Ready for the biggest CS2 event in Asia? There’s only less than a month left before Perfect World (PW) Shanghai Major 2024 kicks off. From November 30 until December 15, you can witness the best CS2 teams battle it out across all the three stages of the tournament. We’ll bring you the latest details about the launch, teams, and format of the event.
Dates and Venues
The PW Shanghai Major will run for two weeks, from November 30 to December 15, 2024, and will hold different stages in two iconic Shanghai venues. A CS2 Major being hosted in China and Asia is a first for the region.
Both venues chosen to hold the tournament boast high seating capacities as live audiences would be invited to witness all stages of the competition. Valve aims to keep the atmosphere laced with adrenaline and the fans happy with a thrilling experience. The venue for the Opening and Elimination stages will be the World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, while the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center will host the Playoffs.
Tournament Format
The PW Shanghai Major 2024 tournament format is mapped around three stages: the Opening, Elimination, and Playoffs. Fans can witness the heat of the competition in each stage in the following schedule:
- Opening Stage: November 30 – December 3
- Elimination Stage: December 5 – December 8
- Playoff Stage: December 12 – December 15
The Opening Stage and Elimination Stage both feature the Swiss format, where 16 teams will be paired up and compete based on their match records. Every elimination/advancement match will be a best-of-three, while all other matches are best-of-ones. The top 8 teams per stage will advance onto the next one, and the bottom 8 will have to say goodbye.
In the Playoff Stage, the teams will be in a single-elimination bracket and compete in best-of-three matches. The top 8 teams from the Swiss stages will be in this stage, with no second chances to put a claim on the championship title. Thus, the stakes are higher, and the competition more intense.
PW Shanghai Major 2024 Competing Teams
Many spots to compete in the PW Shanghai Major 2024 are still up for grabs, but they are expected to be filled soon, especially with the period for regional qualifiers (RMRs) almost in its conclusion.
However, some teams have already secured their places on the Opening Stage roster:
- MIBR (America)
- Wildcard (America)
- Team Liquid (America)
- Complexity Gaming (America)
- paiN Gaming (America)
- The Mongolz (Asia-Pacific)
- FlyQuest (Asia-Pacific)
- Rare Atom (Asia-Pacific)
The European RMRs are set to happen in mid to late November, with a total of 14 teams advancing to the Shanghai Major by November 24. Meanwhile, Imperial and Furia Esports have claimed the remaining two qualifying slots from the American RMRS, which concluded just yesterday, November 15.
Prize Pool Distribution
The Major promises a $1,250,000 prize pool. The 24 participating teams will be vying for a $500,000 grand prize, while the full distribution will be:
- 1st place: $500,000
- 2nd place: $170,000
- 3rd & 4th place: $80,000 each
- 5th to 8th place: $45,000 each
- 9th to 16th: $20,000 each
- 20th to 24th: $10,000
Map Pool
The Active Duty map pool for CS2 features seven maps for players with different terrains and layouts they can utilize in their strategies. At the PW Shanghai Major 2024, these battlegrounds will witness the best of individual and team skills and tactical plays from all 24 qualified contenders.
- Ancient – the newest map added to the competitive pool, with aged structures, caves, and a jungle-like feel adding to the abandoned aesthetic. Updates to the layout have balanced the map, with emphasis put on mid control.
- Anubis – a maze-like map featuring bridges and tunnels around the terrain, providing teams strategic opportunities. The scenic location heightens the experience while in competition.
- Dust II – a highly popular choice among players, with tried and tested strategies and team tactics mostly centered on the tunnels. The familiarity for this map may add to the advantage of teams.
- Inferno – another classic choice for players with excellent graphics and a challenging layout. Deep understanding of the map and smart use of utility are key to control.
- Mirage – considered the most popular and favorite CS2 maps of all due to the balanced and flexible gameplay it encourages. Mirage has kept the competitive atmosphere with only slight polishes, sticking to what players loved it for.
- Nuke – a map that takes challenges to the next level. High knowledge in positioning and map awareness is required in Nuke. Specific crucial points keep the stakes high, and even the slightest fumble can cost teams the whole game.
- Vertigo – the fear of new players and a map that elicits strong reactions. Pros must prioritize communication and formulating strategies at all times, on top of maneuvering around its vertical gameplay.
Conclusion
Only the European RMRs are awaited before the PW Shanghai Major 2024 completes its roster of teams and starts on its track to hail the new CS2 competitive play champions. With grand venues with live audience support and two Swiss rounds maintaining intense fights, the level of competition in this tournament promises an explosive finale. Which teams do you think have the most shot at victory?
