The second stage of the Shanghai Major has begun. We now have sixteen best CS2 teams in the world competing against each other, and the format when the first two rounds are Best of 1 brings lots of surprises.

Although Na'Vi and G2 Esports are considered favourites of the event, they won't finish 3-0 as they have already lost one match each. G2 fell off to The MongolZ, and that is not that surprising, considering that the Asian representative only recently swept out the Opening Stage. However, Natus Vincere losing to MiBR was quite a shocker. Both The MongolZ and MiBR have chances to finish the Elimination Stage tomorrow; they just need to win their respective matches.

shanghai major swissImage: x.com

On the other side of the standings, there are also surprises. Many predicted MiBR to finish 0-3, but now they are 2-0, and lots of pick' ems are really ruined. However, Wildcard Gaming, co-owned by Amouranth, had a bad day according to the plans of many viewers. It was a popular pick for 0-3, and now they are only one loss away from the elimination. To be honest, just being in the top 16 is a great accomplishment for the club, and playing in the second stage of the Shanghai Major is just a pleasant bonus.

On Friday, we will know two teams who will make it to the playoffs, as well as two eliminated teams.

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