FURIA end Falcons’ run, reach first offline Grand Final since 2023

FURIA end Falcons’ run, reach first offline Grand Final since 2023

In a strong showing at FISSURE Playground 2 (FPG2), FURIA defeated Falcons 2-0 in the semi-finals to secure a spot in their first offline Grand Final in nearly two years. The Brazilian side triumphed on Train (16-12) and Nuke (13-11) to advance. They will face The MongolZ in a best-of-five final, giving them a chance to claim their first trophy since Elisa Masters Esport in 2023. 

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Match recap: tight maps, key moments

• Train was the more controlled map for FURIA. Falcons fought back in the second half, narrowing the deficit, but FURIA maintained composure. The closing rounds saw better coordination and effective utility usage from FURIA, especially in forcing Falcons into uncomfortable economic spots.

• Nuke was much closer: a back-and-forth start, Falcons gaining some momentum early, but FURIA refusing to yield. Critical gun rounds and clutch plays helped them stay ahead. The final rounds were especially tense, but FURIA closed it out. Falcons struggled to find a counter-play in key moments.

Falcons, with roster of NiKo, TeSeS, m0NESY, kyxsan, and kyousuke, had been strong throughout the event, but couldn’t overcome FURIA’s sharper finishes. 

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What this result means for FURIA

• First offline Grand Final in almost two years: Their last offline trophy was Elisa Masters Espoo 2023. This run marks a return to form.

• Roster strength: FURIA’s lineup—FalleN, yuurih, KSCERATO, molodoy, and YEKINDAR—has shown impressive synergy. Their performance stats in the event reflect solid individual and team growth.

• Psychological boost: Beating Falcons in a high-stakes match (semi) gives them momentum heading into the final. Falcons are a top team, highly rated; overcoming them should increase confidence.

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Falcons’ standpoint

• Falcons had previously been a strong contender in this tournament, with clean performances in group stage and positive indicators in their play.

• Their loss here highlights issues in closing out maps where momentum shifts—particularly in the second halves of tight maps—became decisive. Despite having star players, closing rounds under pressure remains their challenge.

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Broader tournament context & stakes

• FISSURE Playground 2 is a high-profile event with strong teams. For FURIA, the winner of the final will end a title drought. For The MongolZ, the final is an opportunity to further cement their status, coming off recent successes.

• World rankings: Heading into the match, FURIA is ranked #6, Falcons at #8.

• Upcoming challenges: The final will be best-of-five, which tests depth, stamina, map veto strategy, and adaptability more than previous rounds. FURIA will need consistency and strong mental closes.

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Key players & performances

From FURIA:

• yuurih and KSCERATO stood out in performances, contributing high kill counts and maintaining pressure in crucial rounds.

• molodoy played a vital role in gunfights and economy management, helping secure rounds at important moments.

• YEKINDAR showed up often in clutch situations or rounds that sealed map momentum.

From Falcons:

• NiKo, TeSeS, m0NESY had strong moments, but they couldn’t sustain them into map ends.

• kyousuke and kyxsan also contributed, but Falcons couldn’t close the gap in tight late rounds.

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Implications moving forward & what to expect in the final

• FURIA has a shot to clinch the title and break the offline trophy drought. Their chances hinge on maintaining composure, strong performances from key players, especially in decisive maps.

• The MongolZ will be a formidable opponent. They have had a strong showing through the bracket, making them dangerous. FURIA will need to prepare well for map veto, mid-round adaptation, and mental endurance.

• Falcons, meanwhile, must reflect on their losses here. Their map pool strength vs. second-half performance, as well as their mental resilience in closing rounds, may be focal points for improvement.

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Bottom line

• FURIA’s 2-0 win over Falcons at FPG2 was hard-earned, with tight maps but better execution under pressure.

• They reach their first offline Grand Final in nearly two years, offering them a chance for a trophy.

• Falcons fall short despite strong showings, pointing out areas to sharpen: late-map consistency, closing under pressure, and translating strong individual moments into map wins.