The Best teams to Qualify for the Perfect World Shanghai Major via Americas RMR

The Perfect World Shanghai Major American RMR, starting November 12 (to the 15th), will see teams vie for 7 qualification spots for the main event in Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center.

With sixteen teams taking part in the qualifier, it will be a spectacular showdown considering the level of play in the region, with the Brazilian teams taking a jab at North America's most prominent lineups including Team Liquid and FURIA Esports.

While some teams stand out as clear contenders, the others will have to fight blood sweat and tears to clinch their spots in the Major. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders most likely to book their spot in Shanghai over this 4 day period.

The RMR Favorites

Team Liquid

Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken will look to patch things up and put behind the devastating RMR run for the PGL Copenhagen Major under Casper "cadiaN" Møller’s leadership. Ever since taking over the in-game leader role, Team Liquid managed to find some potential with playoff appearances at ESL Pro League Season 20 and BLAST Premier: Fall Final.

Although they’re yet to outclass the giants of Europe, their record against American teams is as consistent as clockwork. These results came after successfully signing an underground AWPer who shone with incredible performances that put him on the spotlight.

Roland "ultimate" Tomkowiak, without any tier one experience, took on the challenge to bring back North America’s glory alongside the team’s longest standing member, Keith "NAF" Markovic. Together, the duo managed a few upsets including Natus Vincere and Team Spirit at the BLAST Premier: Fall Final.

Team Liquid are yet to become a title contending team, but with such a renewed lineup, they’re expected to pass the RMR test with flying colors.

FURIA Esports

The number one team in Valve’s regional ranking, FURIA Esports, should breeze through competition in Shanghai. The team’s latest results on home soil in Rio is the best indicator on how much the Brazilians progressed over the last few months, ever since overhauling the coaching staff.

During IEM Rio, FURIA defeated FaZe Clan, MOUZ and Natus Vincere to reach the semi finals. With momentum on their side Gabriel "FalleN" Toledo’s men stand a notch above the rest in this RMR with Kaike "KSCERATO" Cerato and Yuri "yuurih" Boian firing on all cylinders.

Apart from Team Liquid, FURIA’s last defeat against any team from the region was back in April against 9z at Global Esports Tour Rio de Janeiro 2024, making them one of the favorite teams to qualify.

Complexity

Complexity is a tough nut to crack, as despite fielding some of the best North American talents, they always fall short of expectations on the biggest stages. Signing Jonathan "EliGE" Jablonowski gave them enough firepower to have a breakthrough for a short time before fading away from the spotlight.

Taking into account the players’ time with the team, a change might be inevitable after the Major. However, despite their lackluster performances internationally, they’re still one of the best teams from the region and are expected to reach the opening stage of the Major.

M80

M80 has built the reputation of being one of North America’s most prominent teams after entering the scene with bright talent including G2’s current rifler, Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa and Michael "Swisher" Schmid. They became a familiar face on the international stage after dominating multiple NA qualifiers, notably ESL Challenger League. This was after they won three consecutive seasons to secure their spot in ESL Pro League Season 19, 20 and 21.

Even if winning a title remains an ambition, M80 is on the right track after reaching the quarter final of EPL season 20. Considering their dominance in regional qualifiers, the organization’s first Major appearance might be realized in Shanghai.

The Brazilian Force in the RMR

paiN Gaming

The ESL Challenger League Season 48: South America winners are one of Brazil’s prides with their success ever since reaching the top eight at IEM Cologne.

The team continued their upward trajectory with an applaudable semi final appearance where they lost to Eternal Fire. Despite their last place finish in Rio, they quickly got back to the swing of it at the ESL Challenger Katowice with another playoff appearance.

Powered by Rodrigo "biguzera" Bittencourt’s in-game leading and João "snow" Vinicius’s young talent, paiN’s regional record has been squeaky clean, making their qualification bound to happen.

MIBR

MIBR were in the spotlight after their historic run at ESL Pro League Season 20 where they reached the semi finals. However, paiN remains their kryptonite in the region, having lost to them on three separate occasions.

Except for ESL Pro League, their overall performance was mediocre, regardless of having some of Brazil’s best talents in Rafael "saffee" Costa and Felipe "insani" Yuji. For that, MIBR is more likely to qualify from the 3-2 pool, opposite to paiN who we expect to lose only one match.

Imperial

While the team has faced its share of challenges over the past year, they’ve shown that they are more than capable of handling the pressure when it matters most. Imperial’s recent qualification runs and solid performances against some of the top teams from the region make them one to watch in this RMR.

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