The competitive Counter-Strike 2 scene reached new heights this past week as the European A RMR concluded, determining the first seven European teams to qualify for the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024. From November 17 to 20, 16 top-tier teams clashed in a Swiss System format for their chance to secure a spot in the biggest CS2 event of the year.
As the undisputed strongest region in CS2 esports, Europe delivered a tournament filled with unexpected upsets, clutch performances, and memorable storylines. Notably, the event marked the much-anticipated return of Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyljev, who played under Team Falcons on loan but ultimately fell short of qualification.
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The Qualified Teams
Team Vitality (3-0)
Vitality entered the tournament as one of the favorites and lived up to their reputation. With Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut in peak form, the reigning Major champions showcased a near-perfect campaign.
Key Matches:
- Beat GamerLegion 13-8 (Inferno)
- Crushed BetBoom 13-3 (Nuke)
- Advanced by defeating FaZe Clan 2-0 (Mirage, Vertigo)
Player Highlight: ZywOo consistently dominated the server, delivering multi-kill rounds and impactful clutches. Vitality’s performance solidifies their status as Major favorites.
MOUZ (3-0)
MOUZ proved their mettle with a flawless record and a dramatic reverse sweep over NAVI. The team demonstrated their firepower and tactical depth, earning their spot in Shanghai.
Key Matches:
- Defeated Nemiga 13-3 (Inferno)
- Beat Sangal 13-3 (Mirage)
- Staged a reverse sweep against NAVI (2-1: Mirage, Inferno, Overpass)
Player Highlight: David “frozen” Čerňanský was instrumental, showing incredible consistency and high fragging power throughout the RMR.
NAVI (3-1)
NAVI entered the tournament as a favorite and, despite a hiccup against MOUZ, delivered when it mattered most. Their clean victory over SAW secured their qualification.
Key Matches:
- Beat Fnatic 13-9 (Inferno)
- Defeated SINNERS 13-5 (Inferno)
- Lost to MOUZ (1-2) but bounced back with a 2-0 over SAW
Player Highlight: Aleksib’s leadership was evident in NAVI’s resilience, while b1t continued to perform at an elite level.
Cloud9 (3-1)
Cloud9’s path was not without challenges, as they rebounded from an early loss to FaZe Clan with dominant victories. Their final match against SINNERS tested their composure, but they emerged victorious.
Key Matches:
- Lost to FaZe Clan 8-13 (Ancient)
- Beat Nemiga 13-5 (Inferno)
- Dominated Sangal 13-2 (Mirage)
- Won a hard-fought series against SINNERS 2-1
Player Highlight: Ax1Le was a standout performer, delivering crucial frags and impact plays when his team needed it most.
FaZe Clan (3-1)
FaZe Clan’s journey was one of resilience, as they overcame a loss to Vitality and bounced back with a strong showing against Fnatic to secure their spot.
Key Matches:
- Defeated Cloud9 13-8 (Ancient)
- Narrowly beat Team Falcons 16-14 (Nuke)
- Lost to Vitality 0-2
- Qualified by defeating Fnatic 2-0
Player Highlight: Karrigan’s leadership shone through in high-pressure moments, particularly in their overtime win against Team Falcons.
Fnatic (3-2)
Fnatic faced a turbulent run but managed to scrape through with a decisive victory in their elimination match. Their dramatic triple-overtime win against Dynamo Eclot was a highlight of the event.
Key Matches:
- Lost to NAVI 9-13 (Inferno)
- Beat Rebels 13-3 and BetBoom 13-11
- Lost to FaZe Clan 0-2
- Survived against Eclot 2-1 in triple overtime
Player Highlight: Mezii delivered critical performances, particularly in their elimination match against Eclot.
GamerLegion (3-2)
GamerLegion’s qualification came as a surprise to many. After early struggles, they rallied with clutch victories in their final matches, knocking out Team Falcons in the process.
Key Matches:
- Lost to Vitality 8-13 (Inferno)
- Shocked Team Falcons in a 2-1 victory
- Secured qualification by defeating SINNERS 2-1
Player Highlight: iM showed flashes of brilliance, stepping up when GamerLegion’s tournament life was on the line.
Team Falcons Falter
Despite boasting a star-studded lineup featuring s1mple and coach zonic, Team Falcons were eliminated early. Their losses to SAW and GamerLegion exposed gaps in their cohesion and strategy. While s1mple delivered moments of his old brilliance, including a standout 23-kill performance on Mirage against GamerLegion, it wasn’t enough to carry the team.
In a statement on Telegram, s1mple confirmed his departure from Falcons, saying, “I’m not moving to Falcons”. Speaking to HLTV, the Ukrainian legend clarified there is “no chance” of him continuing with the Saudi Arabian organization after his loan period ends.
It all ends here.
Thank you for your support. #FalconsAreHere #ShanghaiMajor pic.twitter.com/QpbIqwslzD
— Falcons Esports (@FalconsEsport) November 19, 2024
Analysts’ Comments
PEACEMAKER:
“The RMR A was one of the most straightforward RMRs we’ve had in a long time, with all four favorites—Spirit, FaZe, Vitality, and MOUZ—going directly to the Elimination Stage.
Big surprises came from Cloud9 and GamerLegion, who showed massive improvements in the weeks leading up to the Major, despite lackluster online results prior. Fnatic also managed to qualify, but in my opinion, they were the closest to being upset by Eclot.
As for disappointments, Team Falcons were the biggest letdown. In my opinion, they entered the RMR as a roster already on life support since the players likely know who’s staying and who’s leaving next year. SAW was also disappointing compared to their performances at ESL Katowice.”
SHOX:
“Vitality and MOUZ showed a strong face during their group stage at RMR A, entering the Major stage with confidence.
All eyes will be on NAVI at the Major since they didn’t reassure their fans during this stage. We expect the world’s No. 1 team to step up in Shanghai.
Falcons were undoubtedly the most disappointing result of this stage. It’s sad to see such big names fail to qualify, but hopefully, the changes they’re planning post-Major will lead to better outcomes.”
Mauisnake:
“All of the favorites made it through, shaping the Major up nicely already. MOUZ and Vitality beating NAVI and FaZe will build confidence heading into the Major.
However, I feel NAVI may have been saving strategies that could’ve tipped the scales against MOUZ. They defaulted more than expected, which was surprising.
I picked Cloud9 to qualify, but their ability to give FaZe a tough fight in the fourth-place decider sets them up to find three wins in the Opening Stage.”
What’s Next?
As the European A RMR wraps up, all eyes turn to the European B RMR, running from November 21 to 24, where another seven teams will punch their tickets to the Shanghai Major. With heavyweights like G2 Esports, Heroic and Astralis competing, the action promises to be just as intense.
The Perfect World Shanghai Major is shaping up to be the most prestigious CS2 event to date, with the world’s best teams competing for glory. Stay tuned for more updates as the road to the Major continues!
