The balanced roster depth and recent regional parity across the 16 qualified teams from Americas, EMEA, Pacific, and China create even odds for an undefeated champion. No single side has posted dominant international results through the 2026 season, with strong contenders like Paper Rex, TYLOO, NRG, G2 Esports, and Karmine Corp each carrying recent form advantages but also proven vulnerabilities in best-of-three series. The GSL-style group stage followed by double-elimination playoffs requires multiple clean series wins in a high-variance tactical FPS environment, where map pool shifts, patch updates, and individual performances can quickly alter momentum. Last year's precedent of an unbeaten title run keeps the outcome viable while the depth of the field and elimination bracket structure sustain competitive balance heading into the September 24 opener in Shanghai.