Top CS2 Stars Missing Shanghai Major

Biggest Names Absent from CS2 Shanghai Major 2024

The Counter-Strike 2 competitive calendar is reaching its climax with the Perfect World Shanghai Major, set to kick off on November 30. As 24 of the best teams gather in Shanghai for this monumental event, the absences of some of Counter-Strike's most renowned players and squads loom large. While this Major promises thrilling matchups, the lack of certain familiar faces highlights the unforgiving nature of competitive CS2.

Falcons Falter with s1mple and dupreeh

One of the most glaring absences is Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev, widely regarded as one of the best players in Counter-Strike history. Representing Team Falcons, s1mple failed to guide his squad through the EU RMR, ending their campaign with a disappointing 1-2 loss to GamerLegion. This marked the end of an underwhelming chapter for Falcons, a team that struggled despite acquiring s1mple on loan from Na'Vi. Their early exits in tournaments like the ESL Challenger Katowice further underscored their inconsistency.

Adding to Falcons’ woes is the absence of Peter "dupreeh" Rasmussen, the only player to have attended every CS:GO Major. His streak ended here, as Falcons couldn’t find the form to secure a spot in Shanghai. With rumors of the organization reshuffling, potentially bringing in Nikola "NiKo" Kovač to boost their roster, the future for both s1mple and dupreeh remains uncertain as they await new opportunities post-Major.

Astralis’ Major Drought Continues Astralis, once a juggernaut in the Counter-Strike scene, will miss its fourth consecutive Major. Their journey ended prematurely at the EU RMR B stage, hindered by the absence of Nicolai "device" Reedtz. The team’s reliance on substitute Alexander "br0" Bro didn’t yield the desired results, and early losses to 9Pandas and Sashi Esport set a steep uphill battle they couldn’t overcome.

Despite the setback, optimism remains within Astralis’ camp, particularly around device’s potential when he returns. Yet, questions linger about how much longer the organization can invest in a roster that repeatedly falls short of the mark.

ENCE Falls Short of Expectations

Once an underdog story in Counter-Strike, ENCE now finds itself struggling to stay relevant. The Finnish-backed organization couldn’t even reach the RMR stage, succumbing to lesser-ranked teams like KOI and UNiTY. This marks a significant fall from grace for a squad that had previously thrived in tier-one tournaments.

However, all is not lost for ENCE. Their victory over HEROIC at the Elisa Masters Espoo offers a glimmer of hope for the future. With the right adjustments, they might find themselves climbing back into contention in the 2025 calendar.

Eternal Fire’s Ups and Downs

Eternal Fire, the Turkish squad led by legendary rifler İsmailcan "XANTARES" Dörtkardeş, has been a rollercoaster throughout 2024. Despite their talent, consistency remains an issue. The team’s inability to capitalize on momentum was evident in their RMR campaign, where they fell to lower-ranked squads like Sashi and Astralis. This unpredictability makes them an enigma in the CS2 scene, capable of both stunning victories and unexpected exits. Eternal Fire still rely on legendary rifler İsmailcan 'XANTARES' Dörtkardeş, especially when competing on LAN, to boost their chances of success.

TYLOO’s Missed Opportunity

As one of China’s most iconic Counter-Strike teams, TYLOO had high hopes of representing their home crowd at the Shanghai Major. While their domestic dominance was evident, their inability to secure Valve ranking points forced them into the grueling RMR qualifier. A heartbreaking loss to Rare Atom in the final match sealed their fate, continuing TYLOO’s struggle to regain international relevance. The departure of Yang "JamYoung" Yi to VALORANT further complicates their rebuild.

A Major Without Familiar Faces

The Shanghai Major promises to be a spectacle, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the relentless nature of competitive CS2. Even the most talented players and storied organizations can falter in the face of stiff competition. While the likes of s1mple, device, and dupreeh will be missed, their absences open the door for fresh talent to shine and for lesser-known teams to make their mark, boosting the competitive scene.

In a game as dynamic as Counter-Strike, the road to success is never guaranteed. The setbacks faced by these big names are a testament to the ever-evolving nature of esports, where no rank or legacy ensures victory. For these players and teams, 2025 offers a new opportunity to regroup, refocus, and reignite their competitive spirit. Until then, the Shanghai Major will proceed without them, but their influence on the game remains undeniable.

 

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