The SAW vs FURIA clash is not just another Group A opener at the FISSURE Playground 1 tournament in Belgrade — it’s a rematch layered with narrative. These two teams have faced off twice in the past year, with both winning once. In March 2024, FURIA dismantled the Portuguese side 2-0 at the PGL Major Copenhagen, but in 2025 SAW got their revenge at ESL Pro League with a 2-1 victory. Now, with a revamped roster and heightened ambitions, FURIA has a golden opportunity to settle the score and lay the foundation for a deep tournament run.
Team Lineups
SAW:
- story
- MUTiRiS
- aragornN
- krazy
- Ag1l
FURIA:
- molodoy
- yuurih
- FalleN
- KSCERATO
- YEKINDAR
Team Form & Status
SAW have been a pleasant surprise in 2025. Maintaining a stable lineup, they’ve displayed solid discipline and secured key victories over top-20 opponents. Their rising star, krazy, boasts phenomenal individual stats: 1.50 rating, 94.5 ADR, and 1.36 impact. This team rarely collapses under pressure and frequently pushes series to three maps.
FURIA, on the other hand, has entered a new era. The addition of YEKINDAR was a transformative move that immediately altered the team’s dynamics. With FalleN now fully assuming the in-game leadership, the squad plays more structured and strategically restrained Counter-Strike. They possess a deep map pool and extensive LAN experience. The standout performer remains KSCERATO, who continues to deliver (1.11 rating, 1.05 impact).
Head-to-Head History
- PGL Major Copenhagen 2024: SAW 0–2 FURIA
- ESL Pro League Season 21: FURIA 1–2 SAW
This will be the third encounter between the two teams in 18 months, and the first in a brand-new competitive context. After losing at EPL 2025, FURIA now has a great chance to strike back with its updated lineup. Motivation will be a deciding factor.
Map Pool & Potential Veto
Map stats (past 3 months):
- Dust2: SAW — 33%, FURIA — 67%
- Mirage: SAW — not played, FURIA — 29%
- Inferno: SAW — 33%, FURIA — 40%
- Nuke: SAW — 60%, FURIA — 67%
- Train: SAW — 0%, FURIA — 86%
- Ancient: SAW — 0%, FURIA — 0%
- Anubis: SAW — 0%, FURIA — 62%
Expected veto sequence:
- SAW bans Train (they never play it and FURIA is excellent on it)
- FURIA bans Ancient or Mirage
- SAW picks Nuke (statistically their best map)
- FURIA picks Anubis or Dust2 (strong win rate and comfort pick)
- Decider: Inferno, which both teams commonly play as a third map
While FURIA clearly has a deeper and more flexible pool, SAW is well-prepared on Nuke, which could give them early momentum.
Key Matchups
- krazy vs KSCERATO — the stars of their respective teams. krazy edges ahead in raw stats, but KSCERATO brings elite-tier experience and clutch ability.
- aragornN vs molodoy — two up-and-comers looking to set the pace. Whoever finds consistency in aggressive plays could dictate tempo.
- FalleN vs story — the captain-sniper duel. FalleN brings wisdom and structure, while story represents the next generation of sharpshooters.
Prediction
Favorite: FURIA
The Brazilian squad has the superior map pool, more consistent recent form, and stronger individual pieces. The key factor is how well YEKINDAR integrates into the LAN environment. If that goes smoothly, FURIA should be able to control most phases of the game.
SAW, however, can’t be underestimated. With their structured approach, discipline, and krazy’s explosive potential, they can steal a map — especially if they start strong on Nuke.
Predicted score: 2–1 in favor of FURIA
SAW likely takes Nuke, but FURIA’s clutch potential, map versatility, and firepower should tip the balance. Expect a competitive series, but the Brazilians are better equipped to close it out.
Regardless of the outcome, this matchup will be a key moment in the tournament. For SAW, it’s a shot at another upset. For FURIA, it’s a chance to reassert dominance with their new lineup and send a message to the rest of the field.
