Team Spirit and MOUZ secured their spots in the semifinals of the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 after delivering dominant performances in the quarterfinals on December 12. With their victories over Team Liquid and The MongolZ respectively, the tournament is now exclusively a battle of European powerhouses.
MOUZ and Spirit are set to clash in the semifinals on Saturday, December 14, marking their fifth encounter of the year. Their record is evenly split at 2-2, with Spirit taking the most recent victory in August during the BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2. However, the stakes are much higher this time, as the winner will advance to the grand finals of the Shanghai Major.
MOUZ vs. The MongolZ: A Tactical Masterclass
Despite pre-match predictions favoring The MongolZ due to their strong performances in earlier stages, MOUZ adapted brilliantly under pressure.
- Ancient: The MongolZ started strong on the T-side, with Ayush “mzinho” Batbold showcasing incredible precision. Their early momentum carried into the second half, but MOUZ turned the tide with a crucial force-buy win. The map extended to overtime, where MOUZ held their nerve to clinch a narrow 16-14 victory.
- Nuke: Known for their expertise on this map, MOUZ delivered a clinical performance. Although The MongolZ had a promising CT-side start, MOUZ’s five T-side rounds set the stage for their dominant defense. Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek, the young in-game leader, demonstrated exceptional strategic reads, and Jimi “Jimpphat” Salo anchored the B-site with consistency. MOUZ sealed the map 13-9, advancing to the semifinals.
Score: MOUZ 2-0 The MongolZ (Ancient 16-14, Nuke 13-9)
Spirit vs. Liquid: A Donk Show
Team Spirit’s Danil “donk” Kryshkovets delivered an awe-inspiring performance, leading his team to a decisive victory over Liquid.
- Anubis: Donk’s exceptional form was the highlight, with two aces leaving Liquid scrambling. Despite Roland “ultimate” Tomkowiak‘s valiant efforts, Liquid struggled to match Spirit’s firepower, especially with a lackluster showing from Russel “Twistzz” Van Dunkel. Spirit secured the map 13-9.
- Dust 2: The story remained the same as Donk and Dmitriy “sh1ro” Sokolov dominated the map with consistent multikills. Liquid’s standout player, ultimate, faltered, and Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis added another disappointing performance to his 2024 record. Spirit closed out the series 13-11, advancing with confidence.
Score: Spirit 2-0 Liquid (Anubis 13-9, Dust 2 13-11)
Looking Ahead
The Shanghai Major action continues tomorrow with the remaining quarterfinals:
- G2 Esports vs. HEROIC
- Vitality vs. FaZe Clan
These matches will determine the remaining semifinalists, with fans eagerly anticipating more world-class Counter-Strike action.
Conclusion
Spirit and MOUZ proved their mettle on the first day of the Shanghai Major playoffs, advancing to the semifinals with commanding performances.
Their semifinal matchup promises to be a thrilling battle, as both teams have evenly matched records this year. The Shanghai Major continues to deliver as one of the most exciting tournaments of the year.