The IEM Chengdu 2024 Playoffs are underway, kicking off Tier 1 Counter-Strike’s first big stage appearance in China for some time. We’ve seen some of the most passionate fans in the world gather to watch some of the best CS2 teams in the world, and the first day on the big stage delivered.

G2 vs. Virtus.pro and FaZe Clan vs. Liquid were the only games today – let’s look at all of the key action on the server!

G2 walk over Virtus.pro

The first game of the day was a PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 rematch, with G2 going head-to-head with Virtus.pro for a Semi-Final berth at IEM Chengdu 2024. This time around, there were no tech issues to blame as G2 walked a comfortable victory over the line here, taking the series in a quick 2:0. Usually so consistent, this was a strange showing from Virtus.pro, who never looked like threatening a win here.

For G2, the potent combo of NiKo and m0NESY were the keys to success once again. When these two are on form and firing at the same time, you have to fancy G2 against anyone. Across these two maps, all of huNter-, nexa, and HooXi brought their share of frags to the table to help get it over the line, but it was the two stars who shone the brightest against Virtus.pro. Now, a match against MOUZ is all that separates G2 from a place in the Grand Final of IEM Chengdu 2024.

FaZe set up Astralis rematch

FaZe Clan faced off against Liquid, coming up 2:1 winners to set up a Semi-Final rematch against Astralis, who they faced earlier in IEM Chengdu 2024. FaZe will consider themselves lucky it wasn’t a Liquid 2:0 win, with the first map of Nuke going to overtime. Now, FaZe are in with a chance of reaching yet another CS2 Grand Final, with either MOUZ or G2 awaiting on the other side of the bracket.

It was broky and frozen who proved the difference makers for FaZe Clan. IGL karrigan struggled in the fragging department, but the output from that potent duo meant FaZe weren’t left in trouble as a result. The level of consistency from FaZe is just incredible at the moment. Despite their struggles in Grand Finals, they always feel like they’re in with a chance of victory, no matter how dire the situation seems.