The Elimination Stage of PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024 is underway, with 16 teams battling against each other over four days of fierce competition to determine the eight teams that will get the privilege of playing in the Royal Arena in the playoffs. Read our previews and predictions for some of the matches below.
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Check out our PGL Major Copenhagen betting guide for event details.
PGL Major Copenhagen Elimination Stage Picks
Complexity vs FaZe (2-2)
Sunday, March 24th – 13:00 CET
After starting their Elimination Stage journey with a 2-0 record, the North Americans of Complexity failed to capitalize on that opportunity and are now forced to take on FaZe in the deciding 2-2 matchup. This draw is particularly painful when you realize just how close Complexity was to beating Vitality and qualifying for the playoffs with a comfortable 3-1 record.
While FaZe have not looked like themselves in Copenhagen thus far, they are known to power up as the tournament goes on. As for Complexity, they tend to struggle in high-pressure games and often fall flat. The only way Complexity win this game is if Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski shakes off his underwhelming previous showing and has a lights-out performance to carry his team through to a quarter-final berth.
Pick: FaZe
Virtus.pro vs G2 (2-2)
Sunday, March 24th – 16:00 CET
Although Virtus.pro vs G2 is a matchup worthy of Major playoffs, one of these teams will not get the pleasure of playing in front of a sold-out crowd in the infamous Royal Arena. This game is quite tough to call, due to the varied level of performance both squads have put on display in Copenhagen so far. VP and G2 have had dominant wins, questionable defeats, and stand-out individual performances.
In a head-to-head matchup, Virtus.pro’s map pool is deeper and better established than that of G2. However, the international powerhouse sports some of the world’s best CS2 players on their roster – Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov and Nikola “NiKo” Kovac. With all those factors in mind, this 2-2 match is certainly going to be a barn burner of a game that you simply can’t miss.
Pick: Virtus.pro
NAVI vs paiN (2-2)
Sunday, March 24th – 19:00 CET
Perhaps the weakest of the three 2-2 matchups, the NAVI vs paiN game could spawn one of the biggest upset Major playoff runs in the history of Counter-Strike. paiN’s journey so far has been truly remarkable – before the Americas RMR, the CS2 community at large didn’t even have the Brazilians qualifying for the Major in the first place. No matter the result, they’ve done an incredible job making it this far.
As for NAVI, despite having solid performances in virtually all of their games, they find themselves in the 2-2 bracket. Close losses against Spirit and Cloud9 could prove costly if the international lineup fails to defeat paiN. Having said that, if they continue to play the way they have been, they should have no problem besting the Brazilians and securing themselves the last PGL CS2 Copenhagen Major playoff spot.
Pick: NAVI
Vitality vs Eternal Fire (0-0)
Thursday, March 21st – 14:00 CET
The defending Major Champions have a hard task on their hands as they face Eternal Fire in their PGL CS2 Major debut. The Turks have been knocking on the door of Tier One Counter-Strike for a long time and they finally look like a team that can compete with the world’s best.
However, Vitality are one of the most stable rosters in the scene and they tend not to crumble under pressure or start tournaments slow. With that in mind, if they can take control of the game early, they should have what it takes to close out the match in their favor.
Pick: Vitality
Spirit vs Cloud9 (0-0)
Thursday, March 21st – 16:00 CET
Everyone’s excited to witness Spirit’s and Danil “donk” Kryshkovets’ prowess in Copenhagen. What better way to start their campaign than against one of the strongest teams from the Opening Stage – Cloud9. The (nearly) all-Russian matchup is set to be the highlight of Elimination Stage’s opening round of games.
While Cloud9 has showcased that they can be dangerous against any opponent, facing the hungry Spirit squad might prove too much to handle. Although donk is an obvious threat, Dmitry “sh1ro” Sokolov could wreak havoc on the server, given that Cloud9 lack a dedicated AWPer.
Pick: Spirit
G2 vs FURIA (0-0)
Thursday, March 21st – 16:00 CET
After acing the European RMR, G2 should theoretically be ones to beat in Copenhagen. The question is if they can continue their positive run of form against the feisty Brazilians of FURIA. Since going 0-2 in the Opening Stage, FURIA have been on an impressive 2-0 streak, beating all of KOI, ENCE, and SAW in consecutive BO3s.
