Review of the penultimate day of Opening Stage PGL Major 2024

Well, the Opening stage is almost coming to an end, and today we have the final matches of this phase ahead of us. To put it bluntly, the teams that were expected to deliver some remarkable gameplay didn’t live up to those expectations. Of course, we’re referring to ENCE and Apeks, who were eliminated after yesterday’s matches, but let’s go in order. As we mentioned before, the major news of yesterday was the elimination of two favorites of this stage and among the highest-rated teams in the Opening phase. For teams of such caliber, their defeats were truly a huge disappointment. ENCE, known for their strong performances in previous tournaments, failed to showcase their true potential in this stage. Fans and analysts alike had high hopes for their gameplay, but unfortunately, they fell short. Similarly, Apeks, another team with a promising track record, couldn’t meet the expectations placed upon them.

The outcome of these matches serves as a reminder that in competitive gaming, anything can happen. Even the most skilled and respected teams can have off-days or face unexpected challenges. It’s a testament to the unpredictable nature of esports, where underdogs can rise and favorites can stumble. However, despite the disappointment surrounding these eliminations, it’s important to acknowledge the efforts and achievements of the remaining teams. They have demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and exceptional gameplay to secure their spots in the next stage. The competition will surely intensify as we move forward, and fans can look forward to thrilling matchups and captivating performances. As the Opening stage concludes, we bid farewell to ENCE and Apeks, thanking them for their participation and wishing them better luck in future competitions. It’s a reminder that in the world of esports, success is often accompanied by setbacks, and teams must continuously strive for improvement and growth. Now, all eyes are on the upcoming matches as the tournament progresses to the next phase. Excitement is building, and fans eagerly await the unfolding of the competitive drama that lies ahead.

gla1ve was unable to complete the task

When the new ENCE lineup was initially announced, the community didn’t take it seriously, as the roster seemed underwhelming. The team had undergone significant changes, bringing in new players and replacing some key members. This led to doubts and skepticism among fans and analysts alike. However, ENCE was determined to prove the doubters wrong and show that they were a force to be reckoned with. Despite the negative feedback, the team exceeded expectations at IEM Katowice and the European RMR, two prestigious tournaments in the Counter-Strike competitive scene. They showcased impressive performances, defeating top-tier teams and making deep runs in the tournaments. It was a statement of their capabilities and a clear message that they deserved to be taken seriously. ENCE’s success during these events was a morale boost for the team and their fans.

It seemed like they had found the right formula, with the new lineup clicking and delivering exceptional gameplay. They displayed strong teamwork, individual skill, and tactical prowess that caught the attention of the CS2 community. The team’s synergy and coordination were evident in their matches, and they seemed to be on an upward trajectory. However, their recent success turned out to be short-lived. The team faced challenges and struggles in subsequent tournaments and events. The flaws and weaknesses that were previously overshadowed became more apparent. The results did not live up to the initial hype, and ENCE found themselves facing setbacks and disappointments. One notable event that highlighted their struggles was the Elimination stage. ENCE’s failure to advance in this critical phase of the tournament was a significant blow to their aspirations.

Despite their previous successes, they couldn’t replicate their earlier performances and secure the victories needed to progress further. In the opening matches of the Elimination stage, ENCE experienced a series of defeats against formidable opponents. The team faced Imperial on the map Anubis, where they narrowly lost with a score of 22-19. It was a closely contested match, but ENCE fell short in the end. They showed resilience in their next match against KOI, managing to secure a victory in overtime. However, with a 1-1 score, it was not enough to solidify their position. The following day, ENCE encountered paiN Gaming, another Brazilian team that many underestimated. The pick/ban phase saw some banter between gla1ve and biguzera, the captain of paiN Gaming. However, the tables quickly turned as paiN Gaming dominated ENCE with a resounding 13-3 victory. It was a stunning result that left ENCE on the brink of elimination. To make matters worse, ENCE’s fate was sealed in their match against FURIA, yet another Brazilian powerhouse. Out of the four matches ENCE played in the Elimination stage, three of them were against Latin American representatives. FURIA proved to be a formidable opponent, and ENCE couldn’t overcome the challenge. FURIA outperformed them on Mirage and Ancient, securing victories with scores of 13-8 and 13-9, respectively. ENCE’s elimination from the tournament left a bitter aftertaste for the team and their fans. The performance of individual players was underwhelming, and the team as a whole struggled to find their rhythm. dycha, who had shown promise in previous matches, had a particularly disappointing performance, recording his lowest rating in tournament history.

