FURIA were eliminated from BLAST Open Porto 2026 after a 1:2 quarter-final loss to Vitality, but Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo believes his team had opportunities to close the series before the decider. Speaking to Dust2 Brasil after the match, FalleN discussed the close Cache, a technical issue during the map and why Vitality ultimately deserved the victory.
FURIA started the series with a 13:6 victory on Nuke before losing Cache 11:13 and Dust2 4:13. The result left them in 5th–6th place at the event.
FURIA had a chance to close the series on Cache
FalleN felt FURIA remained in control of their chances through the first two maps, particularly after the convincing start on Nuke.
We had the chance to close it 2-0.
Cache became the turning point. FURIA led 3:0 when FalleN experienced two PC freezes lasting around ten seconds. He asked for the round to be restored, but tournament rules did not allow it because damage had already been dealt.
FalleN did not use the incident as an excuse, saying FURIA still need to review the series and identify situations they could have handled better.
FalleN says Vitality deserved the win
Dust2 was much more difficult for FURIA. They lost both pistol rounds and never found enough momentum to seriously threaten Vitality on the decider.
FalleN acknowledged that there are strategic details to improve, but pointed out how difficult it is to win a map after losing both pistols. Vitality had managed to overcome the same problem on Cache.
They deserved to win today.
For FalleN, that was an important difference between the two sides. Vitality found a way to recover when the economy and early rounds went against them, while FURIA could not do the same on Dust2.
FURIA now want to reset before their next event
FalleN did not describe the Porto elimination as something that should completely change how FURIA view their progress. He noted that 16 teams arrived hoping to win and only one can eventually lift the trophy.
We need to reset as a team.
The focus now shifts quickly to FISSURE Playground 3, which takes place from September 8–13 in China. FalleN said the field is slightly weaker based on rankings compared to Porto, but warned that this does not make the event easy.
We have good hopes of winning.
FURIA will have only a few days between the two events, leaving little time to review the Vitality loss and prepare for their next tournament.
FalleN is enjoying playing under YEKINDAR calls
FalleN also spoke about Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis taking over IGL responsibilities on some maps during Esports World Cup and BLAST Open Porto.
The change allows FalleN to spend more time concentrating on his own screen and micro-decisions instead of thinking about what every player needs to do. He said the experience has been enjoyable because he and YEKINDAR see Counter-Strike in a similar way.
FalleN also believes the experiment could be useful for YEKINDAR long-term, suggesting that becoming a full-time IGL could potentially be part of his future.