Considering G2 historically struggles at Majors, coupled with FURIA’s red-hot form, an early upset might be on the cards at the PGL CS2 Major. Whatever the result, it is bound to be an end-to-end and thrilling affair.
Pick: FURIA
PGL Major Copenhagen Opening Stage Picks
Legacy vs TheMongolz (2-2)
Wednesday, March 20th – 13:00 CET
The first deciding game of the day perfectly embodies the battle between experience and youth. Many people expected Legacy to get rolled over and end the Opening Stage with a 0-3 record. Still, the Brazilian squad with Marcelo “coldzera” David at the helm surprised the opposition with their highly competitive level.
As for TheMongolz, after a disappointing start and going 0-2 on day one of the competition, the young squad clawed their way back in the BO3s and now have a chance to expand their region’s Major team pool to three rosters. Considering the level of both teams, there’s no doubt that this game will go down to the wire.
Pick: TheMongolz
Imperial vs GamerLegion (2-2)
Wednesday, March 20th – 16:00 CET
Brazilian teams continue to impress in Copenhagen, Imperial being no exception. After strong wins against ENCE and Apeks and a close defeat to Heroic, Imperial’s roster should be confident in their abilities to take down GamerLegion and advance to the next stage of the competition.
As for the European side, the fact they are in a 2-2 match is a miracle in itself. Most of their players were on vacation when they got the news that they’d be flying to Copenhagen, replacing 9 Pandas. With that in mind, it’s difficult to see GamerLegion overcoming Imperial in such a high-stakes game.
Pick: Imperial
SAW vs FURIA (2-2)
Wednesday, March 20th – 19:00 CET
A thrilling Portuguese-speaking matchup will close out the PGL CS2 Major Opening Stage, with the in-form SAW taking on the experienced FURIA. Both these teams’ journeys in Copenhagen have been vastly different – SAW started hot and then struggled to capitalize on their advancement chances, while FURIA fought through the bracket, recovering from a disastrous 0-2 start.
Although FURIA have experience on their side, SAW have been in great form as of late, and if they manage to regain that level, they should be able to overcome the Brazlians and make the top 16 on their maiden Major appearance.
Pick: SAW
Eternal Fire vs TheMongolz (0-0)
Sunday, March 17th – 13:00 CET
This Eternal Fire and TheMongolz matchup is by far the most interesting and difficult-to-call opening game in Copenhagen. Both teams are in great form and could be the ones to cause a few upsets and make a deep run at the first CS2 Major.
Given that Eternal Fire have more reps under their belt against European competition, you’d have to give them a slight edge in this game. However, regardless of the results, both the Turks and TheMongolz should make it at least to the Elimination Stage.
Pick: Eternal Fire
ENCE vs Imperial (0-0)
Sunday, March 17th – 14:00 CET
ENCE have been one of the revelations of 2024 thus far, having taken massive wins against the very best teams and reached the playoffs in Katowice. As for Imperial, they blitzed through the Americas RMR, losing no more than five rounds in a single map.
While ENCE should have the Brazilians’ number most of the time, Imperial are on a roll right now and they could surprise ENCE if their opponents have a cold start. A lot of responsibility will lie in the hands of the AWPers – Olek “hades” Miskiewicz and Henrique “HEN1” Teles, and how they perform on the day.
Pick: ENCE
PGL Major Copenhagen European RMR B Picks
ENCE vs Astralis (2-2)
Thursday, February 22nd – 12:00 EST
The last day of EU RMR B action kicks off with an absolute banger, as ENCE take on Astralis for Major qualification just a few weeks after they eliminated them from the IEM Katowice Play-in, thanks to a Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander masterclass.
ENCE have looked slightly stronger than their opponents throughout the event, with a tough draw being the main reason for their struggles. With that being said, Astralis are coming off a strong victory against Monte, so frankly anything could happen.
Pick: ENCE
ECSTATIC vs Guild Eagles (2-2)
Thursday, February 22nd – 15:00 EST
Two underdogs meet in EU RMR B’s second game of the day, as the Danes of ECSTATIC face Guild Eagles, who have clawed their way back from a 0-2 start with two close BO3 series victories.
