Who Are Passion UA? The Story of Ukraine’s Young Talent in Esports

After its establishment in 2022, the team faced early challenges, but despite this, they showed steady progress and achieved success on the international stage. During their qualification for the Shanghai Major, they experienced a series of wins and losses, but the turning point came with their victory over Astralis, securing them a spot at the major. Although the team won only a few pistol rounds, their resilience and strong Buchholz  coefficient helped them advance to the main tournament.

From Football to Esports: Starting a New Chapter

Oleksandr Zinchekno is a famous Ukrainian football player. Born in Radomyshl, Zhytomyr Oblast, Zinchenko’s journey began in humble surroundings but quickly ascended to prominence. Currently a defender for Arsenal in the English Premier League, his career path also includes significant achievements with Shakhtar. However, his prime years were spent with Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, where he won four Premier League titles, an FA Cup, four League Cups, and reached the Champions League final.

On the international stage, Zinchenko plays a pivotal role for the Ukrainian national team, often serving as captain. Known for his versatility, relentless energy, and leadership qualities, he is one of the most recognizable Ukrainian athletes of his generation.

The Birth of Passion UA: A New Ambition

In 2022, amid the rising global interest in esports, Zinchenko ventured into a new arena by founding his own esports organization, Passion UA. The name reflects the founder’s philosophy: a commitment to excellence, a belief in the potential of young talent, and a drive to represent Ukraine on the global stage.

With a team composed entirely of Ukrainian players, Zinchenko not only highlighted the nation’s gaming talent but also made a statement about his dedication to nurturing the next generation. Passion UA represents a blend of competitive ambition and a heartfelt connection to Ukraine’s cultural and sporting heritage.

Why Esports?

In interviews, Zinchenko has often emphasized that esports provides a platform to inspire Ukrainian youth. He sees it as an innovative way to showcase Ukrainian talent on the world stage, offering opportunities for growth and success beyond traditional sports.

His Reaction to Passion UA’s Qualification for Shanghai Major 2024

After Passion UA’s historic qualification for the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024, Zinchenko shared his emotions:

“We did it! Guys, you did it! I want to thank and congratulate every player, coach Mykhailo 'Kane, ' and every staff member of the organization for making our dream come true. Because we are all Passion UA. I also want to thank our fans for their support, for believing in us. And even for those who didn’t — dreams are meant to come true. We all know who to root for at the Major. Glory to Ukraine and glory to the heroes!”

The Road to the Major: Passion UA’s Journey

Overcoming Challenges in the European RMR Tournament

Passion UA, ranked 49th globally by HLTV, earned their place at the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 in Counter-Strike 2. Despite being underdogs, the team demonstrated remarkable determination during the European RMR B tournament.

Their decisive best-of-five series against Astralis, the 10th-ranked team in the world, ended in a 3-2 victory. Passion UA triumphed on Inferno (13:9) and Ancient (13:11), overcoming difficulties with pistol rounds — managing to win only 4 out of 20 across the tournament — by relying on strong mid-game strategies and exceptional teamwork.

Key Matches on the Path to Shanghai

The team’s qualification journey began with impressive wins against Virtus.pro (16:14 on Mirage) and Spirit (13:11 on Anubis), building momentum and securing a high Buchholz coefficient.

However, the road was not without challenges. Losses to BIG (1:2) and HEROIC (1:2) added pressure, leaving Passion UA with one final opportunity to secure their spot in Shanghai.

Decisive Victory Against Astralis

In their match against Astralis, Passion UA showcased resilience under pressure. With guidance from coach Mykhailo “Kane” Blahin, the team executed a disciplined strategy to claim victory, earning their long-awaited qualification.

Passion UA now looks ahead to competing among the best teams in the world at the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024, taking place from November 30 to December 15.

Team Roster of Passion UA: Talents and Synergy

Passion UA is a team entirely made up of Ukrainian players. The team has already proven itself to be a talented and cohesive unit, and its roster deserves special attention.

Here is a brief overview of the players and their roles within the team:

• Dmytro Semera (jambo) – Player

  A key player for the team, Dmytro showcases excellent individual skill across multiple positions. Young and ambitious, he quickly earned the trust of his teammates due to his ability to adapt to any playstyle.

• Mykyta Skiba (jackasmo) – Player

  With strong analytical skills, Mykyta is a versatile player who understands the game well across various maps. His ability to make quick and accurate decisions under pressure makes him an important part of the team’s strategies.

• Eduard Petrovskyi (zeRRoFIX) – Player

• Known for his consistent gameplay and good coordination with the team, Eduard shines in critical moments. His confidence in both offensive and defensive situations makes him a reliable player in any scenario.

• Vsevolod Shchurov (s-chilla) – Player

  With an experienced approach to every match, Vsevolod is a crucial part of the team’s defense. His ability to react to changes in the game allows Passion UA to maintain control at any point during a match.

• Rodion Smyk (fear) – Captain

  As the captain, Rodion takes responsibility for the team’s overall strategy and morale. His leadership skills and ability to keep the team unified make him a critical figure for coordinating the players and making key decisions.

• Mykhailo Blahyn (kane) – Coach

  As the coach, Mykhailo is a pivotal figure in the team’s success. His experience and strategic approach to each game help Passion UA build solid tactics and improve team synergy.

What to Expect at the Major: Passion UA’s Goals and Potential Opponents

As Passion UA prepares to compete in the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024, the team faces both an exciting opportunity and a formidable challenge. With 24 of the best teams from around the world vying for the title, the competition will be fierce. Passion UA will face top-tier teams such as Team Vitality, FaZe Clan, and G2 Esports, to name just a few.

These squads have decades of combined experience, established reputations, and a strong presence in the global esports scene, making the path to victory anything but easy.

Passion UA could very well set a new benchmark for Ukrainian teams in Counter-Strike 2 (and esports more broadly). By performing well on the world stage, they could become the new standard by which other Ukrainian teams are judged, proving that local talent has the ability to compete with global powerhouses.