Overview
What is the CS2 PGL Copenhagen Major?
The CS2 PGL Copenhagen Major is a prestigious Counter-Strike tournament held in Copenhagen, Denmark, at the Royal Arena from March 17 to 31, 2024. This event marks the first Major Championship for Counter-Strike 2 and the twentieth overall in the Counter-Strike series. With a substantial prize pool of $1,250,000, it is a significant event in the esports world. Hosted by Liquipedia Counter-Strike Wiki, a leading source of Counter-Strike esports information, the tournament featured twenty-four teams that qualified through regional qualifiers.
Qualifying for the CS2 PGL Copenhagen Major
The path to the CS2 PGL Copenhagen Major was shaped by a series of Regional Major Ranking (RMR) events held across three key regions: Europe, the Americas, and Asia. This qualification process was crucial for determining which teams would make it to the prestigious Major, held in Copenhagen from March 17 to 31, 2024.
RMR Events and Qualification Structure
The qualification process for the CS2 PGL Copenhagen Major was structured differently from previous Majors. Instead of relying solely on teams’ performance in RMRs for seeding, Valve introduced a new approach, distributing a number of Opening Stage and Elimination Stage spots based on regional standings. This shift aimed to balance representation across regions and reward consistent performance in regional rankings.
European RMRs
The European RMRs were held in Bucharest, Romania, from February 14 to 24, 2024. There were two sections to the events:
- RMR A: February 14 to 17
- RMR B: February 19 to 22
Following these events, a Last Chance Qualifier took place from February 23 to 24. Seven teams from the European RMRs, based on their performance and Valve’s regional standings, earned direct berths to the Elimination Stage of the Major. This allocation was influenced by how many teams from each region advanced from the Challengers Stage to the Legends Stage at the Paris 2023 Major.
Asian RMRs
The Asian RMRs were held in Shanghai, China, from February 26 to 28, 2024. This event was crucial for Asian teams vying for a spot in the Major, with top-performing teams securing their places based on their performance in the RMR.
Americas RMRs
The Americas RMRs took place in Monterrey, Mexico, from March 1 to 4, 2024. In this event, one team from the Americas qualified directly to the Elimination Stage, reflecting the region’s overall performance and its representation in the Major.
Teams
Top Teams to Watch
The CS2 PGL Copenhagen Major, held from March 17 to 31, 2024, is set to be a spectacular showcase of Counter-Strike talent, with a prize pool of $1,250,000 up for grabs. As the first Major Championship for Counter-Strike 2 and the twentieth in the series, this tournament is highly anticipated by fans and players alike. Here’s a look at some of the top teams to keep an eye on during this prestigious event.
European Powerhouses
- Natus Vincere (Na’Vi): As the champions of the previous Major, Natus Vincere is a formidable contender. Known for their strategic depth and star players, they are expected to make a strong showing in Copenhagen.
- FaZe Clan: A team with a rich history in Counter-Strike, FaZe Clan is always a top contender. Their roster is packed with skilled players capable of turning the tide in high-pressure situations.
- G2 Esports: With a reputation for aggressive play and exceptional skill, G2 Esports is a team that fans should watch closely. Their ability to adapt and innovate makes them a serious threat in any match.
- Heroic: Known for their disciplined approach and strong team coordination, Heroic is a team that can challenge any opponent. Their performance in previous tournaments suggests they will be a key player in this Major.
- Eternal Fire: This team has been making waves in recent tournaments and is poised to show their prowess on the Major stage. Their dynamic playstyle and determination could see them advance far.
- Team Vitality: With a roster filled with talented players and a track record of strong performances, Team Vitality is another team to watch. Their strategic gameplay and high skill level make them a formidable opponent.
Rising Teams
- Cloud9: Known for its innovative strategies and skilled lineup, Cloud9 is a team that has been on the rise. Their performance in the RMR tournaments has earned them a spot in the Major, and they’ll be looking to make a significant impact.
- Movistar KOI: This team has shown consistent improvement and could surprise many with their performance. Their solid strategies and team synergy will be crucial in the Major.
- ENCE: With a focus on tactical play and teamwork, ENCE has been a strong competitor in recent tournaments. Their ability to execute complex strategies will be key to their success.
- Complexity Gaming: From the Americas, Complexity Gaming has demonstrated its potential in the RMR events. Their strategic approach and skillful gameplay could make them a team to watch in the Major.
