Counter-Strike 2 at FISSURE Playground #2: Everything about the competition that’s set to shake up Serbia!

FISSURE Playground #2 kicked off on September 12 and promises to be one of the most thrilling tournaments in the eSports calendar. Running until the 21st in Belgrade, Serbia, the championship brings together some of the biggest powerhouses of Counter-Strike 2!

With 16 invited organizations, giants such as FaZe Clan, G2, Astralis, FURIA, paiN, and Legacy represent the mix of tradition and historic rivalries that will surprise fans. At stake is the biggest share of the $1.25 million prize pool and crucial points in the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) — which will determine slots for the next Major.

Get ready to dive into everything you need to know about the tournament: 2025 updates, format, teams, match schedule, prize pool, and where to watch FISSURE Playground #2.

Why is FISSURE Playground #2 relevant in the Counter-Strike 2 scene?

FISSURE Playground #2 is not just another esports tournament: it arrives as a Tier 1 Counter-Strike 2 event, organized by FISSURE itself and recognized by Valve. This means that, in addition to the $1.25 million prize pool, the championship awards points for the Valve Regional Standings (VRS), the official ranking that defines invitations and qualifications for the next Major.

This combination makes the tournament a true game-changer. For teams like Team Liquid, which is at risk of missing out on the Budapest Major, a strong campaign in Belgrade is almost mandatory. For rising squads like Aurora Gaming and 3DMAX, it’s a unique chance to establish themselves among the giants.

Another factor that highlights the tournament’s importance is the timing for Counter-Strike 2 itself. Since its launch in 2024, the game has fully taken over the competitive FPS spotlight, and events of this magnitude serve as a global showcase for both established players and new stars who may emerge in Belgrade.

Key highlights of FISSURE Playground #2

After the success of the first edition in July 2025, which crowned TYLOO as champions, FISSURE Playground #2 arrives with several upgrades to further boost its importance in the Counter-Strike 2 competitive calendar.

The biggest highlight is the level of the lineup. Whereas the previous edition gathered up-and-coming squads, this one features 16 elite international teams, including historic organizations such as FaZe Clan, Astralis, G2 Esports, FURIA, and Team Liquid. This leap in quality promises even more intense and unpredictable matches.

Another major change is the format. The entire opening stage will be played in a Swiss System with best-of-three (Bo3) matches, ensuring greater balance and reducing the impact of occasional losses. The grand final will be a best-of-five (Bo5), a true test of endurance and strategy that should crown only the most complete team.

In addition, the tournament will be held at the Belgrade Arena (Štark Arena), with a capacity of over 18,000 spectators. The venue not only increases audience presence but also strengthens FISSURE’s festival concept: fan zones, merchandise stands, and player interactions, transforming the competition into a spectacle that goes far beyond the server.

With a $1.25 million prize pool and decisive Valve ranking points, Playground #2 already stands as one of the most anticipated events of the season.

Format of FISSURE Playground #2

FISSURE Playground #2 will be divided into two main stages: Swiss Stage and Playoffs.

In the Swiss Stage, held from September 12 to 17, the 16 invited teams will compete in a Swiss format fully played in best-of-three (Bo3) series. In this system, teams are paired based on their records, with winners facing winners and losers facing losers.

• To advance to the playoffs, a team must secure 3 victories.
• Any team that accumulates 3 losses is automatically eliminated.

This model ensures balance and excitement from start to finish, as even a team that starts poorly can recover throughout the rounds.

The Playoffs will be played from September 19 to 21 in a single-elimination format. Quarterfinals and semifinals will be Bo3, while the Grand Final will be a Bo5, bringing maximum strategy and endurance in a decisive series that promises to be epic.

The tournament will also feature a classic CS2 map pool, including Ancient, Dust II, Inferno, Mirage, Nuke, Overpass, and Train. To better understand the terms and maps from the CS2 and esports universe, check out our esports glossary.

This format balances competitiveness and spectacle: the Bo3 series in the group stage reduce randomness, while the Bo5 final ensures that only the most prepared team lifts the trophy in Belgrade.

Participating Teams at FISSURE Playground #2

Brazilian Representatives

Among the highlights are FURIA, paiN Gaming, and Legacy, representing Brazil. FURIA arrives with veteran Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo, one of the greatest names in Counter-Strike history, along with YEKINDAR, formerly of Liquid, adding extra spice to their direct clash against his former team in the opening match.

paiN, meanwhile, remains one of the most consistent line-ups in the region, while Legacy comes in as an underdog but with the potential to surprise and secure key points on the road to the Major.

European Powerhouses in Belgrade

On the European side, names like G2 Esports, FaZe Clan, and Astralis raise the tournament’s technical level. G2 comes led by NiKo, who will play “at home” in Serbia, bringing additional local support to the event.

FaZe, known for its aggressive style and experience in finals, promises to face any opponent head-on. Astralis, despite the absence of stavn due to personal reasons, seeks to revive its winning tradition with a stand-in yet to be announced.

