The Opening Stage of The Shanghai Major was quite… stunning, to say the least. Many Pick’ems were ruined, but at least things have been going in a funny and unexpected way, right?
Let’s take a look at what the next stage has prepared for us!
3-0 options
Natus Vincere
Talking about Pick’ems, it’s always important to keep in mind the seeding and the opening matches. For me, there are no really “safe” 3-0 options except Vitality, but as a second option, I’d put NAVI.
With their seed and consistency, I believe that the main challenge for Natus Vincere is to survive the opening BO1 against Liquid.
If NAVI succeeds, they will have huge chances for 3-0.
Vitality
Vitality got a more or less comfortable opponent for the opening BO1. Their second-round probable opponent is between FaZe, Heroic, or 3DMAX (in the most common scenarios).
The French powerhouse is a team with a loose structure and relies a lot on the performance of their individuals. GamerLegion should be a good opponent for Vitality to warm up — it’s going to be an entertaining clash. I doubt that GL will end a match versus Vitality with a victory (also, they already met at the RMR, where Vitality took the win with a 13-8 score). Thus, I expect Vitality to start rolling.
It’s also important to mention that Vitality was in great form during the RMR and finished it with a 3-0 score as well.
To Advance to the Playoffs: Safe Pick Options
MOUZ
MOUZ has been one of the most consistent teams in terms of qualifying for the playoffs in 2024. They might struggle in the final stage of an event, but I’m used to MOUZ looking really decent in the group stages of tournaments.
Strong map pool, great defaults, and high individual form — MOUZ has everything. However, they can be shaky in BO1s if they get a slow start. I expect them to qualify with a 3-1 score.
Spirit
Despite Spirit’s inconsistent performance in the second season of 2024, they are still strong. The team is good enough, with or without donk’s high-level showing, to qualify for the playoffs stage.
For Spirit, the question is whether they will contest the title. I don’t have many doubts about them qualifying for the next stage. If they don’t, it’ll definitely be an unexpected scenario.
G2
The only reason not to put G2 for 3-0 is their opening game matchup. The MongolZ have shown incredible form, making the first match look uncomfortable for G2.
Aside from that, a team of G2’s caliber should not experience too many problems.
Natus Vincere, Vitality
Well, if you don’t put one of these teams (or both) for 3-0, it’s smart to have them advancing to the next stage.
To advance to the playoffs: bold picks options
The MongolZ
The individual form of The MongolZ’s players is incredible. The Asian team basically stomped everyone in the Opening Stage. If they can keep the same form, I can see them advancing with a 3-0 score.
Additionally, The MongolZ is a very annoying opponent to play against with their sharpened playstyle, especially in BO1s. I don’t see them going 0-2 after two opening games, and their #9 seed will help them get more or less comfortable opponents in the second and third rounds.
FaZe
FaZe is an arguable pick due to their recent results and form, but with their experience, players, firepower, and confidence… you never know when FaZe will bounce back. The Shanghai Major could be the perfect opportunity for this, as we’ve recently seen improvements in their camp.
Let’s see if they can maintain an upward trajectory. I believe it’s possible.
0-3 options
Wildcard
It’s hard to predict what awaits Wildcard in the Elimination Stage, but I believe it has been a very draining run for them in the Opening Stage. Additionally, Wildcard’s map pool is not very strong — they have several maps where they don’t feel comfortable, making them weaker in BO3s.
In BO1 matches, they face an annoying opponent in the opening match — FaZe. Let’s be honest, it’s not going to be easy to deal with them. The seeding for the second round will also give Wildcard a tough opponent, so, unlike the Opening Stage, they could easily fall with a 0-3 score.
BIG
A gamble, but there’s a possibility that many things will go wrong for BIG. First, I wouldn’t expect the same easy BO1 against Heroic they had at the RMR.
Basically, if you don’t give Ancient or Dust2 to BIG in a BO1, your chances of winning strongly increase. Additionally, BIG’s seed is rough. If they lose the opening BO1, they are expected to meet the loser of the NAVI-Liquid match, which is not great for the German team.
