India emerge as the champion of the Skyesports Souvenir

The Skyesports Souvenir Grand Final, featuring India and UAE battling it out for a $2500 first prize, kicked off with Mirage and Overpass as the first two map choices, with the decider map yet to be revealed.

Starting on the T-side of Mirage, UAE surged ahead, securing the first five rounds, and riding a wave of momentum. India managed to stage a slight comeback, securing three rounds through a formidable defense on the A site. However, HopeDaBeast singlehandedly swung the momentum back in UAE's favor by dominating the A site. UAE regained their stride, stringing together four more rounds before India managed to claim the final two, concluding the first half at 9-6.

An A-pop strategy that was looking promising at 4v3 took a dire turn, as HopeDaBeast once again rose to the occasion by eliminating all four remaining players and securing the second pistol round. Undeterred by this setback, India responded with a force-buy victory, with Crazy_Gamer stepping up and delivering three impactful kills. Crazy_Gamer continued to shine, propelling India to a dominant position for the first time in the match, securing three match points. Although UAE managed to secure two consecutive rounds, reducing India's buy to an AK, a Galil, and three pistols, Crazy_Gamer's AK proved invaluable as he secured a critical 3K, ensuring India's victory on the first map with a score of 16-14.

Moving on to Overpass, India's T-side had a phenomenal start, with a 4-0 lead. However, UAE finally found an answer to India's fast B rushes, securing their first round. Once again, HopeDaBeast emerged as the game-changer, singlehandedly turning the tide with 17 kills, propelling UAE to a 7-5 lead. As the first half concluded, the match remained intensely close, with UAE holding a slight 8-7 lead.

The pistol round, of immense importance, went in favor of UAE, with HopeDaBeast once again making his mark by claiming a crucial 1v2 victory. The second half of Overpass showcased HopeDaBeast's insatiable bloodlust as he tore through the opposition's defenses, amassing an impressive 33 kills. His dominant performance allowed UAE to cruise to a comfortable victory on the second map, securing a final score of 16-9.

The third map, Inferno, began with India taking an early advantage by winning the pistol round and following up with a strong performance on the CT side. However, UAE 0scaR came in clutch in the 1v1 against Ember to put the first round on the board for UAE. India effectively neutralized HopeDaBeast, limiting him to just one kill in the first 7 rounds. Nonetheless, UAE remained competitive and managed to gain a lead at 6-3. India then mounted a comeback, regaining the lead, resulting in a closely contested first half with a score of 8-7.

Despite losing the pistol round in the second half, India maintained control by securing a force buy victory. All eyes were on HopeDaBeast to hold down the banana area, but his failure to do so allowed India to surge to an impressive 13-9 lead. Despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds, UAE mounted a remarkable comeback by winning six consecutive rounds, putting them on the brink of victory in the map and series. However, India displayed remarkable resilience, defying the immense pressure to force the game into overtime by securing two crucial rounds.

In OT, UAE the double AWP setup paid off to secure the initial round, but India held onto their composure, winning two rounds to end the half, and then winning two more rounds on their CT side to win the game 19-16.