Despite Guild Eagles’ late resurgence, they have not been playing great Counter-Strike, contrary to their opponents ECSTATIC, who could feel unlucky not to have come out on top in one of their close losses.
Pick: ECSTATIC
HEROIC vs GamerLegion (2-2)
Thursday, February 22nd – 18:00 EST
Two top teams from the previous Major face off for the last EU RMR B ticket to Copenhagen, as the BLAST.tv Paris Major semi-finalists HEROIC take on the BLAST.tv Paris Major finalists GamerLegion.
While both rosters have seen a multitude of changes since their Major encounter, their level has remained very similar. There’s no doubt that this is going to be a hard-fought game with each map going down to the wire.
Pick: GamerLegion
Apeks vs ECSTATIC (2-1)
Wednesday, February 21st – 12:00 EST
Funnily enough, both Apeks and ECSATIC have beaten the exact same teams, OG and Monte, to get to this point of the competition. However, Apeks did so in a more dominant fashion, as they blew their opponents away 13-5 in both games, with their single loss coming against Cloud9.
While the ECSTATIC players will be extra motivated to qualify for the first CS2 Major in their home country, Apeks have a far more experienced roster with a good mixture of young talent and seasoned veterans, who should get the job done in this matchup.
Pick: Apeks
Monte vs Astralis (1-2)
Wednesday, February 21st – 12:00 EST
Not many people expected that these two teams would meet in an elimination match, as expectations for Monte and Astralis were far greater than what they’ve shown so far. While it’s understandable that Monte struggled with their stand-in situation, it is shocking to see Astralis performing so poorly, considering the names on their roster.
Although Viktor “sdy” Orudzhev is back in Monte’s starting lineup, the Ukrainian-majority roster could struggle, as Astralis will do all they can to not miss their third Major in a row, especially when it’s in Denmark.
Pick: Astralis
Vitality vs ENCE (2-1)
Wednesday, February 21st – 15:00 EST
Following their day-one display of power, everybody expected Vitality to run over Cloud9 and swiftly secure themselves a spot at the PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen. Surprisingly, it was Cloud9 that went 3-0 and the BLAST.tv Paris Major Champions now have to battle ENCE in the 2-1 progression game.
Despite ENCE taking down Vitality in their most recent encounter at IEM Katowice, it will be extremely difficult for the Poles to repeat that performance in this matchup. Vitality surely learned their lesson and will be well prepared for their rematch.
Pick: Vitality
OG vs GamerLegion (1-2)
Wednesday, February 21st – 15:00 EST
The mid-level international teams continue to battle among themselves in EU RMR B, as OG take on GamerLegion in another elimination match. Both teams’ sole victories came against below-average opponents, as they took down Preasy and PERA, respectively.
While OG is historically a bigger name in the Counter-Strike space, GamerLegion are currently a much more complete roster with more potential to advance to the Major and even make a dark horse run in the competition.
Pick: GamerLegion
Spirit vs Heroic (2-1)
Tuesday, February 20th – 17:00 EST
After suffering their first LAN defeat to MOUZ, Spirit find themselves in their second progression game, this time they’ll be facing a hot Heroic roster, that just took down their biggest rivals Astralis for the second time in quick succession.
While Danil “donk” Kryshkovets cooled down in their most recent matches, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that he’ll soon return to his ungodly form. If that happens in this matchup, Heroic won’t stand much of a chance against the Russians.
Pick: Spirit
Guild Eagles vs Preasy (1-2)
Tuesday, February 20th – 17:00 EST
Two former 0-2 record-bearing teams meet in the last elimination match of the day, as Guild Eagles take on Preasy with tournament life on the line. While both teams sometimes show flashes of brilliance, their RMR struggles were relatively easy to predict.
It’s very difficult to separate these two teams, especially when taking into consideration Guild Eagles’ record of advancing to the Major, even against all odds. But Preasy is a well-oiled machine and the Danes should have enough to just edge out their opponents and live to fight another day.
Pick: Preasy
ECSTATIC vs OG (1-1)
Tuesday, February 20th – 12:00 EST
Day two of EU RMR B kicks off with a rather surprising matchup, as one of ECSTATIC or OG will end the day with a 2-1 record, putting themselves in a great spot to book themselves a ticket to the PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen.
