The 2018 CCAD Series: A Year of Thrilling Competition
The 2018 CCAD Series was a season full of excitement and drama, showcasing the very best of competitive Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Here's a look back at some of the key events and highlights:
Major Tournaments
The 2018 Majors were the pinnacle of competitive CS:GO, attracting the best teams from around the world.
- FACEIT Major London 2018: Astralis continued their dominance, claiming their second Major title in a row, defeating the formidable French team G2 in the grand final.
- Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Katowice Major 2018: The first Major of the year saw a thrilling victory for the Polish team Virtus.pro, ending the tournament with a perfect 3-0 record.
Regional Leagues
The regional leagues provided a platform for rising stars and established teams to showcase their skills.
- ESL Pro League: The ESL Pro League saw intense competition throughout the year, with teams battling for valuable points and prize money. Notably, Astralis continued their reign, winning both Season 7 and Season 8.
- DreamHack Masters: The DreamHack Masters events provided exciting tournaments across different regions, with FaZe Clan, Mousesports, and Team Liquid emerging as winners.
Notable Players
Several players stood out during the 2018 season with their exceptional skills and consistent performances.
- Nicolai "device" Reedtz: The Astralis AWPer had another stellar year, leading his team to multiple victories and cementing his status as one of the best in the world.
- Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev: The Natus Vincere star remained a force to be reckoned with, known for his incredible aim and clutch plays.
- Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut: The French prodigy continued his rapid ascent, showcasing his exceptional skill and potential.
A Season of Change
The 2018 CCAD Series saw a significant shift in the competitive landscape, with the rise of new teams and the dominance of certain players.
- The rise of Astralis: Astralis continued their domination, claiming multiple championships and setting a new standard for consistency.
- The rise of the French scene: G2 and Vitality emerged as formidable contenders, showcasing the strength of the French CS:GO scene.
- The emergence of new talents: Players like ZywOo and the French duo of Kenny "kennyS" Schrub and Dan "apEX" Madesclaire impressed with their skills, making a strong case for the future.
Looking Forward
The 2018 CCAD Series was a thrilling year of competition, showcasing the incredible talent and evolution of competitive CS:GO. As we look ahead to the future, the 2018 season provides a valuable glimpse into the exciting possibilities of the ever-evolving CS:GO scene.
