With so many teams underperforming thus far in 2024 and the scene being more competitive than ever as a result, there has been no better time for underdog teams to shine in CS.

We’ve already seen Eternal Fire and The Mongolz put themselves on the map, but who will be the next underdog teams to shine?

We asked talent who they thought is the underdog team to look out for in the second half of 2024.

Talent predictions

Freddie “GrimyRannarr” Pritchard - @GrimyRannarr

GamerLegion: GamerLegion has always been on the outskirts of Tier 1 CounterStrike. After making the BLAST.TV Paris Major finals they put their name on the map, and even though they have a completely different, new and young squad, I really believe in ash to make a banger team. Also, aNdu is going to be a future top 20 player.

Jack “Jacky” Peters - @Jackyesports

“I’m actually one of the few that think Snax to G2 could be a great move, It’s going to be interesting to see how good of an IGL Snax is without Ash’s huge brain behind him, but I feel like the vibes in the G2 camp just got a gigantic buff, and Malbs & Snax could be a sick move! ”

Neo “Ne0kai” Caine - @Ne0kai

“I would absolutely love to see The MongolZ make a continued sick run in the second half of the season. I have loved the way they looked at the tail end of the season and think they can continue in the second part. They may arguably be the best Asian team in the CS2/CSGO era of all time the success they have had recently.

I think 910 has gone from being one of the most average AWPers in tier 1 to very much up there with some of the best right now. mzinho has gotten over one of the key issues i had with him which is his confidence on LAN. Blitz has become such a good IGL and for his age too. Senzu at times is absurdly brilliant and Techno is the king simple as that. I would love them to do well in the 2nd half”

Brandon “BDog” Rawlins - @BDogCS

“I don’t know if you can call them an underdog team but I would put Complexity in that bucket and say them!”

Travis “Trav” Landaw Mott - @TravCS

“GamerLegion in my eyes made the best choice possible by taking ztr. A young team with a lot of potential that can upset the big boys on their day, especially if ztr can help widen their map pool.”

Oleksandr “petr1k” Petryk - @petr1k_tv

“Monte: They've assembled a great lineup that will be rushing up, and if they manage to reach a top tournament, they'll show themselves very well right away and surprise a lot of people. Although given their lineup, I don't think it will be a super surprise or a super sensation. But still, many people will not expect it. I don't see any other underdogs that will break through and make a splash. Except for Zero Tenacity, but they might be radar.”