{"id":15762,"date":"2026-07-13T10:13:17","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T10:13:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/?p=15762"},"modified":"2026-07-14T10:14:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T10:14:17","slug":"thunderpick-world-championship-2026-sa-series-2-recap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/thunderpick-world-championship-2026-sa-series-2-recap","title":{"rendered":"Thunderpick World Championship 2026 SA Series 2 Recap"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"bsf_rt_marker\"><\/div>\n<p>From July 8 to 12, the <a href=\"https:\/\/world-championship.thunderpick.io\/\">Thunderpick World Championship (TWC) 2026<\/a> SA Series 2 tournament entertained <a href=\"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/esports\/cs2-betting\">Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)<\/a> fans worldwide. A dozen teams from the South American region lit up the servers, delivering fantastic plays throughout while keeping us glued to our screens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join us in reliving the best TWC 2026 SA Series 2 moments as we discuss the Group Stage, Playoffs, and final results.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Isurus Bites Back In Group A<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/thunderpick-world-championship-2026-sa-series-1-recap\">SA Series 1<\/a>, Isurus fell in the Group Stage, while UNO MILLE made it out of the groups and all the way to the Grand Final. In Group A of the TWC 2026 SA Series 2, Isurus found themselves against UNO MILLE in the opening match. And just like the sharks they\u2019re named after, they smelled blood in the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite being the underdogs, Isurus built a 9\u20133 lead on the CT side of Inferno, and closed out the map with a convincing 13\u20136 score. On their map pick of Dust2, however, it was UNO MILLE who fought back, earning a narrow 7\u20135 lead in the first half of play, with their IGL, Rodrigo &#8220;drg&#8221; Ausenka, stepping up on the B Site defense.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"in\" dir=\"ltr\">RUSH B <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/ThunderpickWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ThunderpickWC<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/sxLWtMuZsE\">pic.twitter.com\/sxLWtMuZsE<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Thunderpick (@thunderpickco) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/thunderpickco\/status\/2074860946191712566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 8, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>UNO MILLE managed to hang on to their lead and secure a 13\u20139 win, tying the series 1\u20131 and forcing a third map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting on the CT side of Nuke, Isurus only managed a narrow 7\u20135 lead. Despite the map being CT-favored, when teams switched sides, Isurus went on a rampage, winning six in a row to close out the map 13\u20135 and the series 2\u20131. The last round of Nuke was a banger, with AWPer Joaqu\u00edn &#8220;atarax1a&#8221; Biglieri pulling off a 2v1 clutch with a no-scope for good measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Death from above! <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/teamisurus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@teamisurus<\/a> take down UNO MILLE in the first match of SA Series 2<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/ThunderpickWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ThunderpickWC<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/II0fnwHkWz\">pic.twitter.com\/II0fnwHkWz<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Thunderpick (@thunderpickco) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/thunderpickco\/status\/2074883093324828734?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 8, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Winners Match of Group A, Isurus faced the all-Brazilian outfit, Fake do Biru. On Isurus\u2019 map pick of Mirage, things went swimmingly, with the Argentinian side managing a 7\u20135 lead on the T side, and finishing off proceedings with a near-flawless 6\u20131 on the CT side for a 13\u20136 win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On Fake do Biru\u2019s map pick of Nuke, the teams traded blows in a 6\u20136 first half. The second half was too close to call, ending in a 12\u201312 scoreline to force overtime. After a double-overtime affair, Isurus came out on top, 19\u201317, to win the match 2\u20130 and advance to the Playoffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Santiago &#8220;rzk&#8221; Pucheta stole the show, topping the leaderboard with a 1.37 rating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">rzk stole the show in this series. <a href=\"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/mvp-overview\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"293\" title=\"MVP overview\">MVP<\/a>, no question \u26a1\ufe0f<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/ThunderpickWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ThunderpickWC<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/bRVewdsV3U\">pic.twitter.com\/bRVewdsV3U<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Thunderpick (@thunderpickco) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/thunderpickco\/status\/2075240458620404184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 9, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Group A Decider Match, it was Fake do Biru who shut down the hopes of UNO MILLE, with a clean 2\u20130 sweep to earn a spot in the Playoffs of TWC 2026 SA Series 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keyd Stars Tops Group B<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The all-Brazilian side of Keyd Stars found themselves in Group B just like they did at the TWC 2026 SA Series 1 event, looking to repeat their success by making it to the Playoffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was a Brazilian derby in the first round, with Keyd Stars facing <a href=\"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/mibr-overview\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"32\" title=\"MIBR\">MIBR<\/a> Academy. On the CT side of their opponent\u2019s map pick, Nuke, Keyd Stars took a strong 8\u20134 lead. The teams traded blows in the 2nd half, resulting in a 13\u20139 win for Keyd Stars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On Keyd Stars\u2019 map pick, Ancient, they made a comeback to tie the half 6\u20136 after MIBR Academy held an early lead. Keyd Stars kept their cool to win 13\u201311, requiring all rounds in regulation to get over the line, sweeping MIBR Academy 2\u20130 in the opening match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Did somebody change the walls on Ancient? \ud83e\udd14<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/ThunderpickWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ThunderpickWC<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/MvWwDMlrVZ\">pic.twitter.com\/MvWwDMlrVZ<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Thunderpick (@thunderpickco) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/thunderpickco\/status\/2075009371931627767?