While the level of both teams is very similar, the Danes of ECSTATIC will be extremely motivated to attend the Major on home soil. That additional boost should give them the edge over their upcoming opponent.
Pick: ECSTATIC
Apeks vs Monte (1-1)
Tuesday, February 20th – 12:00 EST
Two BLAST.tv Paris Major playoff teams meet in EU RMR B, as Apeks face a wounded Monte in their 1-1 matchup. As previously mentioned, Monte are not playing with their full roster due to Viktor “sdy” Orudzhev being ill.
However, he might return for their game with Apeks, but there will be questions surrounding his individual form. In any case, Apeks have been quite impressive in their two previous showings and there’s a big chance that they end the day with a 2-1 record.
Pick: Apeks
Astralis vs Heroic (1-1)
Tuesday, February 20th – 13:00 EST
The two biggest Danish teams meet once again just a few weeks after their fiery bout in the IEM Katowice Play-in, with Astralis facing Heroic in yet another BO1 series. Last time around, Heroic got the better of the four-time Major-winning organization, but they’ll certainly face many more difficulties in this match.
Astralis look very good so far in the EU RMR B, having destroyed Nexus and suffering a close loss to the IEM Katowice 2024 Champions Spirit. If they continue to play at the same level, they should come out victorious in the rematch against their biggest rivals in Heroic.
Pick: Astralis
GamerLegion vs ENCE (1-1)
Tuesday, February 20th – 13:00 EST
After both teams suffered terrible starts in their respective opening matches, with GamerLegion falling 2-13 to Vitality and ENCE getting trounced 0-13 by Spirit, they managed to recover in the latter part of the day and now meet on day two of the competition.
Both GamerLegion and ENCE share a very similar team structure, where they heavily rely on their AWPers to provide impact. The outcome of this match will be decided by which team’s sniper gets into their groove quicker and shoots harder on the day.
Pick: ENCE
Vitality vs Cloud9 (2-0)
Tuesday, February 20th – 14:00 EST
It seems like Vitality’s disastrous performance at IEM Katowice did not shake their confidence, as they are playing better than ever, with Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut at the forefront of the action.
The Frenchman is currently the highest-rated player of EU RMR B with a ludicrous 2.73 rating. If he continues to perform at such an inhuman level, Cloud9 are quite frankly at Vitality’s mercy.
Pick: Vitality
Guild Eagles vs Nexus (0-2)
Tuesday, February 20th – 14:00 EST
Guild Eagles will be very disappointed with their day one performance, as they could have already had at least one victory under their belt, but they let their lead slip and suffered a devastating comeback loss to MOUZ in their opening BO1.
Now they get to redeem themselves in the elimination BO3, where they’ll be facing the lowest-ranked team in the competition in Nexus. Qualifying for the Major was always a long shot for the Romanians, but they certainly gained invaluable experience at the RMR itself.
Pick: Guild Eagles
Spirit vs MOUZ (2-0)
Tuesday, February 20th – 17:00 EST
The current iteration of the Spirit roster is yet to lose a game on LAN, and they could go through the RMR unscathed, as they face MOUZ in their 2-0 matchup. Additionally, MOUZ had a rather easy path to this point, beating Guild Eagles and ECSTATIC along the way, while Spirit had to defeat ENCE and Astralis to get to this point in the competition.
The Russians are unstoppable at the moment and it’s very difficult to imagine the IEM Katowice 2024 Champions falling short against MOUZ at this moment in time, especially in a BO3 series.
Pick: Spirit
PERA vs Preasy (0-2)
Tuesday, February 20th – 17:00 EST
After two close losses on day one for Preasy, the Danes have no room for error if they want to make it to the inaugural CS2 Major on home soil. Moreover, failing to qualify would mean that Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen’s legendary Major streak would be over, after 19 consecutive appearances.
However, the Danes should be able to take care of PERA, who have been very underwhelming, suffering convincing losses to Cloud9 and GamerLegion. Despite their shortcomings, the Hungarians should be proud of making the RMR in the first place.
