The CS2 LAN scene is alive and kicking once again — FISSURE Playground 1 kicked off in Belgrade with group stage clashes, and the opening matches have already delivered their share of surprises. On July 15, both favorites and dark horses stepped onto the server: Complexity faced BetBoom in Group D, while Virtus.pro clashed with TYLOO in Group C. Despite both matches being tightly contested, it was the North American and Asian representatives who emerged victorious.
Complexity 2:1 BetBoom
The First Test — Tense Nuke
The series began on Nuke, BetBoom’s map pick. The Russian side displayed impressive structure on their comfort pick — smart utility usage, aggressive ramp pushes, and fearless retakes. Complexity twice dropped 5v3 advantages, which seriously hurt their economy. Still, the Americans put up a fight, winning six consecutive rounds on the T side, but eventually fell short 14:16.
Response on Train: Grim Takes Control
Complexity chose Train — one of their strongest maps in recent months. This time, their strategy was nearly flawless: mid control, tempo manipulation, and efficient use of boost positions gave them the upper hand early (5:7 on T side). On CT, they ran away with the game, winning eight rounds in a row and closing it out 13:8.
Michael “Grim” Wince and Håkon “hallzerk” Fjærli showcased fantastic synergy — they didn’t just frag, they dismantled BetBoom’s rhythm. Grim finished the match with a +16 K/D and a dominant ADR of 95.5.
Anubis — A Test of Grit and Depth
The decider map, Anubis, became the ultimate test of composure and adaptation. BetBoom started strong with early round wins, but Complexity responded quickly with a pistol round win followed by five more. Although the Russians had chances to fight back, the disciplined defense from JT and czxi shut down every path.
Final score: 13:8 on Anubis. Complexity pick up their first points in the group and prove that their roster rebuild is paying off.
TYLOO 2:0 Virtus.pro
Coach in the Lineup — Still a Win
Few expected TYLOO to stand a chance against Virtus.pro, especially with their coach zhoKing stepping in due to visa issues for starter Jee. But the first map, Inferno, turned out to be a statement: cohesion and communication can beat individual firepower. The Chinese side shocked everyone with an 11:1 CT half and calmly closed out the map 13:9.
Anubis: A Fiery Duel
On the second map, VP looked poised for a comeback. ICY put on a phenomenal performance (45-32, 1.28 rating), and FL1T provided much-needed consistency. But every time Virtus.pro grabbed a key round, TYLOO had the answer. JamYoung once again delivered class, finishing the game with 41 frags and a 1.20 rating. The game-winning retake in Round 29 sealed the deal — 16:14 for TYLOO.
Takeaways from Day One:
- Complexity showed that their depth is paying off, even against experienced teams. Grim is in top form.
- TYLOO shocked the community: winning a series with a coach in the lineup is a rare feat at this level. A crucial match for playoffs awaits.
- Virtus.pro have work to do if they are to live up to their favorite status. Questions remain — especially concerning electroNic’s form.
- BetBoom were close to pulling off an upset but crumbled on the decider. Their T side on Anubis needs urgent review.
In the next round, Complexity will face the winner of HEROIC vs BIG, while TYLOO are preparing for a clash with either Astralis or MIBR. The tournament is just getting started — and the surprises are already piling up.
