Liquid dethrone FURIA in Dust2's September rankings

The action was sporadic in August as we were coming off the player break and into the new season. Starting the season off strong is important for many teams, especially while being in the thick of the Major cycle. For the first time in months, we saw a categorical shift between the two major regions, with America's teams gaining ground on the best of Brazil inside the rankings.

Also read: Swisher shines to headline Dust2's Team of the Month for June

To provide a transparent summary of the ranking process, here is a breakdown of the Dust2 Ranking process:

Our team rankings are chosen based on a series of measurements where each team is allocated points dependent on where they rank compared to their peers. This point-based system puts all domestic and international results, HLTV ranking, the tier of play, and coaches polling into consideration. While we include the HLTV rankings to some degree, there is more weight that is given to the select number of coaches within the scene that are ranking the teams due to their accurate ability in judging play outside of the regional matches.

#1 Liquid (EliGE, NAF, oSee, nitr0, YEKINDAR) (+1)

Liquid made their sole appearance in August inside the trenches of BLAST Premier Fall Groups, where they did exceptionally well despite being locked in groups with the #1 ranked NAVI. They were firing on all cylinders in groups and even fought their way to second place at the event after sound wins over G2, Complexity, NIP, and Heroic.

Fans of Liquid can rejoice after this event, as all four major pieces of impact were cohesive in this event. We've seen strong examples of what this team looks like at its peak. If it can be presented consistently, Liquid might have another world-beater lineup in their clutches.

September Events: ESL Pro League S16

#2 FURIA (arT, yuurih, KSCERATO, saffee, drop) (-1)

FURIA was on hiatus for the entirety of August, not participating in a single official match for the whole month. Although they are comfortably a top two team currently in the region, their lack of officials has given Liquid plenty of opportunity to gain ground on them.

September Events: ESL Pro League S16

Also read: Canada crushes Dust2’s Team of the Month for August

#3 Complexity (JT, floppy, FaNg, Grim, hallzerk) (+1)

Although they ended the month on a four-map skid, the new-look Complexity with Danish AWPer Håkon "hallzerk" Fjærli was already showing signs of comfort and looked to be a more dangerous team with him slotted in. The height of the month includes rolling through the first RMR open qualifier, as well as a BO1 victory over NAVI at BLAST.

What should have Complexity fans jumping for joy moving forward are the facts that all five players are above a 1.0 rating through their first ten maps together, and they've shown tons of potential already without hallzerk seemingly finding himself fully individually. With those considerations out there, this lineup has a lot left to show up before they've peaked.

September Events: ESL Pro League S16

#4 00 Nation (coldzera, TACO, latto, dumau, try) (-1)

00 Nation did not shoot out of the gates following the break, as they struggled more than many would have expected in the SA RMR open qualifier. They barely squeaked by Sharks before losing to a brand new paiN lineup a couple of rounds later. Luckily they took out Fluxo in the third place decider BO3, but the loss to paiN is a sure stinger.

The team ended the month with a respectable 6-3 map record, but the biggest blemish comes from the 0-2 loss to paiN. For a team of 00 Nation's caliber, it is not something you expect to happen. Despite the online mishap, the team looks comfortable as Brazil's #2.

September Events: None

Also read: Favorites qualify for RMR

#7 paiN (PKL, hardzao, biguzera, skullz, zevy) (-2)

paiN's new lineup looked stellar in their debut inside of domestic competition for August. They churned their way through competition inside the first SA RMR open qualifier, beating ISURUS, ODDIK, 00 Nation, and MIBR to claim first at the event. They also carried the momentum to CCT Series 1, trouncing smaller domestic teams and more notably 9z in BO3.

Despite the loss to Fluxo to end the month, the team ended with a map record of 11-3, an impressive result following a massive shift of two players including a brand new AWPer in Romeu "zevy" Rocco. First-month results suggest paiN have finally assembled the team they need to no longer be a little brother inside the Brazilian scene.

September Events: ESL Challenger Melbourne

#8 MIBR (exit, tuurtle, JOTA, brnz4n, HEN1) (-2)

MIBR haven't looked as impressive as their Brazilian counterparts following a lineup change. The acquisition of Henrique "HEN1" Teles does breed a lot of excitement and he has been strong for them so far, but the team did not mount the quick success paiN was able to in the first month.

Despite not being able to best paiN, they still mounted wins over B4, The Union, and Fluxo to claim second-place at the RMR open qualifier.

September Events: CCT Central Europe Series 1, ESL Challenger League S42, ESL Pro League S16

Also read: UK invasion of Fragadelphia continues

#9 9z (max, dgt, rox, dav1d, nqz) (-2)

9z was one of the most active teams in CS last month, seemingly participating in an event each week of the month. Their activity was rewarded with an impressive 16-3 map record, despite the fact they weren't playing top competition. Between the three events played in August, they mounted notable wins over ISURUS, Sharks, Case, O PLANO, ARCTIC, and paiN.

Their success against Brazilian teams has been impressive so far, and they'll have an opportunity to piece it together once more at the BLAST Premier qualifier to hopefully once again make a big stage and show off against top international competition to put their country on the CS map once again.

September Events: FiReLEAGUE Latin Power Fall - BLAST Premier Qualifer

#10 Squirtle Squad (JazzPimp, cynic, Bwills, cxzi, Jeorgesnorts) (NEW)

The orgless Squirtle Squad had a dominant month inside of North America, forcing themselves into the conversation as perhaps the best team outside of tier one in our region. With two cash cup victories, an earned spot at the Americas RMRs, and a 16-4 map record, it is hard to argue against the notion.

Despite having no organizational backing, the team is in a rare predicament to not only make ECL playoffs but also go deep in the Americas RMR. Any org looking to join the North American space needs to put them at the top of consideration.

September Events: ESL Challenger League S42

Also read: Third EU team headed to Frag 17