The race for valuable VRS points at XSE Pro League Guangzhou 2026 has become even more significant than simply competing for the tournament title. According to Counter-Strike analyst Jesper “Udknud” Larsen, the event could determine which teams receive direct invitations to several upcoming Tier-1 tournaments, with PARIVISION, FaZe and Alliance standing to benefit the most.
XSE Pro League could reshape the August invite race
In a post on X, Udknud explained that one of PARIVISION, FaZe or possibly even Alliance is now very close to securing a direct invitation to ESL Pro League thanks to their deep run at XSE Pro League.
According to the analyst, these teams had already earned an invitation to FISSURE Playground 5 through their VRS position, but another strong result could push them into the next group of organizations receiving direct Tier-1 invites. That scenario could even force FUT out of the teams currently expected to qualify directly.
Udknud believes reaching the final or winning the tournament could effectively secure not only invitations to multiple elite events but also place the teams in an excellent position to qualify for the next Counter-Strike Major through the Valve Regional Standings.
One of these teams may get two crucial Tier-1 invites out of their XSE Pro League participation.
He also highlighted FaZe as one of the biggest potential winners, noting that the team recently missed the Major and currently has only an FWC invitation confirmed. A strong finish in Guangzhou could quickly return the international roster to the Tier-1 invitation cycle.
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Semifinals carry enormous VRS importance
The analyst emphasized that the semifinal between FaZe and PARIVISION could have major consequences for the next VRS update, as the winner would move into a much stronger position for upcoming invitations.
Alliance, meanwhile, are already projected to remain a Tier-1 team next season after their impressive run. A victory over 9z would further strengthen their VRS standing and improve their chances of receiving direct invites throughout the second half of the season.
Udknud concluded that the outcome of the tournament will have a significant impact on the global rankings, especially if 9z fail to lift the trophy.
Community reacts: “FISSURE 5? Let it go”
The discussion also sparked reactions from the community. One Alliance supporter celebrated the team’s success with a post tagged #LongLiveAlliance, while another fan jokingly dismissed the ongoing debate around FISSURE Playground 5 by replying:
FISSURE 5? Let it go bruh, it’s over.
With valuable VRS points, ESL Pro League invitations and future Major qualification all potentially on the line, the remaining XSE Pro League playoff matches have become some of the most important series of the summer for several teams.
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What’s next?
With valuable VRS points and direct Tier-1 invitations on the line, the remaining XSE Pro League playoff matches could shape the second half of the CS2 season. A strong finish would put teams like FaZe, PARIVISION or Alliance in a much stronger position for future invites and bring them significantly closer to qualifying for the next Major.
