After the opening Swiss stage, ESL Pro League Season 23 moves into Stage 2, where the competition becomes significantly tougher. Sixteen teams will compete in another Swiss System bracket from March 6 to March 10, with only eight teams advancing to the LAN Finals.
Unlike Stage 1, the overall level of the field is much higher. Several established Tier-1 teams enter the stage alongside squads that built momentum during the opening phase. Consistency, veto control, and adaptability will determine who survives.
Primary Favorites
FURIA enter Stage 2 in strong form and are widely expected to reach the LAN Finals without major issues. The online environment should not affect them negatively, and their aggressive style tends to translate well in this format.
MOUZ are another clear contender to qualify. While stronger opponents like FURIA or Spirit could challenge them in individual series, the overall level of the roster should comfortably secure a place in the Finals.
Spirit come into Stage 2 after a bootcamp and are expected to look sharp. With strong individual form and structured play, they should have little difficulty collecting the necessary wins to move forward.
Stable Playoff Contenders
Aurora have been performing consistently well recently. The online setting should suit them, and against mid-tier opponents they are expected to perform confidently. Their main difficulties may come against the stronger contenders in the field.
Natus Vincere find themselves in a similar position. On paper they should be able to advance, but the team has occasionally struggled with self-inflicted mistakes in key moments. If they maintain discipline, qualification should be within reach.
Teams With Upside
The MongolZ are still adapting after roster adjustments, with new players gradually settling into their roles. Their development is ongoing, but the team has enough firepower to challenge many opponents in this stage.
FUT continue to impress despite being a relatively young roster. Their aggressive style and confidence make them dangerous opponents, and they have already proven they can compete with stronger teams. A potential run to the Finals would not be a surprise.
Unpredictable Contenders
G2 remain difficult to evaluate. Questions around the AWPer position still linger, and their overall form has been inconsistent. While the team clearly has the talent to qualify, their path through Stage 2 may not be straightforward.
FaZe also enter the stage with uncertainty. Their recent run at Cluj ended with a 1-3 record, with their only win coming against HEROIC. Losses against stronger opponents raise questions about their current level, making their performance here harder to predict.
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Teams Building Momentum
HEROIC appear to be gaining momentum. Their new AWPer, youngstar, is gradually improving in the role, and the team looks more confident overall. With continued progress, they could challenge for a Finals spot.
Monte delivered an impressive performance in Stage 1, securing wins over teams like PARIVISION and HEROIC. Their confidence is clearly growing, and another strong showing in Stage 2 would not be unexpected.
Possible Surprises
Legacy surprised some observers during the opening stage with strong performances against teams like PARIVISION. While expectations remain cautious, they have already shown they can upset stronger opponents.
paiN are still working with a relatively new roster, roughly a month into its development. Early performances have been encouraging, but stronger opposition could expose weaknesses. Their long-term consistency remains a question.
Struggling Teams
B8 arrive in difficult circumstances after receiving a direct invite while struggling with form. A new player may help stabilize the lineup, but the team currently looks far from its best level, making a playoff run unlikely.
3DMAX are still adapting after roster changes. Recent tournaments saw them finish near the bottom of standings, and the team is still searching for stability. However, with Major qualification on the horizon, this tournament remains important for their progress.
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What Stage 2 Will Decide
Stage 2 represents a crucial turning point in ESL Pro League Season 23. The level of opposition rises dramatically, and mistakes become far more costly. While favorites like FURIA, MOUZ, and Spirit are expected to advance, the Swiss format always leaves room for surprises. By March 10, eight teams will secure their place in the LAN Finals — and the rest will see their Pro League run come to an end.
