Andrew Czysz Jr.
2024-05-14 07:52:51
BLAST R6 Manchester Major: Top 5 Highest Rated Teams!
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege Esports reaches its first pit stop during their 2024-25 competitive season. Blast.TV and Ubisoft will be in command for a second straight year. This team looks to expand its viewership metrics further. A checkpoint on this journey will begin tomorrow, May 15th, to May 26th with the BLAST R6 Manchester Major. Let's investigate the Major's tournament format before we reveal the Top 5 highest-rated teams. Play In (Phase 1) Happening on May 15th and May 16th, the BLAST R6 Manchester Major conducts the Play-In Phase. This format has seen a slight change entering 2024. No longer are there four groups of teams. Instead, BLAST R6 has established an 8-team Double Elimination bracket. All matches will be Best of 3, and the Top 4 will advance to Phase 2. Transitioning to the competitors, BLAST R6 has revealed the Play-In Bracket for Manchester:
From top to bottom, we have SpaceStation Gaming, Team Cruelty, Bleed, Cyclops Gaming, FearX, Geekay, Team Liquid, and G2.
Each of them, excluding Bleed, Cruelty, and Geekay, has qualified for the Play-In by winning Last Chance Qualifiers (LCQs). An example would be Team Liquid winning the Brazil LCQ.
Once more, various competitors take center stage in Phase 1. Newcomers like Geekay Esporst have a chance to shock the world. This diverse lineup is possible due to Blast and Ubisoft's Global Circuit system, established in early 2023.
We have E1 Esports, FaZe Clan, and FURIA from Brazil. FURIA holds W7M's historic roster who won the 2024 Six Invitational on February 25, 2024.
Hailing from Europe are BDS Esports, Into The Breach, and Team Secret.
Continuing, Beastcoast, DarkZero, and M80 represent North America.
Lastly, we have SCARZ from Japan, Team Bliss from Oceania, and PSG Talon from South Korea.
These teams have advanced to Phase 2 already because of winning Regional League competition. A reward is a locked-in playoff spot and a bye from the Play-In.
Much like last year, Phase 2's format contains a 16-team Swiss System Format. As mentioned above, the Top 4 from Phase 1 advance and join the 12 teams in Phase 2. Elimination matches are Best of 3, while other matches are Best of 1.
Here is a look at the Swiss System Bracket via BLAST R6:
During Phase 2, teams move on to play opponents with similar win/loss ratios until only 8 teams remain. Then, advancement to Phase 3 occurs.
Finals (Phase 3)
Wrapping up the BLAST R6 Manchester Major, Phase 3 will happen between May 24th and May 26th.
Moreover, the format remains unchanged. The 8 teams qualified from Phase 2 will compete in a single elimination bracket. The Quarter and Semifinals are Best of 3. Lastly, the Grand Finals are Best of 5 with standard overtime rules. Within BLAST R6's 2024 Rulebook, 3 or more overtime rounds decide a winner if overtime occurs.
Here is the Finals bracket courtesy of BLAST R6:
After a historic 2023-24 competitive season, Blast and Ubisoft welcomed expanded viewership numbers. One entire year of this partnership steering the ship afloat for R6 Esports.
Based on the information seen from Esportscharts and the BLAST R6 Community. this tandem is primed to shine into the future.
The first Major of 2024 will culminate at the B.E.C Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom, for Phase 3. According to BLAST R6's official X account, tickets for the Major have been SOLD OUT.
By analyzing this post alone, one can see how excited the Rainbow Six community is to have a Major in the United Kingdom Now that the comprehensive schedule has been revealed, let's identify the Top 5 highest-rated teams heading into Manchester. These rankings are based on points earned from Stage 1 Regional League competition and qualifying for the Machester Major. #5 Team BDS [European League] (155+ Points)Thanks to your tremendous support, the BLAST R6 Manchester Major is now SOLD OUT! 😎
We can't wait to welcome you and enjoy Siege together in May 💜 pic.twitter.com/cnzP2UmUZt — Rainbow Six Esports (@R6esports) April 11, 2024
Starting with Team BDS, they are the highest-ranked European League team by points, heading into Manchester.
