The KHL Star Strike 2025 tournament successfully concluded on July 20th, bringing together an exciting mix of KHL hockey players, prominent streamers, and professional esports athletes to compete in the popular tactical shooter, Counter-Strike 2.
Road to the Grand Final
In the highly anticipated upper bracket final, Kapu v Kragu clashed with Full Buy for a direct berth in the Grand Final. Kapu v Kragu emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline (13:5, 6:13, 13:5). Their impressive roster included KHL players Alexander Dergachyov (Neftekhimik), Vitaly Pinchuk (Dynamo Minsk), and Nikita Setdikov, complemented by renowned esports figures Recrent and Dosia.
Following their defeat to Kapu v Kragu, Full Buy descended into the lower bracket, where they were met by Ostrye Konki. In a dominant display, Full Buy swept their opponents 2-0, showcasing overwhelming prowess on both maps with identical 13:3 scores. This resounding win propelled the Full Buy squad, featuring KHL players Nikita Artamonov (Torpedo), Nikita Boyarkin (Barys), and Andrei Belozyorov (Neftekhimik), into the Grand Final.
KHL Stars Shine in Show Match
Prior to the main event, an entertaining show match took place, pitting a team composed solely of KHL players against a formidable group of streamers. Hockey talents Yegor Kuzminov and Prokhor Poltapov (both CSKA), Vadim Moroz (Dynamo Minsk), Adil Beketayev (Barys), and Igor Ozhiganov (Dynamo Moscow) showcased their adaptability, masterfully navigating server conditions that changed after each round, ultimately securing a commanding 13:5 victory.
The Grand Final Showdown
The Grand Final featured a thrilling rematch between Kapu v Kragu and Full Buy. Full Buy initially seized the momentum, taking the first map with a 13:9 score. However, Kapu v Kragu orchestrated a remarkable comeback, winning the second map in a tightly contested 13:11 battle, and then decisively securing the third map 13:8 to claim the coveted championship title.
Deko from Full Buy was recognized as the tournament`s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his outstanding performance, while Vitaly Pinchuk stood out as the top-performing hockey player throughout the KHL Star Strike 2025 event.
Gareth Tenby