Passion UA achieved a remarkable milestone by defeating Astralis 2-0, securing their place in the Perfect World Shanghai Major. The all-Ukrainian squad claimed victories on Inferno (13-9) and Ancient (13-11), completing an inspiring underdog journey to the Major. This accomplishment marks the first time a fully Ukrainian lineup has qualified for such a prestigious event.
Each player on Passion UA’s roster will attend their debut Major, representing their first-ever tier-one LAN. The only experienced figure on the team is their coach, Mikhaylo “Kane” Blagin, who previously led Gambit to a championship at PGL Major Krakow 2017.
Passion UA’s campaign began with stunning victories over Virtus.pro and Spirit, sparking hopes of a Cinderella story. However, they faltered in subsequent matches, blowing 1-0 leads against both HEROIC and BIG, leaving their prospects hanging by a thread. Despite these setbacks, they displayed incredible determination to topple Astralis, who were dealing with the absence of Nicolai “device” Reedtz after his unexpected withdrawal from the lineup shortly before the tournament.
On Inferno, Passion UA showcased their strength on the T side with effective trades and sharp strategic reads, securing a deserved victory. Meanwhile, Astralis struggled on Ancient, often gaining the initial advantage on their CT side but squandering it due to poor decision-making and uncoordinated plays. These lapses provided Passion UA with openings, which the Ukrainian squad capitalized on to close out the match.
Dmytro “jambo” Semera stood out on Inferno with consistent multi-kills that propelled his team forward, but it was Rodion “fear” Smyk’s leadership and standout performance on Ancient that carried Passion UA across the finish line.
Astralis, on the other hand, ended their run at the RMR on a disappointing note. After showing signs of revival with wins over Eternal Fire and B8, they ultimately appeared disorganized and lacked the firepower needed to compete at the highest level. Martin “stavn” Lund, typically a key player for the team, struggled throughout the series, posting a 0.74 rating and finishing the RMR with a modest 1.01 overall. Passion UA’s victory not only solidifies their position as rising stars but also underscores the challenges Astralis faces moving forward.
