Luminosity Gaming have won their first-ever Valve major, joining a legendary list of Counter-Strike teams. The Brazilian squad beat Natus Vincere 2-0 at MLG Columbus today, showing why they should be considered a contender for best in the world.
The first map followed the theme of the week and headed into overtime. In a tense finish it was Luminosity who managed to take the win, and it looks like it may have been that overtime victory that damaged the mental game of Na`Vi.
Map two was never a competition for Luminosity. Na`Vi didn’t look comfortable and only one of their players made it above 10 kills. For Luminosity it was in-game leader and captain Gabriel “Fallen” Toledo that took them home on Overpass with 21 kills and only six deaths. Over the course of the series however it was Marcelo “Coldzera” David who looked the deadliest for his team. Coldzera was also awarded MVP for the entire tournament. He finished with a +84 KD ratio over the nine maps played.
Luminosity takes home $500,000 for their victory, but it’s not all doom and gloom for Na`Vi as they claim $150,000 for second place, and an automatic qualification for the next Valve Major.
One year ago Luminosity placed eighth at the major in Katowice—a massive achievement—and just one year later they are the well-deserved champions of the world, completing one of the greatest stories in Counter-Strike history.