The MongolZ fail to reach the playoffs for the first time in 5 months and are eliminated from ESL Pro League Season 22

A real sensation occurred during the group stage of the current CS2 tournament — The MongolZ, who had consistently reached the playoffs at international events over the past five months, were eliminated after the group phase.The match was intense from start to finish. On the first map,&nbsp;<a href="/en/wiki/overview-map-nuke" target="_self">Nuke</a>, NaVi displayed a dominant performance, controlling key positions and managing their economy perfectly. The second map started with an aggressive push from the Mongolian squad, but Natus Vincere quickly adapted, tightened their defense, and closed the series with a 2:0 victory.For The MongolZ, this marks their first disappointing result in recent months. Previously, they had shown remarkable consistency and established themselves as one of the teams capable of challenging top-tier opponents. This time, however, they lacked precision and composure in clutch moments.As for NaVi, this win served as a long-awaited sign of improvement. After a streak of underwhelming performances and inconsistent results in recent months, the team finally demonstrated cohesion and confidence. The strong individual form of key players played a major role, helping NaVi regain control and secure a well-deserved victory.

Rain leaves FaZe: the end of a long era

Håvard “<a href="/en/players/rain" target="_self">rain</a>” Nygaard has officially left the active roster of FaZe Clan after nearly a decade with the organization.<h2>Career length and achievements</h2>Rain joined FaZe in January 2016 and remained in the lineup until September 2025 — 3,541 days in total.This became a record for the longest tenure of a single player on one team in CS:GO history. By April 2024, he had already surpassed Jonathan “<a href="/en/players/elige" target="_self">EliGE</a>” Jablonowski’s mark of 3,014 days with Liquid.Throughout his career, rain played over 2,160 maps.With FaZe, he claimed victories at major tournaments, including PGL Major Antwerp 2022 — where he was named MVP — as well as IEM Katowice 2022 and IEM Cologne 2022.<h3>Reasons and circumstances of departure</h3>Rain explained his decision by pointing to several factors:He expressed dissatisfaction with FaZe’s management structure, citing corporate control and disputed revenue distribution.He also revealed that one of the former members of the organization faced serious misconduct accusations, and he could no longer remain silent.Following his statements, public disputes erupted within FaZe: representatives denied parts of the accusations and named individuals, while those involved rejected all claims.It is important to note that these allegations have not been legally confirmed and remain at the level of public accusations.Even before his official departure, rain missed several tournaments for personal reasons. For example, at IEM Dallas 2025 he was replaced by&nbsp;<a href="/en/players/skullz" target="_self">skullz</a>.<h3>Legacy and significance</h3>Rain became a symbol of stability in FaZe — a rare case in esports where a player spends almost 10 years with one organization.His record tenure in one team may remain unbroken for many years.Even during FaZe’s weaker results in 2025, the team continued to rely on his experience and leadership.Interestingly, back in 2020, rain considered leaving FaZe to form a Norwegian roster of his own, but he stayed after&nbsp;<a href="/en/players/karrigan" target="_self">karrigan</a>’s return.<h3>What’s next?</h3>The player himself has stated that his career is not over and he is open to offers from other teams in any role. Fans now await news about the next chapter for the Norwegian star.

GenOne strengthens roster with NBK-, Djoko, and misutaaa ahead of DraculaN Season 2

GenOne has revealed a revamped roster, already called the organization’s largest project to date. The team includes notable French players: Nathan "<a href="/en/players/nbk" target="_self">NBK-</a>" Schmitt, formerly of Vitality and Falcons; Kévin "<a href="/en/players/misutaaa" target="_self">misutaaa</a>" Rabier; and former 3DMAX entry Thomas "<a href="/en/players/djoko" target="_self">Djoko</a>" Pavoni. The roster will make its official LAN debut in the group stage of DraculaN Season 2.Two members from the previous lineup remain: Hugo "<a href="/en/players/brooxsy" target="_self">Brooxsy</a>" Di Bono returns to GenOne for the third time since his debut in 2021, and Belgian Jordan "<a href="/en/players/chucky" target="_self">Chucky</a>" Molnar remains the only non-French player, maintaining a steady 1.21 rating since May.Leading the five will be coach Damien "wasiNk" Dufour, who played briefly for GenOne in 2022–2023 before moving to coaching and later captained 3DMAX from March 2024 to June 2025.GenOne has been placed in Group A for DraculaN Season 2, where they will face Lazer Cats, way2go, and BASEMENT BOYS.Current GenOne roster:Nathan "NBK-" SchmittThomas "Djoko" PavoniKévin "misutaaa" RabierHugo "Brooxsy" Di BonoJordan "Chucky" Molnar Coach: Damien "wasiNk" Dufour

