The bottom five see shifts in Dust2.us’ May 2023 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, more weight 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 did not have a great month on paper, losing to a red-hot paiN and their tier-one domestic foes in FURIA. A 6-5 map record left more to be desired from the Liquid front but is nothing worth ringing alarm bells over. Plenty of time between their last appearance and the Major means plenty of time to sharpen themselves mechanically, mentally, and tactically.

May Events: BLAST Paris Major Challengers Stage, IEM Dallas

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

FURIA went the opposite route of Liquid, opting for as many reps as they could ahead of the Major. Besides earning the Legends Stage slot over Liquid, they participated in two different events outside the RMR. Take the results for what you will, and the two top teams taking different paths of preparation ahead of the final CS:GO Major will make for an interesting storyline as their results develop.

May Events: BLAST Paris Major Challengers Stage, IEM Dallas

#3 paiN (hardzao, biguzera, skullz, zevy, NEKIZ) (+1)

paiN is no doubt the hottest team in the region right now, taking out Liquid and BIG and outplacing Liquid at the RMR ahead of Paris. A 25-13 map record was a final tally on the month, making paiN one of the most active and successful teams across all of CS in April.

May Events: BLAST Paris Major Challengers Stage, ESL Challenger League S45

#4 Complexity (JT, floppy, FaNg, Grim, hallzerk) (-1)

A strong start to the month ended in disappointment, as the team went from winning five of six maps inside the RMR to dropping three of four maps at Melbourne. As the saying goes, it isn't how you start, it's how you finish. With Complexity finishing April shaky at best, things do not look great for the team ahead of Paris, especially when compared to the aforementioned paiN.

May Events: BLAST Paris Major Challengers Stage, IEM Dallas

#5 MIBR (exit, tuurtle, brnz4n, HEN1, insani) (-)

MIBR slowed down in a big way after a couple of solid months, dropping out of the RMR before earning a seat at the Major. To close the month, they went 0-3 at Rio to miss the home crowd. All-in-all, a forgettable April for MIBR as they boasted a 8-7 map record on the month.

May Events:ESL Challenger League S45, ESL Challenger Katowice South America Closed Qualifier

#6 Imperial (FalleN, boltz, VINI, chelo, JOTA) (-)

An active month for Imperial did not amount to much after winning the domestic BLAST Americas Showdown. Two 13-16th showings after missing the Major made April feel like more of a farewell tour for their soon-to-be retired legend Gabriel "FalleN" Toledo, deservedly so.

May Events: None

#7 00 NATION (coldzera, dumau, latto, nqz, n9xtz) (+5)

00 NATION's new lineup looked to be taking more of a form this past month despite not earning many wins in officials. They took wins over Fluxo and BIG in competition and took paiN to their limit in regulation. Their recent activity has sparked optimism for many despite missing out on the Major.

May Events: BetBoom Playlist Freedom

#8 Nouns (cynic, bwills, nosraC, cJ, MarKE) (+2)

Nouns were serving up wins all of last month, closing April with an impressive 23-11 against notable Challenger-level teams. Although they did not make Paris, their big win on the month includes Major attendees paiN. This, and taking Liquid to three maps in the RMR should bring optimism for the team's future.

May Events: ESL Challenger League S45, IEM Dallas

#9 Fluxo (felps, WOOD7, vsm, Lucaozy, history) (+2)

Fluxo was active this month despite not taking many wins. However, they won when they needed to, defeating yur, BESTIA, and Paqueta to qualify for the Paris Major.

May Events: BLAST Paris Major Challengers Stage

#10 9z (dgt, max, dav1deus, buda, try) (-1)

9z only dropped a handful of maps last month, with nearly all of them coming against top teams at IEM Rio. A seven-map win streak over domestic foes highlighted their month, and the team will look to replicate that in their rather busy May.

May Events: CCT South America Series 7, ESL Challenger Katowice South America Closed Qualifier, IEM Dallas