Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024: Playoffs Pick'Em Guide

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

9 Dec

rizegeeko

The Perfect World Shanghai Major has been nothing short of spectacular, especially if you’re a fan of underdog stories. The MongolZ have been stealing the spotlight with a flawless run through the Opening and Elimination stages, taking down giants left and right. But now, we’ve entered the real deal in the Playoffs. No more best-of-one chaos and it’s time to separate the contenders from the pretenders.

Every single team in the Playoffs is ranked in Valve’s top 10, so you already know it’s going to be a wild ride. Team Vitality are the clear favorites—consistent, deadly, and featuring a certain Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut, who might just be the best player on the planet. But hold on, because G2 Esports and Team Spirit are lurking in the shadows, ready to make their own claims for the crown.

The days of unpredictable BO1s are gone which means fewer flukes and more pure skill. So grab your popcorn as we get into our Playoffs Pick’Em for the Shanghai Major.

Note: if your Pick’Ems flop, it’s 100% the teams’ fault, not our flawless analysis.

Quarterfinals: Who’s Moving On?

Shanghai Major playoffs pick'em

The MongolZ vs. MOUZ

Let’s be honest, The MongolZ has been the story of this Major. They’re on a jaw-dropping 13-match win streak and already beat MOUZ in the Elimination Stage, 16-13. Sure, that was a BO1, and things could be different in a BO3. But with Azbayar "Senzu" Munkhbold popping off and the team looking like they’ve got a cheat code for beating top-tier opponents, it’s hard to see them slowing down.

MOUZ might have a chance if they pull out some serious magic, but their Playoffs spot feels shaky after some less-than-convincing performances.

Team Spirit vs. Team Liquid

This one feels like David vs. Goliath, except Goliath has a rifle and is a guy named Danil "donk" Kryshkovets. Spirit started shaky, losing their opener to FURIA Esports, but bounced back in style, taking down decent opponents like Heroic. Meanwhile, Team Liquid has been steadily improving, but "steadily improving" won’t cut it against a team that’s powered by the tournament’s top-rated player.

Donk’s been unstoppable, turning games on their head with clutch plays and incredible aim. Liquid will put up a fight, but this mountain might be too steep to climb.

G2 Esports vs. Heroic

Heroic deserves credit for making it this far, but let’s be real, this is G2’s game to win. Heroic stumbled hard against teams like The MongolZ and Spirit, so taking on a red hot G2 is going to be a tall order.

With Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov and Nikola "NiKo" Kovač playing lights-out Counter-Strike, G2 looks like a well-oiled machine. They’re the recent BLAST World Champions, and their form heading into the Playoffs is nothing short of terrifying.

Team Vitality vs. FaZe Clan

FaZe Clan fell from grace after once being kings of the scene, now stuck in the land of inconsistency. From Helvijs "broky" Saukants underperforming to a general reliance on one-off heroics, things just aren’t clicking. And against a team like Vitality, that’s a recipe for disaster.

Vitality has been rock solid all Major long. They’ve got ZywOo who needs no introduction and a roster that seems perfectly in sync. Unless Finn "karrigan" Andersen pulls off a trick up his sleeve, Vitality should have this in the bag.

Semifinals: The Final Four

The MongolZ vs. Team Spirit

As much as we’d love to see The MongolZ keep defying the odds, this feels like the end of the road. Spirit has the experience, the firepower, and the donk. It’s been an incredible run for the Mongolians, but Spirit’s strength in BO3s and overall consistency should carry them through.

We have high expectations for the Russians in this Major after falling into an easier bracket than PGL Copenhagen where they faced the runner up FaZe Clan in their first playoffs series.

G2 Esports vs. Team Vitality

Now this is a blockbuster. G2 has beaten Vitality three times this year, but Vitality is due for some revenge. Both teams are stacked, and the match could easily swing either way. But here’s the kicker, Vitality’s got ZywOo, and that guy just doesn’t lose when it matters most (sometimes).

Let us not forget that NiKo might have a Major curse hanging over his head, and this might be the time it rears its ugly head again.

Grand Final: The Showdown

Team Spirit vs. Team Vitality. The best two teams of the tournament going head-to-head for the title. Both squads have elite firepower, incredible strategy, and playmakers who can turn the tide in an instant.

This one’s going to be a toss-up, but we’re giving the slight edge to Vitality. ZywOo’s in top form, and Vitality’s ability to adapt mid-series might just give them the edge. If they successfully

So, our Major winner will be Vitality for the Shanghai Major, giving ZywOo his second Major title and possibly handing him the title of the best player this year.

Or, you know, The MongolZ could just win the whole thing and throw all our predictions in the bin. Hey, anything can happen, it’s CS2, after all.

Featured image is exclusive to Strafe Esports

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