Frozen Faze unexpected run to CS2 Major final

frozen Reflects on FaZe’s “Unreal” Major Final Run

FaZe Clan rifler David “frozen” Čerňanský admitted he wouldn’t have predicted FaZe reaching the grand final of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 just two weeks ago, underscoring the team’s dramatic improvement and resilient mindset throughout the tournament. After a hard-fought victory that booked FaZe’s spot in the Major final, frozen described the run as nothing short of remarkable, capturing the essence of how unpredictable and competitive this Major has been. 

In his post-match interview, frozen chuckled and reflected on the team’s journey: “Two weeks ago, if you asked me, I’m not sure I would imagine us playing a Major final now. I’m incredibly happy with how we grew as a team over this tournament and the resilience we’re showing with every game.” His remarks highlighted the evolution of the squad’s playstyle and mentality as they progressed through three grueling stages and then the playoff bracket. 

The significance of this remark becomes clearer when placed within FaZe’s broader trajectory this season. Early on in the Major’s Stage 1, the team posted mixed results, which left some fans uncertain about their prospects. However, FaZe rallied in Stage 2 and Stage 3, which ultimately led them into the playoffs, showcasing the team’s ability to adapt, improve, and peak at the right time. 

In the playoffs, FaZe overcame Natus Vincere (NAVI) in a hard-earned series after suffering a slow start, fighting back on Nuke and Inferno to take the series 2-1. That victory booked them a decider match in the final against Team Vitality, the reigning Major champions, in what has historically been one of the most anticipated matchups in professional Counter-Strike 2. 

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FaZe’s Road and the Competitive Landscape

FaZe’s path to the final has been filled with twists and turns. At the beginning of the tournament, they faced setbacks and tough losses, leading many analysts to view them as dark horses rather than serious contenders. Their climb through the three Major stages — each with escalating difficulty and high-pressure scenarios — demonstrated a commitment to consistent improvement. 

It wasn’t until the latter stages that FaZe began hitting their stride, reflecting a blend of strategic refinement, individual brilliance, and team cohesion. Players like frozen have stepped up time and again, allowing FaZe to reclaim their footing on the international stage. Although FaZe have been a fixture in the upper echelons of esports for years, reaching a Major grand final after a shaky start shows that even seasoned teams can reinvent their competitive narrative. 

This Major has also been notable for its expanded 32-team format, now stretching across multiple stages and drawing broad global interest. Valve’s introduction of the larger field has meant that even the best teams have to play more matches to reach the final, increasing the margin for error and rewarding consistency and adaptation across a longer competitive arc. 

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Player Perspective and Team Dynamics

Frozen’s reaction after securing the final spot didn’t just reflect surprise; it also spoke to FaZe’s depth and resilience. Despite early tournament struggles, their later performances demonstrated a surge in team synergy and confidence. In esports, particularly in CS2 Majors, momentum often becomes a defining element — and for FaZe, momentum carried them into the title decider. 

Teammate flameZ echoed similar sentiments in his own post-match comments, describing FaZe’s season as one of the most intense and successful in their history, with deep runs in multiple tournaments and the opportunity to cap off the year with a Major title. He framed the current year as potentially the “best season” in their careers if they could convert this Major opportunity into a championship trophy. 

What makes this run especially compelling is how FaZe has had to balance heavy expectations with evolving team compositions and roles throughout the year. Bringing players together, integrating tactical changes, and responding to in-game challenges has tested their adaptability — something frozen’s quote captures perfectly: a sense of surprise not because they lacked ability, but because of how much they’ve improved in a short window. 

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Fans, Expectations, and the Broader Competitive Scene

FaZe’s success at this Major serves as a reminder that even seasoned esports teams can take unconventional routes to reach championship contention. The idea that “two weeks ago I wouldn’t have imagined this” speaks volumes about the unpredictable nature of CS2 Majors, where early setbacks don’t preclude late-tournament surges. 

This narrative resonates with many in the CS2 community, as the expanded Major format has introduced more possibilities and opened doors for storylines where teams grow through adversity. Whether FaZe can seize the title in the best-of-five grand final against Vitality — the reigning champions who have dominated across multiple seasons — remains to be seen, but they certainly carry palpable momentum. 

Across the CS2 season, teams have jockeyed for position not only in Major play but across premier events like IEM Cologne, where champions such as Team Spirit lifted trophies earlier in 2025, underscoring the competitive parity at the top level of Counter-Strike esports. 

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Conclusion

David “frozen” Čerňanský’s comments following FaZe’s qualification for the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 grand final highlight a remarkable turnaround. His admission that just two weeks ago he wouldn’t have expected this outcome underscores the dramatic and unpredictable nature of the current competitive landscape in CS2. With FaZe poised to face Vitality for the Major title, their story has become one of perseverance, strategic refinement, and peak performance when it matters most.