The PGL Major Copenhagen European RMR B stands as a monumental event in the esports arena, marking a critical pathway to the inaugural CS2 Major. Given Europe’s historical supremacy in Counter-Strike, there is a distinct sense of excitement surrounding this Regional Major Ranking (RMR) competition. It decides the fate of eight additional teams competing for the coveted slots in the next Major, serving as the second RMR in Europe. In this piece, we will explore the nuances of the RMR in great detail, providing insight into its competitive environment, teams to keep an eye on, its distinctive structure, and much more.
PGL Major Copenhagen European RMR B: The Battle Arena
Set against the backdrop of the PGL Studio in Bucharest, Romania, the RMR event showcases the grit and prowess of Europe’s elite. With 17 out of the 24 spots at the CS2 Major earmarked for Europe, the competition is nothing short of fierce. Teams like IEM Katowice 2024 champions Team Spirit, Team Vitality, MOUZ, ENCE, and Heroic are at the forefront, alongside formidable contenders like Astralis, Apeks, Cloud9, Monte, and GamerLegion.
Format and Progression
The event’s format, which consists of 33 matchups with five rounds of tough gameplay, is evidence of its severity. The majority of matches follow a best-of-one format, but the advancement and elimination games switch to a best-of-three structure, where the stakes are larger. With the Buchholz system in place starting in Round 3, the competition makes sure that the teams advance in an equitable and difficult manner.
The Prize Pool
Being able to qualify for the PGL Copenhagen Major is a highly sought-after feat, as the top 8 teams will go down in esports history. Beyond the glitz, the format of the competition—from the prize money to the championship brackets—lays out a precise route for the competing teams to follow in order to succeed and find atonement.
Round One Highlights
On Monday, February 19, the action began early with a set of matches that established the tournament’s intensity and skill level. With a 13-2 victory over GamerLegion on Nuke, Vitality made a powerful statement. MOUZ and Guild Eagles engaged in a fierce battle on Ancient, with MOUZ just emerging victorious, 16–14.
On Overpass, Team Spirit displayed their might with a perfect 13-0 win over ENCE, and on Anubis, ECSTATIC reversed Monte’s lead to win 13-9. Heroic, Apeks, Astralis, and Cloud9 all had strong campaign opening victories to set the stage for fierce rivalry.
Round Two Highlights
On the same day, the second round continued, bringing with it even more drama and upsets. In a reversal, ENCE defeated Guild Eagles 13–6 on Anubis, and GamerLegion defeated Pera similarly on Nuke. The intense rivalry between the teams was evident as OG lost to Preasy and Monte defeated Nexus.
Both MOUZ’s victory against ECSTATIC on Overpass and Cloud9’s close victory over Apeks were notable games that displayed tenacity and strategic gameplay. Highlights of the round included Vitality’s decisive victory over Heroic and Spirit’s close victory over Astralis on Vertigo, both of whom demonstrated their strength in the competition.
Round Three: An Important Day of Matches
Tuesday, February 20, was a day full with important games that decided the future of numerous teams. Following decisive victories over Vitality and Spirit, respectively, Cloud9 and MOUZ guaranteed their places in the Major. The teams had close games, with MOUZ defeating Spirit in two consecutive games and Cloud9 putting on a great show across three maps against Vitality.
Nexus and Pera were eliminated from the competition by Guild Eagles and Preasy, who also won their bouts. The teams’ tenacity and skill were demonstrated in these games, which raised hopes for the upcoming rounds.
The excitement and anticipation are only going to increase as we go forward because the remaining matches promise even more thrilling action and tactical gameplay.
Where to Watch
Through the official PGL YouTube and Twitch channels, fans from all around the world can get fully immersed in the action and make sure that no one misses this thrilling chapter of Counter-Strike history. For its international audience, the event offers extensive coverage, including twin feeds on specific matchdays.