EPL Season 22 Stage 2 Overview

The second Swiss Stage of ESL Pro League Season 22 brought together sixteen Counter-Strike 2 teams, merging the top performers from the earlier phase with higher-seeded contenders. Each match carried significant weight, as teams battled for limited playoff positions and the chance to continue their run in one of the season’s most competitive events.

While the ultimate outcome aligned with expectations, the journey to that point was marked by unpredictable results and shifting momentum. These fluctuations highlighted the depth of talent across the field and reinforced the evolving nature of CS2’s professional landscape.

The MongolZ falter and fail to regain form

The MongolZ entered EPL Season 22 Stage 2 with steady momentum but quickly lost their footing. Despite earlier consistency, the team dropped three of four matches against lower-ranked opponents — HOTU, Inner Circle, and Gentle Mates. Their only success came in a 2–1 series over GamerLegion, which briefly kept them in contention.

Analysts pointed to limited regional competition as a possible factor in their struggles. Without consistent high-level practice, the team’s coordination appeared uneven. Their elimination by NAVI ended the run, leaving questions about how they will adapt in future international events.

Flawless Spirit and Falcons

Both Team Spirit and Team Falcons displayed consistent and efficient performances during Stage 2 of ESL Pro League Season 22, leaving little doubt about their readiness for the Playoffs. Each squad entered the Swedish event with something to prove after uneven results earlier in the year, and both managed to meet expectations through disciplined execution and improved coordination.

Team Spirit showed steady form despite a few early map challenges. They dropped a single map to Inner Circle on Nuke, losing 13–4, but quickly recovered by defeating HOTU without major resistance. Their decisive 2–0 victory over G2 Esports secured a Playoff berth and signaled progress for their new lineup featuring Andrey “tN1R” Tatarinovich. This tournament marks the first appearance of the updated roster, which follows mixed outcomes at events like the CS2 EWC and BLAST Open Fall 2025.

Team Falcons also completed Stage 2 without a loss. They began by defeating Astralis in a must-win opener, followed by convincing victories over NAVI and MOUZ. Under the guidance of coach Danny “zonic” Sørensen, the roster appears to have found renewed balance after inconsistent showings earlier in 2025. Their recent top finishes at major events hinted at potential, but this flawless group stage confirmed their upward trajectory.

Key Falcons Highlights:

• Win streak: 3–0 in Stage 2
• Notable victories: NAVI and MOUZ
• Momentum regained under zonic’s leadership

The last major event for rain with FaZe?

FaZe Clan made headlines at the start of ESL Pro League Season 22 by benching Håvard “rain” Nygaard, one of their longest-serving players. After nearly a decade with the organization, his sudden removal raised questions about internal decisions and the team’s direction. The situation changed quickly when FaZe had to reinstate rain to meet roster requirements following a forfeit against G2 in the opening round.

Rain’s return came with mixed emotions. The team’s form in Stage 2 showed inconsistency, though they managed to stay competitive. FaZe lost to 3DMAX, but rebounded with 2–0 victories over Astralis and Inner Circle. Their deciding series against Aurora tested their resilience—after a heavy 2–13 loss on Train, they narrowly secured the win on Dust II to claim a playoff berth.

This tournament also marked a lineup transition. With Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken rejoining and Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski returning to Team Liquid, FaZe entered a new phase of roster dynamics. Whether this event becomes rain’s final major appearance under the FaZe banner remains uncertain, but it clearly reflects a turning point in both his career and the team’s evolution.

A Big Yawn from Vitality

Team Vitality entered Stage 2 of the ESL Pro League Season 22 looking uncharacteristically sluggish. Their opening match ended in a 0–2 loss to Gentle Mates, a result that few expected from a roster known for discipline and precision. The setback raised questions about their readiness and focus early in the tournament.

The team quickly corrected course. Against GamerLegion (GL), Vitality dominated with 13–3 and 13–1 scorelines on Overpass and Dust II. They followed up with confident victories over HOTU and G2 Esports, showing the form that fans associate with their best performances.

Even with these strong rebounds, their inconsistency remains a talking point. Vitality’s ability to crush mid-tier opponents yet stumble against underdogs highlights a gap that could become costly in the Budapest Major if not addressed soon.

We see you HOTU, Inner Circle, M8!

Smaller teams often bring unexpected energy to major tournaments, and this season’s Stage 2 of the ESL Pro League proved that again. HOTU, Inner Circle, and Gentle Mates (M8) stood out with disciplined play and moments of genuine potential, even without reaching the Playoffs. Their performances showed that emerging rosters can challenge established names in CS2.

HOTU entered Stage 2 after finishing Stage 1 with a flawless record. They opened strong by defeating The MongolZ, a result that turned heads across the event. The following matches were tougher — losses to Team Spirit, Vitality, and NAVI ended their run — but their early form demonstrated a structured and confident approach rarely seen from a new contender.

Inner Circle mirrored HOTU’s early momentum. They also defeated The MongolZ and managed competitive rounds against FURIA and FaZe. Taking a map from Team Spirit highlighted their ability to adapt under pressure. The squad’s balanced coordination suggests a promising trajectory as they gain more top-tier experience.

Gentle Mates, a well-known organization with a newly formed CS2 lineup, showed steady progress. Their victory over Vitality marked a strong statement for a roster assembled only weeks before the event. Although defeats to MOUZ, Aurora, and The MongolZ halted their advance, M8’s early chemistry indicates potential for growth in future tournaments.

A fail for G2 and other predictable outcomes

G2 Esports’ inconsistency resurfaced during Stage 2 of the ESL Pro League Season 22. Despite a recent trophy at BLAST Open Fall 2025, the roster changes appear to have disrupted their rhythm, leading to another disappointing run. Their early exit contrasts sharply with the expectations set by their previous performances.

Teams such as FURIA, MOUZ, and NAVI maintained steady but unsurprising form, advancing through the stage without major upsets. 3DMAX once again reached the top eight, reinforcing their growing reliability in mid-tier competition.