The first-round fixtures for FISSURE Playground 2 have been locked in, and they’re already delivering some serious storylines. Kicking off on 12 September in Belgrade, the Counter-Strike tournament brings together 16 top teams chasing a share of the $1,250,000 prize pool, crucial VRS points, and a shot at making the StarLadder Budapest Major later this year.

The biggest talking point? Liquid are set for a fiery opener against FURIA. It’s a grudge match laced with history, with Brazilian icon Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo and Latvian rifler Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis now on the FURIA roster after their stints with Liquid. For Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken and company, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Their recent struggles, including a disappointing exit at BLAST London, mean a deep run in Belgrade is essential to keep their Major hopes alive.

Elsewhere, The MongolZ return to action for the first time since lifting the Esports World Cup trophy, taking on French squad 3DMAX. G2, FaZe, Virtus.pro, Astralis, and HEROIC are also among the heavyweights in the mix, with fans set for a packed weekend of Swiss-style group play. Teams will need three wins to advance to the playoffs, which will switch to a single-elimination format before culminating in a best-of-five grand final.

Here’s how the opening matchups are shaping up:

Image via Liquipedia.net

Friday 12 September

• GamerLegion vs TYLOO – 10:00 CEST | 04:00 ET | 01:00 PT | 05:00 BRT | 17:00 KST
• The MongolZ vs 3DMAX – 13:30 CEST | 07:30 ET | 04:30 PT | 08:30 BRT | 20:30 KST
• Falcons vs Virtus.pro – 17:00 CEST | 11:00 ET | 08:00 PT | 12:00 BRT | 23:00 KST
• Aurora vs Astralis – 20:30 CEST | 14:30 ET | 11:30 PT | 15:30 BRT | 02:30 KST (Saturday)

Saturday 13 September

• HEROIC vs Legacy – 10:00 CEST | 04:00 ET | 01:00 PT | 05:00 BRT | 17:00 KST
• G2 vs Lynn Vision – 13:30 CEST | 07:30 ET | 04:30 PT | 08:30 BRT | 20:30 KST
• FaZe vs paiN – 17:00 CEST | 11:00 ET | 08:00 PT | 12:00 BRT | 23:00 KST
• FURIA vs Liquid – 20:30 CEST | 14:30 ET | 11:30 PT | 15:30 BRT | 02:30 KST (Sunday)

With so many storylines in play and high stakes across the board, FISSURE Playground 2 looks set to deliver some of the best Counter-Strike action of the year.

The post FISSURE Playground 2 Opening Matchups Revealed With Liquid Facing FURIA in Fiery Opener appeared first on Shane the Gamer.