Its JAME Time: OUTSIDERS defeat Heroic in CSGO Rio Major Finals, crowning 5 new Major winners.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

15 Nov

Foo Zen-Wen

Meme to Champion

The IEM Rio Major has concluded, and there are five new Champions. Russian roster Outsiders have bested Danish lineup Heroic in the grand finals of the Rio Major in decisive 2-0 fashion.

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Taking place in Rio de Janeiro, the event has been dubbed the ‘Major of Madness’ for the multitude of upsets and storylines that have taken place over the 2 weeks period. Outsiders In-Game Leader (IGL) Dzhami “Jame” Ali was awarded the MVP award after leading his team to victory.

The Russian player scored an average 1.30 rating across the Legends and Champions Stage according to HLTV. For years, “Jame” has been the subject of a widespread meme and ridicule for his propensity to save weapons as opposed to attempting to win rounds in 1vX situations.

The meme originated years ago, however, it has taken on a secondary meaning of pulling off a ‘god-like play’ especially with an AWP. With this MVP award and the Major win however, “Jame” has successfully rewritten the narrative on his career.

Winning in Two

Outsiders dealt the first blow on Mirage, taking the map 16-12. Despite the map being a keenly contested affair, the Outsiders took over on the second half, winning 8 of the final 13 rounds. On Heroic’s map pick of Overpass, they struggled against a terrifying CT side from Outsiders, winning a measly 3 rounds in the first half. Outsiders would then cruise to a 16-5 win on Overpass, sealing their victory and the Major trophy.

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For the Outsiders organization, this represents their first win and a first Major trophy for all five players on the roster. 2022 was a rough year for the organization, with blowout losses at tournaments all year long. Despite that, they overcame themselves entering the Major, barely stumbling in the Challengers Stage before blasting through Vitality, Fnatic, Mouz (redemption for an earlier loss), and Heroic (redemption as well for a Bo1 loss).

Having lost star fragger Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis back in May, newcomer Pyotr “fame” Bolyshev has engraved his legacy forever at the age of 19, with a star-level performance worthy of praise.

The Outsiders roster have represented themselves as such, rather than Virtus.pro, due to current conflicts in the Russian region. As a requirement of tournament organizers, a pseudonym was required to be adopted, as well as a refusal to show associated sponsors. The Virtus.pro organization has previously won a Major, marking this the second Major trophy win since 2014.

Bitter Tears

Despite their loss in the finals, players on Heroic have a deep run to be proud of. Having made it deeper than they have ever in their careers, the roster can hold their heads high. Averaging at 20 years old, the young squad is poised to secure a new dynasty with strong performances across the year and a top finish.

What Happens Next?

With changes to the Major system incoming, the top 8 from IEM Rio are not guaranteed spots at the next Major, unlike years past. The maintenance of the current RMR system suggests Outsiders, Heroic, Furia, NA’VI, Fnatic, Mouz, Cloud 9 and Team Spirit will all have to battle through qualifications once more.

Rio Major crowd, quarterfinals. Image credit: ESL

Outsiders Winning Roster:

Dzhami “Jame” Ali

Petr “fame” Bolyshev

David “n0rb3r7” Danielyan

Alexey “Qikert” Golubev

Evgenii “FL1T” Lebedev

Dastan “dastan” Akbayev (coach)