The semifinal day of PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 marked the peak of the European–Brazilian rivalry. Legacy overcame SAW 2–1 (7–13 Inferno, 16–12 Nuke, 13–3 Ancient) to reach the Grand Final of a major international event for the first time in the club’s history. It was a match of tactical brilliance, emotional strength, and perfect composure — the qualities that define true champions.
Road to the Semifinal
For Legacy, this tournament was the culmination of a year full of challenges. The team rebuilt itself around the idea of stability and arrived in Bucharest as a disciplined and confident lineup. In the Swiss Stage, Legacy defeated Astralis, FlyQuest, and Gentle Mates, before stunning the scene by eliminating paiN 2–1 in the quarterfinals. This was more than a streak of victories — it was the story of a young Latin American roster learning to thrive under pressure.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese side SAW was enjoying a resurgence. After triumphs at CCT Europe and wins over Aurora and GamerLegion, they defeated Liquid 2–1 to secure a semifinal spot. Their run in Bucharest embodied persistence, structure, and belief — the trademarks of modern Portuguese Counter-Strike.
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Map by Map
- Inferno — SAW open the series with dominance
The opening map, chosen by Legacy, immediately showed that SAW came fully prepared. The Portuguese lineup played with precision and confidence. story controlled the AWP, aragornN read the opponents like an open book, and Ag1L executed tactical ideas with authority.
SAW’s defense was airtight, with perfect rotations and communication. Legacy struggled to respond, despite a few highlights from dumau. Midway through the map, their coordination broke down, allowing SAW to close it 13–7.
- Nuke — the Brazilian comeback
The second map revealed Legacy’s mental fortitude. They quickly adjusted after the tough opener and shifted the momentum. On Nuke, lux became the architect of every round, while n1ssim provided smart and timely calls.
SAW tried to slow the game down, but their economy fell apart under constant pressure. The turning point came in Round 25, when saadzin won a crucial 1v2 clutch. From then on, Legacy never looked back — dumau closed out key rounds, latto secured three early entries, and the Brazilians sealed the map 16–12.
- Ancient — Brazilian discipline on full display
The decider turned into a one-sided affair. SAW looked exhausted, while Legacy played like a well-oiled machine. saadzin perfectly anticipated the opponent’s plans, alternating between slow defaults and aggressive pushes. lux and latto dominated mid control, and dumau anchored the sites with confidence. Legacy finished the job 13–3 and celebrated a historic Grand Final appearance — their first on the international stage.
Player statistics for the match
Player of the Match — Guilherme “saadzin” Pacheco
- K–D: 0.84
- ADR: 88.3
- KAST: 76.6%
- Rating 3.0: 1.32
saadzin once again proved why he is the tactical brain of Legacy. His precision, timing, and composure defined the pace of the match. He won critical duels and clutch rounds when it mattered most. With a 1.32 rating, saadzin combined calm leadership with lethal mechanics, symbolizing Brazil’s new era of Counter-Strike.
SAW’s Contribution
Even in defeat, SAW showed why they remain one of Europe’s most respected teams. story (1.22 rating) and aragornN (1.23 rating) stood out as two of the most consistent players in the playoffs.
However, struggles in closing rounds and several post-plant mistakes cost them dearly. Still, this performance confirmed that SAW are no fluke — they are a disciplined, ambitious squad capable of challenging elite teams.
Valve Regional Standings (VRS) Impact
The semifinal reshaped the global rankings:
- Legacy: +12 points → 1761 → 1773 pt (#10 worldwide)
- SAW: –8 points → 1570 → 1562 pt (#19 worldwide)
Legacy strengthened their position as Brazil’s top team and moved closer to a direct RMR invite for the next Major. SAW lost little, maintaining their spot as Europe’s leading lineup outside the Top 15.
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Symbolism of the Match
This semifinal was more than a best-of-three. It represented the rise of two regions once overshadowed by giants. Brazilian Counter-Strike found a new identity in Legacy — young, mature, and methodical. Meanwhile, Portuguese CS, through SAW, proved that persistence and long-term vision can lift even a small scene to international relevance.
Legacy defeated SAW 2–1 to become the second finalist of PGL Masters Bucharest 2025, setting up an epic Grand Final clash with Aurora. It’s a duel of philosophies: Brazilian passion versus Turkish precision. One team seeks redemption, the other revolution.
The Grand Final in Bucharest promises to be not just another match — but a defining moment in the new era of Counter-Strike 2.
