TL;DR
- Avangar defeated Renegades 2-0 in a stunning upset at Berlin Major 2019
- Coach dastan’s team overcame statistical underdog status through superior preparation
- The Kazakh squad’s journey included victories over elite teams like Team Liquid
- National pride and family support fueled their incredible tournament run
- Avangar advanced to face Astralis/NRG in the $500,000 Grand Finals

In an electrifying clash between two Cinderella stories at the Starladder Berlin Major 2019, the Kazakh underdogs from Avangar emerged victorious over Australia’s Renegades in a display of tactical brilliance.
Avangar secured a decisive 2-0 series victory, earning their place in the Grand Finals where they would confront the winner of the Astralis versus NRG Esports matchup. Renegades saw their tournament aspirations conclude in this semifinal showdown.
Despite entering every match as statistical underdogs according to betting odds and analyst predictions, head coach Dastan “dastan” Akbaev maintained unwavering confidence in his roster’s capabilities. “Our team possesses the skill to challenge any opponent globally,” dastan explained to WIN.gg. “The underdog label actually benefits us by reducing external expectations, though the competitive pressure remains intense.”
The opening map demonstrated Avangar’s resilience under pressure, as they clinched a nail-biting overtime victory on Mirage with a final score of 22-19. Star performers Dzhame “Jame” Ali and Timur “buster” Tulepov delivered exceptional performances, each securing 35 eliminations to lead their team to victory.
Dust 2 showcased Avangar’s strategic mastery in a completely different fashion. The Kazakh squad established early control and maintained relentless pressure throughout, culminating in a commanding 16-6 victory that highlighted their map versatility and adaptability.
Pro Tip: When facing statistically superior opponents, focus on winning early-round advantages to build momentum and disrupt their established game plans.
“Our belief never wavered – we knew we could defeat any team and now we’ve secured our Grand Finals position,” dastan revealed. “From day one, our mindset was fixed: ‘We will win this major championship.'”
Their path to the finals represented one of the most challenging routes in recent CS:GO history. To reach this stage, Avangar had to overcome world-class organizations including Team Liquid and Team Vitality, plus established contenders like G2 Esports and Complexity Gaming.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Underestimating lower-ranked teams based solely on tournament seeding – preparation and adaptability often trump raw statistics.
While spectators and analysts expressed astonishment at their performance level, Avangar’s players maintained self-assurance throughout. Coach dastan attributes their success to a comprehensive preparation methodology that few teams implement consistently.
“Every element aligns perfectly for peak performance,” he detailed. “Our regimen includes strategic preparation, optimal sleep patterns, mental conditioning exercises, and maintaining individual form – everything synergizes for competitive excellence.”
Advanced Optimization: Implement a 72-hour pre-match routine that balances tactical review with physical recovery and psychological readiness.
The overwhelming support for their improbable yet magnificent tournament campaign has been both humbling and motivating for the Avangar organization. According to dastan, their entire nation stands united behind the team’s quest for glory.
“The support extends far beyond my immediate family,” dastan shared. “From grandparents to childhood friends, university classmates to casual observers – virtually every citizen across Kazakhstan now recognizes Avangar and follows their competitive journey.”
This nationwide enthusiasm will reach its peak on Sunday as Avangar competes for the prestigious $500,000 championship prize and CS:GO immortality.
For teams looking to replicate Avangar’s success, our Class Guide provides essential frameworks for team composition and role specialization that translate across competitive titles.
Action Checklist
- Develop comprehensive 72-hour pre-match routine balancing strategy, rest, and mental preparation
- Analyze opponent tendencies across multiple maps and identify exploitable patterns
- Implement underdog mindset strategies to leverage reduced pressure while maintaining competitive intensity
- Study Avangar’s map control strategies in our Complete Guide to tactical dominance
No reproduction without permission:Games Guides Website » Avangar coach talks Berlin Major finals berth, mother watching CSGO Avangar's stunning Berlin Major victory reveals underdog strategies and national pride behind CS:GO success
