Vitality demolish Cloud9 to secure semi-final berth

The Paris Major champions breezed past the Russian squad to book a top-four spot.

Vitality became the first semi-finalists of PGL Major Copenhagen after they defeated Cloud9 in a two-map series (Inferno 13-8, Anubis 13-2). The Russian squad was in the series until they lost a crucial anti-eco round at 8-9 down on Inferno, with Kirill "⁠Boombl4⁠" Mikhailov and company winning just two rounds after that pivotal moment.

Shahar "⁠flameZ⁠" Shushan, who is playing his first Major playoffs, topped the board for Vitality as he dominated Cloud9 with a 1.59 average rating across the series and proved he won't let the occasion get to him.

"We knew the group stage was off for us, we lacked energy, we had two sick players, but now we feel the energy. It felt really weird in the morning, I was really nervous and knew today was going to be a different day," the Israeli rifler said about today's match.

"But we know this arena, we've been here for Fall Final, and today we were just the better team and individuals. It feels like a Major playoffs, it's way different to any tournament I have ever been in."

Vitality are now on a collision course with the winner of Spirit vs. FaZe, with the game set to be played on Saturday at 17:00 .

Date	Matches
PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024
30/03/2024	Vitality 17:00 FaZe	Match

Cloud9 made an interesting choice in the veto as they opted to pick Anubis, one of Vitality's best maps, which prompted the analyst desk to question their decision, with Vitality going for Inferno.

Vitality's pick began with their 4vs5 retake of the B site that gave them a 3-0 lead early on, but Cloud9 wasted no time striking back. Non-stop B pressure got them a six-round streak before Vitality stabilized with the help of Lotan "⁠Spinx⁠" Giladi's multi-kills to go into the second half at 6-6.

The Dan "⁠apEX⁠" Madesclaire-led squad retook the lead in the second half before Cloud9 once again reeled them back in and reduced the deficit to just one round. It was at this moment that the turning point of the series happened, as Vitality won a round with Glocks to get themselves up to double digits and completely flip the momentum, with the game going their way in a 13-8 victory.

Cloud9's map pick backfired as they could only find two rounds on the defensive half, courtesy of hero plays by Boombl4 and Denis "⁠electroNic⁠" Sharipov. A second-half pistol then ensured Vitality's comfortable victory, as the European combine blew Cloud9 out of the water and provided a statement performance ahead of their semi-final.