Teams' Tier List at PGL Major Copenhagen 2024

PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 is a monumental event in the esports world, attracting the world's elite Counter-Strike 2 teams to battle for supremacy. This article provides a tiered analysis of the participating teams, highlighting their recent performances, potential for dominance, and the intriguing narratives surrounding them. Our tier list aims to categorise teams from championship contenders to underdogs, offering a comprehensive preview of what fans can expect in this highly anticipated showdown.

Tier overview

In this tiered analysis, teams are segmented based on their recent form, inherent potential, and historical achievements. The Championship contenders (S-tier) are the crème de la crème, poised to vie for the title. The Formidable challengers (A-tier) boast significant prowess and are capable of toppling giants. The Dark Horses (B-tier) possess the elements of surprise and resilience, making them unpredictable adversaries. The Potential Upsetters (C-tier), though not front-runners, have the capacity to disrupt the status quo. Lastly, the Underdogs (D-tier), while facing steep odds, embody the spirit of competition and the potential for miraculous upsets.

S-tier: Championship contenders

Vitality emerged as the best team in 2023, maintaining their momentum even after significant roster changes, including the acquisition of William "mezii" Merriman. Despite a triumphant start, their performance has seen some fluctuations, notably finishing last at IEM Katowice 2024. Yet, with the prodigious Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut in their ranks, Vitality's capacity for brilliance remains undiminished, keeping them in the hunt for the championship.

FaZe has witnessed a resurgence this year, bolstered by the signing of David "frozen" Čerňanský. This strategic addition has allowed them to recalibrate and advance to the finals at IEM Katowice 2024, only faltering against the champions, Spirit. FaZe's well-rounded roster and strategic acumen position them as formidable contenders for their second Major title.

A-tier: Formidable challengers

• NAVI: Post the departure of Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev, NAVI experienced instability but has shown progressive improvement, securing a spot in the BLAST Premier: Spring Final 2024. Consistency remains their Achilles' heel, a challenge they aim to address in their pre-Major preparations.
• G2: Despite a rocky start to the year, G2 has managed to achieve their primary objectives, including a playoff berth at Katowice and a flawless run at the RMR. The decision to bench Justin "jks" Savage remains contentious, yet the team's potential is undeniable with stars like Nikola "NiKo" Kovac and Illya "m0NESY" Osipov.
• MOUZ: With Ludvig "Brollan" Brolin, MOUZ has emerged as a youthful yet seasoned squad capable of top-tier performances, as evidenced by their victory over Spirit at the RMR. Their blend of youth and experience makes them a wildcard in the tournament.
• Cloud9: Known for their consistency and skill, Cloud9's lack of a dedicated AWPer poses strategic challenges. Nevertheless, Denis "electroNic" Sharipov's peak form can turn the tide in their favour, making them a team to watch.
• Heroic: Despite extensive roster changes, Heroic has maintained its competitive edge through hard work and effective leadership. With more time to gel, they could become even more formidable.
• Virtus.pro: Consistency defines Virtus.pro's approach, with a solid start to the year. However, their performance at IEM Katowice 2024 was lacklustre, placing pressure on Dzhami "Jame" Ali to adapt and lead his team to success in CS2.
• Spirit: Fresh off a victory at Katowice, Spirit's potential is evident. Yet, their relative inexperience under high-pressure situations and a recent loss to MOUZ suggest they still have room to grow and adapt.

B-tier: Dark horses

• Complexity: The addition of Jonathan "EliGE" Jablonowski has elevated Complexity to new heights, aligning their performance with the organization's ambitions. Consistency remains a concern, particularly from Håkon "hallzerk" Fjærli, but their potential to upset the hierarchy cannot be underestimated.
• FURIA: The Brazilian "superteam" has yet to live up to expectations, with looming roster changes if their Major performance falls short. Their victories over Liquid and Complexity at the RMR offer a glimmer of hope, but they must prove themselves against Europe's elite to validate their status.
• Eternal Fire: Boasting high individual skill and synergy, Eternal Fire's main drawback is the lack of experience among some members. Addressing this could propel them into the consistent top 10 echelons.
• Apeks and ENCE: Both teams have taken risks with their RMR cores, yielding positive results. ENCE, in particular, has built a solid foundation around four Polish players and Lukas "gla1ve" Rossander, making them capable of surprising unsuspecting opponents.

C-tier: Potential upsetters

• TheMongolZ: Dominating the Asian scene, The MongolZ are making the right moves internationally. Their aggressive playstyle and exceptional utility usage set them apart, making them a dark horse capable of upsets.
• Imperial and paiN: Both teams have rejuvenated their rosters, quickly achieving notable results and securing their spots at the first CS2 Major. While still outside the top 20, their upward trajectory is evident.
• AMKAL: Their unexpected victory over Falcons at the RMR underscores AMKAL's capacity to defy expectations. Despite an unconventional roster, their results speak volumes, making them an unpredictable force at the Major.

D-tier: Underdogs

• ECSTATIC: As the sole Danish representative, ECSTATIC carries the hopes of a nation renowned for its CS2 pedigree. Their journey to the Major is a testament to their resilience and determination.
• Lynn Vision, SAW, and KOI: Years of hard work have culminated in these teams earning their Major berths. SAW's historic achievement as the first Portuguese team at a Major highlights the growing diversity and global reach of the competition.
• Legacy and 9 Pandas: These teams bring seasoned veterans back into the spotlight, with Marcelo "coldzera" David and Denis "seized" Kostin adding a touch of nostalgia and experience to the mix. Their presence adds depth to the narrative of the Major, celebrating the enduring spirit of competitive CS2.

Conclusion

This tier list encapsulates the dynamic landscape of competitive CS2, illustrating the blend of seasoned champions, rising stars, and determined underdogs that define the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024. As the tournament unfolds, the true mettle of these teams will be tested, offering a spectacle of skill, strategy, and sheer willpower. Fans worldwide are poised on the edge of their seats, eager to witness how these narratives evolve in the crucible of competition.