Falcons and Company

Another European team to watch is Team Falcons, which faces uncertainty due to possible visa issues for player kyousuke, but still arrives strong as one of the first invited squads. Virtus.pro, Aurora Gaming, 3DMAX, and GamerLegion complete the region’s list, reinforcing the diversity of tactical styles and strategies.

Asian Powerhouses

From the Asian scene, the tournament features The MongolZ, current champions of the Esports World Cup 2025, arriving as one of the top favorites, as well as TYLOO, winners of the previous edition of FISSURE Playground, defending their title. Lynn Vision Gaming, from China, also secured its spot and promises to make life difficult for European and American giants.

Team Liquid Under Pressure

Finally, the tournament will also feature Team Liquid, one of the most traditional CS organizations. Even in poor form and under pressure with the risk of missing the Budapest Major, the team is banking on star player Twistzz to turn things around and prove they can still compete at the highest level.

Schedule of FISSURE Playground #2

FISSURE Playground #2 will take place from September 12 to 21, 2025, in Belgrade, Serbia. The tournament is divided into two main stages: Swiss Stage and Playoffs.

Swiss Stage (September 12–17)

The opening phase will feature 16 teams in Swiss Format, where each team needs 3 wins to advance and is eliminated after 3 losses. All matches will be Best of 3 (Bo3).

September 12:

• GamerLegion vs TYLOO: 5:00
• The MongolZ vs 3DMAX: 8:30
• Team Falcons vs Virtus.pro: 12:00
• Aurora Gaming vs Astralis: 15:30

September 13:

• HEROIC vs Legacy: 5:00
• G2 Esports vs Lynn Vision: 8:30
• FaZe Clan vs paiN Gaming: 12:00
• FURIA vs Team Liquid: 15:30

The following rounds (2 to 5) will take place between September 14 and 17, always based on the teams’ previous performance (1-0 vs 1-0, 0-1 vs 0-1, etc.), until the eight playoff contenders are defined.

Playoffs (September 19–21)

The final stage will be held at Belgrade Arena (Štark Arena), with a total capacity of over 18,000 and dedicated fan zones, autograph sessions, and activations.

• Quarterfinals: September 19–20 (Bo3)
• Semifinals: September 20 (Bo3)
• Grand Final: September 21, at 10:00 (Bo5 – Best of Five)

Where to Watch FISSURE Playground #2

Fans will be able to follow the tournament through official broadcasts and alternative streams, available in several languages.

Main Streams

• English: Kick (kick.com/fissure_cs_a)
• Russian: Twitch (twitch.tv/betboom_cs_a and other official channels)
• Portuguese (Brazil): dedicated options across different platforms, with broadcasts narrated by local influencers.

Alternative Streams and Creators

In addition to the official ones, there will be coverage by well-known CS community creators, such as:

• zorlaK (Portuguese)
• wastzera (Brazilian)
• mixwell (Spanish)
• Aunkere (Russian)
• fl0m (USA)
• pashaBiceps (Poland)

In total, more than 60 simultaneous streams are planned, spread across Twitch, Kick, YouTube Live, Facebook Gaming, and TikTok, ensuring broad global coverage.

Prize Pool of FISSURE Playground #2

FISSURE Playground #2 will feature a total prize pool of $1.25 million, divided between players and organizations. The tournament follows a hybrid distribution model, with $500,000 allocated directly to players and $750,000 to clubs, reinforcing the importance of professional structures to sustain the Counter-Strike 2 scene.

The breakdown is as follows:

• 1st place: $200,000 (players) + $160,000 (club)
• 2nd place: $100,000 (players) + $130,000 (club)
• 3rd–4th places: $40,000 (players) + $90,000 (club) each
• 5th–8th places: $17,500 (players) + $50,000 (club) each
• 9th–11th places: $10,000 (players) + $13,300 (club) each
• 12th–14th places: $5,000 (players) + $10,000 (club) each
• 15th–16th places: $2,500 (players) + $5,000 (club) each

More than the amount itself, this distribution highlights the tournament’s relevance within the CS2 competitive circuit. Beyond the prestige of victory, the points in the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) are decisive for the race toward the StarLadder Major in Budapest, the ultimate goal of the season.

Bet on FISSURE Playground #2 at Blaze!

FISSURE Playground #2 promises to be one of the most intense tournaments of the Counter-Strike 2 calendar in 2025. With a mix of traditional giants, regional surprises, and heated rivalries, such as the FURIA vs. Liquid clash in the opening match, the championship will be a true test for the Budapest Major.

For those who follow and bet on eSports, this is an unmissable moment. More than knowing the teams, it is important to understand the formats, risks, and narratives behind each match to plan your bets responsibly.

You can check out our eSports betting guide for more tips on planning your wagers. But we must point out something essential: betting is entertainment, not an investment or source of income. Bet responsibly and never use money you can’t afford to lose. Know your limits and enjoy the experience!

Ready to have fun following CS2? Bet on FISSURE Playground #2 at Blaze and good luck!