ASIA Favorite #1: IHC
Asia’s most successful export of the last few years, IHC have to be favourites coming into it. Huge wins over both Cloud9 and FURIA changed raised eyebrows to people actually standing up and taking notice, and now IHC look to take what they have learnt and put it into practice domestically.
In theory, at least, they should be able to qualify with their new-found experience - but it’s never just that easy.
Sodbayar "Techno4k" Munkhbold has proven himself to be an extremely deadly rifler on the world stage, and bLitz can match him frag-for-frag. Tuvshintugs "ANNIHILATION" Nyamdorj is an AWPer who can open and close rounds up with equal aplomb, but then there are a few question marks over the other two.
Baatarkhuu "Bart4k" Batbold is a good player, but he was a stand-in for so long and was expected to leave the team; but it was actually Tengis "sk0r" Batjargal who stepped aside for the returning kabal. kabal hasn’t played in a few months, so might take some time to readjust, and it’s a bit unfortunate to have to do so in the Major cycle, and just after some success.
They are still, however, one of the best teams to ever grace the region and should be looked at as favourites.
Elfishguy’s take: “I don’t think you can really go past IHC given their recent results both domestically & overseas, they seem to be the clear favourites to win the Asia RMR. However, recent roster changes & the removal of sk0r from the team does add a few questions.”
ASIA Favorite #2: Rare Atom
China’s finest offering comes in the form of Rare Atom, who have overtaken TYLOO as the go-to team to watch. Bringing all the silky mechanics that TYLOO brought with a touch more structure, Rare Atom are a new breed of Chinese team.
Liang "advent" Zhuo is one of the biggest brains in the region and is someone who is capable of not only finding talent, but harnessing it. Chen "Moseyuh" Qianhao and Wang "Mercury" Jingxiang came in as complete unknowns, and now look like two superb young players.
That is supplemented with the Swiss Army knife player that is Yang "JamYoung" Yi, an intelligent player with a vast toolbox of tricks and plays up his sleeve, and the experienced Andrew "kaze" Khong holding down the fort.
Rare Atom have had some issues translating their clear talent to consistent results, but when everything clicks, they’re near unstoppable domestically.
Elfishguy: Maybe an interesting pick, but I have always been a big fan of Rare Atom since their Vici Gaming days, I think they underperformed drastically at the previous Asia RMR & have a lot to prove.
ASIA Favorite #3: Grayhound
The Boys from Down Under bring a certain something to the Asian RMR. Not to be outdone by IHC, they picked up a couple of big wins at ESL Pro League to prove that they too can dine at the top table.
They’re almost untouchable in their own country, and so often, they prove to be too formidable for the rest of the region. They are reliable, consistent, domineering and swaggering, and they are a very tough team to beat.
Between the clutch potential of ‘Carry Potter’ - or Jay "liazz" Tregillgas to his friends - and the powerful rifle duo of Simon "Sico" Williams and Joshua "INS" Potter, few can go head-to-head with Grayhound’s firepower. Declan "Vexite" Portelli is quickly growing into a well-rounded threat in some very difficult positions, and Alistair "aliStair" Johnston remains a calming presence on the AWP.
If you want to qualify from this group, you’re going to have to go through Grayhound - and very few do.
Elfishguy: Consistent performers at Asia RMRs, Grayhound have qualified for every major since 2019, but their form lately and a stronger Asian field than recent years does mean they’ll have to work hard to keep that streak.
The ASIA RMR kicks off on April 6th.