Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 is a key tournament of the year, gathering the strongest teams in the world to compete for the title of champion and a substantial prize pool. After the intense qualification stages, teams advance to the Elimination stage, where each game can be decisive.

In one of the first matches of this stage, FaZe will face off against Wildcard. The match promises to be a vivid clash of experience and ambition. FaZe, with a rich history of victories, will enter the server against the rapidly progressing Wildcard team, which has already surprised with its play in previous stages.

Current Form of the Teams

FaZe

FaZe has shown consistent results in high-level tournaments. The team's average rating over the past month is 5.9. At the BLAST Premier: World Final 2024, the team performed averagely, emerging from the group with a 1-1 record and finishing 5-6th after a quarterfinal loss. At the RMR, FaZe looked confident, only losing to Vitality, who finished the tournament 3-0. FaZe's final score at the RMR was 3-1. In the last five matches, FaZe secured four victories against Cloud9 (twice), Falcons, and fnatic, with their only loss against Vitality. The team approaches the match in good shape.

Wildcard

Wildcard's average rating at S-tier events over the past month is also 5.9, but it is based on performances in the Opening Stage. At the RMR, Wildcard surprised everyone by finishing 3-0. However, in the Opening Stage, the team appeared less confident, finishing the stage with a 3-2 result. Notably, Wildcard lost to their group representatives at the RMR but overcame European teams. Wildcard's last five matches ended with three wins against fnatic, Virtus.pro, and Passion UA. The defeats came against strong opponents — FURIA and Liquid.

Teams' Map Pool

FaZe

FaZe most frequently ban Vertigo (24 times). Their favorite map picks are Mirage (17 games, win rate 53%), Dust II (16 games, win rate 50%), and Inferno (16 games, win rate 63%). The best maps for FaZe by win rate remain Ancient (67%), Inferno (63%), and Anubis (55%).

Wildcard

Wildcard most often remove Mirage (46 times). Their map pick strategies adapt to the weaknesses of the opponent, focusing on Ancient (39 games, win rate 62%), Dust II (21 games, win rate 67%), and Inferno (21 games, win rate 57%). The best maps for Wildcard by win rate are Vertigo (82%), Anubis (73%), and Dust II (67%).

Map Pool Prediction: The match will likely be played on Dust II.

Match Prediction

The match promises to be intense. Both teams show similar ratings and results at S-tier events, but FaZe's experience in major international tournaments gives them an advantage. Wildcard, though surprising at the RMR, still lag behind FaZe in stability and quality of play against strong opponents.

On the chosen map Dust II, FaZe can rely on discipline and better macro play understanding, while Wildcard may seek opportunities through aggressive tactics and individual skill.

Prediction: FaZe will secure the victory

The Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 Elimination Stage will start on December 5 and run until December 15. This stage has gathered 16 teams that will fight for a spot in the playoffs to earn a substantial share of the total prize pool of $1,250,000. You can find more information about the tournament and follow it here.