resilience were key factors in their success, making this Major win a memorable one for fans.

BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023 – NAVI

NAVI returned to the top at the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023, securing their second Major title. Their adaptability and tactical adjustments allowed them to outplay their competition, culminating in a final victory over Vitality.

This win showcased NAVI’s ability to evolve with the changing meta and highlighted the brilliance of their roster. It was another step in building their legacy as one of the most accomplished teams in CS:GO history.

Perfect World Shanghai Major – Spirit

The first CS2 Major, the Perfect World Shanghai Major, saw Team Spirit rise to the occasion, defeating FURIA in the finals. Spirit’s aggressive gameplay and innovative strategies caught their opponents off-guard, making them the first team to claim a CS2 Major title.

This victory marked a new chapter in the Counter-Strike franchise, demonstrating that the competitive spirit of Majors would continue to thrive in the era of CS2.

Following Majors in 2025

Looking ahead, the future of Major tournaments in CS2 promises to be as thrilling as ever. With new teams rising to prominence and established organizations adapting to the new game, fans can expect even more intense rivalries and unforgettable moments. The evolution of Counter-Strike continues, and the Majors remain at the heart of the competitive scene.