FUT secured one of the final playoff spots at ESL Pro League Season 23 – Stage 2, defeating G2 2–1 in a decisive Swiss round match between two teams holding a 2–2 record. The winner advanced to the LAN finals, while the loser was eliminated from the tournament. After losing the opening map, FUT mounted a comeback on Dust2 and Overpass to complete the reverse series and knock G2 out of the event.
Path through the tournament
The result marked the end of the Swiss stage journey for both teams.
For FUT, the victory secured a 3–2 record, allowing them to claim one of the final playoff spots at ESL Pro League Season 23. Earlier in the stage, FUT recorded wins against HEROIC, B8, and now G2, while suffering defeats against 3DMAX and FURIA.
For G2, the loss ends their tournament run with a 2–3 record. The team started the stage with victories over FaZe and Natus Vincere, but consecutive losses to Aurora, Spirit, and finally FUT eliminated them from the playoff race.
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G2 1–2 FUT
Mirage — G2 strike first (13–4)
The series began on Mirage, FUT’s map pick, but G2 immediately took control of the game. Strong defensive setups and confident mid control allowed G2 to dictate the pace early on. Matúš “MATYS” Šimko and Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa consistently shut down FUT’s attempts to gain map control, helping G2 secure a dominant 13–4 victory.
Dust2 — FUT respond (13–11)
FUT bounced back on Dust2, where the map remained competitive throughout most of the game. Several key mid-round plays from Džiugas “dziugss” Steponavičius and Nikita “cmtry” Samolotov helped FUT keep the scoreline close before eventually taking control late in the match. The European squad managed to edge out G2 13–11, tying the series and forcing a decider.
Overpass — FUT complete the comeback (13–11)
The deciding map Overpass proved to be the most competitive of the series. Both teams traded rounds for much of the game, but FUT gradually gained momentum in the second half. Crucial late-round executions and strong defensive holds ultimately allowed them to close the map 13–11, completing the 2–1 comeback victory.
Match statistics
Player of the Match — Matúš “MATYS” Šimko
Across three maps:
- 54–41 K-D
- +2.55% swing
- 85.9 ADR
- 78.5% KAST
- 1.33 rating
Despite G2 falling short in the series, MATYS delivered the strongest individual performance of the match, consistently winning key duels and maintaining high impact across all three maps.
VRS impact
The series also affected the Valve Regional Standings (VRS).
FUT gained +19 VRS points, improving their ranking and strengthening their position ahead of upcoming tournaments. Meanwhile, G2 lost −15 VRS points, dropping slightly in the standings after missing the EPL playoffs.
Team reactions
Both teams reacted to the result on social media shortly after the match. G2 acknowledged the end of their tournament run with a brief but dramatic message:
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FUT, meanwhile, celebrated the victory and their qualification for the playoffs with a bold post aimed at their defeated opponents:
NO PLAYOFFS FOR THE PUPPETS
The result sends FUT to the ESL Pro League Season 23 LAN playoffs, while G2 exit the tournament after falling in the decisive Swiss round.
What comes next
With this victory, FUT secure their place in the ESL Pro League Season 23 LAN playoffs, while G2’s tournament run ends after falling short in the decisive Swiss round.
