Epic Showdown: FaZe Triumphs in IEM Sydney Thriller with Complexity

FaZe secured a hard-fought victory in the inaugural Counter-Strike 2 Big Event, IEM Sydney, in a thrilling three-map final that went down to the wire, requiring two overtime sessions to determine the winner.

None of the maps in the final were one-sided affairs. Complexity claimed their preferred map, Overpass, in the final regulation round before FaZe equalized at 13-10 on Nuke. Even on Ancient, where it seemed Complexity might dominate, they had to dig deep to force not one, but two overtimes.

The series commenced with a bang, featuring a 1vs3 clutch play by Robin "ropz" Kool, but this display of skill didn't deter Complexity. Once they stabilized their economy, Johnny "JT" Theodosiou and his squad rallied with five consecutive rounds. Ultimately, FaZe managed to claw back and secure a 7-5 lead at halftime, thanks in part to Helvijs "broky" Saukants's AWP quad-kill in the final round.

FaZe continued their success in pistol rounds, taking an early lead, but they couldn't maintain it. As the first half progressed, both teams remained evenly matched. Faced with a dwindling economy, Complexity risked everything in the 22nd round. A loss would have put FaZe at match point, but a win tied the score and gave Complexity an economic boost. They pulled off the victory, which set the stage for Complexity to secure their map.

On Nuke, Complexity won the CT pistol round, but FaZe immediately retaliated, with Håvard "rain" Nygaard making an impact in the Yard. The early back-and-forth eventually subsided, and FaZe showcased their superiority. Even in defeat, Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken managed to take down three players in a 1vs5 situation, delivering crucial economic damage. Struggling with their economy, Complexity faltered, and after FaZe secured a 4vs5 plant in the B site, they claimed an 8-4 lead.

Complexity managed to level the score against FaZe and didn't back down in a map largely influenced by economic challenges. However, FaZe turned the tide in their favor with a low buy, ultimately winning 13-10 to even the series.

In the decider map, FaZe appeared to be in control, securing nine rounds on defense while Complexity faltered in crucial situations. The match seemed all but over when FaZe won the second pistol round, extending their lead to seven rounds.

However, a heroic play by Jonathan "EliGE" Jablonowski, who secured two kills and an assist during a second-round forcebuy while charging down Mid, shifted the momentum. Håkon "hallzerk" Fjærli's remarkable five-player takedown on A and JT's clutch 1vs1 victory in the following round boosted Complexity's spirits to the point where a comeback seemed plausible.

A Tec9 run-and-gun play by FaZe, culminating in a clutch by broky, put FaZe back in control, and rain's decisive 1vs2 victory brought them to match point. Despite their economic struggles, Complexity won another nail-biting round, thwarting an A-site assault and forcing the series into overtime.

The deadlock persisted after the initial overtime, but a flawless 3-0 performance by FaZe on the CT side during the second overtime was enough to secure the title for Finn "karrigan" Andersen and his team. This victory marked the end of a dry spell dating back to March, securing their first CS2 title.