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.
TEAM DISTRIBUTION FOR FISSURE PLAYGROUND 1 — CS IS FINALIZED 📖
There are 4 groups of 4 teams each — only the top two from each group will advance to the playoffs.
🗓 Group Stage: July 15–17
🗓 Playoffs: July 18–20 pic.twitter.com/cjI7AJfD6v— FISSURE_ENG (@fissure_eng) July 6, 2025
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.
