The Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 is moving into its Elimination Stage, taking place from December 5th to December 8th. Sixteen teams will fight for eight spots in the Playoff Stage, while the bottom eight will be eliminated. The format includes best-of-one matches for most games, with advancement and elimination games played as best-of-three. The top teams from this stage will then move on to the Playoff Stage, scheduled for December 12th to December 15th. With $1,250,000 in prize money on the line, and $500,000 reserved for the champion, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Format Overview

• Dates: December 5th–8th, 2024
• Swiss System: All teams play in a single group format.
• Match Rules: Bo1 matches for most rounds and Bo3 matches for elimination and advancement rounds.
• Progression: Top 8 teams advance to the Playoff Stage.
• Playoff Stage: Scheduled from December 12th–15th, featuring a single-elimination bracket and all Bo3 matches.

The Elimination Stage offers no room for error, as teams must maintain consistency to progress. The bottom eight teams will bid farewell to the tournament, while the top eight will continue their journey in the Playoff Stage.

READ MORE: MOUZ vs paiN Match Prediction and Analysis - Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024: Elimination Stage

Opening Matches

The Elimination Stage kicks off with these exciting Bo1 matchups:

• G2 vs. The MongolZ
• NAVI vs. Liquid
• Vitality vs. GamerLegion
• Spirit vs. FURIA
• MOUZ vs. paiN
• FaZe vs. Wildcard
• HEROIC vs. BIG
• 3DMAX vs. MIBR

These initial clashes set the tone for the stage, offering fans a mix of heavyweight battles and intriguing underdog stories.

Key Storylines

The Elimination Stage brings together some of the strongest teams in the world, alongside a mix of hopeful underdogs and consistent performers. The top contenders, G2, NAVI, Vitality, and Spirit, are expected to make it through to the Playoff Stage with relative ease. These teams have shown impressive results all year and have the experience to handle the pressure of high-stakes matches.

NAVI faces Liquid in what should be an exciting matchup, while G2 takes on The MongolZ, a team that has performed brilliantly so far but faces a tough challenge in this round. Vitality’s matchup against GamerLegion and Spirit’s game against FURIA also promise plenty of action, with both favorites likely to dominate.

Contenders to Watch

Teams like MOUZ, FaZe, Liquid, and The MongolZ fall just behind the favorites but are still strong candidates for the Playoff Stage. MOUZ and FaZe, both playoff participants at past Majors, have a history of success but have shown some inconsistency in recent months. MOUZ will play paiN in their opening match, while FaZe faces Wildcard, a team that has already surprised many by reaching this stage.

Liquid’s road to this stage was bumpy, with close matches against Cloud9, Wildcard, and FlyQuest highlighting their vulnerabilities. On the other hand, The MongolZ have been one of the most exciting teams to watch, dismantling their opponents in the Opening Stage. Their game against G2 will test just how far this talented squad can go.

READ MORE: NAVI vs Liquid Match Prediction and Analysis - Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024: Elimination Stage

Underdogs with Potential

paiN, BIG, and 3DMAX enter the Elimination Stage as clear underdogs but have the potential to create upsets. 3DMAX, in particular, stunned many by earning a direct invite to this stage after an incredible RMR run, which included a win over G2. However, questions remain about their consistency when facing top-tier competition.

BIG’s first match against HEROIC will be a significant test, while paiN’s clash with MOUZ could be another closely contested game. Both teams will need their star players to step up if they want to reach the Playoff Stage.

Teams Facing Challenges

Wildcard, MIBR, GamerLegion, and FURIA are in tough positions. These teams barely made it out of the Opening Stage, and their chances of advancing further are slim. GamerLegion faces an uphill battle against Vitality, one of the tournament’s strongest teams, while Wildcard takes on FaZe in another daunting matchup.

MIBR will hope for a good start against 3DMAX, but the odds are stacked against them. FURIA, a team with a rich history in Counter-Strike, must overcome Spirit, a challenge that will test their ability to rise to the occasion.

What to Expect

The Elimination Stage promises intense battles, unexpected upsets, and standout performances as the teams fight to stay alive in the tournament. Fans can look forward to seeing the best teams in the world put everything on the line to secure a spot in the Playoff Stage. With the prize pool and prestige of a Major title at stake, every match will count.