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 9, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Winners Match, Keyd Stars locked horns with another Brazilian side, Yawara. On the CT side of their opponent\u2019s map pick, Mirage, Keyd Stars clicked heads in style, scoring a 9\u20133 lead. While Yawara put up a fight in the 2nd half, Keyd Stars didn\u2019t let go of their lead, confidently winning the map 13\u20137.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Guns for show, knives for a pro. \ud83d\udd2a<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/ThunderpickWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ThunderpickWC<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/vOSfvfbt9G\">pic.twitter.com\/vOSfvfbt9G<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Thunderpick (@thunderpickco) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/thunderpickco\/status\/2075263118217769124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 9, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Yawara fought back on Keyd Stars\u2019 map pick of Ancient with a stellar 9\u20133 performance on the CT side. After teams switched sides, Yawara kept the momentum going with a 4\u20131 T-side half, winning the map 13\u20134 and pushing the series to a third map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the deciding map, Anubis, the 1st half was too close to call, with teams tying 6\u20136. In the 2nd half, Keyd Stars put up a stalwart defense on the CT side to win the map 13\u20139 and thereby win the series 2\u20131.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of our favorite moments was how Keyd Stars\u2019 Gabriel &#8220;lash&#8221; Sampaio stepped up when it mattered most (9\u20139 on Anubis), scoring four kills with the <a href=\"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/cs2-awp-the-big-green\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"234\" title=\"CS2 AWP\">AWP<\/a> to demolish the hopes of Yawara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">.<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/lashfps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@lashfps<\/a> finds 4 on Anubis when it counts <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/ThunderpickWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ThunderpickWC<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/HKr3orJNnu\">pic.twitter.com\/HKr3orJNnu<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Thunderpick (@thunderpickco) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/thunderpickco\/status\/2075291858343797211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 9, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With the win, Keyd Stars unlocked a spot in the Playoffs. In the Decider Match of Group B, it was MIBR Academy who took care of business against Yawara to earn the final Group B spot in the Playoffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Imperial Takes Charge In The Playoffs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The all-Brazilian top contender and Playoffs Stage direct invite, <a href=\"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/imperial-esports-overview\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"27\" title=\"Imperial Esports\">Imperial Esports<\/a>, took on Group A winner, Isurus, in the Quarterfinals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Isurus drew first blood on Imperial\u2019s map pick, Mirage, taking a narrow 7\u20135 lead in the 1st half. As teams switched sides, Imperial went on a rampage, winning six in a row to take a 11\u20137 lead. However, Isurus refused to go down, winning six T rounds in a row to claim a 13\u201311 win on Mirage, putting themselves one map win away from the Semifinals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Let&#39;s jump into the third Quarterfinal! \u26a1\ufe0f <br><br>\ud83d\udcfa  <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/AgaTzegBz4\">https:\/\/t.co\/AgaTzegBz4<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/ThunderpickWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ThunderpickWC<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/x8Cx7BgLLU\">pic.twitter.com\/x8Cx7BgLLU<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Thunderpick (@thunderpickco) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/thunderpickco\/status\/2076019238364447007?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 11, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With their backs against the wall, Imperial stepped up on Nuke. The Brazilian side found their form with a strong 8\u20134 lead on the CT side of Nuke, and finished off the map 13\u20135 thanks to their powerful attacking plays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The match was tied 1\u20131, and Imperial had momentum going into the deciding map, Inferno. On the CT side of Inferno, Imperial smashed Isurus 9\u20133 and closed it out 13\u20135 to complete the 2\u20131 reverse-sweep comeback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">.<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/imperialesports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@imperialesports<\/a> keep the streak alive!<br><br>Five consecutive series wins and a spot in the Semifinals \u26a1\ufe0f<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/ThunderpickWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ThunderpickWC<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/BL52aQwJvm\">pic.twitter.com\/BL52aQwJvm<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Thunderpick (@thunderpickco) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/thunderpickco\/status\/2076063459297423428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 11, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the TWC 2026 SA Series 2 Semifinal, their next opponent was LargadosyPelados (LP). Imperial\u2019s map pick of Mirage narrowly went their way, as they hung on to a 7\u20135 1st-half lead to avoid overtime and win 13\u201311.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Imperial took an early lead on Inferno. Just when LP attempted to mount a comeback, they were shut down thanks to a beautiful three-kill performance from Lucas &#8220;decenty&#8221; Bacelar, pulling his squad back into control.