Esports tournaments are an integral part of the esports scene. Millions of fans tune in to watch the best players compete against each other in large-scale tournaments that offer millions of dollars in prize money. Throughout the past few years, esports fans have witnessed some fantastic matches, especially in the Grand Final, where it’s all or nothing for both teams. In this article, we’ll recap the five best esports matches ever.
Cloud9 vs. FaZe Clan – ELEAGUE Major 2018 – Grand Final
To start the list, we have arguably the most intense Counter-Strike: Global Offensive series for players, fans, and bettors. Cloud9 were heavy underdogs tasked to take down the all-star lineup of FaZe Clan. It was finally time for Karrigan and NiKo to win their first-ever CSGO major. The only thing Cloud9 had going for them was that they were playing in front of their home crowd in Boston.
After two relatively close games, the series was tied up at 1-1. At that point, you could bet live on esports, as the odds were high, and Inferno was forced to be played as the series decider. FaZe Clan continued to dominate, taking the lead 15-11 and heavily putting the esports live betting odds in their favor. FaZe was only one round away, but thanks to some miraculous plays from Cloud9, the series was evened up at 15-15 and went into overtime when odds on esports live were high. The series went to a grueling double overtime, where Cloud9 eventually took the map 22-19, as close as it got.
Cloud9 pulled off an insane comeback in front of their home crowd and were crowned as the ELEAGUE Major 2018 champions, bringing home North America’s first and only Major win. It was a tragic loss for FaZe Clan, who were one round away from winning it all, but Cloud9’s incredible run is something to be remembered.
OG vs. PSG.LGD – The International 2018 – Grand Final
Talking about incredible tournament runs, we have Dota 2’s most extraordinary Cinderella story, which is OG’s miraculous run at The International 2018. Right before the tournament, OG had their roster wholly shattered, as two players left the team for Evil Geniuses on short notice. OG had to make some last-minute replacements, even forcing their coach to play as a player.
Somehow, OG made it all the way to the Grand Final, despite most Dota 2 fans thinking they’d place last. One final obstacle was in their path to the aegis, PSG.LGD, the favorite to win the entire tournament. OG were down 1-2 in the best-of-five series and had their backs against the wall. Fans interested in live betting on esports had written OG off entirely.
However, going into Game 4, OG looked calm and collected. They were down a hefty sum of gold, but an iconic play by Sébastien “Ceb” Debs on his Axe turned the game around. OG managed to take Game 4 off that singular play and tied the series up 2-2. OG carried their momentum to win Game 5 and cause one of the biggest upsets in Dota 2 history. This win meant that OG were champions of The International, and their tournament run is truly one of the best runs in esports history.
Fnatic vs. LOUD – VCT LOCK//IN’s 2023 – Grand Final
Despite Valorant being the newest esports release, the esports scene has already produced some incredible and memorable matches. However, Fnatic’s recent win in the VCT LOCK//IN’s 2023 is the icing on the cake.
Boaster and his Fnatic squad had made it to the Grand Final of two other major Valorant events but fell short both times. Playing in this Grand Final against Brazilian titans, LOUD made it their third Grand Final appearance, and the third time’s a charm, right? It felt like Fnatic had all the pieces of the puzzle that would finally allow them to win their first title.
The best of five series went to all five maps, as both teams managed to secure two maps, evening up the score 2-2. In the deciding Game 5, Fnatic was down 11-3, meaning that LOUD only needed two rounds to win the tournament in front of their home crowd. It looked extremely grim for Fnatic fans who placed live bets on this esports match, but Booster didn’t want to get second place a third time.
With some excellent strat-calling, Boaster led Fnatic to win nine rounds in a row, forcing overtime, where Fnatic closed out the series, 14-12, upsetting the esports live betting odds that were against them. It was an emotional victory for Boaster and Derke, and this series was considered the best Valorant had ever seen.
EG vs. EHOME – The International 2016 – Upper Bracket Round 2
Dota 2’s Evil Geniuses vs. EHOME at The International 2016 is the only series on this list that isn’t a Grand Final but is a game that has gone down in history. Game 1 of EG vs. EHOME is considered one of the best comebacks not only in Dota 2 history but esports history.
EHOME played exceptionally well in Game 1 and built up a very sizable gold lead. Not only were EHOME heavily leading in gold, but they also had Mega Creeps, making it almost impossible for EG to pull off a comeback, and the esports live betting odds were stacked against them.
However, EG thought outside of the box and decided that purchasing Dagon on three different heroes would be the only way they could win. It turned out that it was the correct choice. With multiple Dagons’ help, EG could effectively burst EHOME heroes and pull off the incredible comeback in Dota 2 history, making this game the first-ever Mega Creep comeback in TI history.
Millions of Dota 2 fans still rewatch this match, as this was indeed one of the most memorable Dota 2 matches ever.
DRX vs. SKT – 2022 World Championship – Grand Final
It wouldn’t be an esports article if we didn’t mention League of Legends. Luckily, League of Legends fans were treated to one of the greatest esports matches ever in the 2022 World Championship, where DRX faced T1 in the Grand Final.
After winning three World Championships, the greatest League of Legends player, Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok is looking to expand his trophy collection and win his fourth Worlds title. T1 were the favorites coming into this matchup, with the esports live betting odds heavily leaning in their favor. However, DRX went into the series ready to show the fans what they were made of.
Both teams traded map after map, and eventually, the series was tied at 2-2 after DRX took Game 4 to force a deciding Game 5. With solid perseverance in a grueling final game, DRX managed to destroy T1’s Nexus and was crowned as the 2022 League of Legends World champions, completing the upset over T1.
This series was incredibly intense, with both teams making excellent plays. The real winners were the League of Legends fans who were able to witness this match live, as this Grand Final series between DRX and T1 will be a series to be remembered.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the increased stakes of esports tournaments have made it much more intense for the players to play. The intensity of matches, especially during the Grand Final, brings the best out of the players, providing fans with fantastic games to watch and opportunities for esports live betting.
