Dubai, UAE – 27 november 2024
The Rise of PassionUA: From Newcomers to Shanghai Majors
Who are passionUA?
PassionUA, founded by Oleksandr Zinchenko—also a Premier League footballer playing for Arsenal along side former NAVI coach Mykhailo Blahin, burst onto the esports scene with an ambitious goal: to craft a Counter-Strike team that could compete at the highest level and perhaps even be major winners. Despite Zinchenko’s fame in football, his dedication to esports was unwavering, and with Blahin’s expertise, PassionUA quickly built a formidable roster and this is the only roaster in the history of CS that is built out of Ukrainian players only that made it to the major.
Their lineup—Jambo, Fear (the in-game leader), Jackasmo, zeRRoFIX, and S-chilla—was handpicked for their synergy and individual skill being the top of the game int the Ukrainian CS scene. Under the watchful eye of coach Kane, a veteran tactician, the team pushed forward with a passion for competition. Early on, they even participated at the YaLLaCompass tournament circuit showcasing great talent and defeating top ranked teams such as 3DMAX, GODSENT & ALTERNATE aTTaX.
The Perfect World Shanghai Majors Run
PassionUA’s road to the Perfect World Shanghai Majors was anything but easy. Competing against seasoned teams, they displayed extraordinary resilience. Fear’s leadership has shined bright, directing the team through high-pressure qualifiers. Jambo’s pinpoint AWP plays and zeRRoFIX’s clutch moments became highlights of their journey.
Their crowning achievement came when they secured a spot at the Shanghai Majors, defeating several renowned teams in the process such as Astralis, Spirit & Virtus Pro. This journey underscored their ability to thrive under pressure and solidified their status as a rising star in the CS2 esports scene.
The Passion Behind PassionUA
PassionUA exemplifies determination and excellence. Their rise reflects not just the vision of Zinchenko and Blahin but also the dedication of players eager to make their mark on the global stage. With their recent qualification for the Shanghai Majors, PassionUA has proven they’re more than a team—they’re a testament to what passion and teamwork can achieve in esports.