With the elimination stage behind us, the Perfect World Shanghai Major has entered its most intense phase: the quarterfinals. Held at the prestigious Shanghai Oriental Sports Center, the remaining eight teams will compete in a single-elimination bracket, with each match being a best-of-three.
With no room for error, every round is critical from this point forward. Here’s a breakdown of the quarterfinal matchups, along with expert predictions for each:
1. The MongolZ vs MOUZ
The MongolZ have been the tournament’s surprise package, making history as the first Asian team to reach a Major playoff. With a 13-match win streak, they’ve taken down top teams, including Heroic, G2, and even MOUZ earlier in the tournament. Led by Garidmagnai “bLitz” Byambasuren, their teamwork and synergy are their biggest assets.
On the other hand, MOUZ, despite a rocky year, have shown flashes of brilliance. Their experience, led by Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek, alongside players like Dorian “xertioN” Berman and Ádám “torzsi” Torzsás, make them a formidable opponent.
Map Veto Predictions:
- MongolZ: Nuke ban
- MOUZ: Dust 2 ban
- Remaining maps: Ancient, Inferno, Mirage
Prediction: The MongolZ’s momentum and chemistry might prove too much for MOUZ, and we predict a tightly contested series with The MongolZ emerging victorious.
2. Team Liquid vs Team Spirit
Team Liquid, as the last remaining Americas team, carries the hopes of the region. After a challenging year, they’ve found form under Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken‘s leadership. With Keith “NAF” Markovic‘s clutch plays and Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis finally stepping up, Liquid are proving they’re more than capable of upsets.
On the other hand, Team Spirit, led by the young prodigy Danil “donk” Kryshkovets, has evolved into a more well-rounded team. While zont1x and sh1ro are showing their worth, Spirit’s overall depth makes them dangerous.
Map Veto Predictions:
- Liquid: Vertigo, Dust 2 bans
- Spirit: Inferno ban
- Remaining maps: Ancient, Mirage, Nuke
Prediction: Spirit’s depth and firepower give them the upper hand, and we expect them to claim a convincing victory in this series.
3. G2 Esports vs Heroic
G2 Esports has been strong in the tournament, riding the momentum of Janusz “Snax” Pogorzelski’s leadership and Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov‘s stellar performances. With Nikola “NiKo” Kovač back to his best, G2’s roster looks unstoppable. However, their loss to The MongolZ raised some concerns about their consistency.
Heroic, meanwhile, have quietly rebuilt themselves after some tumultuous times. Under Damjan “kyxsan” Stoilkovski, Heroic is now a solid unit, with standout performances from Guy “NertZ” Iluz and Abdulkhalik “degster” Gasanov. Having already eliminated the reigning Major champions, NaVi, Heroic are dangerous.
Map Veto Predictions:
- G2: Anubis, Vertigo bans
- Heroic: Inferno ban
- Remaining maps: Ancient, Dust 2, Mirage
Prediction: G2’s firepower and mechanical skill should give them an edge in this series, but Heroic’s resurgence could make this a hard-fought battle. G2 to win in a close contest.
4. FaZe Clan vs Team Vitality
This matchup sees two Major-winning teams face off. FaZe Clan, despite struggles with consistency, is still a potent force, led by veteran Håvard “rain” Nygaard and supported by David “frozen” Čerňanský and Robin “ropz” Kool. With Finn “karrigan” Andersen’s strategic mind, FaZe could spring a surprise.
Team Vitality, meanwhile, has enjoyed strong results throughout the year. Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut remains a critical player, but Vitality’s depth, with players like William “mezii” Merriman and Shahar “flameZ” Shushan, makes them an even more formidable unit.
Map Veto Predictions:
- FaZe: Vertigo, Anubis bans
- Vitality: Ancient, Inferno bans
- Remaining maps: Dust 2, Mirage, Nuke
Prediction: Vitality’s current form and roster depth give them a slight edge, and we predict them to win in a competitive but decisive series.
Conclusion
The Perfect World Shanghai Major quarterfinals are set to deliver some of the most thrilling matches of the tournament. With intense rivalries and high stakes, surprises are always possible.
Based on team form, synergy, and individual performances, our predictions lean towards The MongolZ, Team Spirit, G2, and Vitality moving on to the semifinals. However, with such high-level competition, every matchup promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
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