Liquid ends the year on top in Dust2's December rankings

The Rio Major and BLAST Premier headlined a rather competitive month as we prepare to exit 2022.

Also read: Liquid's reign continues in Dust2.us' November rankings

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) (-)

Liquid’s rise came to a sudden halt in the worst setting, as the team failed to make it to the Rio playoffs despite starting in the second stage. A beating from MOUZ set the tone for a disappointing event, but Liquid rallied at BLAST with wins over NAVI and G2 to clinch a seat at the BLAST World Finals.

December Events: BLAST Premier World Finals

Also read: Four new faces headline Dust2’s Team of the Month for October

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

FURIA had a stellar November, with the peaks coming in the form of a strong homecoming at the Major. FURIA did not falter under pressure, beating the likes of ENCE, Spirit, BIG, and NAVI, to make it all the way to the semis at the Rio Major.

December Events: None

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

We saw more of Complexity in Cash Cups than we did in official tournaments, with their sole pro-level event coming at Elisa. Wins over Major attendees fnatic and Bad News Eagles were met with losses to 500, SAW, and Astralis, making it tough to provide a middle ground on the overall success.

December Events: None

#4 EG (Brehze, CeRq, autimatic, neaLaN, HexT) (-1)

Three map losses at the Major was the only appearance the growing EG lineup made last month. The 0-3 record with the BO1 loss to 9z might ring alarm bells for some, but shouldn’t serve as a cause for concern as the lineup looks ahead to 2023.

December Events: None

Also read: EG White cut core member

#5 Imperial (FalleN, fer, boltz, VINI, chelo) (+1)

Imperials showing at the Rio Major was less than storybook as they bore the same fate as EG, losing to the same opponents as well. Despite the team successfully making it in front of the home crowd, the showing does speak to great concerns of a rapidly closing window for the veteran talent in the team.

December Events: None

#6 00 Nation (coldzera, TACO, latto, dumau, try) (-1)

For many, the Rio Major was a litmus test for the “TACOLD” led lineup that had the hype but lacked the results. Those anticipating signs of growth for the team were quite disappointed, as the team were knocked out by IHC in the 0-3 game. The sole result of the month leaves quite the blemish on the 00 Nation resume as the teams looks ahead to the new year.

December Events: CBCS Invitational

#7 9z (dgt, max, dav1deus, nqz, buda) (-)

Wins over Imperial and EG led a successful upset campaign at the Major, but BO3 losses to BIG and fnatic prevented the South American starlets from advancing to the next stage at Rio.

December Events: None

Also read: ATK: Anubis Testing Kings

#8 paiN (PKL, hardzao, biguzera, skullz, zevy) (-)

paiN did not see any officials last month.

December Events: CBCS Invitational

#9 ATK (Fadey, motm, b0denmaster, Swisher, MisteM) (+2)

ATK saw another solid month of domestic results with their sole loss coming against Complexity in the Cash Cup final. The 8-2 map record included wins over Red Wolves, Villainous, oNe, and MIBR.

December Events: ECL S43

#10 MIBR (exit, tuurtle, JOTA, brnz4n, HEN1) (-)

MIBR saw moderate success last month in domestic competition with wins over EG Black, Detonate, and Snakes Den. However, losses to Iron Blood and ATK leave more to be desired for the growing BR team.

December Events: ECL S43

The competitive nature of the Americas scene was put on display through the reboot of the Dust2 Rankings beginning in May, as 16 different teams graced the top ten through the eight months. No two teams were as competitive as Liquid and FURIA, for when one of them was first, the other was second.