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">DISGUSTING 3k from decenty \ud83e\udd2f <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/ThunderpickWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ThunderpickWC<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/rwLIWSCypJ\">pic.twitter.com\/rwLIWSCypJ<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Thunderpick (@thunderpickco) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/thunderpickco\/status\/2076435434624729466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 12, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Imperial held onto their lead, giving LP little to work with. As the dust settled on Inferno, Imperial walked away with a 13\u20134 win to close out the match 2\u20130, thereby earning a spot in the Grand Final.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">BESTIA Barrels Through The Playoffs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As the highest-ranked team (#11 on the VRS Americas) heading into the TWC 2026 SA Series 2, BESTIA received one of our direct invites to the Playoffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>BESTIA didn\u2019t disappoint in their Quarterfinals clash with MIBR Academy. Their opponents picked Cache as the first map, but BESTIA dominated right from the start, earning an impressive 8\u20134 lead on the CT side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">.<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/nachocsg0?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@nachocsg0<\/a> declares the round over thanks to the high ground! \ud83c\udfd4\ufe0f<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/ThunderpickWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ThunderpickWC<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/9RshBnF1Me\">pic.twitter.com\/9RshBnF1Me<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Thunderpick (@thunderpickco) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/thunderpickco\/status\/2076075512103879153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 11, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One of our favorite moments saw Ignacio &#8220;nacho&#8221; Rodriguez score three kills, completely shutting down MIBR Academy\u2019s attack on the B Site. Teams traded blows in the 2nd half, resulting in a 13\u20138 win for BESTIA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On Dust2, BESTIA refused to give MIBR Academy room to move, going up 9\u20133 on the T side, and finishing off proceedings with a final score of 13\u20136. BESTIA\u2019s Mart\u00edn &#8220;tomaszin&#8221; Corna topped the scoreboard with a fantastic 1.27 rating, performing under pressure in the lurker role to propel his team to a 2\u20130 victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">.@tomaszincsdelivered under pressure.<br><br>Now it&#39;s time for the Grand Final! \u26a1\ufe0f<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/ThunderpickWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ThunderpickWC<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/guUAtDr2aY\">pic.twitter.com\/guUAtDr2aY<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Thunderpick (@thunderpickco) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/thunderpickco\/status\/2076406158277984278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 12, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Semifinal, BESTIA faced Keyd Stars and didn\u2019t waste any time making their presence felt. On Keyd Stars\u2019 map pick, Ancient, BESTIA boasted an impressive 8\u20134 lead. Their opponents clawed their way back into contention, but BESTIA stabilized to avoid overtime, winning the first map 13\u201311.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On Dust2, the teams were tied 6\u20136 at halftime. Keyd Stars won the Pistol and conversion for an 8\u20136 lead. BESTIA showed their big-match temperament under pressure, coming back on the CT side to win the map 13\u20139 and thereby win the series 2\u20130.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Clean Grand Final: Imperial vs. BESTIA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the TWC 2026 SA Series 2 best-of-three Grand Final, BESTIA picked Dust2 as the first map, Imperial picked Inferno, and Mirage was left as the decider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>BESTIA drew first blood, winning the first round\u2014but that just woke Imperial up, as they went on a seven-round streak. By the end of the 1st half, Imperial had an 8\u20134 lead. In the 2nd half, BESTIA won their 2nd Pistol of the map thanks to an unreal 2v1 clutch from Mart\u00edn &#8220;tomaszin&#8221; Corna. While BESTIA put up a solid fight, Imperial managed to keep their lead and finish off Dust2 with a 13\u20139 win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">UNREAL clutch from tomaszin \ud83e\udee3 <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/ThunderpickWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ThunderpickWC<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/kj33wGkwF4\">pic.twitter.com\/kj33wGkwF4<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Thunderpick (@thunderpickco) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/thunderpickco\/status\/2076467092371492975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 13, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Going into Inferno, Imperial clicked heads with vigor to win the first five rounds in a row, before BESTIA mounted a defense on the CT side to remain competitive. As the 1st half ended, Imperial was up 8\u20134.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While BESTIA found another Pistol win in the 2nd half, Imperial denied the conversion and went on a CT side win streak to close out the map 13\u20136. One of our favorite moments saw Imperial\u2019s Marcelo &#8220;chelo&#8221; Cespedes shut down BESTIA in the 17th round with four kills while defending the B Site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Chelo had to lock in rq <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/ThunderpickWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ThunderpickWC<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/h1jUW7WXZg\">pic.twitter.com\/h1jUW7WXZg<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Thunderpick (@thunderpickco) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/thunderpickco\/status\/2076486014822924355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 13, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With the 13\u20136 win on Inferno, Imperial performed a clean sweep in the TWC 2026 SA Series 2 Grand Final, showcasing immense skill to claim the crown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Imperial Esports Roster &amp; Grand Final MVP<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Roughly one day before their first TWC 2026 SA Series 2 match, Imperial completed a significant <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/imperialesports\/status\/2075637159541825665\">roster change<\/a>, replacing AWPer Guilherme &#8220;levi&#8221; Godoy with Guilherme &#8220;saadzin&#8221; Pacheco.