BIG Advance to ESL One Grand Final With Victory Over FaZe Clan
BIG had been the surprise package of ESL One Cologne, with impressive overtime victory’s against Renegades and MiBR, but FaZe Clan would be their toughest challenge yet.
FaZe had been near flawless on their route to the semi’s expect being pushed to a third map against Fnatic, and were heavy favorites to snag a spot in the grand final to face Na’Vi.
And FaZe unsurprisingly started the stronger of the two, and after dominating the CT side on Dust II they took the first pistol round of the second half and made a huge mountain for BIG to climb, down 4-11.
BIG were resilient however and continued to show that they’re somewhat unpredictable playstyle could work in their favor, fighting to force overtime as FaZe seemed to lose focus somewhat.
But finally FaZe made the recovery, eventually shutting down a dangerous BIG who had the crowd on their side, with a 19-17 win.
BIG started strong in map two, as the crowd continued to back them, but their early 6-1 lead coming off the first pistol round win was suddenly eaten up by FaZe, to take a 9-6 lead.
BIG was able to wrestle momentum back to force the pivotal game 3 with a 16-13 win.
It was all BIG from that point on as they continued their dominance in front of a delirious home crowd. FaZe was unable to recover and looked defeated from dropping the second set lead.
Nex led the way with 26 kills en route to a blowout 16-6 final map score.
BIG will go on to face Natus Vincere in the grand final, with the prestige of a grand slam win in front of a raucous home crowd plus $125,000 on the line, but s1mple and Co. will be in their way.