The second match slot on July 15 at FISSURE Playground 1 in Belgrade brought fans two strikingly different stories. In Group D, the German squad BIG edged out HEROIC in a tense three-map series, while in Group C, Astralis showed no mercy against Brazilian side MIBR, dominating both maps without giving them a chance. These results further ignited the intrigue of the tournament, with favorites falling and newly rebuilt rosters starting to reveal their true potential.
BIG 2:1 HEROIC
Dust2 — a confident start from BIG
The series began on Dust2, BIG’s map pick, and the Germans delivered. They set a high pace early, won the pistol, denied retakes, and closed out the first half 7:5. In the second half, their dominance was even clearer — dropping only one round to win 13:6. Great coordination on long, aggressive play from tabseN, and Krimbo’s consistency laid the foundation for victory.
Mirage — HEROIC strike back
On their own pick, HEROIC looked like a completely different team. Their T side (8:4) was highly organized, featuring strong mid and connector control and creative B hits. Their CT side was solid as well, giving up only three rounds after the side switch. With a 13:7 win, HEROIC bounced back. Simon “yxnsgtxr” Boije stood out, leading the charge in both fragging and impact.
Nuke — BIG take over at the crucial moment
Everything came down to Nuke, but HEROIC appeared out of gas. Their T side was powerless, managing only two rounds in the entire first half. BIG read the pace perfectly, stopped splits, and won all the key duels. The second half changed nothing — HEROIC couldn’t break through, and the match ended 13:5 in BIG’s favor.
With this result, the German team secures a key win in Group D and will now face Complexity in a match for playoff qualification.
Astralis 2:0 MIBR
Nuke — beginning of the end for MIBR
The match between Astralis and MIBR started with a beatdown on the Brazilians’ own map pick. Astralis looked like the real owners of Nuke, delivering a brutal 10:2 CT half, constant pressure on A site, and full map control. MIBR responded with a few clutches, but it wasn’t enough — 13:7 to the Danes.
Ancient — Astralis in full control
There was no contest on Ancient. Astralis looked like a machine, winning nearly every aim duel. Their T side was perfectly structured, and their CT side so aggressive that MIBR couldn’t even get their rounds going. The standout player was Jakob “jabbi” Nygaard — 39-23, 104.2 ADR, 1.68 rating. His play around elbow and in retakes was flawless. Alongside stavn and device, he formed a devastating trio that crushed the Brazilians 13:5.
Evening Takeaways:
- BIG proved they remain a strong tournament unit. Their win over HEROIC was built on discipline, flexibility, and steady firepower.
- HEROIC missed their chance to secure the upper bracket. Their form remains inconsistent, and LNZ and gr1ks crumbled under Nuke’s pressure.
- Astralis look like real title contenders. They didn’t just win — they destroyed MIBR. The team is showing clear structure, balance, and individual dominance.
- MIBR looked disoriented. Most players underperformed — especially saffee, n1cks, and brnz4n. A serious tactical overhaul is needed.
BIG will now face Complexity for a playoff spot in Group D, while Astralis prepare for a clash with TYLOO — potentially the biggest showdown of the tournament so far. The event is just heating up, and the drama is only beginning.
