Beneath the spotlight of elite CS teams at the Shanghai Major 2024 qualifiers lie two potential dark horses ready to make their mark.

Heroic (World Rank #7)

After transitioning from their Danish roster to an international lineup, Heroic has shown steady improvement throughout 2024. The addition of AWPer degster, despite initial visa issues, has strengthened the team's potential. Recent achievements include:

• EPL S20 playoff appearance
• 3rd/4th at IEM Rio 2024
• Silver medals at Elisa Masters Espoo and Thunderpick World Championship

Key players driving their success:

• NertZ: 1.23 LAN rating, world-class rifler
• TeSeS: 1.13 LAN rating, consistently improving
• degster: High-impact AWPer
• sjuusha: Underrated support player
• kyxsan: Dynamic IGL
• sAw: Veteran experience

The MongolZ (World Rank #9)

Currently at their highest-ever ranking, The MongolZ have had a breakthrough 2024:

Major achievements:

• Top 16 at PGL Copenhagen Major 2024
• Playoff appearances in EPL 19/20, IEM Cologne, Rio, and Espoo
• Victory at Thunderpick World Championship ($850,000)
• 4th highest prize money earnings in 2024 ($986,347)

Team strengths:

• Consistent roster since September 2023
• Strong tactical foundation under IGL bLitz
• Exceptional firepower from AWPer 910 and rifler Senzu
• 10-match winning streak entering qualifiers
• Proven ability to compete with tier-1 teams

Both teams have demonstrated the potential to not only qualify but make deep runs in the playoff stage, challenging the established elite of Counter-Strike.

Related Articles

Previous Articles