FURIA defeated The MongolZ 3-2 in the FISSURE Playground 2 final

The grand final of FISSURE Playground 2 delivered pure drama — FURIA edged out the Mongolian squad with a 3-2 scoreline. The series went the full five maps:&nbsp;<a href="/en/wiki/overview-map-mirage" target="_self">Mirage</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/en/wiki/overview-map-inferno" target="_self">Inferno</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/en/wiki/overview-map-nuke" target="_self">Nuke</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/en/wiki/overview-map-overpass" target="_self">Overpass</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="/en/wiki/overview-map-dust2" target="_self">Dust2</a>, each keeping fans on edge until the very last round. The Brazilian team showed composure and stability in clutch moments, managing to break through the resistance of their opponents.The road to the final was far from easy. The MongolZ faced Liquid in the semifinals, where ‘<a href="/en/players/910" target="_self">910</a>’ and ‘<a href="/en/players/senzu" target="_self">Senzu</a>’ became the key figures, leading the team to a 2-1 victory by winning Dust2 and&nbsp;<a href="/en/wiki/overview-map-ancient" target="_self">Ancient</a>, dropping only Mirage. FURIA, on the other hand, clashed with the tournament favorites Falcons: ‘<a href="/en/players/molodoy" target="_self">molodoy</a>’ and ‘<a href="/en/players/yuurih" target="_self">yuurih</a>’ played decisive roles, closing the series 2-1 in their favor. Both teams reached the final after hard-fought and well-deserved victories.The tournament MVP was deservedly awarded to molodoy, whose sharp aim and consistent play throughout the event proved to be the decisive factor in FURIA’s triumph. His impact was especially evident in the final, where he helped turn the tide on the decisive maps.

The first day of the FISSURE Playground 2 playoffs is over

The FISSURE Playground 2 playoffs kicked off with intense matches. In the series between G2 and The MongolZ, the Mongolian team came out on top, with&nbsp;<a href="/en/players/senzu" target="_self">Senzu</a>&nbsp;standing out, winning 2-1. Liquid handled Aurora convincingly in their match, taking the series 2-0 and controlling the pace on every map.FURIA defeated Astralis 2-0, showcasing coordinated team play and precise shooting. Falcons also secured a solid 2-0 victory over paiN, effectively using map control and smart team positioning.The first day of the playoffs highlighted the high level of preparation of the teams and promises exciting semifinal clashes, where every match will be crucial in the fight for a spot in the final.

Results of the FISSURE Playground 2 CS2 group stage

The group stage of FISSURE Playground 2 has ended, and the eight playoff participants are now known.<h2>Advanced</h2>Falcons and Aurora secured flawless 3–0 runs to reach the quarterfinals. With a 3–1 record, G2, The MongolZ, and FURIA joined them. The last three playoff slots went to Astralis, paiN, and Liquid (all 3–2).<h3>Eliminated</h3>FaZe, Virtus.pro, Heroic, GamerLegion, Legacy, 3DMAX, TYLOO, and Lynn Vision exited the tournament.<h2>Key highlights</h2>Liquid completed a comeback after starting 0–2 and punched their ticket to the playoffs by defeating FaZe. Russel "<a href="/en/players/twistzz" target="_self">Twistzz</a>" Van Dulken was the standout player of that match — symbolic as it was his last tournament with Liquid before moving to FaZe.Virtus.pro began the stage with two losses but bounced back by beating Lynn Vision and 3DMAX. However, the decisive match against paiN (1–2) ended their run. Roster changes —&nbsp;<a href="/en/players/to0ro" target="_self">tO0RO</a>&nbsp;stepping up from the academy and&nbsp;<a href="/en/players/perfecto" target="_self">Perfecto</a>&nbsp;taking over as in-game leader — didn’t solve the team’s issues. VP showed inconsistency and missed out on the playoffs.Falcons and Aurora stood out with perfect runs, remaining undefeated.<h3>Quarterfinal matchups</h3>G2 vs The MongolZ Aurora vs Liquid FURIA vs Astralis Falcons vs paiN

CS2 Update — new Genesis Collection and reworked grenade sounds

Valve has released a fresh update for Counter-Strike 2, with the main highlights being a new collection of items and improved&nbsp;<a href="/en/skins/grenades" target="_self">CS2 grenade</a>&nbsp;sounds.<h2>What’s new?</h2>Genesis Collection — a brand-new collection of 17&nbsp;<a href="/en/skins" target="_self">CS2 skins</a>&nbsp;created by community authors. Available through the new Genesis Uplink Terminal, which appears in weekly drops and allows players to preview and purchase featured items.Grenade sounds — all grenades now feature reworked sound effects: from drawing and pulling the pin to throwing and detonation. The audio is now richer and more precise, enhancing the tactical feel of the game.Map scripting — support for cs_script based on JavaScript has been added. Map and mod creators now have greater freedom, with the included “script_zoo” pack for testing.UI improvements — spectators can now inspect teammates’ loadouts and use zoom/pan functions in spectator view.Technical fixes — subtick system and hit registration have been improved, alongside bug fixes and optimizations.<h3>Conclusion</h3>This update is packed:&nbsp;<a href="/en/players" target="_self">CS2 players</a>&nbsp;get not only a vibrant skin collection but also more realistic grenade sounds, while creators of maps and mods receive new tools to experiment with.

