So it is time for my power rankings of the Brazilian teams in Stage 2.
S TIER:
- LOUD: They had an absurd 2/1 rounds won/lost ratio in Stage 1 and that number only got BETTER as they faced stronger teams in the playoffs. Clearly the top spot at the moment. Obviously they have unmatched depth, but what really sets them apart in my eyes is their teamwork. They are not a bunch of fraggers running around the map. Should finish top of their group and be the favorites in the playoffs.
A TIER:
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Vivo Keyd: Although v1xen played great for them in Stage 1, I think RgLM is one of the best controllers in Brazil. As someone who can also take a weight off murizzz's shoulders as a strategic mind, I think this could really elevate the roster. rhz is a big question mark for me. It is pretty safe to assume he will at least match JhoW's fragging power, but it will be interesting to see if the loss of a glue guy like JhoW really affects their success. They got a tough group again, but they should make it through.
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NIP: I think v1xen is a small upgrade over bnj in terms of firepower, however, I don't think that was really the issue with NIP. This is a team in the mold of the 2020/21 BR teams that lacked tactical depth. They have more firepower than the old BR teams, but LOUD and VK can match that now and pull away with more cohesion. Same story as VK for the groups, but I think NIP will be challenged a bit more this time. An upset wouldn't be super surprising.
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Furia: The firepower just isn't at the level of the top teams. qck feasted on Chamber, and with that pick probably becoming more meta, he could take the next step and truly challenge the best in Brazil. nzr is one of the best role players in BR, but I am still waiting for someone else to become Furia's true second star. Finding Mazin's comfort zone is crucial for matching the top teams. I think this team could very easily be upset, but I still expect them to make playoffs and just miss the cut for Masters 2.
B TIER:
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Liberty: Stage 1 was really disappointing. Tactically liberty are excellent by BR standards, and there is a lot of depth to this lineup. The high end firepower just doesn't compare with the S/A tier teams. Liazzi has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has never found that comfort zone as a duelist. If the access series was just a honeymoon period, this team is in trouble.
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Gamelanders: The addition of Brinks could really change the dynamic of this team. He could be the second fragger next to dgzin that pushes GLB to contention. The younster Chase fell off a cliff in stage 1, but GLB could have a really underrated trio of stars if they fit together well. I thought this team had fairly basic tactics, and they dropped their IGL, so I am a bit worried about how reliant on fragging they will be. Legitimate chance of landing an upset, but they will have to fight for a spot in the playoffs.
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TBK: They put up a pretty decent showing in Stage 1, but I think that was about the peak of their performance. I don't see them as clearly better than any team in their group right now. matheuzin and kon4n are solid role players, but I don't see the rest of the roster being ranked near the top of their respective roles. This team is in huge danger of missing the playoffs. A tie between them, liberty, and MIBR isn't out of the question.
C TIER:
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MIBR: I think frz is a big boost, but there are too many unknowns in this roster. jzz is untested against good competition, and while deNaro and gtn put up good stats in the qualifier, they havent really been more than solid players in previous teams. Probably an outside chance to make the playoffs, but they could be a solid B tier team.
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Stars Horizon: The loss of RgLM really hurts. In my opinion, he was their most important piece as one of their top fraggers and IGL as well as providing tons of clutches. ING were really good last stage, but it will take a bit of magic to make this team a contender. Still a decent upset pick for a couple of their games.
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Los Grandes: I don't think this team has the firepower of everyone else except SH, however, a number of their players are only just getting their first rea shot. I was impressed by pleet's IGLing with Liberty, so I could see this team coming together. They give off Stage 1 TBK/ING vibes where they might just show up better than expected.