Pick: Preasy
Vitality vs GamerLegion (0-0)
Monday, February 19th – 12:00 EST
The reigning and defending Major champions kick off their campaign against a tricky opponent, as Vitality face GamerLegion in one of EU RMR B’s opening BO1s. After their disastrous performance at IEM Katowice, they’ll be looking to bounce back and get off to a strong start in Bucharest.
Although GamerLegion are a formidable opponent, Vitality have a much deeper map pool and they should be able to outclass the opposition by way of individual prowess and tactical brilliance.
Pick: Vitality
MOUZ vs Guild Eagles (0-0)
Monday, February 19th – 12:00 EST
After their semi-final run at IEM Katowice, MOUZ will be looking to build on that success and qualify for the Major without needless hiccups along the way. In their opener, they’ll be facing one of the most passionate and exuberant teams in the Counter-Strike scene in Guild Eagles.
Despite the Balkan roster usually excelling in RMR tournaments, they are not at the peak of their powers at the moment. It will be a huge surprise if they manage to take down such an established team like MOUZ this early in the competition.
Pick: MOUZ
Spirit vs ENCE (0-0)
Monday, February 19th – 13:00 EST
Perhaps the strongest matchup in the EU RMR B opening round, sees the IEM Katowice 2024 Champions Spirit face the quarter-finalists of the same event in ENCE. The luck of the draw was not on their side this time around.
Despite the tough opposition, with Danil “Donk” Kryshkovets continuing to perform at the inhuman level he has been recently, Spirit are quite frankly unbeatable. It will be a shock if they don’t advance to the PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen with a flawless 3-0 record.
Pick: Spirit
Monte vs ECSTATIC (0-0)
Monday, February 19th – 13:00 EST
While Monte are a far better and more experienced team on paper than ECSTATIC, they will be playing with a stand-in due to Viktor “sdy” Orudzhev, the team’s star rifler, suffering an illness just before the start of the competition.
With that caveat, there is a chance that ESCTATIC pull off the upset and get one step closer to Major qualification. However, Monte’s experience should shine through, and allow the international roster to claim victory on their EU RMR B debut.
Pick: Monte
Apeks vs OG (0-0)
Monday, February 19th – 14:00 EST
Both these teams are desperate for a win in this game. Considering their current level, starting the tournament off with a 0-1 record will make it very difficult for either team to fight back into a position where they can qualify for the Major.
While OG recently brought on some new young talent into their roster, they looked very weak in their tier-one debut at BLAST Spring Groups. With that being said, it’s very difficult to predict who’ll come out on top in this particular matchup.
Pick: Apeks
Cloud9 vs PERA (0-0)
Monday, February 19th – 14:00 EST
After a disappointing string of results in recent months, a failure in the EU RMR B would be the nail in the coffin for the current Cloud9 roster. The lack of a primary AWPer and questionable atmosphere within the team suggests that the squad could see some roster changes after the Major cycle no matter the results.
However, they should get off to a good start as they are facing one of the lowest-ranked teams in the competition in PERA. If the Hungarian-majority roster can make the game even remotely competitive, then they could consider that a moral victory.
Pick: Cloud9
Astralis vs Nexus (0-0)
Monday, February 19th – 15:00 EST
After Astralis took down Vitality at BLAST Spring Groups, everyone eagerly awaited their showing at IEM Katowice, which turned out to be underwhelming, to say the least. Now they’ll have to really focus up if they want to make it to the inaugural CS2 Major on home soil.
Thankfully for the Danes, they drew an easy first matchup to warm up into the tournament, as they face the inexperienced squad of Nexus. It will be nothing short of a miracle if they manage to lose to the Romanians.
Pick: Astralis
Preasy vs Heroic (0-0)
Monday, February 19th – 15:00 EST
The first round of games at the EU RMR B ends with a spicy matchup, as Preasy and Heroic will battle it out in a thrilling Danish derby. Multiple players from both teams have played under both organizations, which adds another layer to the rivalry.
Interestingly, Preasy do not have a dedicated AWPer, as Nico “nicoodoz” Tamjidi departed the roster to join Heroic a few months prior. When the going gets tough for his team, he could be the one to change the tides of the game.
