After two intense Swiss stages, ESL Pro League Season 23 now reaches its final chapter. Eight teams remain in the tournament and will compete in the LAN Playoffs, where the format shifts to a single-elimination bracket. From this point on, there are no second chances — one bad series can immediately end a team’s tournament run.
The LAN environment also introduces a different level of pressure compared to the earlier online stages. Momentum, confidence, and individual form often become decisive factors in playoff matches. With several major contenders already eliminated earlier in the event, this bracket presents a rare opportunity for new champions to emerge.
According to analyst Tedd, the overall picture of the playoffs is fairly clear.
Without Vitality and with FURIA already eliminated, Spirit look like the clear favorites. But if I’m being honest, this really feels like the perfect event for either Spirit or MOUZ to win
Can Astralis really challenge Spirit?
Spirit enter the quarterfinal as one of the strongest teams left in the bracket. The team continues to rely heavily on the incredible form of donk and the consistency of sh1ro, a duo that can completely take over games when they are performing at their peak level.
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At the same time, Tedd believes there are still structural questions surrounding Spirit’s T side. While their firepower is undeniable, their mid-round calling sometimes depends too much on individual brilliance rather than deeper tactical solutions.
Their T-side calling hasn’t improved as much as people wanted. Too often they still rely on individuals to bail them out
Astralis, meanwhile, arrive at the playoffs with far less pressure on their shoulders. Simply reaching the LAN stage already represents a solid result for a team that has struggled with consistency throughout the season.
Still, there have been several positive signs within the Danish lineup. jabbi in particular has looked significantly stronger during the tournament, returning to the role of star rifler and providing impact both on CT sides and as an entry on T side.
I’ve been very impressed by jabbi at this event. He has slotted back into being the star rifler of the team
Even with those improvements, Spirit remain the clear favorites.
I don’t think it will necessarily be a quick 2-0, but Spirit should still win the series
Can Aurora stop Legacy’s momentum on LAN?
The matchup between Aurora and Legacy carries an interesting storyline, as the two teams already faced each other earlier in the tournament during the online stage. Aurora won that meeting, which gives them some valuable experience heading into the LAN rematch.
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Legacy have been one of the biggest surprises of ESL Pro League so far. The arrival of arT as in-game leader has already had a visible impact on the team’s identity. His aggressive calling style and willingness to take initiative in difficult situations have helped the roster steal several key rounds.
I’ve been very impressed with how much arT has helped Legacy already. Especially when it comes to bailing them out of difficult situations
However, the LAN environment could still present a new challenge for the roster.
This will likely be the first LAN Legacy play with arT. Even with an experienced IGL, it’s still very different to play offline with a new team
Aurora, meanwhile, rely on a simpler but very effective approach. Their structure allows them to play reactive Counter-Strike and trust their raw mechanical skill in many situations.
Aurora are the kind of team that will keep things simple and rely on their aim
Legacy’s chaotic and unpredictable style could still create problems on maps like Inferno, Dust2, or Overpass, but overall Aurora appear to have the edge in experience and consistency.
The MongolZ without their coach — how big is the problem?
One of the most unusual situations in the playoffs involves The MongolZ, who will compete in the LAN stage without their coach.
For many teams this would represent a major disadvantage, especially when it comes to tactical preparation and mid-series adjustments. However, Tedd believes the MongolZ might be less affected than most teams due to their playstyle.
The MongolZ are not the most tactical team in the world. They rely much more on mechanics, aggression, and momentum.
Because of that, the team could still remain competitive against Natus Vincere, especially if their individuals perform well early in the series.
They can absolutely beat NAVI. They probably even have more raw firepower
The MongolZ have already demonstrated their ability to overwhelm opponents when they gain early confidence, and their aggressive style can quickly snowball rounds if the momentum shifts in their favor.
How long can NAVI remain this inconsistent?
For Natus Vincere, the biggest challenge continues to be consistency.
The roster clearly possesses the talent to compete with the best teams in the world, but their performances can vary dramatically from match to match. Some games show strong coordination and disciplined structure, while others reveal problems with slow starts or lack of solutions when early rounds go poorly.
You never really know what version of NAVI you’re going to get,
Individual performances have also fluctuated. While makazze has impressed since joining the lineup, players like b1t, iM, and w0nderful have sometimes struggled to maintain consistent impact across full series.
Firepower has been a bit of an issue
Despite those concerns, NAVI still have one important advantage: their experience in high-pressure matches. Historically, the team has managed to perform well in elimination games even during periods of inconsistency. If they can stabilize their performances during the playoffs, NAVI remain a dangerous opponent for anyone in the bracket.
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Why MOUZ have no excuses at this event
Among all teams remaining in the tournament, MOUZ may be the most complete roster.
Their structure, tactical discipline, and deep playbook allow them to adapt effectively across different maps and opponents. While some teams rely heavily on individual performances, MOUZ tend to win rounds through coordinated team play and strong mid-round decisions. Tedd said:
I think MOUZ are the most solid team left in the playoffs
With several traditional contenders already eliminated earlier in the tournament, this event could represent one of MOUZ’s best opportunities to secure a Tier-1 trophy.
They probably play the best Counter-Strike of anyone left in the bracket
Can FUT handle their first Tier-1 playoff pressure?
For FUT, reaching the playoffs already represents a major milestone. The young roster has shown impressive potential throughout the season and has proven capable of challenging stronger teams. Their aggressive and high-risk playstyle often creates chaotic matches where mechanical skill becomes the deciding factor. Earlier LAN events demonstrated that FUT can take maps from elite opponents when they find momentum.
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However, facing MOUZ presents a very different challenge.
FUT are dangerous,” Tedd explained. “But MOUZ should have enough structure to punish the mistakes that come with a young team
FUT certainly have the firepower to make the series competitive and possibly steal a map. But over the course of a full best-of-three, MOUZ still appear to have the advantage.
The only thing that can really stop MOUZ here might honestly be MOUZ themselves
With the bracket set and only eight teams remaining, ESL Pro League Season 23 now enters its decisive stage. By the end of the weekend, one team will lift the trophy — and confirm themselves as one of the strongest squads in Counter-Strike right now.
