FISSURE Playground #3: Format, teams, predictions, and more

Pavo Jurkic Published September 9, 2026

Just two days after Team Spirit lifted the BLAST Open Fall 2026 trophy, there’s already a new CS2 tournament on the horizon.

FISSURE Playground #3 is the name, and it’s scheduled for September 8th through September 13th. It features a total prize pool of $1,250,000, with 16 teams ready to do what they do best.

Event overview

Tournament format and schedule

FISSURE Playground #3 is divided into two phases: group stage and playoffs. Here’s how they pan out:

Group stage (September 8th through September 10th, 2026)

• Two double-elimination best-of-three groups
• Top three teams in each group qualify for the playoffs
• Group winners qualify directly for the semifinals
• Group runners-up qualify for the quarterfinals as high seeds
• Third-place teams qualify for the quarterfinals as low seeds

Playoffs (September 11th through September 13th, 2026)

• Single-elimination bracket
• Quarterfinals and semifinals are bo3
• The grand final is bo5

FISSURE Playground #3 teams

Here’s the full list of all 16 teams set to participate in the FISSURE Playground #3 tournament:

• 9z Team
• Legacy
• FURIA
• BetBoom Team
• G2 Esports
• PARAVISION
• Faze Clan
• The MongolZ
• MIBR
• Alliance
• TYLOO
• Astralis
• BIG
• GamerLegion
• Magic
• 5star eSports

FISSURE Playground #3 predictions

Here’s my take on the most valuable picks and predictions coming into this event:

Group A predictions

G2 should take Group A and clinch the semifinals, despite a few rocky performances in recent months. They’re set to play Astralis in the opener, followed by BetBoom in the upper bracket semifinals.

I believe 9z will be the runner-up. If everything aligns correctly, we’re likely to see g8 go up against G2 in the upper bracket finals. As for the third-place team, it’s going to be a tough battle between The MongolZ, Astralis, and and BetBoom.

Group B predictions

As for Group B, FURIA had a slow start against GamerLegion, losing 11:13 on Cache after going down 1:11 at half time. The second map is just about to start, but i firmly believe YEKINDAR, FalleN and the FURIA co will come out of this one with a reverse sweep. If they do, they’re the shoo-in semifinalists from group B.

As for the two remaining playoff spots, it’s going to be a tough battle between Legacy, Faze Clan, and PARIVISION. GamerLegion could be a nuisance too, but they might have to continue playing without snax who encountered temporary travel complications.

What’s next?

Just four days after the FISSURE Playground #3 crowns its victor, the CS2 esports scene will turn its attention to another big event: the StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2026.

Then, we’re in for a short hiatus until October 3rd, when ESL Pro League Season 24 kicks off in Katowice. There will be plenty of potential for high-stakes CS2 betting this fall, so mark these dates down in your calendar and hope for the best.

Featured image credit: FISSURE