BDS is a Swiss esports organization established on May 30, 2019. On this same day, BDS officially joined the competitive Rainbow Six Siege. A notable piece to this French puzzle since its inception is Stepahen "Shaiiko" Lebleu. With players such as Bryan "Elemzje" Tebessi and Olivier "Renshiro" Vandroux departing BDS this past March, Shaiiko remains a valuable cornerstone.
Shaiiko has proven to be a key piece to BDS' squad. Lastly, he possesses one of the most fascinating R6 Esports stories.
During the 2023 competitive season, BDS earned 345 points. A chance at qualifying for SI 2024 dwindled as the season progressed. Between both stages of the European League, they accumulated 130 points. Next, BDS earned 75 points from placing 3rd in LCQ 1 to qualify for Group Stage in Copenhagen's Major.
However, BDS struggled to gain points from Copenhagen. After a disappointing Stage 1 of Regionals, BDS made Stage 2 count. A 2nd place finish in Regionals after losing to Virtus.Pro 2-1 on September 26, 2023 occurred. Lastly, at the Atlanta Major, BDS placed 7th after losing 2-0 to G2 Esports to earn 140 points.
Due to insufficient points in Stage 1, BDS did not qualify for the 2024 Six Invitational. Despite the heartbreak, Shaiiko and BDS have been valiant thus far in 2024-25's competitive season.
In 2024, BDS defeated newcomer Into The Breach by a 2-1 score on April 23, 2024. This win granted BDS 100 points and a 1st place finish in Europe League's Stage 1. By qualifying for Machester, BDS has pocketed 55 points plus additional points based on placement in the tournament.
The Manchester Major is the perfect opportunity for BDS to place its stamp on BLAST R6's landscape. A win here would mark BDS' first Major title since Six Jonkoping on November 27, 2022.
#4 FaZe Clan [Brazil League] (155+ Points)
Next, we have FaZe Clan. the highest-rated Brazilian team based on points.
FaZe is an American and Brazillian esports organization founded in 2011. FaZe started by uploading Call of Duty montages to their YouTube channel. Over time, the Clan expanded and signed Team Fontt to assemble their first R6 Esports team on January 18, 2018.
Since arriving on the scene, FaZe has been magnificent in Rainbow Six Esports. They have captured Season 8 and 9 Pro League Final wins back in 2018, Six Sweden Major crowns in 2021, and a few SI appearances.
During 2023, FaZe accumulated a total of 700 points. In the Brazil League, FaZe claimed 150 points for both stages. No LCQs were necessary for their dominance. Lastly, the Copenhagen and Atlanta majors gave FaZe 200 points each.
A trip to the 2024 Six Invitational was earned, and FaZe dismantled the bracket. They conquered LOS, G2, Soniqs, and Virtus. Pro to reach Grand Finals. FaZe squared off against fellow Brazillian W7M Esports. This Best of 5 series on February 25, 2024, was deemed the greatest R6 Esports match of all time.
FaZe was up 6-1 on NightHaven Labs while the series was tied 2-2. In a rally for the ages, W7M climbed back and won the Six Invitational 2024 title. A clip of the final moments can be seen below:
Despite the heartbreak, FaZe aims to stay the course in 2024. So far, they have earned 100 points by defeating E1 Esports 2-0 in Brazil League Stage 1 on April 14, 2024. Manchester is an opportunity for FaZe to climb up the ranks once more. Time will tell if they can get over the hump. #3 Beastcoast [North American League] (155+ Points)A match we will never forget.
W7M have won the Six Invitational 2024!!#SixInvitational 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/7vuhmxcUNE — Rainbow Six Esports (@R6esports) February 26, 2024
At number three, we have Beastcoast, the highest-rated North American team.
Beastcoast is an American esports organization founded on February 11, 2018. Over the years, they have fielded teams for Dota 2, Super Smash Bros, and Rainbow Six Siege.
During the 2023 competitive season, Beastcoast earned a minuscule 85 points in total. On April 13. 2023, Beastcoast placed 2nd in the North American League's Stage 1 LCQ. Outside of these points, Beastcost failed to place high in Regionals. Thus, they were ineligible for Majors. As a newer team to R6, Beastcoast possessed a bottom feeder label based on points.
