The MongolZ are about to make a historical breakthrough for the Asian scene in Counter-Strike. The team has stormed through the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024, surprising everyone with their performance. With a 2-0 record in the Elimination Stage after defeating G2 and MOUZ, they are now just one win away from securing a spot in the playoffs. 

The Rise of a Contender

The MongolZ have come into this Major as one of the most well-prepared teams. Their journey started with an impressive 3-0 sweep in the Opening Stage, where they dominated Rare Atom, MIBR, and GamerLegion without dropping a single map and losing just 15 rounds in total. Individually, the players have been in peak form, delivering exceptional performances across all matches. The IGL Garidmagnai "bLitz" Byambasuren has led the team with tactical brilliance, while Azbayar "Senzu" Munkhbold and Usukhbayar "910" Banzragch have consistently been match-winners in clutch situations. Even their support players have shown moments of brilliance, ensuring that every member contributes to their success.

READ MORE: s1mple on the game against The Mongolz: "The Mongolz play like Major winners"

Breaking Down the Matches

The Victory Over G2

The MongolZ kicked off their Elimination Stage journey by defeating G2, a team widely regarded as one of the tournament’s favorites. The match, held on Inferno, showcased The MongolZ’s tactical discipline and individual skill. Despite moments of brilliance from G2, such as Nikola "NiKo" Kovač’s quad-kill and Janusz "Snax" Pogorzelski’s 1v3 clutch, The MongolZ remained composed. They forced G2 into economic hardships on their T-side and capitalized on every mistake to secure a 13-10 victory.

Senzu was the standout player in this match, finishing with 20 kills and an ADR of 107.4. His ability to dominate opening duels (5:1) set the tone for the team, while malbsMd and bLitz provided crucial mid-round calls that kept G2 guessing.

The Overtime Thriller Against MOUZ

Their second match against MOUZ was a nail-biter that went into overtime on Mirage. The MongolZ started slow but picked up momentum to take a 10-5 lead. However, MOUZ fought back, forcing the game into overtime with clutch plays, including Ádám "torzsi" Torzsás’ impactful 3k rounds.

In overtime, The MongolZ demonstrated their resilience, winning four out of five rounds to close the match 16-13. Sodbayar "Techno4K" Munkhbold’s 1v2 clutch was the turning point, keeping the Mongolians alive and eventually propelling them to victory. This win placed The MongolZ in the 2-0 pool, putting them just one step away from the playoffs.

A Historical Perspective

This Major marks The MongolZ’s third appearance under their current tag, and each time, they’ve achieved better results. At the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023, they reached the Challengers Stage. At PGL Major Copenhagen 2024, they advanced to the Elimination Stage. Now, they are within striking distance of the playoffs—a feat no Asian team has achieved since Renegades’ semifinal run at the StarLadder Berlin Major 2019.

For the Asian Counter-Strike scene, this run has far-reaching implications. If The MongolZ reach the playoffs, it would secure a direct invite for an Asian team to the Elimination Stage of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025. This structural change could provide much-needed exposure and opportunity for the region’s teams, fostering growth and raising the overall competitive level.

The Perfect Storm: Why They’re Thriving

Several factors contribute to The MongolZ’s extraordinary performance. First, their individual form has been unmatched. All players have delivered standout performances in almost every game. This level of individual shape, combined with exceptional team synergy, makes them a formidable opponent.

Second, their map pool is a significant advantage. Few teams at the Major can claim the same level of confidence across multiple maps. This flexibility forces opponents into uncomfortable positions during vetoes and gives The MongolZ an edge before the match even begins.

Lastly, the tournament’s location plays a crucial role. Competing in Shanghai provides The MongolZ with a familiar environment and the support of the local crowd. Unlike many teams who have to deal with jet lag and cultural adjustments, The MongolZ are playing on home soil, giving them a psychological and logistical advantage.

READ MORE: The Mongolz and MIBR a Step Closer to Playoffs: Results of the Second Round of Elimination Stage at Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024

According to Oleksandr "petr1k" Petryk, a renowned Counter-Strike analyst, The MongolZ's performance has been nothing short of exceptional.

The Mongols played at the same high level as they did in the Opening Stage. After all, in the Opening Stage, they confidently dominated there. And now they continue to do so. Basically, after the Opening Stage, it was clear that this is a team with ambitions, perhaps not even just for the playoffs. That's why their success today is as obvious to me as possible. And I think they have enough potential to reach the playoffs and play well there. Their final position is somewhere in the semi-finals.

 

The Road Ahead

The MongolZ’s next challenge is HEROIC, a team they recently defeated in the Thunderpick World Championship 2024 final. While HEROIC will be eager for revenge, The MongolZ have shown that they can hold their own against the world’s best. With their current momentum, strong map pool, and exceptional individual form, The MongolZ are well-positioned to make history.

A playoff spot would be a monumental achievement, not just for The MongolZ but for the entire Asian Counter-Strike community. It would mark a new chapter in the region’s competitive history and inspire a new generation of players to aim for the global stage. Whether or not they secure that spot, The MongolZ have already proven that they are a team to be taken seriously.