Some games are classics for all the right reasons.

Some games are classics for all the wrong reasons. Usually NIP ones.

This semi-final, on the other hand, danced uncomfortably in the gaps between ‘good’ and ‘bad’, like Nicolas Cage, Darwin Nunez or the Mr Beast TV show.

Not sponsored, by the way. Mr Beast, if you’re reading…

This was a really enjoyable watch, but it wasn’t all that pretty. Team Spirit weren’t at their best. NAVI weren’t at their best. Thankfully, donk was still pretty good. Funny that.

donk dropped 55 in 51 rounds in a scrappy game and ultimately decided it all, as he so often does, but the story was that both these teams seem to make each other worse. NAVI are a well-drilled team who rarely make mistakes. Spirit are the best team in the world.

Neither of those things looked true in this semi-final. And yet, it was an enthralling watch.

sh1ro, donk and b1t all had massive moments in what became a show from the individuals rather than the teams, which was always more likely to suit the team with donk. w0nderful was quite notably absent, and you might find some criticism of him on social media.

We think that’s a little bit unfair. He’s been pretty reliable and a key part of a team that has won a hell of a lot in the last 12 months; but Counter-Strike fans are fickle mistresses. They always want a new roster.

donk had set the stage for his second Katowice win in as many years. He was ready.