Pick: Heroic
PGL Major Copenhagen European RMR A Picks
9 Pandas vs AMKAL (2-2)
Saturday, February 17th – 12:00 EST
Two up-and-coming Russian teams face off in Saturday’s first 2-2 game, as 9 Pandas take on AMKAL for a spot at the inaugural CS2 Major. The loser of the bout still has a chance to qualify, as they are relegated to the LCQ (Last Chance Qualifier), where only one of six teams will get the chance to fly to Copenhagen for the PGL CS2 Major.
As for this matchup, both squads are evenly matched and it’s very difficult to predict, who’ll come out on top. Judging solely by their RMR A performances, 9 Pandas have looked slightly stronger throughout the competition.
Pick: 9 Pandas
fnatic vs SAW (2-2)
Saturday, February 17th – 15:00 EST
The penultimate RMR A match is unpredictable as well, with the youthful international fnatic roster taking on the pride of Portugal in SAW. Two years ago, the Portuguese squad had their hearts broken at the same stage of the competition, as they narrowly missed out on PGL Antwerp Major qualification to Outsiders.
This time round, after a slow start, SAW clawed their way back from a 0-2 record, winning two elimination games in dominant fashion. The Iberians are poised to begin their CS2 Major career by punching their ticket to Copenhagen.
Pick: SAW
Eternal Fire vs BetBoom (2-2)
Saturday, February 17th – 18:00 EST
Perhaps the two strongest teams out of the 2-2 pool meet in the last game of RMR A, as the fiery Turks of Eternal Fire take on BetBoom in what’s bound to be a thrilling battle on the server.
Despite BetBoom’s roster consisting of very strong players, it’s Eternal Fire who are the favourites. Had it not been for a tough draw, the Turks would be celebrating their Major qualification already. With that said the pressure on the players is so high that anything could happen.
Pick: Eternal Fire
fnatic vs KOI (2-1)
Friday, February 16th – 12:00 EST
One of fnatic or KOI is guaranteed to make it to the PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen, with the two facing each other in the first 2-1 matchup of the day. Both teams have taken some impressive wins, with their single losses coming against high-level opposition (Virtus.pro and NAVI, respectively).
This match is really hard to call, as both fnatic and KOI perform at a very similar level. However, KOI seem to have a slight edge over their opponents, with the Iberian squad sporting a deeper map pool and looking stronger on the eye test.
Pick: KOI
AMKAL vs Falcons (1-2)
Friday, February 16th – 12:00 EST
Coming into the tournament, AMKAL were one of the most popular underdog picks to make it to the Major. Unfortunately, their performances thus far have been rather dissapointing, with the Russians suffering a devastating loss to an inexperienced Enterprise roster and failing to close out the game from an advantageous position against fnatic.
As for Falcons, the international roster fell victim to a tough draw, as their two losses came against IEM Katowice 2024 finalists Faze and the in-form Turks Eternal Fire. Despite their early struggles in the BO1’s, Falcons should level up in the BO3’s and make it to the Major sooner or later.
Pick: Falcons
FaZe vs Eternal Fire (2-1)
Friday, February 16th – 15:00 EST
After a surprise defeat to G2 in the 2-0 matchup, FaZe are faced with another difficult draw, with the international roster having to face Eternal Fire for Major qualification. While going spotless through the RMR would have been ideal, FaZe have all the talent and skill they need to advance from the 3-1 pool.
It won’t be easy though, as Eternal Fire are more than a formidable opponent. Despite their loss to G2, the Turks look extremely strong and they are a difficult obstacle to overcome for any team at the RMR and the Major itself.
Pick: FaZe
9 Pandas vs 3DMAX (1-2)
Friday, February 16th – 15:00 EST
Both 9 Pandas and 3DMAX have showcased a very similar level of performance in the RMR so far. However, 9 Pandas have been more commanding in their victories, while 3DMAX barely scraped by Into the Breach in their 0-2 elimination matchup.
Artem “iDISBALANCE” Egorov has been the standout player for the Russians, averaging a 1.19 rating over the RMR thus far. If he continues to show up on the server, 9 Pandas should have no problem claiming victory in this matchup.
