The first major tournament of the 2026 season served as a kind of litmus test for teams aiming for top positions. For some, it confirmed stability and long-term potential; for others, it exposed deep-rooted systemic issues; and for a few, it became a genuine breakthrough. Below is a detailed breakdown of how the key teams performed during the final stage of the event.
Team Spirit — a team driven by momentum, not control
Spirit’s performance in the final stage once again highlighted the core issue of this roster: a critical dependence on how the game unfolds. As long as the match follows their script, Spirit look convincing and dangerous. But the moment initiative shifts to the opponent, the team begins to lose structure.
This was most clearly visible in the match against Parivision, where Spirit failed to regroup even after a series of lost rounds. Emotional instability, tilt, and rushed decisions only deepened the crisis as the series progressed. Notably, even donk — a player who often carries the team through sheer individual impact — was unable to change the course of the match this time.
For Spirit, this is a clear signal: without serious work on mental resilience and mid-round adaptation, the team risks remaining a hostage to its own momentum instead of dictating the pace of the game.
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Team Liquid — reaching the final stage did not hide systemic problems
Despite managing to reach the final phase of the tournament, Liquid’s performance against opponents of their own tier showed one thing clearly: in their current lineup, the team is not competitive at the very top level.
The match against Falcons became yet another confirmation of this diagnosis. Liquid occasionally show flashes of play reminiscent of their former greatness, but these moments are too brief and not backed by consistency. Against this backdrop, the community is increasingly vocal about the need for changes, particularly in the AWP role.
The start of the 2026 season only reinforced the overall sense of stagnation. Without roster decisions, Liquid risk remaining a team that sometimes surprises, but consistently falls short in decisive moments.
GamerLegion and HEROIC — a healthy start and a case for progress
Although GamerLegion and HEROIC exited the tournament at the quarter-final stage, both teams left a very positive impression. They managed to put up strong resistance against two top-tier opponents — Vitality and FURIA, respectively.
HEROIC, in particular, deserve special mention for taking a map off FURIA, the current leaders of the VRS rankings. Both teams looked organized, disciplined, and competitive, pointing to a correct developmental trajectory.
If GamerLegion and HEROIC maintain this momentum in upcoming tournaments, they could soon begin applying real pressure on the scene’s top five. The opening of 2026 can confidently be considered a success for both lineups.
FURIA and Team Vitality — stability without a final
FURIA and Vitality showed a similar level of play: solid and controlled, but ultimately insufficient to reach the grand final. Both teams were eliminated in the semi-finals, seriously disappointing fans who had anticipated a direct showdown between them.
The reasons may differ. In FURIA’s case, it could come down to a possible underestimation of the opponent; for Vitality, physical and mental fatigue after an extremely intense 2025 season may have played a role. However, it is still too early to talk about a decline in form. At the start of the 2026 season, both teams look more positive than neutral, with clear room for further growth.
Team Falcons — a final with a stand-in and an MVP for NiKo
Falcons became one of the main storylines of the tournament. The team competed with stand-in NucleonZ, yet that did not prevent them from making a full run to the final. Throughout the event, Falcons displayed dominant and confident play, while NiKo deservedly claimed the MVP award — even despite the loss in the final.
The final result may have been partially influenced by the absence of kyousuke, but even in this lineup Falcons showed a level that supports serious ambitions. With the return of their full roster, the team could reach an even higher ceiling. The start of the season for Falcons is unquestionably a success.
PARIVISION — the defining phenomenon of the 2026 season start
Parivision were the undisputed sensation of the tournament. After signing Zweih, the team appeared to shift into a completely different gear — faster, more aggressive, and far more confident. While it may be too early to attribute this leap solely to the transfer, the trend is undeniable.
Parivision tore through top teams on the CS2 scene, showcasing synergy and structural maturity that would have been hard to imagine from them just a year ago. What seemed like a fairy tale before the season began has become reality — and Parivision are the main protagonists of that story.
Without exaggeration, the best start to the 2026 season currently belongs to Parivision.
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Overall conclusion
The first tournament of the 2026 season clearly divided teams into three categories:
- those already ready to fight for the very top,
- those moving in the right direction,
- and those in urgent need of change.
The scene enters the new season with new leaders, old questions, and unexpected heroes — and this is only the beginning.
