Prediction for Group A of the European RMR at the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024: Can the Favorites Withstand the Magic of the Majors?
The Asian and American regions have already joined the battle for stickers, and as usual, surprises have not been spared. The magic of Majors continues to thrive, even in a new location, and it’s unlikely to bypass the European giants. The Swiss system allows teams to make mistakes in BO1 matches, but a single slip-up can drastically impact team morale and player confidence. In this prediction, we’ll consider all possible scenarios and highlight the teams with the highest chances to handle the pressure — or perhaps surprise their more renowned opponents.
Tournament Format
Due to the poor performance of European teams last year, only 14 of 32 contenders will participate in the second CS2 Major of 2024, instead of 17. They are divided into two groups of 16 participants, with the top 7 teams from each group securing the coveted autographs and team stickers. However, despite last year’s poor showing, Valve’s ranking system has ensured that only teams from the European region will automatically advance to the Elimination Stage. The top 4 teams in each group will skip the Opening Stage and go straight to the top 16 of the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024.
Top Contenders: A Cut Above the Rest
First and foremost is NAVI, the best team of 2024. Blade’s squad has had one of the longest seasons, consistently reaching the final days of most tournaments. Before the RMR, they had ample time to prepare and received a wake-up call after finishing their last major event in last place. Following such a setback, motivation shouldn’t be an issue, as two consecutive disappointing performances would overshadow all of their achievements in 2024. NAVI always come back from breaks well-prepared, and they’re likely gearing up for all three potential opponents. The Swiss system allows for thorough planning, and the reigning Major champions are sure to take advantage of this.
MOUZ’s young roster has consistently excelled in the early stages of tournaments, only struggling in the playoffs. So, even a challenging bracket shouldn’t hinder their confident progression to the main event. The team utilizes the preparation period effectively, which has often given them an edge in early tournament stages. It’s also possible that some players might be picked up by wealthier organizations after the Major, so if they want to continue playing together, their only hope is a championship, starting with strong performances at the RMR.
As for FaZe Clan, even a championship might not save this lineup, as the Shanghai event will likely be their Last Dance. We believe a decision has already been made, which should relieve them of the pressure to produce results. We all know what happens when such iconic, skilled, and experienced players are given complete emotional freedom. There’s no doubt they have enough experience to reach the Elimination Stage. Their only championship in 2024 was also won in China, at IEM Chengdu — maybe it’s a place of power for karrigan and his team.
Currently, ZywOo is falling behind in the race for the best player and best sniper of 2024. Vitality can rely on Mathieu Herbaut to carry them to the next round on his shoulders. We predict a 3-1 score for them, primarily due to mezii’s extended absence after becoming a parent. Against a team like MOUZ, one Frenchman might not be enough.
- 3-0: NAVI, MOUZ
- 3-1: FaZe, Vitality
Contenders for the Opening Stage
Let’s start with a risky pick: Falcons. It’s not just about the addition of s1mple, which remains somewhat controversial, but also about the experience of the rest of the roster. With major changes on the horizon for Falcons and limited spots available, the Major is the perfect place for players to prove themselves. The Danish core missed the event in Copenhagen, a painful memory they’re unlikely to forget. Valve’s ranking should allow them to qualify even with a 3-2 result, increasing their chances of advancing.
Next, the Portuguese team SAW, who had a solid second half of 2024, even winning a Tier-2 event at ESL Challenger Katowice. They’re no longer nervous at LANs and are arguably more stable than most European teams in this regard. Failing to make the top 7 in Group A would be a slight upset for this team.
BB Team’s failure to qualify wouldn’t be as surprising, as they struggle at LAN events. Although many players have experience at away tournaments, they seem to have lost their confidence over the last year and a half. Replacements have been needed for a while, but they’ve been avoided only due to the risk of losing ranking points and jeopardizing their trip to China. Unlike other teams, they didn’t fight for this spot — they got it by default.
The final team that qualified directly for the RMR was Fnatic, and they seem capable of securing three BO3 wins. The roster is experienced, and such players often perform better at LAN events than online. Their experience with quick time zone adjustments and adapting to new conditions should help this legendary tag make it to the top teams once again.
Cloud9 and GamerLegion both earned stickers at the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024, but it’s unlikely both will do so this time. There simply aren’t enough slots, and Group A’s competition is incredibly fierce. While both teams have experienced players, we haven’t seen much of them at LANs, and online match stats are unreliable for analysis. The same goes for SINNERS, Nemiga, and Sangal. While a surprise qualification by one of these teams is possible, we’ll leave that choice up to you. We don’t see them challenging the top four, and with only three slots available among 12 teams, competition is indeed tight.
- 3-1: SAW
- 3-2: Falcons, Fnatic, SINNERS
Conclusion
This RMR qualifier promises to be one of the most competitive, likely focusing on the battle for the 6th to 8th spots. Majors are often unpredictable, but this time logic suggests a more straightforward outcome. Tier-1 teams have a clear advantage; the only question is how the top spots will be distributed among them. Our final prediction is as follows:
- 3-0: NAVI, MOUZ
- 3-1: FaZe, Vitality, SAW
- 3-2: Falcons, Fnatic