The disappointing outcome for ENCE serves as a reminder that success in esports is not guaranteed, and teams must continuously strive to improve and adapt. The competitive landscape is ever-evolving, and even the most talented teams can face setbacks and challenges. It’s crucial to maintain resilience and learn from these experiences to come back stronger in future competitions. As ENCE’s journey in this tournament comes to an end, it’s important to acknowledge their efforts and the hard work they put into their performances. While they fell short of expectations in the Elimination stage, their earlier achievements should not be overlooked. They proved that they have the potential to compete at the highest level and can be a force to be reckoned with in the future. As the CS2 scene continues to evolve, fans can look forward to more intense competitions and captivating matchups. The next tournament will be an opportunity for ENCE to regroup, analyze their performances, and make the necessary adjustments to bounce back stronger. It’s a constant cycle of improvement and growth that teams must go through to stay competitive in the ever-changing landscape of professional gaming.

Apeks collapse

The team that has long been in the lower ranks and did not aspire to the Tier-1 stage has made a bright entry into the upper echelons of Counter-Strike after their impressive performance at the Major in Paris, where they finished in 3rd-4th place. Since then, the team has lost a couple of its players, with kyxsan and jL being bought out by Heroic and Na’Vi, respectively. Nevertheless, the roster has found worthy replacements and has shown promise, qualifying from the European RMR with a score of 3-1. Starting their journey from the Opening stage, Apeks held the 14th position in the world rankings, which is a very strong indicator. The first day of competition concluded with a 1-1 score for the team, but it all began with their unexpected loss to paiN Gaming with a score of 8-13. Although it was not an easy game, Apeks recovered and won their second match against the team AMKAL with a score of 16-13 on the map Overpass. The newly appointed captain, sense, who is the youngest member of the team, struggled to cope with such pressure, and his first mistakes in managing the lineup became apparent. Against Imperial, a team that was considered significantly weaker than Apeks on paper, the 20-year-old player could only secure five kills in 20 rounds, resulting in a crushing 7-13 defeat for Apeks. Thus, the team was just one loss away from being eliminated from the Major.

And when fate brought the guys together with the Legacy team, represented by coldzera, things didn’t seem so bad for Apeks. This opponent was only ranked 35th in the world, and they had a good chance of winning. Apeks were not supposed to lose, but they did, and it was an unequivocal defeat. On their map, Ancient, Apeks couldn’t find their “anchor point” on the Terrorist side, winning only three rounds in the first half. The advantage was too great for the Brazilian team, making it easy for them to close out the map with a score of 13-7 and put Apeks on the brink of elimination. The next map was Inferno, chosen by Legacy. After trailing by two rounds (2-4), Apeks won five rounds in a row, finally winning the half 7-5. However, Legacy responded more convincingly after the side switch, winning eight consecutive rounds as Counter-Terrorists to once again claim the map victory (13-7). The second half of the last map perfectly exemplified Apeks’ performance in this Major. Like ENCE, Apeks suffered a similar fate, as all three of their defeats were inflicted by Brazilian teams. The Brazilian teams, except for FURIA, were not considered clear contenders for advancing to the next stage of the tournament. However, in reality, the favorites delivered their worst performance in CS. Can they still be called favorites in such a case? Considering the elimination of these teams, most likely not.

Results of the day

Let’s continue discussing the other matches at the tournament. The Furia team, despite their shaky start, has been making a strong comeback and striving to regain the trust of their fans. After facing a 0-2 deficit, they have now won their second consecutive match and are set to play the deciding match today. However, if they were to lose, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise considering their initial struggles. On the other hand, the team Ecstatic has quietly progressed to the next stage, bypassing opponents with more renowned names. Nevertheless, there are doubts about whether they have the necessary strength and skill to compete against the top-tier teams in the upcoming matches. In another match determining the progression to the next stage, the Turkish team EternalFire faced off against GamerLegion. Initially, EternalFire was expected to secure their spot in the next stage earlier, but they only managed to do so yesterday. On the other hand, GamerLegion continues to impress with their performance in Copenhagen. Despite facing potential roster changes, the team is displaying a remarkable “Last Dance” and making a strong push to advance further. We sincerely wish them the best of luck in their endeavors.

The ongoing tournament has been full of surprises and unexpected outcomes, showcasing the competitive nature of Counter-Strike. It serves as a reminder that in esports, anything can happen, and underdogs have the potential to rise to the occasion and challenge established powerhouses. As the tournament progresses, we eagerly anticipate witnessing more intense matches, incredible plays, and the emergence of new breakout stars. The competitive CS2 scene continues to evolve, and each event brings forth its own set of narratives and storylines that captivate fans worldwide. With the culmination of the tournament approaching, the stakes are higher than ever for the remaining teams. They will need to showcase their skills, adaptability, and mental fortitude to overcome challenges and secure victories. The road to the championship is filled with obstacles, but it also presents an opportunity for teams to etch their names in CS2 history. As fans, we can only sit back, enjoy the thrilling matches, and support our favorite teams as they battle it out on the virtual battlefield. The world of esports is constantly evolving, and each tournament marks a significant chapter in its ever-growing legacy.