Liquid lead 2023 in Dust2 January rankings

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

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 ended the year falling short once again to a surging opposition in the finals of a big event, this time in the form of a red-hot G2 squad that sought their first trophy in three years. Despite the shortcoming in the final, BO3 wins over OG, NAVI, and Major winners Outsiders is not a bad way to end the year, while also maintaining the domestic thrown heading entering 2023’s competition.

January Events: BLAST Premier Spring Groups

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

FURIA did not see any officials last month.

January Events: IEM Katowice Play-In

#3 Complexity (JT, floppy, FaNg, Grim, hallzerk) (-)

Complexity made sure to stay fresh during the tier-one player break by taking matches in a Cash Cup and CCT NA Series 2. The lineup was on a tear, winning the Cash Cup and looking to run through CCT before being stopped by Nouns in the semi-finals. An upset by rankings standards, but otherwise nothing worth raising alarm bells about as the team looks to take strides in ‘23.

January Events: BLAST Premier Spring Groups, IEM Katowice Play-In

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

We saw pieces of the primary EG squad in a Cash Cup last month but did not see the full five together to end the year. With reports regarding a looming removal of long-standing AWPer Tsvetelin “CeRq” Dimitrov ahead of BLAST, we likely won’t see this lineup together again.

January Events: BLAST Premier Spring Groups, IEM Katowice Play-In

#5 paiN (PKL, hardzao, biguzera, skullz, zevy) (+3)

paiN had an active and successful final month of the year, making a presence in four different recorded events in December with a final map record of 16-5. BO3 wins over 00 Nation, MIBR, and Nouns capped off a sound end of the year as the typical underdogs of the BR scene look to ascend.

January Events: IEM Katowice Play-In

#6 Imperial (FalleN, fer, boltz, VINI, chelo) (-1)

Imperial did not see any officials last month.

January Events: ESL Pro League S17 Conference South America

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

9z made quick appearances in two domestic events over December, with losses to what is typically regarded as lesser opposition to end their runs early. Following the poor end to the year, 9z have begun shifting parts with a trade for 00 Nation’s Santino “try” Rigal and allowing the expiry of long-standing coach Rafael “zakk” Fernandes

January Events: None

#8 00 Nation (coldzera, TACO, latto, dumau, try) (-1)

Imperial did not see any officials last month. They look to revamp the roster ahead of next season with a trade for 9z’s Lucas “nqz” Soares.

January Events: ESL Pro League S17 Conference South America

#9 MIBR (exit, tuurtle, JOTA, brnz4n, HEN1) (+1)

31 maps was the final number for a busy month for MIBR. They ended the year with a 3-1 defeat of a hot EG Black squad to earn an invite to the EPL S17 Conference NA. The future of the lineup is up in the air however, as reports point to Imperial wanting to poach JOTA from the lineup.

January Events: ESL Pro League S17 Conference North America, IEM Katowice Play-In

#10 ATK (Fadey, b0denmaster, Swisher, MisteM, djay) (-1)

ATK was once again active as they look to break out of the second layer of North American competition heading into the new year. They fell short inside of ECL S43, but will of course have another chance next season to build off their fourth-place showing.

January Events: ESL Pro League S17 Conference North America, ESL Challenger League S44 North America