However, in 2024, Beastcoast has accumulated more points than in 2023. A 2-0 victory against M80 in Stage 1 of the North America League on April 15, 2024, generated 100 points.
The final moments of this match can be seen here:
This was Beastcoast's first NA League victory. The players and fanbase were extremely thrilled. With this newfound confidence, Beastcoast aims to make noise in Manchester. This NA newcomer will be a team to watch during the tournament.
#2 Team Bliss [Oceania League] (155+ Points)
Moving along, we have Team Bliss, the highest-rated Oceania team, based on points.
Team Bliss is an Australian esports organization founded on September 3, 2019. They officially joined Rainbow Six Esports on February 23, 2021.
During 2023, Bliss earned 395 points. Starting with the Oceania League, Team Bliss dominated both stages. On April 4, 2023, Bliss achieved a 7-0 record in Stage 1's Group Stage to place first.
On October 4, 2023, Bliss placed first in Stage 2 while maintaining a 5-1 overall record in Groups. A total of 300 points came to Team Bliss for their courageous efforts.
Rounding out their in-season points, they finished dead last at the Copenhagen Major after a 2-1 loss to Varrel, earning 35 points. In Atlanta, 55 points were given after a 2-1 loss to Wolves Esports.
At the Six Invitational 2024, Team Bliss finished 8th after losing to G2 Esports by a 2-0 score on February 21, 2024.
Bliss' point breakdown for 2024 is based on 100 points accumulated from a 1st place finish in Oceania's Stage 1. The remaining 55 points come from Manchester's qualification, which can increase based on placement.
After a valiant showcase at SI, Team Bliss aims to represent Australia with pride heading into Manchester.
#1 PSG Talon [South Korea League] (155+ Points)
Finishing the list, we have PSG Talon, the highest-rated team in all of BLAST R6 Esports.
PSG Talon is a Hong Kong-based Esports organization formed after the partnership of Talon and PSG Esports. This formation occurred on March 13, 2024. This organization acquired Talon's roster, promoted G2 legend Fabian Hallsten as Head Coach, and Pengu as Content Creator.
For a more comprehensive breakdown of Fabian and Pengu's plans for PSG Talon, a video is listed below:
In short, PSG Esports returns to Rainbow Six Esports after disbanding on February 13, 2023. Talon Esports continues its tenure with R6 while merging with PSG.
Transitioning to statistics for Talon during the 2023 competitive year, they earned 225 points.
In South Korea's Stage 1 regional competition, Talon placed 4th after a 2-1 loss against PANTHERA on March 30, 2023. Then, on April 12, 2023, Talon would earn 75 points by placing 4th in the Stage 1 LCQ.
Moreover, South Korea's Stage 2 saw Talon place 4th on September 21, 2023. A matchup against Beyond Stratous Gaming decided their faith. Thus, Talon needed to win the Stage 2 LCQ to qualify for the Atlanta Major. After finishing with a 2-0 record,
Talon was destined for Atlanta. However, their appearance only amounted to 35 points. Talon placed 22nd by a 2-0 loss to Cyclops Gaming in the Group Stage.
Although Talon had shortcomings in 2023, the 2024 competitive year is promising. Since the merger with PSG and acquiring Fabian, this esports organization is primed to do damage.
In 2024, PSG Talon earned 155 points. The first 100 come from a 1st place finish in South Korea's Stage 1 competition. On April 13, 2024, PSG Talon defeated FearX 2-1 and captured their first Regional championship. An additional 55 points have been awarded for Machester qualification. Much like other teams, this point total fluctuates based on overall placement in the tournament.
With Fabian providing veteran leadership to PSG Talon, they are seen as a legitimate threat to win the Manchester Major.
These were the Top 5 highest-ranked teams entering the BLAST R6 Manchester Major. Manchester will be the third Major under Blast and Ubisoft. There is a wide variety of competition itching to call themselves Major champions. It will be interesting to see which team will reign victorious and increase their point totals.
More information on the BLAST R6 Manchester Major can be found here.