Top Teams to Watch at the Perfect World Shanghai Major
The Perfect World Shanghai Major is right around the corner, marking another monumental event in the competitive CS2 calendar. As teams converge in China to fight for the ultimate glory, fans and analysts alike are speculating which rosters could steal the show. With a blend of experienced powerhouses and rising challengers, here are the top teams you should keep an eye on heading into the Major.
MOUZ: Back in Form and Ready to Challenge
MOUZ has had a turbulent year, swinging between moments of brilliance and bouts of inconsistency. However, as the Shanghai Major approaches, the team seems to have found its stride. Their performance at the EU RMR B was a statement of intent, where they defeated Natus Vincere—the reigning Major champions and the most dominant team of the year—to claim the top spot.
MOUZ win ESL Pro League Season 19, winning two back to back Pro League titles (Image Source: ESL)Much of their resurgence can be attributed to the dynamic duo of Dorian "xertioN" Berman and Jimi "Jimpphat" Salo, who have been delivering standout performances. Under the leadership of Kamil "siuhy" Szkaradek, a Major finalist with a knack for bringing out the best in his players, MOUZ appears poised to challenge the best in Shanghai.
Natus Vincere: Reigning Champions with a Point to Prove
Despite being the most dominant team of 2024, Natus Vincere enters the Shanghai Major with questions surrounding their recent form. A surprising last-place exit at the BLAST World Finals and a less-than-perfect showing at the RMRs, including a loss to MOUZ, have raised doubts about their invincibility.
NAVI win IEM Rio and claim their 4th trophy of the year (Image Source: ESL)That said, it would be unwise to count them out. Aleksi "Aleksib" Virolainen, their tactical mastermind, has consistently turned his roster into a cohesive unit capable of dismantling opponents. As reigning Major champions, Na'Vi will be laser-focused on proving their recent setbacks are merely bumps in an otherwise stellar year.
G2 Esports: A Team of Storylines and Stardom
G2 Esports never fails to draw attention, and the Shanghai Major is no exception. With Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov vying for the title of the best player of 2024, his jaw-dropping performances have become a hallmark of G2's games. Adding to the intrigue, superstar Nikola "NiKo" Kovač is rumored to be leaving the team, making this Major a potential swan song for the veteran.
G2 win BLAST Premier World Final, marking their third trophy of the year (Image Source: BLAST Premier)The addition of Mario "malbsMd" Samayoa to replace NiKo has been a boon to the team, as the Argentine has been posting numbers ever since he joined. Whether G2 performs as they should on paper or falls short remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: their combination of talent and drama makes them a must-watch team in Shanghai.
Team Vitality: From CS:GO Dominance to CS2 Aspirations
Team Vitality’s 2024 season has been a mixed bag by their lofty standards, but their pedigree ensures they can never be overlooked. Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut, one of the greatest players in Counter-Strike history, is in blistering form, as demonstrated during the RMRs. The only question is whether or not the rest of the team can follow suit.
Team Vitality's only trophy win of the year at IEM Cologne (Image Source: ESL)As the winners of the final CS:GO Major, Vitality has the opportunity to cement their legacy by transitioning their dominance into the CS2 era. With a strong supporting cast rallying behind ZywOo, Vitality will aim to lift another Major trophy and reaffirm their place among the elite.
Team Spirit: The donk Show
Team Spirit may have scraped through the RMRs to qualify for the Shanghai Major, but their story this year has been one of growth and breakthrough performances. Leading the charge is Danil "donk" Kryshkovets, a 17-year-old sensation whose aggressive and confident playstyle has made him one of the most exciting players to watch.
Team Spirit adds another trophy to their cabinet at BLAST Premier Spring Final (Image Source: BLAST Premier)Although they faltered at Copenhagen, Spirit's roster has shown glimpses of brilliance, largely built around donk’s rising star power. With the pressure mounting, Spirit will aim to shake off their recent struggles and deliver a statement performance in Shanghai.
As the countdown to the Perfect World Shanghai Major begins, these teams represent the cream of the crop. With compelling narratives and world-class talent on display, this Major promises to be one of the most thrilling esports events of the year.
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