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After nearly a month since the BLAST Open London finals, ESL Pro League Season 22 Stage 2 is finally underway, bringing together the world’s top CS2 teams in the first major tournament of the fall season. Fans have been waiting to see how teams have adapted during this break, with questions looming over Vitality’s form, Spirit’s consistency, and whether teams like The MongolZ or G2 can continue their recent successes.

Stage 1 Recap: Teams That Advanced

The first stage of ESL Pro League S22 saw intense Swiss-system competition, with several standout performances shaping the lineup for Stage 2.

FURIA secured the final Stage 2 spot after a dramatic 2-1 series win over B8. Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis delivered a decisive performance on the Overpass decider, producing eight opening kills and a 2.15 map rating to guide his team from a 0-5 deficit to a 13-6 victory. This win concludes a challenging Stage 1 for FURIA, who entered as one of the favorites but had to fight through the final rounds to advance.
G2 qualified with a 2-0 win over ENCE in the decider, demonstrating both strategic depth and individual skill. huNter- led the team with a 1.52 rating in the series, turning a shaky Stage 1 run into a solid foundation for Stage 2.
Astralis narrowly avoided elimination, overcoming Legacy in a three-map series. Nicolai “device” Reedtz starred on Ancient with a 2.13 rating, showcasing the veteran’s ability to deliver in high-pressure moments.

Other Stage 1 survivors include Gentle Mates, Inner Circle, HOTU, 3DMAX, and GamerLegion, all of whom navigated a challenging Swiss bracket to reach the next stage.

Key Storylines Heading Into Stage 2

Vitality: After dominating much of the year with seven event wins, Vitality enters Stage 2 seeking a return to form. Their fall performances have been inconsistent, and fans will be closely watching whether the team can recapture the momentum that made them one of the most dominant squads in 2025.

Spirit: The Russian team faces another test of consistency. Previous tournaments have seen them falter under pressure, and the question remains whether they can avoid an early exit this time.

The MongolZ: Having reached No.1 in the HLTV rankings for the first time in their history, The MongolZ aim to solidify their top spot with a deep run in Stage 2. Their recent results, including strong showings in BLAST Bounty and FISSURE Playground 2, have made them one of the most closely watched teams of the season.

G2: Following a mixed Stage 1, G2 must prove that they can compete at the highest level consistently. While victories in Stage 1 deciders demonstrated resilience, they will need a more stable performance to contend for the title.

Stage 2 Outlook

ESL Pro League Season 22 Stage 2 promises high-stakes matchups as all qualified teams prepare to vie for points, prize money, and momentum heading into the major events later this fall. The competitive field features a blend of established powerhouses and rising talents, ensuring that every series carries significant implications.

Fans can expect intense matches with clutch plays, strategic adaptations, and standout individual performances shaping the narrative throughout the tournament. Stage 2 represents not only an opportunity for redemption for struggling teams but also a chance for emerging squads to make their mark on the CS2 scene.

Conclusion

After a month of anticipation, ESL Pro League Season 22 Stage 2 finally reunites the top teams on a competitive stage. Vitality aims to reclaim their dominance, Spirit faces another test of consistency, and The MongolZ and G2 hope to continue their successful runs. With Stage 1 qualifiers in place and expectations high, Stage 2 promises a showcase of CS2 at the highest level.