Shanghai Major Elim Stage Day 3 – Matchups You Cannot Miss

As the dust settles on the first two days of the Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, two teams have punched their ticket to the Playoffs, while two others have been shown the way to the door. However, there is still plenty of Counter-Strike to be played, especially when four of the top five teams in the world are still fighting for their Major dreams. 

Starting today, all matches shift to the more definitive Best of 3 format, putting an end to the randomness of Best of 1s. If you’re looking to tune into the Shanghai Major broadcast, here are the three matches to look out for. 

G2 vs. FaZe Clan

It’s unfortunate that we’ll get the most anticipated matchup of the day in the earliest time slot, but this matchup between G2 and FaZe Clan forces you to adjust your schedule accordingly. G2 and FaZe Clan, two global powerhouses, square off in the 2 – 1 pool with a Playoff spot on the line.

G2, despite a shaky start with a surprising loss to The MongolZ, seems to have steadied the ship, as they have recovered their early misstep with clean victories over BIG and 3DMAX. In both games, the European mix didn’t make too many issues apparent, so I’m not too concerned about their form. NiKo looks like he’s hungry for his long-awaited Major win, but the rest of the squad needs to be right by his stead. 

It really brings a smile to my face seeing ropz finally performing in top shape again, as the Estonian propelled FaZe to a 13 – 10 victory against his former team by posting a stellar 1.33 rating. FaZe definitely looked more comfortable yesterday against a good opponent, as this team is known to ramp up as the tournament gets deeper and deeper. The boys are getting heated. 

Regardless of who wins, it is undeniable that either squad deserves a spot in the Playoffs, but the loser will be in very big trouble. Heading into the 2 – 2 pool would put any team in dire straits considering NAVI and Spirit or Heroic will lurk in close proximity.

Natus Vincere vs. GamerLegion

Though this isn’t the flashiest matchup on paper, it is still one I highly recommend watching. After being handed a humbling 2 – 13 defeat at the hands of Team Spirit, NAVI has found themselves in the 1 – 2 pool on the brink of elimination. 

For a team that entered the Major as a clear favorite to lift the trophy, NAVI’s precarious position is nothing short of a shock. Though I’ve been a b1t fan for the longest time, the performance he and w0nderful displayed in the series against Spirit – a combined total of 5 kills – was downright unacceptable. They need a good night’s rest to reset and rebound. 

Facing them is the young and hungry GamerLegion squad, a team with everything to prove. Despite being the underdog, the GamerLegion organization is no stranger to upsetting giants, as evidenced by their Cinderella run to the Paris Major final. But there’s a twist: one of their former stars from that dream run, iM, now stands on the other side.

For GamerLegion, this is a golden opportunity to deal the finishing blow while NAVI is vulnerable. For NAVI, it’s a test of resilience and experience.

Team Spirit vs. Heroic

To end Day 3 of the Shanghai Major Elimination stage on a high note, we have a qualification series between Team Spirit and Heroic. I have a good feeling we’re in for a ride. 

Team Spirit has been on a tear since their opening-day stumble and has been shaping up to be a serious candidate to win the entire event. A 13 – 6 win against Wildcard before serving humiliation NAVI by only conceding two rounds, I think donk and sh1ro want their Major titles NOW. 

Heroic, however, is no pushover team. The squad was the first team to put a scratch on The MongolZ’s shining armor, nearly taking the series if it weren’t for a choke in overtime. Though I know NertZ and degster have the potential to match Team Spirit’s iconic duo in firepower, we’ll need the entire Heroic squad to step up if they want to turn the tide.

I still think Team Spirit should take the game without too many issues, but Heroic still has a decent chance to upset if their players are performing well, or if Team Spirit is having an off-game. 

Day 3 of the Shanghai Major Elimination stage will promise redemption and high-stakes Counter-Strike, which is what we’re all here for. Whichever game you decide to tune in for, just know you’re in for some serious action.