Other Contenders
- Virtus. pro: A team with a long-standing history in Counter-Strike, Virtus. pro brings experience and tactical depth. They are known for their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
- The Mongolz: From Asia, The Mongolz are a rising force in the Counter-Strike scene. Their aggressive playstyle and rapid adaptation make them a team to keep an eye on.
- FURIA Esports: Representing the Americas, FURIA Esports is known for its fast-paced and aggressive gameplay. Their ability to disrupt opponents’ strategies will be crucial in the Major.
Tournament Format
The CS2 PGL Copenhagen Major features an exciting and strategic tournament format, reflecting the evolution of competitive Counter-Strike. Announced on November 4, 2023, Valve introduced new stage names, renaming the traditional Challengers Stage, Legends Stage, and Champions Stage to the “Opening Stage,” “Elimination Stage,” and “Playoffs Stage,” respectively.
Opening Stage
The Opening Stage kicks off the Major with twenty-four qualified teams. These teams are split into two groups, competing in a round-robin format. During this stage, all matches are played in a best-of-one format, except for progression or elimination matches, which are best-of-three. The top eight teams from this stage advance to the Elimination Stage, while the remaining teams are eliminated. This stage is crucial as it determines which teams will move forward in the tournament and showcases early contenders and potential upsets.
Elimination Stage
In the Elimination Stage, sixteen teams compete, consisting of the eight top teams from the Opening Stage and eight teams that qualified directly through the Regional Major Ranking (RMR) events. This stage features a mix of best-of-one and best-of-three matches, with only the top eight teams advancing to the final playoff stage. The Elimination Stage is designed to test the teams’ consistency and adaptability, as they must navigate through various opponents to secure their place in the playoffs.
Playoffs Stage
The Playoffs Stage is where the tournament reaches its climax. The top eight teams from the Elimination Stage compete in a single-elimination format, with all matches played as best-of-three. This stage is high-stakes and intense, as teams face off in direct elimination matches with the ultimate goal of being crowned champion. The Playoffs Stage tests teams’ skills, strategies, and resilience, making it the most thrilling part of the tournament.
Key Features
- Best-of-One and Best-of-Three Formats: In the Opening and Elimination stages, most matches are best-of-one, while crucial progression and elimination matches are best-of-three. The Playoffs Stage, however, features all matches as best-of-three, ensuring that teams have ample opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in high-pressure situations.
- New 12-Round Halves: This Major is the first to utilize Counter-Strike 2’s new 12-round halves, adding a fresh twist to the gameplay and strategy.
Schedule and Results
Opening Stage (March 17 – March 20, 2024)
The Opening Stage kicked off the Major with intense matches among the twenty-four qualified teams. This stage, held from March 17 to March 20, saw teams competing in a round-robin format to secure their spot in the next phase. The teams that advanced to the Elimination Stage were:
- HEROIC
- Cloud9
- Eternal Fire
- ECSTATIC
- paiN
- Imperial
- TheMongolz
- FURIA
Elimination Stage (March 21 – March 24, 2024)
Following the Opening Stage, the Elimination Stage took place from March 21 to March 24. In this phase, the eight teams that had progressed from the Opening Stage faced off against eight teams that had qualified directly through the Regional Major Ranking (RMR) events. The teams that advanced to the Playoffs Stage were:
- Spirit
- MOUZ
- Eternal Fire
- Cloud9
- Vitality
- Natus Vincere
- G2
- FaZe
Playoffs Stage (March 28 – March 31, 2024)
The Playoffs Stage, the final and most anticipated segment of the Major, was held from March 28 to March 31. This stage featured the top eight teams competing in a single-elimination format to determine the champion. The final standings were as follows:
- Natus Vincere
- FaZe Clan
- G2 Esports
- Team Vitality
- MOUZ
Conclusion
The CS2 PGL Copenhagen Major is set to be a premier esports event, showcasing top teams from around the globe vying for a share of the $1,250,000 prize pool. This major tournament will be a celebration of gaming and esports, drawing fans from all corners of the world. With a packed schedule and multiple matches each day, the Major promises intense competition and thrilling gameplay. As teams battle for advancement to the playoffs and the ultimate championship title, the event will undoubtedly make a significant impact in the esports world, capturing the attention and excitement of fans everywhere.
