The Counter-Strike 2 community is gearing up for the highly anticipated Perfect World Shanghai Major, marking a historic moment as China’s first-ever CS2 Major. With all Regional Major Ranking (RMR) events concluded, 24 elite teams from across the globe have earned their place at the tournament. Here’s a breakdown of the qualified teams, their journeys, and what to expect.
Tournament Format and Stages
The Shanghai Major will feature three stages:
- Opening Stage (Nov 30 – Dec 3): 16 teams in a Swiss format, with the top eight advancing.
- Elimination Stage (Dec 5 – Dec 8): Another Swiss system involving 16 teams, including those advancing from the Opening Stage and eight higher-seeded squads.
- Playoff Stage (Dec 12 – Dec 15): A single-elimination bracket featuring best-of-three matches, culminating in the grand finals.
The event boasts a $1.25 million prize pool, with $500,000 awarded to the champion.
Qualified Teams by Region
Europe
Europe, known for its dominance in CS2, has 14 representatives in Shanghai, including heavyweights and rising stars:
- Elimination Stage Teams:
Vitality, FaZe Clan, NAVI, Heroic, G2, MOUZ, Spirit, and 3DMAX. - Opening Stage Teams:
Cloud9, Fnatic, BIG, Virtus.pro, GamerLegion, and Passion UA.
Veteran players such as ZywOo (Vitality), NiKo (G2), and jL (NAVI) bring star power, while newer teams like GamerLegion and Passion UA offer fresh narratives. The final
Americas
Seven teams represent the Americas, showcasing North and South America’s finest:
- Complexity, Team Liquid, paiN Gaming, Imperial, FURIA, MIBR, and Wildcard.
Complexity and FURIA enter as favorites, led by players like EliGE and FalleN, while Wildcard’s unexpected qualification adds an underdog storyline. Unlike Europe the American teams were only able to qualify to the Opening Stage due to the regions results in prior Majors.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
The APAC region sends three teams to Shanghai:
- Rare Atom, The MongolZ, and FlyQuest.
Rare Atom, China’s sole representative, carries the hopes of the host nation. Meanwhile, The MongolZ and FlyQuest aim to surprise global audiences with their aggressive playstyles.
Teams and their rosters
| Team | Roster | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| MOUZ (EU) | Brollan, siuhy, torzsi, Jimpphat, xertioN | Elimination |
| Vitality (EU) | apEX, ZywOo, flameZ, Spinx, mezii | Elimination |
| NAVI (EU) | Aleksib, iM, b1t, jL, w0nderful | Elimination |
| FaZe (EU) | ropz, karrigan, rain, frozen, broky | Elimination |
| Spirit (EU) | chopper, donk, magixx, zont1c, sh1ro | Elimination |
| G2 Esports (EU) | NiKo, m0NESY, huNter-, malbsMd, Snax | Elimination |
| Heroic (EU) | NertZ, TeSeS, sjuush, degster, kyxsan | Elimination |
| 3DMAX (EU) | Maka, Lucky, Ex3rcise, Graviti, Djoko | Elimination |
| Cloud9 (EU) | Ax1Le, icy, interz, HeavyGod, Boombl4 | Opening |
| Fnatic (EU) | KRIMZ, body, nawwk, blameF, MATYS | Opening |
| GamerLegion (EU) | ztr, Tauson, volt, sl3nd, FL4MUS | Opening |
| Passion UA (EU) | fear, jambo, s-chilla, jackasmo, zeRRoFIX | Opening |
| Virtus.Pro (EU) | electroNic, FL1T, Jame, n0rb3r7, fame | Opening |
| BIG (EU) | tabseN, syrsoN, rigoN, JDC, Krimbo | Opening |
| Complexity (America) | EliGE, JT, floppy, hallzerk, Grim | Opening |
| PaiN (America) | biguzera, nqz, kauez, snow, lux | Opening |
| MIBR (America) | exit, Lucaozy, saffee, drop, insani | Opening |
| FURIA (America) | FalleN, chelo, yuurih, KSCERATO, skullz | Opening |
| Liquid (America) | jks, NAF, Twistzz, YEKINDAR, ultimate | Opening |
| Imperial (America) | felps, VINI, try, decent, noway | Opening |
| Wildcard (America) | Stanislaw, Sonic, phzy, susp, JBa | Opening |
| The MongolZ (APAC) | bLitz, Techno, Senzu, mzinho, 910 | Opening |
| FlyQuest (APAC) | dexter, Liazz, aliStair, INS, Vexite | Opening |
| Rare Atom (APAC) | Summer, somebody, kaze, ChildKing, L1haNg | Opening |
Excitement Builds for Shanghai
The Shanghai Major promises a thrilling mix of experienced contenders and ambitious newcomers. Teams like Vitality and FaZe aim to extend their dominance, while underdogs from regions like APAC seek to upset the traditional powerhouses. With its diverse roster of teams and a landmark setting, this Major is set to deliver unforgettable moments for CS2 fans worldwide.
