Russian Gambit, playing under the name Players due to sanctions restrictions, made it to the Legends stage of the PGL Major, winning a tense match against Astralis on three maps.
The first map was Ancient, chosen by the Danes, but from the very beginning the game did not go well for them: Vladislav «nafany» Gorshkov's team blocked almost all their actions, and soon the score reached 6 – 1 in favor of Players. By the time the sides changed sides, they were able to level the game and then create pressure on their opponent in the second half of the card draw. However, Players were able to fend off Astralis' attacks, leaving the map behind with a score of 16 – 13.
The next map was Dust2, which Astralis had been having problems with lately. Nevertheless, this time the Danish cybersportsmen managed to demonstrate an exceptionally well-coordinated game and the ability to use the opportunities presented. Soon they were leading 8 – 3. At one point the CIS team almost equalized the score, but after the change of sides the advantage started to grow again. The map went to Astralis with a score of 16 – 12 in favor of the Danes.
The outcome of the match was decided on Inferno. Before the change of sides, Players twice managed to take a few points lead, but Astralis would regain the difference. But in the second half of the card draw the superiority of the CIS team became overwhelming and they won Inferno with a score of 16 – 8, thus securing their place at the major.