TL;DR
- The MongolZ and Virtus.pro projected as 3-0 teams based on 2024 dominance
- Six advancing teams identified with detailed performance breakdowns
- Rare Atom and Imperial expected to go 0-3 due to regional disparities
- Strategic timing and risk management essential for platinum coin success
- Regional performance trends and roster stability crucial for accurate predictions

The Shanghai Major brings another opportunity for strategic pick’em selections, and our analysis provides the clearest path to identifying advancing teams.
Our proven track record includes delivering platinum coin results at both the Stockholm and Antwerp Majors through comprehensive data analysis and expert insights. We’ve synthesized community predictions with deep statistical evaluation to create this definitive guide.
What separates our approach is the integration of recent tournament performance data, roster stability metrics, and regional strength indicators that most analysts overlook.
Group Stage Predictions and Analysis
The opening stage presents clear opportunities for strategic selections, with The MongolZ and Virtus.pro emerging as the strongest candidates for undefeated runs.
Undefeated Teams (3-0)
The MongolZ has dominated 2024 with multiple championship appearances, including their Thunderpick World Championship victory over Heroic. Their current form suggests they’re operating at elimination-stage caliber already.

Virtus.pro secures the second 3-0 position despite competition from Liquid, Complexity, and Furia. Historical data shows North American teams often struggle in early major stages, making VP the statistically sound choice.
Advancing Squads Breakdown
Our analysis identifies six teams with the highest advancement probability:
- Furia
- Team Liquid
- Complexity
- Cloud9
- paiN Gaming
- Passion UA
While Furia, Liquid, Complexity, and Cloud9 represent established contenders, paiN Gaming and Passion UA deserve special attention.
paiN Gaming maintains top-three status in the American region despite occasional inconsistencies. Their recent ESL Challenger Season 48 championship demonstrates recovery capability from earlier setbacks.

Passion UA represents our boldest prediction, backed by their dominant RMR performance including a 2-0 victory over Astralis. Their map wins against elite teams indicate tournament-ready potential.
Alternative Picks to Consider
For those seeking diversification, German organization BIG, Brazilian lineup MiBR, and Fnatic under blameF’s leadership offer viable alternatives. Community favorites may also consider Wildcard for influencer associations.
Identifying 0-3 Contenders
Rare Atom and Imperial emerge as the most likely candidates for winless group stage performances.
Regional Performance Analysis
Rare Atom benefits from home crowd support but faces significant competitive disadvantages. Their RMR path avoided top regional competitors, creating an artificially inflated qualification record.

Chinese Counter-Strike continues to lag behind other regions in tactical development and individual skill ceiling.
Roster Stability Factors
Imperial’s organizational instability has prevented the roster cohesion necessary for major success. Their qualification relied more on opponent underperformance than demonstrated skill.
The South American squad dropped matches against regional peers and secured placement through favorable matchups rather than dominant performances.
Advanced Pick’em Strategy Guide
Timing Your Picks
Wait until after the first match day before finalizing all selections. Early results provide crucial data about current form that pre-tournament analysis cannot capture.
Risk Management
Diversify your predictions across regions rather than concentrating on familiar teams. This approach balances safety picks with calculated risks.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Never base selections solely on historical reputation – current roster form and recent match performance provide more reliable indicators.
Optimization for Advanced Players
For those pursuing platinum coins, allocate 70% of picks to statistically proven teams and 30% to calculated risks like Passion UA.
Monitor practice server activity and scrimmage results during the tournament for last-minute adjustments.
Action Checklist
- Secure 3-0 picks for The MongolZ and Virtus.pro immediately
- Wait for Day 1 results before locking advancing team selections
- Designate Rare Atom and Imperial as 0-3 predictions
- Balance picks with 2-3 alternative teams for contingency
- Monitor scrimmage reports for last-minute adjustments
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