With limited spots available to make the Major, the Americas RMR often results in a bloodbath.
Last time, a thrilling final game between Complexity and Imperial saw heartbreak for the Americans, as Brazilian legends Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo and Fernando “fer” Alvarenga claimed their chance at playing in front of their home crowd at IEM Rio 2022.
The RMR itself has one spot less than for previous Majors, with the spot now going to a Last Chance Qualifier for European teams.
While that should provide even more drama for those in the Americas, which teams should we consider as favorites to advance to the Major regardless? We asked everyone’s favorite demo reviewer, Launders, for his thoughts, so here are our thoughts on his selections.
Team Liquid is currently ranked as the third-best team in the world, and justifiably so. Missing out on the Champions Stage in Brazil would’ve been disappointing, but since then, they went on to compete in their second final of 2022 and made the semi-finals at IEM Katowice 2022.
A team that has consistently displayed its ability to dig deep and grind its way back into games, Liquid has done more than enough to prove why they are the best team in the region.
With the roster now looking more assured in itself than ever, there’s no doubt that they will be making an appearance in Paris come May.
Whoever finishes first in the Americas RMR qualifies straight to the Legends Stage. We expect Liquid will be this team, just as they did in Stockholm for Rio. With Liquid, it’s not so much a question of whether they are the favorite for the Americas RMR, but whether they are a favorite for winning the Major itself.
Despite never being able to win the trophies that would see them truly surpass their forebearers’ legacy, there’s no question that FURIA has been the best team in South America for a while. On their day, they’re unstoppable, a level of form they displayed in the last Major cycle.
Even before IEM Rio, star player Kaike “KSCERATO” Cerato has been performing at the level of a top-five player in the world. While their detractors may criticize IGL Andrei “arT” Piovezan, FURIA can never be counted out while KSCERATO continues to perform at his peak.
The team may have stagnated since their semi-final appearance in Brazil, but that hasn’t displaced them as one of the region's top three teams. A stable roster with good role balance, FURIA should be considered a guarantee for the BLAST.tv Major.
Complexity recorded their best performance on LAN prior to their RMR heartbreak with a playoff appearance at ESL Pro League Season 16. They may have faltered at Season 17, but faith in the roster is at an all-time high after a similarly placed finish at IEM Katowice 2023.
With AWPer Hakon “hallzerk” Fjaerli now firmly a part of their side, Complexity is aredetermined to make 2023 the year they give North America another team to shout about. Inconsistency may still seem to be an issue; however, there is enough talent and tier-one experience within this team that they should have little trouble booking themselves a place in Paris.
Heartbreak can often be the experience needed to propel teams to an extra level, adding that extra dimension to their game. We expect their previous RMR loss will give Complexity the steel needed this time.
The American RMR RMR kicks off on April 5th, and you can watch all action live on BLAST.tv.
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