Imperial best GamerLegion to reach Elimination Stage

Imperial join their compatriots of paiN in the second stage of the Major.

Imperial underwent an arduous campaign through the Opening Stage of PGL Major Copenhagen, enduring three BO1s, including two overtime affairs, and two close BO3s. In the end, the Brazilian side was able to clear the final hurdle they faced, moving past GamerLegion in a hectic three-map affair to move on to the Elimination Stage.

Imperial's victory over GamerLegion confirms that the Americas will receive, at the very least, a sixth spot at the upcoming Perfect World Shanghai Major at the end of the year, rewarding the region for Imperial and paiN's success.

Vinicius "⁠VINI⁠" Figueiredo, the sole remaining member from Imperial's last Major appearance, a dreadful 0-3 showing at IEM Rio Major, has revitalized Imperial's fortunes, leading a new set of faces to bring the Brazilian organization its first Legends/Elimination Stage appearance since PGL Major Antwerp almost two years ago.

The all-important series kicked off on GamerLegion's pick of Overpass, where it would be Imperial who found the most success in the first half after dropping the opening pistol round, concluding the half with a domineering 9-3 scoreline at the side switch. GamerLegion quickly closed the gap on the defense with another pistol round victory, but heroics from players like Henrique "⁠HEN1⁠" Teles helped Imperial retain their lead.

After reaching map point with a 12-9 scoreline, Imperial found themselves unable to close things out in regulation, allowing GamerLegion to drag the map into overtime. With the momentum now firmly in their favor, the European side secured a flawless four-round run to lock down their map pick 16-12, stealing it away from Imperial's clutches.

Imperial recovered nicely from the disappointing finish on Overpass with a solid start to their pick of Mirage, accruing an early 5-1 lead despite losing the first pistol round. Signs of life from players like Nicolas "⁠Keoz⁠" Dgus allowed GamerLegion to narrow the deficit, tying things up 6-6 at halftime. Things would not stay close for long, as Imperial put together a dominant run on their CT side, accruing a flawless seven-round streak to bring the series to Nuke.

The Brazilian squad continued their habit of struggling in pistol rounds, as GamerLegion notched their fourth of the series to kick off the deciding map. Despite the early deficit that ensued, Imperial went on a stellar 8-0 run on the defense, powered by a phenomenal showing from João "⁠felps⁠" Vasconcellos.

After finishing off the half 8-4, Imperial faltered in the pistol round yet again, but a force-buy victory riled up VINI's troops, giving them the fire they needed to finish off Nuke with a 13-5 scoreline, earning them the 2-1 series victory and a place in the Elimination Stage.

Date	Matches
PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024 Opening Stage
20/03/2024	SAW 18:30 FURIA	Match

Only one spot remains in the second stage of PGL Major Copenhagen, set to be decided by a matchup featuring yet another Brazilian side, as FURIA and SAW will face off in the Opening Stage's final BO3.