FACEIT Major Playoffs Stage participants revealed

Counter-Strike
September 18, 2018
Ollie Green

After two weeks of neck and neck matches, the initial 24 teams that entered the FACEIT London Major have been whittled down to just eight. These remaining teams will now face up against each other in the playoffs over this weekend for a chance at the $500,000 first place prize.

Here is a look at the eight remaining teams, the first quarterfinal matchups, and the upcoming match schedule for the playoffs.

FACEIT Major new champions stage schedule

First, here is a quick look at the remaining teams taking part in the playoffs:

  • MIBR
  • compLexity
  • BIG
  • NaVi
  • Team Liquid
  • HellRaisers
  • Astralis
  • FaZe

Many of these teams are expected, but there are some notable surprises. BIG has performed better than expected, as well as HellRaisers. The most surprising team to make it to the playoffs is without a doubt compLexity – a team that has struggled to truly make a name for themselves on international soil before this event.

faceit-major-playoffs-team-huddle

© compLexity | FACEIT

This event showcased a compLexity we haven’t seen before. compLexity weren’t playing games, and it showed early after they went 3-1 in the New Challengers Stage. They then outdid themselves in the New Legends Stage by going 3-0. They even beat teams like Fnatic and G2.

Whilst it wasn’t a surprise to see TeamLiquid get into the playoffs, they were the only team to get a clean sheet, going 3-0 in both the New Challengers and New Legends stage.

Whilst Cloud9 fell out in the New Legends Stage, this is undoubtedly the strongest we’ve seen North American teams perhaps since the beginning of competitive CS:GO.

Astralis also looked strong like usual, going 3-1 in both the New Challengers and New Legends stages. NaVi also looked strong, although we only got to see them play in the New Legends Stage due to them being Legends after competing in the last Major.

The remainder of the teams had a bit more of a challenge to fight their way to the playoffs, losing multiple games in both the New Legends and New Challengers Stage.

What’s also very exciting about this playoffs lineup is that it’s the first time British players have made it into a CS:GO Major playoffs stage. Not one, but two British players made it – Smooya on BIG and Dephh on compLexity. It’s certainly fitting seeing as these players will be competing in the playoffs on home soil in London.

faceit-major-playoffs-stage

© FACEIT | Valve Corporation

Here is a look at the first matchups and their scheduled time.

  • BIG vs NaVi – Sep 20 – 15:15 BST
  • compLexity vs MIBR – Sep 20 – 18:45 BST
  • Liquid vs HellRaisers – Sep 21 – 16:15 BST
  • Astralis vs FaZe – Sep 21 – 19:45 BST

Once these games are over, the winners will move on to the semifinals. The first semifinal game will go live at 16:15 BST on September 22. The second semifinal will play after at 19:45 BST.

Finally, the Grand Final will take place on September 23 at 18:10 BST.

All games during the playoff stage will be best of three, including the Grand Final.

Are you excited for the upcoming FACEIT Major playoffs stage? Which team will you be rooting for this weekend?

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