FISSURE Playground 2 Day 4 Results: Falcons and Aurora Advance to Playoffs

On Monday, September 15, 2025, the 4th day of the FISSURE Playground 2 group stage took place. On this day, the first teams advancing to the playoffs with a 3-0 record were determined, as well as two teams eliminated from the tournament.<h2>Teams advancing to the playoffs with a 3-0 record</h2>Falcons: The roster with&nbsp;<a href="/en/players/niko" target="_self">NiKo</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="/en/players/monesy" target="_self">m0NESY</a>&nbsp;confidently defeated FaZe, finishing the group stage undefeated.Aurora: The Turkish roster defeated FURIA, securing a spot in the playoffs. Turkish player&nbsp;<a href="/en/players/xantares" target="_self">XANTARES</a>&nbsp;delivered an outstanding performance, deciding the outcome of the match.<h3>Teams eliminated from the tournament</h3>HEROIC: HEROIC lost to Liquid, failing to advance. The match was dramatic, but Liquid players&nbsp;<a href="/en/players/nertz" target="_self">NertZ</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="/en/players/twistzz" target="_self">Twistzz</a>&nbsp;ensured their team’s victory.Lynn Vision: The Chinese roster lost to Virtus.pro, ending their tournament run.<h3>Other matches of the day</h3>Legacy vs G2: G2 won 2-0 and advanced to the next stage.3DMAX vs GamerLegion: GamerLegion won 2-1, securing a place in the 2-1 bracket.TYLOO vs The MongolZ: The MongolZ defeated TYLOO, improving their group standing.Astralis vs paiN: paiN Gaming, largely thanks to&nbsp;<a href="/en/players/dgt" target="_self">dgt</a>, secured a convincing win over the legendary roster.

GamerLegion sign hypex, Kursy benched after FISSURE Playground 2

On September 14, 2025, GamerLegion officially announced the signing of Milan "<a href="/en/players/hypex" target="_self">hypex</a>" Polowiec, formerly of Betclic. The 21-year-old will now take over AWP duties, while Jeremy "<a href="/en/players/kursy" target="_self">Kursy</a>" Gast has been benched after just two months with the squad.Currently, GamerLegion are competing at FISSURE Playground 2 in Belgrade, where they suffered a heavy loss to TYLOO in their opening Swiss round.Before his transfer, hypex proved his potential at Betclic, boasting a 1.14 average rating in under a year and a team-best 1.08 at PGL Bucharest, where he faced the likes of FURIA, Astralis, The MongolZ, Aurora, and FaZe.His first official appearance with GamerLegion will come at ESL Pro League Season 22, starting September 27 in Stockholm.Current GamerLegion roster after FISSURE Playground 2: Fredrik "<a href="/en/players/rez" target="_self">REZ</a>" Sterner Erik "<a href="/en/players/ztr" target="_self">ztr</a>" Gustafsson Sebastian "<a href="/en/players/tauson" target="_self">Tauson</a>" Tauson Lindelof Oldřich "<a href="/en/players/pr" target="_self">PR</a>" Nový Milan "hypex" Polowiec Coach: Ashley "ash" Battye Benched: Henrich "<a href="/en/players/sl3nd" target="_self">sl3nd</a>" Hevesi, Jeremy "Kursy" Gast

Twistzz returns to FaZe Clan: who will he replace in the roster?

FaZe Clan officially announced the return of Russel “<a href="/en/players/twistzz" target="_self">Twistzz</a>” Van Dulken to the team after his departure from Liquid. The player’s debut is set for ESL Pro League Season 22. It remains uncertain whose spot in the active five Twistzz will take — the organization has not given an exact statement.The current FaZe roster includes karrigan,&nbsp;<a href="/en/players/rain" target="_self">rain</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/en/players/frozen" target="_self">frozen</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/en/players/broky" target="_self">broky</a>, jcobbb — and now Twistzz has joined them. The most likely candidates for replacement are&nbsp;<a href="/en/players/jcobbb" target="_self">jcobbb</a>, who recently joined and has not yet established himself as a core player, or&nbsp;<a href="/en/players/karrigan" target="_self">karrigan</a>, whose captain role is crucial but whose age and form have been increasingly discussed within the community.