Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 continues to delight fans with exciting matches, and ahead of us is a tense battle in the Elimination Stage. The third round of this stage begins on December 6, where teams will compete for the right to advance to the playoffs. Every matchup here is an opportunity to either strengthen their position or, conversely, find themselves on the brink of elimination.

One of the most intriguing matches of the opening day is the clash between FURIA and Liquid. Both teams have been showing commendable results in major tournaments, and their showdown promises to be a true highlight of the stage. Let's take a look at the current state of the teams, their map pool, and their head-to-head history to better understand what to expect from this match.

Team's Current Form

FURIA

FURIA's average rating at S-tier tournaments over the past month is 6.2. The team recently participated in IEM Rio 2024, where they reached the semifinals but lost to MOUZ, leaving home fans without a trophy. They struggled through the RMR, winning the deciding match with a score of 4-2. Currently, in the Elimination Stage, their record is 1-1. In their last five matches, FURIA secured victories over Imperial, Wildcard, BIG and Spirit, losing only to Vitality. This indicates a stable form despite some difficulties at the RMR.

Liquid

Liquid's average rating is also 6.2. The team participated in BLAST Premier: World Final 2024, where they failed to show a commendable result, losing both matches and finishing last in the tournament. Liquid performed more confidently at the RMR, finishing with a 3-1 record and advancing to the Opening Stage. In the Opening Stage, they went undefeated, finishing with a 3-0 score. Currently, in the Elimination Stage, their record is 1-1. In their last five matches, Liquid secured victories over GamerLegion, FlyQuest, Wildcard, and Cloud9, suffering a defeat to NAVI. The team seems well-prepared, though there are concerns about their stability at the highest level.

Team's Map Pool

FURIA

FURIA will most likely ban Ancient — it's their most frequent ban (28 times). In selecting a map, they may lean towards Nuke (23 games, win rate 65%) or Dust II (16 games, win rate 69%). The maps with the best win rate are Dust II (69%), Inferno (67%), and Nuke (65%).

Liquid

Liquid is more likely to ban Vertigo, having removed it 24 times. Depending on the opponent's weaknesses, they will prefer Anubis (15 games, win rate 87%) or Inferno (17 games, win rate 53%). Liquid's highest win rates are on Ancient (90%), Anubis (87%), and Inferno (87%).

Map Prediction for the Game: It is expected that the bans will be Ancient and Vertigo. Therefore, there is a high likelihood of a game on Nuke, which is one of the strongest maps for both teams.

Head-to-Head Matches

In the last six months, FURIA and Liquid have faced off three times. The last match, which took place 21 days ago, ended in a 2-1 victory for Liquid. The other two matches, held three months ago, also ended in Liquid's favor: the first with a 2-0 score, the second — 2-1. This demonstrates a significant advantage for Liquid in head-to-head matches, especially in the bo3 format.

Match Prediction

Both teams show equal ratings in recent S-tier tournaments, but Liquid's form looks more convincing thanks to their successful performance in the Opening Stage and advantage in head-to-head matches. Liquid also has a more versatile map pool, which could play a decisive role.

Prediction: victory for Liquid

Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 Elimination Stage started today and will run until December 15. This stage has gathered 16 teams who will compete for a spot in the playoffs to earn a large share of the $1,250,000 prize pool. You can find more information about the tournament and follow it here.