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-2-1024x960.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15763\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-2-1024x960.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-2-300x281.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-2-768x720.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-2.jpeg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Changing who wields the \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/cs2-awp-the-big-green\">Big Green<\/a>\u201d on the server usually means teams underperform as their rosters acclimate, making Imperial\u2019s win all the more impressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Imperial Esports roster:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kaiky &#8220;noway&#8221; Santos<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marcelo &#8220;chelo&#8221; Cespedes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guilherme &#8220;saadzin&#8221; Pacheco<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lucas &#8220;decenty&#8221; Bacelar<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vinicius &#8220;VINI&#8221; Figueiredo (IGL)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Caio &#8220;zqk&#8221; Fonseca (Coach)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Marcelo &#8220;chelo&#8221; Cespedes was named the MVP of the TWC 2026 SA Series 2 Grand Final, powering Imperial Esports\u2019 clean sweep against BESTIA. He topped the scoreboard with a stunning 1.63 rating, boasting a KDA of 39\u201323\u201312 and an <a href=\"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/adr-in-cs2-everything-you-need-to-know\">ADR<\/a> of 103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">A masterclass from <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/chelok1ng?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@chelok1ng<\/a> in the Grand Final!<br><br>The perfect way to close out <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/ThunderpickWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ThunderpickWC<\/a> SA Series 2 \ud83c\udfc6 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/H4N5mwhGA9\">pic.twitter.com\/H4N5mwhGA9<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Thunderpick (@thunderpickco) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/thunderpickco\/status\/2076505698649718793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 13, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">TWC 2026 SA Series 2 Final Standings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Teams competed for their share of the $20,000 prize pool. Here are the final standings and prize pool distribution at the SA Series 2:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Placement<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Team(s)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Prize Money<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1st<\/td><td>Imperial Esports<\/td><td>$10,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2nd<\/td><td>BESTIA<\/td><td>$4,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3rd\u20134th<\/td><td>Keyd Stars &amp; LP<\/td><td>$1,500 each<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>5th\u20138th<\/td><td>MIBR Academy, Bounty Hunters, Fake do Biru &amp; Isurus<\/td><td>$750 each<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>9th\u201310th<\/td><td>UNO MILLE &amp; Yawara<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11th\u201312th<\/td><td>paiN Academy &amp; Metanoia Wolves<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More TWC 2026 Action On The Horizon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We had the pleasure of watching the NA Series, EU Series 1, and both SA Series 1 and 2 unfold. Next up, fans can look forward to the EU Series 2 (July 25 to Aug. 2), followed by the Global Qualifier (Sept. 9 to 13) leading up to the TWC 2026 Finals on LAN in Malta (Oct. 12 to 19).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/world-championship.thunderpick.io\/\">World Championship page<\/a> to keep up with all the action. You can also put your CS2 esports knowledge to the test by checking out all the latest <a href=\"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/esports\/cs2-betting\">CS2 betting odds<\/a> and placing wagers using your favorite cryptocurrencies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All the upcoming TWC 2026 matches will be broadcast live on <a href=\"https:\/\/c212.net\/c\/link\/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4430783-1&amp;h=3648175225&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitch.tv%2Fthunderpicktv&amp;a=twitch.tv%2Fthunderpicktv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">twitch.tv\/thunderpicktv<\/a> and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@thunderpickesports\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/youtube.com\/@Thunderpickesports\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">youtube.com\/@Thunderpickesports<\/a>. The tournament is presented by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hotspawn.com\/counter-strike\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hotspawn<\/a>, with GRID Esports as the data partner.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Always practice <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/en\/content\/responsible-gaming\"><em>Responsible Gambling<\/em><\/a><em> and check out our <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/en\/content\/promotions\"><em>latest promo offers<\/em><\/a><em> and boosts. T&amp;Cs apply. 18+ to play.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From July 8 to 12, the Thunderpick World Championship (TWC) 2026 SA Series 2 tournament entertained Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) fans worldwide. A dozen teams from the South American region lit up the servers, delivering fantastic plays throughout while keeping us glued to our screens. Join us in reliving the best TWC 2026 SA Series 2 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15764,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[95,52],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15762","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cs2","category-esports"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15762","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15762"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15762\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15780,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15762\/revisions\/15780"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15764"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15762"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15762"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15762"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}