The playoff bracket for the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 is locked and loaded, featuring seven of the world’s top 10 ranked teams.
Among these elite squads, Team Liquid stands as the only exception in terms of global ranking, but they’ve shown their class, in order to reach this stage.
The Shanghai Major playoff bracket is set!
The action begins Thursday with The MongolZ taking on MOUZ in the first quarter-final. The Mongolian squad is on a tear, boasting a staggering 13-match win streak and remaining undefeated in Shanghai. They’ve already outplayed MOUZ in the Elimination Stage's 1-0 pool, further cementing their credentials as dark horse contenders. MOUZ, on the other hand, has been underwhelming so far in the tournament and will need to raise their game significantly to advance.
Next, Spirit will face Liquid in a match brimming with intrigue. Spirit’s 17-year-old prodigy, Danil "donk" Kryshkovets, continues to dazzle with performances that underline his claim as one of the best players in the world. Liquid, despite being the sole playoff team not in the top 10, has displayed resilience throughout the event and will look to defy the odds. The winner of this encounter will face the victor of The MongolZ vs. MOUZ in the semi-finals.
The other side of the bracket features a clash between G2 and HEROIC. HEROIC has been a thorn in G2’s side this year, with multiple wins over their rivals, including a decisive victory at IEM Rio. However, G2 arrives in solid form, having dispatched FaZe in the 2-1 pool. This rivalry promises to add another thrilling chapter, with G2's Nikola "NiKo" Kovač looking to win his first Major, at last.
The final quarter-final pits Vitality against FaZe. Vitality, the Paris 2023 Major champions, and this year's IEM Cologne winners, seek to cap their year on a high. But FaZe is known for elevating their play in the playoffs and on grand stages. With their pedigree, Finn "karrigan" Andersen and company will look to turn the tables in Shanghai as they, yet again, only just reached the playoffs by beating FURIA 2-1.
The quarter-finals schedule
- The MongolZ - MOUZ (December 12, 7 AM CET)
- Spirit - Liquid (December 12, 10 AM CET)
- G2 Esports - HEROIC (December 13, 7 AM CET)
- Vitality - FaZe Clan (December 13, 10 AM CET)
The playoffs are wide open. From The MongolZ’s dream run to Spirit’s rising star and G2's last dance, everything seems possible in what promises to be an unforgettable finale to the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024.
Who do you think will win the whole thing and be crowned champions come Sunday?