Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 moves to the playoff stage, which will be held from December 12 to 15. Eight teams will compete for the main prize of $500,000, while the total prize pool is $1,250,000. In this article, we, together with former professional player Arsenij "ceh9" Trynozhenko, present a preview of the final stage of the Major.

Impressive performance by The MongolZ

The most historic result in the Elimination Stage was the playoff entry with a 3:0 record by The MongolZ, defeating not the easiest opponents. In the first two rounds, they beat G2 and MOUZ, and in the match for the playoff spot, they overcame HEROIC. Their shocking play secured them a place in the playoffs, making them the first Asian team to reach such a result in the history of CS Majors.

Besides their sensational playoff entry, they show very strong individual performance. Their statistics:

• senzu has a rating of 6.8
• 910 has a rating of 6.3
• bLitz has a rating of 6.0
• mzinho has a rating of 5.9
• Techno4k has a rating of 5.1

MongolZ truly impressed. Honestly, I wouldn't say they're entirely young. If you look at the last year, maybe even a year and a half, you'll see incredible progress. I remind you, there were times when MongolZ were predicted to go 0:3, and when they won one or two matches there, everyone said the team was nothing and just ruined Pick’ems. However, in reality, at every event, they improved their level of play.

The culmination of all this was their 3:0 entry to this Major's playoffs. If we look at the bracket, the main favorites are in the lower part. Well, such grand teams that really play better than everyone else. And honestly, in my opinion, MongolZ has a chance to make it to the final. However, in the final, there will be someone from FaZe, Vitality, G2, and it will be tough to beat them. But there are chances. Until this final takes place, we won’t know if MongolZ can handle the pressure and if they have enough experience.

Arsenij "ceh9" Trynozhenko

A Smooth Ride for Vitality

Vitality had a relatively easy run in the playoffs, with opponents below their level that they managed without much trouble. If they hadn't gotten through such opponents, then questions would have arisen. But there's no surprise regarding their advance.

In the first two rounds, they faced GamerLegion and FURIA, where the latter gave them a bit of a hard time, but still with no issues. And in the match for the advance, they faced MIBR, who were favorites for elimination. It's also worth noting ZywOo's form, who continues to demonstrate excellent play, finishing the Elimination Stage with a rating of 7.4. 

Snax's Second Youth and a Bid for the Trophy

G2 looks very confident in recent matches, especially thanks to Snax, who has managed to get into form and is playing better than usual. For comparison, his stats at Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024: European RMR B were 5.4, while in the Elimination Stage his rating was 6.0. The overall team synergy and individual results make G2 one of the most dangerous teams in the playoffs. 

Based on the group stage results, NiKo and m0NESY ranked 3rd and 4th among all players by rating. If everyone continues to show the same result, they will have no equals.

ALSO READ: Snax's Second Youth Leads G2 to the Major Playoffs

Spirit's Return to Form

One of the most remarkable stories is the return of Spirit to form, demonstrated at IEM Katowice 2024. Their impressive play, particularly thanks to donk, who closes games single-handedly, once again places the team among the title contenders. With such team synergy and individual heroic moments from donk, Spirit also becomes one of the tournament favorites.

Despite a loss in the first round, they gathered themselves and easily closed out Wildcard (13:6), NAVI (13:2), and HEROIC with a score of 2:1, where donk managed on his own. But many teams have learned to counter him, and the final result also depends on how sh1ro, zont1x, and other team members perform.

The Main Favorite of the Major

ceh9 does not consider G2 the favorite of this championship. In his opinion, the main contender for the trophy is Vitality. The former CS professional player believes that if FaZe Clan defeats Vitality, they have a better chance of reaching the final than G2.

Honestly, I don't really consider G2 a super-strong team. Maybe it's hatred or underestimation on my part at an internal level. That is, nothing special, so to speak. But, in my opinion, Vitality is the main favorite of this event. They performed well in previous tournaments. And it seems that it coincidentally, their optimal form, prime form, may be at this Major.

After the Major, maybe they'll start playing worse again. But right now, they look quite strong. Therefore, if they beat FaZe, I think the tournament could be for Vitality. If, of course, FaZe doesn't beat them, then G2 might, for example, beat FaZe and make it to the final. In the final, from the upper part of the bracket, it will be Mongolz, but from the bottom... someone from FaZe, Vitality, G2. Again, for Mongolz, this is a good chance, and it would be a shame not to use it.

Arsenij "ceh9" Trynozhenko

The playoffs of the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 will be held from December 12 to 15, including eight top teams in a single elimination bracket. All matches will be best-of-3, which means intense matchups are expected as teams compete for the prestigious Major title and a prize pool of $1,250,000. You can follow the playoff progress at the link.