From July 15 to 20, the Serbian capital Belgrade will host FISSURE Playground #1, a $1,000,000 Counter-Strike 2 tournament featuring 16 teams in an A-Tier event with Tier 1 status by Valve. This is the first big CS2 event after the summer break, but judging by the lineup, it hardly feels like a true return to top-tier competition. Only one team from the current Valve top-10 is present, creating a perfect storm for upsets, breakthroughs, and underdog runs.
Format
The tournament will begin with a Group Stage featuring four GSL-style groups, each consisting of four teams. All matches in the group phase will be played as Best-of-3 series, and the top two teams from each group will advance to the Playoffs. The Playoffs will follow a single-elimination format. Both the Quarterfinals and Semifinals will be Best-of-3, while the Grand Final will be played as a Best-of-5, promising intense and high-stakes action until the very end.
Full Schedule
The first day sets the tone with eight Best-of-3 series, all times in CEST. Every match matters in the hunt for playoff spots:
Group Stage
Monday, July 15
- 11:00 — GamerLegion vs. Wildcard
- 11:00 — 3DMAX vs. Lynn Vision
- 14:00 — SAW vs. FURIA
- 14:00 — paiN vs. Rare Atom
- 17:00 — Virtus.pro vs. TYLOO
- 17:00 — Complexity vs. BetBoom
- 20:00 — Astralis vs. MIBR
- 20:00 — HEROIC vs. BIG
Wednesday, July 16
- 11:00 — Group A Elimination
- 11:00 — Group B Elimination
- 14:00 — Group A Winners Match
- 14:00 — Group B Winners Match
- 17:00 — Group C Elimination
- 17:00 — Group D Elimination
- 20:00 — Group C Winners Match
- 20:00 — Group D Winner’ Match
Thursday, July 17
- 11:00 — Group B Decider
- 14:00 — Group A Decider
- 17:00 — Group C Decider
- 20:00 — Group D Decider
Playoffs
Friday, July 18 — Quarterfinals
- 10:00 — Quarter-final #1
- 14:00 — Quarter-final #2
- 18:00 — Quarter-final #3
- 22:00 — Quarter-final #4
Saturday, July 19 — Semifinals
- 14:00 — Semi-final #1
- 18:00 — Semi-final #2
Sunday, July 20 — Grand Final
- 15:00 — Best-of-5 Grand Final
Should Reach the Final
FURIA enters the tournament as the undisputed favorite and the only team from Valve’s current top-10 rankings. Given their recent form and depth of talent, they should be aiming for nothing less than a spot in the Grand Finals. Anything below that will be seen as a bad result for their team.
Playoffs Are a Must
Astralis, Virtus.pro, Complexity, and HEROIC are all teams that, at minimum, are expected to reach the playoffs. Astralis bring in HooXi as their new in-game leader and could surprise. Virtus.pro debut a refreshed roster featuring Perfecto. Complexity, with hallzerk in strong form, could emerge as a dangerous opponent. HEROIC, with a new AWPer, rifler, and coach, remain unpredictable but potentially explosive.
Capable of Surprises
GamerLegion, Lynn Vision, paiN, 3DMAX, and BetBoom are rosters capable of upsetting higher-ranked opponents if they find momentum early. They have the potential to surprise and make unexpected playoff runs.
Can Put Up a Fight
MIBR, TYLOO, and BIG are teams that, while not favorites, can still put up a fight in individual matches. They have the capacity to challenge stronger sides, even if consistent deep runs are unlikely.
Underdogs of the Event
Wildcard and Rare Atom enter the tournament as clear underdogs. With recent roster changes and a lack of consistency, these teams are not expected to advance far and will need exceptional performances to defy expectations.
Prize Pool Distribution
The total prize pool for FISSURE Playground #1 is $1,000,000. This amount is divided into two parts: $450,000 goes directly to the players, while $550,000 is allocated to the clubs. Such a structure aims to reward not only individual performance but also the organizations that support and develop the teams.
Here’s the full breakdown of the prize distribution:
- 1st place: $150,000 (players) + $140,000 (club share)
- 2nd place: $100,000 (players) + $120,000 (club share)
- 3rd–4th place: $35,000 each (players) + $70,000 club share per team
- 5th–8th place: $17,500 each (players) + $32,500 club share per team
- 9th–12th place: $10,000 each (players) + $5,000 club share per team
- 13th–16th place: $5,000 each (players)
In total, sixteen teams will compete not only for the title but also for a substantial financial reward, making every match count.
Where to Watch
All matches of FISSURE Playground #1 will be broadcast live on the official Twitch channel of the tournament organizer. In addition, some matches may be covered by community casters or local studios in various languages, provided they have the appropriate broadcasting rights. Fans around the world will be able to follow the action and enjoy the games in their preferred language and style.
Final Thoughts
FISSURE Playground #1 may lack the star power of top-tier events, but its unpredictability makes it fascinating. FURIA stand out as clear favorites, but with so many teams in flux, breakout performances are inevitable. For fans and bettors alike, this is the kind of tournament where underdogs can thrive and reputations can be built from scratch.
