Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024: European RMR A Recap
The first European qualifying event for the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 has concluded, marking a significant milestone for one of Counter-Strike’s most competitive regions. This RMR (Regional Major Ranking) tournament, the most successful of the three qualifiers so far, saw a major headline: CS legend s1mple failed to qualify for yet another Major.
The competition featured 16 top European teams vying for seven slots at the inaugural Counter-Strike 2 Major in China. The top four advanced to the Elimination Stage, while the next three secured spots in the Opening Stage.
Key Viewership and Match Highlights
The European RMR A peaked at 357.8K viewers during the Round 2 High Match between FaZe Clan and Team Falcons. Despite having s1mple on their roster, Team Falcons managed just one win in four matches, finishing 13th and missing out on the Major.
This marks the second consecutive CS2 Major s1mple will miss, following his absence from the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024. Shortly after, he confirmed he would part ways with the Saudi-backed esports organization after his current loan period ends.
Top Teams and Players
- MOUZ and Team Vitality secured flawless 3:0 records to lead the qualifiers.
- Natus Vincere (s1mple’s parent team) finished fourth, earning a spot in Shanghai with a 3:1 record.
- Other qualifiers include Cloud9, Fnatic, GamerLegion, and FaZe Clan.
s1mple’s presence helped Team Falcons’ matches dominate viewership, contributing to 6.4M hours watched and an average of 131.7K viewers across 49 hours of broadcast.
Language and Platform Stats
Russian and English viewership stats were nearly identical, each contributing over 39% of the total hours watched. However, Russian streams edged out slightly in popularity, with two Counter-Strike streamers ranking among the top three most-watched channels. Over 100 channels streamed the event across five platforms.
Comparisons and Looking Ahead
This RMR ranks as the fifth most popular European qualifier, trailing behind events like the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024: European RMR B, which set several language viewership records.
Attention now shifts to the European RMR B, which began on November 21. Teams like BIG, G2 Esports, and 3DMAX remain unbeaten after the first day. Esports Charts plans to release a detailed analysis of RMR performance trends once the event concludes, available through their PRO subscription.
This RMR reaffirmed Europe’s dominance in Counter-Strike, with its teams and players continuing to set the stage for global competition at the Shanghai Major.