Pick: 9 Pandas
NAVI vs BetBoom (2-1)
Friday, February 16th – 18:00 EST
Despite falling short against a solid playing Virtus.pro in the 2-0 matchup, NAVI still looked quite strong and are definitely favourites to put away BetBoom and advance to the PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen with relative ease.
As for BetBoom, their performances prior to the RMR left a lot to be desired, but they seem to have got their stuff together for the Major circuit. However, their two victories came against weaker opposition, so their positive record is mostly a result of the Russians capitalizing on a fortunate draw.
Pick: NAVI
Enterprise vs SAW (1-2)
Friday, February 16th – 18:00 EST
Two national teams face off in the last elimination match of the day, with the Poles of Enterprise battling it out against the Portuguese SAW squad for a chance to remain in the fight for a spot at the inaugural CS2 Major.
Both teams are very hard to seperate, with their level of performance being extremely similar. Judging by the eye test, Enterprise looked slightly more cohesive and better drilled than their Portuguese counterparts.
Pick: Enterprise
Eternal Fire vs Falcons (1-1)
Thursday, February 15th – 12:00 EST
The first 1-1 game of the day sees a rematch from the IEM Katowice opener, where Eternal Fire made quick work of Falcons and humiliated them in dominant fashion.
However, Falcons will be eager to not let that happen again and come out on top in their second meeting with the Turks. With that in mind, this game is bound to be a fiery and exciting affair.
Pick: Eternal Fire
9 Pandas vs KOI (1-1)
Thursday, February 15th – 12:00 EST
After early losses to heavy hitters FaZe and NAVI, both 9 Pandas and KOI showed strong mentality and resilience, quickly bouncing back in their following matches, against SAW and 3DMAX, respectively.
Having said that, it’s the Russians who have shown more versatility and an overall higher level of gameplay in their performances, which does mean that they are the favourites coming into this 1-1 matchup.
Pick: 9 Pandas
fnatic vs AMKAL (1-1)
Thursday, February 15th – 13:00 EST
Many people had high hopes for AMKAL, who were one of the standout performers among the tier-two scene in recent months, but their results at the RMR have been disappointing thus far.
After losing to Enterprise and barely scraping by a completely out-of-form NIP squad, AMKAL’s momentum is not what it used to be. Taking that into consideration, fnatic have a chance to catch their opponents at the right time and improve their record to 2-1.
Pick: fnatic
Enterprise vs BetBoom (1-1)
Thursday, February 15th – 13:00 EST
Prior to the RMR kicking off, Enterprise were considered to be one of the weaker teams. However, the Poles surprised in their opening matchup by besting AMKAL on Nuke. Now, they’ll have to face another Russian team in BetBoom.
There’s no doubt that BetBoom have more quality on their roster, but their mentality struggles could let them down in a bout against an opponent that, in theory, they should beat 10 out of 10 times.
Pick: BetBoom
FaZe vs G2 (2-0)
Thursday, February 15th – 14:00 EST
Our first Major qualification match is an IEM Katowice quarter-final rematch, with FaZe taking on G2 for the second time in less than a week. Despite the game taking place in an empty studio, the pressure might be even higher than in front of a full arena.
Despite FaZe’s lacklustre performance in the IEM Katowice Grand Final, their level of performance is much more consistent than that of G2, and they should have all it takes to get past the international squad and secure themselves the first PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen spot.
Pick: FaZe
SAW vs NIP (0-2)
Thursday, February 15th – 14:00 EST
Both these teams had horrid day one performances at the European RMR, suffering two losses each and being forced to play for tournament life as early as day two of the competition.
The Portuguese squad of SAW looked particularly bad, winning just seven rounds across two whole maps of play. With their level of performance being in such a bad state, it’s hard to see a different result than NIP taking this game and staying alive at the RMR.
Pick: NIP
Virtus.pro vs NAVI (2-0)
Thursday, February 15th – 17:00 EST
Having already met in the EU RMR Closed Qualifier, Virtus.pro and NAVI know each other’s game very well. Despite having lost in their previous encounter, Virtus.pro are the favourites to take revenge on NAVI and be the second team to advance to the Major.
Both teams share similarities in how they approach the game, which could lead to an interesting tactical matchup between the two. Whatever the result will be, it’s bound to be a fascinating display of Counter-Strike.
