FISSURE Playground 3 predictions: Which teams can lift the trophy?

Jon Nicholson, Freelance Writer

Last Updated: 07/09/2026

As the dust settles on a hotly contested BLAST Open Porto 2026 Grand Final, the Tier 1 Counter-Strike circuit heads to Suzhou, China, for FISSURE Playground 3. Taking place from September 8th to 13th, 16 world-class rosters take to the stage in a bid to earn valuable VRS points and a share of a $1.25 million prize pool.

Unlike other high-profile events, powerhouses Team Falcons, Team Spirit, and MOUZ have chosen not to compete. As a result, there’s a strong chance of a new name lifting the trophy. With several teams capable of standing on the top step, these are the names armed with an opportunity to spring a surprise.

Can FURIA defend its FISSURE crown?

After falling in the Porto Quarterfinals to a Team Vitality roster that used a stand-in, FURIA hopes to return to winning ways in China by successfully defending its FISSURE Playground 2 title. 

In addition to Kaike ‘KSCERATO’ Cerato excelling with a rifle, Gabriel ‘FalleN’ Toledo continues to display his incredible mind for Counter-Strike. Instead of relying on ammunition to outsmart Team Vitality, his use of the round timer and superior positioning can make all the difference.

Failure to defeat the French powerhouse when it’s not at full strength isn’t ideal. Despite this, UK betting sites still list FURIA as the favourites for outright victory at 9/4 (3.25), demonstrating a 30.8% implied probability of securing its first tournament title since November 2025.

FURIA might have gotten eliminated but this moment from FalleN was absolute cinema 🥶 pic.twitter.com/Z3HAzqtjjd

— Ozzny (@Ozzny_CS2) September 5, 2026

The FaZe Clan magic is still there

Revamping a roster in Counter-Strike doesn’t always yield improvements. For FaZe Clan, recent roster moves have coincided with an uptick in form. After narrowly missing out on the IEM Cologne Major, the new-look Red Militia hopes it can continue building on the momentum.

FaZe Clan’s gamble on adding Ryan ‘Neityu’ Aubry to the starting lineup is starting to pay off. While the French rifler may not have the highest of ratings, his ability to clutch in high-stakes situations is second to none.

C’EST INCROYABLE, IL Y A 🇫🇷 APEX ET 🇫🇷 ZYWOO SUR LE SERVEUR, ET POURTANT C’EST BIEN 🇫🇷 NEITYU LE MEILLEUR FRANÇAIS !!! 😨 pic.twitter.com/Yzp3x11iRX

— Croissant Strike (@CroissantStrike) August 20, 2026

Russel ‘Twistzz’ Van Dulken is also starting to shine as the FaZe Clan in-game leader. While players in this role aren’t known for scoring plenty of kills, the Canadian is doing just that. In FaZe’s 2–1 defeat to Team Spirit at BLAST Bounty 2026, he led his team with a 1.10 rating and tied Neityu for 43 kills, outperforming Danil ‘donk’ Kryshkovets.

Priced at 7/1 (8.0), FaZe Clan is one of several outsiders making the trip to FISSURE Playground 3. With an implied probability of 12.5% to win outright, there’s still a chance this team is capable of making a deep run through the bracket.

Can Legacy shine once again?

Since adding Santino ‘try’ Rigal to the Brazilian core, Legacy continues to demonstrate why they’re considered one of South America’s top sides. A third-place finish at the Esports World Cup 2026 proved that success at the CS Asia Championships wasn’t a fluke.

Alongside try’s almost immediate impact on the squad, Bruno ‘latto’ Rebelatto’s incredible speed and clutching ability remain a force to be reckoned with on the global stage. A clinical 1v2 against FUT Esports during the BLAST Open Porto 2026 Group Stage showcases exactly what makes this rifler a threat on the server.

1VS2 FOR MAP POINT 💪 #BLASTPremier @lattofps pic.twitter.com/ndh6gd0ZQc

— BLAST Premier 💥 (@BLASTPremier) August 27, 2026

Despite failing to qualify for the Porto Playoffs, Legacy still displayed plenty of quality against powerhouse rosters. The South Americans managed to force deciding third maps against Team Falcons and Team Vitality on their way out. 

At 4/1 (5.0) and a 20% implied probability of adding another trophy to the cabinet, Legacy is a team armed with the know-how and firepower to take on the world’s top teams. At those odds, they also offer solid value if you’re looking outside of the frontrunners.

Which team will win FISSURE Playground 3?

Over the past few months, several teams have shown the ability to compete at the top of Tier 1 Counter-Strike. Even with FURIA starting to rediscover some momentum, it’s impossible to rule out a strong showing from G2 Esports.

At 7/2 (4.5), the international roster heads to China as the second favourites. However, rifler Nikita ‘HeavyGod’ Martynenko has started delivering some standout performances. If he can deliver when it counts, the G2 Army has a great chance of marching onto the top step of the podium.

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Jon Nicholson, Freelance Writer

Jonno is a veteran esports journalist with over a decade of experience in covering the world of competitive gaming. Since starting in 2014, he’s covered the biggest events for outlets including Esports Insider, GGRecon, Gfinity, and Siege.GG. When he’s not writing, he can be found sim racing with varying degrees of success.

All Posts By Jon Nicholson