Aurora has claimed their first-ever LAN tournament by taking down Legacy 3–2 in a thrilling grand final at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025. This victory makes it a historic moment for Turkish CS – not only for the team’s maiden trophy but also for İsmailcan “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş, who earned his first career LAN MVP award after years of near-misses and standout performances.
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Aurora’s Breakthrough Moment
Aurora’s triumph came after months of progress and heartbreak. Having previously fallen short at several online and regional events, the Turkish lineup finally broke through on LAN – and did so in unforgettable fashion.
In a grueling best-of-five series lasting nearly six hours, Aurora and Legacy traded blows on every map.
Dust2 opened with Aurora’s aggressive playstyle paying off, securing them the early lead.
Legacy struck back on Train, keeping the series alive.
The deciding maps saw huge impact from Ali “Wicadia” Haydar Yalçın and Samet “jottAAA” Köklü, who stepped up in high-pressure moments to close the series 3–2.
For Aurora, this is more than just a trophy — it’s validation. The win not only cements their place among Europe’s elite forces but also gives them crucial momentum heading into the Budapest Major later this season.
XANTARES Finally Crowned LAN MVP
At 30 years old, XANTARES has finally achieved one of the few milestones missing from his career: a LAN MVP award. Known for his mechanical skill and consistency, the Turkish star led from the front throughout the event.
Across 23 maps, XANTARES delivered crazy numbers:
- 1.27 average rating
- 1.36 rating in the grand final
- +75 K/D differential
- 90.7 ADR, 1.58 impact rating, and 0.82 kills per round
This marks his first LAN MVP and second overall, with his previous MVP dating back to the online era.
For a player who is known for a long time as one of Turkey’s greatest players and one of the best riflers in the world, this moment serves as long-overdue recognition – a reward for consistency, leadership, and sheer individual brilliance.
Statement Win for Turkish Counter-Strike
Aurora’s victory is not just a title and prize money for the team, but it also represents a defining moment for Turkish esports. Once viewed as a team that struggled to convert promise into results, Aurora now stands as a legitimate international contender.
Their success also reflects the evolution of Turkey’s Counter-Strike scene – from passionate beginnings to LAN champions on the global stage.
For XANTARES, MAJ3R, woxic, and the entire Aurora lineup, Bucharest is more than a trophy. It’s a statement of intent.
What’s Ahead for Aurora
The Budapest Major is approaching, as it starts on November 24, and Aurora will enter it with renewed confidence.
Their chemistry, tactical depth, and individual firepower have all clicked at the right time – and now, expectations will rise accordingly.
For Legacy, the heartbreak of defeat may fuel future performances, but the message from Bucharest is clear: Aurora has arrived.