Pick: Virtus.pro
Into the Breach vs 3DMAX (0-2)
Thursday, February 15th – 17:00 EST
Into the Breach are the worst-performing team in the EU RMR Group A so far. The BLAST.tv Paris Major quarter-finalists only managed to win four rounds in their two previous games, which doesn’t bode well for their chances of survival in their next matchup.
Having said that, 3DMAX haven’t exactly shown up either, losing to Falcons and KOI without putting up much of a fight. However, the Frenchmen should have enough firepower to best ITB and make it to day three of the competition.
Pick: 3DMAX
FaZe vs 9 Pandas (0-0)
Wednesday, February 14th – 12:00 EST
After losing in the IEM Katowice final just a few days prior, FaZe are back into action to open the EU RMR Group A proceedings. The international powerhouse will face 9 Pandas in their maiden BO1 matchup.
Despite 9 Pandas being in good form and having some decent showings in the tier-two scene as of late, FaZe have way more experience and individual prowess than the Russians and should mean that they’ll walk away with a decisive victory to begin their RMR campaign.
Pick: FaZe
Virtus.pro vs SAW (0-0)
Wednesday, February 14th – 12:00 EST
Virtus.pro had a lot of hype going into Katowice but failed miserably in the Play-in stage. This failure should light a fire under their belly to come into this RMR stronger than ever and make quick work of their first opponent in SAW.
However, the Portuguese are no pushovers and could prove to be a considerable obstacle for VP. Having said that, the Russians have enough quality to come out on top in the matchup.
Pick: Virtus.pro
NAVI vs KOI (0-0)
Wednesday, February 14th – 13:00 EST
NAVI players will most definitely be disappointed with their performance in Katowice, but now they have the chance to redeem themselves against KOI and show that they are still among the Counter-Strike elite.
Their Iberian-majority opponents aren’t at the peak of their powers at the moment, which should mean that NAVI will leave this matchup with a 1-0 record under their belt.
Pick: NAVI
G2 vs Into the Breach (0-0)
Wednesday, February 14th – 13:00 EST
Despite recently making the IEM Katowice playoffs, G2’s struggles are apparent. Maybe an emphatic victory against a weaker opponent like Into the Breach is just what they need to regain some confidence in their game.
Into the Breach have had success in RMR tournaments before, but the level of talent present on G2’s roster should prove too much to handle for the international squad.
Pick: G2
Eternal Fire vs NIP (0-0)
Wednesday, February 14th – 14:00 EST
After a strong showing in Katowice and RMR qualifiers, Eternal Fire will be looking to cement themselves in the CS2 tier-one space, beating one of the most infamous gatekeepers of NIP in the process.
Taking into account NIP’s recent struggles and the Turks’ individual prowess, it’s very difficult to imagine the Ninjas coming away with a victory from this matchup.
Pick: Eternal Fire
AMKAL vs Enterprise (0-0)
Wednesday, February 14th – 14:00 EST
Two relatively unknown teams meet in one of the opening games, as the impressive CIS squad of AMKAL meet Enterprise’s newly acquired Polish roster.
When looking at both teams’ recent form in tier-two tournaments, it is apparent that AMKAL are in much better form at the moment, and should be the ones taking advantage of the draw and going into their next matchup with a 1-0 record.
Pick: AMKAL
BetBoom vs fnatic (0-0)
Wednesday, February 14th – 15:00 EST
BetBoom’s underwhelming performance in IEM Katowice doesn’t take away from the fact that they have very good players on their team, and they’ve been together for much longer than their opponents in fnatic.
The legendary organization has struggled since moving away from a Swedish core and the newest iteration of their roster doesn’t seem strong enough to win their opening matchup, let alone qualify to the Major.
Pick: BetBoom
3DMAX vs Falcons (0-0)
Wednesday, February 14th – 15:00 EST
The best French team in 3DMAX are faced with a tough draw in their opening matchup, as they are set to face the IEM Katowice 2024 semi-finalists in Falcons.
Despite being massive underdogs on paper, 3DMAX are a solid team which could surprise even high-level opposition in this RMR and beyond. Having said that, Falcons’ experience should take them over the line in this particular matchup.
Pick: Falcons
