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FISSURE Playground 1: 16 Teams to Battle for $1,000,000 in Serbia

News
Jul 06
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After the summer break, the Counter-Strike scene returns with a bang at FISSURE Playground 1, a LAN tournament that’s shaping up to be the centerpiece of July. From July 15 to 20 in Belgrade, Serbia, 16 teams will compete for prestige, ranking points, and a share of the $1,000,000 prize pool, including a $150,000 grand prize.

This marks the first edition of the new FISSURE tournament series — and it’s already positioned as a perfect testing ground for rebuilt rosters, post-break revelations, and headline-making debuts.

Tournament Format: Fast-Paced and All BO3 from the Start

The tournament will be played in two stages:

  • Group Stage (July 15–17): 4 groups of 4 teams, each played in a double-elimination BO3 format. The top two teams from each group advance to playoffs.
  • Playoffs (July 18–20): Single-elimination bracket. All matches BO3, with a BO5 grand final.

This structure ensures that there will be no easy rides — from day one, teams must deliver under pressure, and only the strongest will make it through to the final phase.

List of Participants: Only One Top 10 Team

Despite the hefty prize pool, FURIA stands as the only top 10 team in attendance. That instantly makes them the favorites — but also the team with a target on their back.

Other notable participants include:

  • Astralis – One of the most promising lineups of 2025, aiming to confirm their recent form after stabilizing the roster.
  • Virtus.pro – Debuting a new lineup with Perfecto, who returns to competition with renewed energy.
  • HEROIC – A completely refreshed lineup built around youth: gr1ks and nilo will make their debut on a big stage.

Also returning with revamped rosters:

  • paiN, GamerLegion, Complexity, MIBR, Wildcard, TYLOO, SAW — all looking to make a statement after recent changes.

And in the mix:

  • 3DMAX, BetBoom, BIG, Rare Atom, Lynn Vision — ambitious projects hungry for a breakthrough.

Opening Matches: Everyone Straight Into Action

The group stage kicks off on July 15, featuring eight BO3 matches on day one:

Day 1 Schedule (all matches BO3):

All matches bring intensity, but these particular clashes stand out:

  • Virtus.pro vs TYLOO — Perfecto’s highly anticipated debut in a new lineup.
  • Astralis vs MIBR — Two legacy organizations looking to rebuild and rise.
  • SAW vs FURIA — A fiery Brazilian showdown that could set the tone for the entire event.
  • HEROIC vs BIG — A clash of youth versus experience.

Teams in Context: Fresh Faces, High Stakes

FURIA: After a strong performance at BLAST.tv Austin Major, FURIA enter as favorites. Their new playstyle and aggressive structure have paid off — now it’s time to prove their consistency.

Virtus.pro: A new era begins with Perfecto. The NAVI legend seeks a second wind, while Virtus.pro look to forge a fresh identity. All eyes will be on them.

HEROIC: Following their collapse in 2024, HEROIC rebuilt from the ground up. Talented prospects gr1ks and nilo are promising — but can they handle the LAN pressure?

Astralis: Finally finding roster stability and improved structure, this is Astralis’ opportunity to prove that their late spring run wasn’t a fluke.

What’s at Stake?

FISSURE Playground 1 isn’t just a million-dollar event — it’s a litmus test for reshuffled teams, a shot at silverware in a relatively open field, and the first chance to make a real mark in the second half of the 2025 season.

  • For players — it’s the moment to break out and become a star.
  • For coaches — the time to validate bold decisions.
  • For fans — the LAN return of Counter-Strike promises storylines, drama, and emotion.

FISSURE Playground 1 is more than just a tournament. It’s the launchpad for the second act of the 2025 season. For some — a fresh start. For others — a last chance. And for a few — the clearest path to a title. Only the strongest will reach the grand final on July 20.

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