HEROIC start strong in Shanghai elimination stage

HEROIC were one of four teams to start 2-0 as the Perfect World Shanghai Major's elimination stage began Thursday in China.

The MongolZ, MIBR and Team Vitality also started the 16-team Swiss System format with 2-0 records.

The elimination stage of the $1.25 million Counter-Strike 2 competition runs through Sunday, with the top eight teams advancing to the playoffs and the bottom eight eliminated. Elimination and advancement matches are best-of-three and all other matches are best-of-one.

The winning team from the Dec. 12-15 playoffs will take home $500,000.

HEROIC followed a 13-7 win against BIG on Mirage in Round 1 with a 13-8 victory over FaZe Clan on Ancient in Round 2.

The MongolZ beat G2 Esports 13-10 on Inferno and outlasted MOUZ 16-13 on Mirage.

MIBR posted a pair of 13-11 wins against 3DMAX on Vertigo and against Natus Vincere on Inferno.

Vitality won twice on Mirage, beating GamerLegion 13-7 and getting past FURIA Esports 16-13.

Four teams struggled to 0-2 starts on Thursday: GamerLegion, BIG, paiN Gaming and Wildcard.

--Field Level Media