From October 4 to 12, Stockholm will host the complete ESL Pro League Season 22 main stage, featuring both Stage 2 Swiss system and single-elimination playoffs for a $1,000,000 prize pool. The nine-day tournament represents Counter-Strike’s most prestigious stage, where 16 teams will battle through the Swiss format before eight survivors advance to playoff bracket glory.
Stage 2 features elite Counter-Strike, with world number one The MongolZ, defending champions Team Vitality, and the radically renewed Team Spirit roster headlining the field. After Stage 1’s shocking results — including perfect runs from HOTU and Inner Circle — the main stage promises even greater drama as the stakes reach their peak.
Format
The tournament spans October 4–12, 2025, with Stage 2 running October 4–8 in Swiss system format. All matches are best-of-three, with teams requiring three wins to advance or three losses for elimination. The eight survivors move forward to the single-elimination playoffs from October 10–12, culminating in a best-of-five Grand Final.
S – Tier
Vitality are still regarded as favorites, but only because of their past pedigree. In the second half of 2025 they haven’t lifted a single trophy, and the team is clearly facing problems, with ZywOo unable to consistently reach his peak form. Yet their tactical depth and history mean they can never be fully counted out. The MongolZ, by contrast, have become the new world number one. Their fearless, high-tempo style has delivered unmatched consistency all year, and they enter Stockholm as the top seed and the strongest frontrunner for the title.
Spirit are the true wild card. The signing of tn1r provides immediate firepower, and with sh1ro, donk, and chopper forming the experienced backbone, they could either rise into contention or stumble if the integration fails.
A – Tier
MOUZ have reached semifinals repeatedly in 2025 but can’t convert deep runs into trophies. Falcons, stacked with raw firepower led by NiKo, remain plagued by inconsistency, though on their day they can beat anyone. NAVI come in on the back of their StarLadder StarSeries victory, riding a 72% win rate over recent months, though their resilience against elite opposition is still untested.
B – Tier
FURIA barely survived Stage 1 with a shaky 3–2 run that even included a loss to HOTU, while G2 also scraped through 3–2 and remain unpredictable but experienced. Aurora’s steady rise in 2025, built on discipline and chemistry, makes them a dangerous underdog. FaZe, meanwhile, are experimenting with a new roster after rain’s departure and Twistzz’s return — the talent is undeniable, but the chemistry remains unproven.
C – Tier
3DMAX went 3–1 in Stage 1 but have a limited ceiling, and Inner Circle’s flawless 3–0 start was a surprise but now they face a much higher level of opposition.
D – Tier
Astralis barely advanced 3–2, with device still delivering but structural flaws undermining them. GamerLegion also advanced 3–2, yet appear heavily outgunned against top teams. HOTU shocked everyone with their Stage 1 miracle run that included upsets over FURIA and ENCE, boosted by n0rb3r7’s addition, though repeating such a performance seems unlikely. Gentle Mates, the former Movistar Riders core, managed a respectable 3–1 qualification but enter as clear underdogs.
Predictions
The eight most likely teams to advance to the playoffs are The MongolZ, Vitality, Gentle Mates, Spirit, Falcons, MOUZ, Aurora, and NAVI. The MongolZ, as the in-form team of 2025 and current world number one, should secure their spot with relative ease. Vitality’s championship experience and tactical depth still provide a powerful edge, keeping them among the favorites despite ongoing struggles.
Gentle Mates have impressed by surviving Stage 1 and could ride that momentum further, relying on their LAN experience. Spirit’s refreshed roster makes them a complete wildcard — they could shock the scene with a breakthrough run or collapse early if integration issues surface. Falcons bring undeniable star power and individual skill, capable of upsetting anyone if their players deliver consistently.
MOUZ and NAVI remain stable presences, backed by proven leadership and strong form throughout 2025, which makes their qualification feel almost inevitable. Aurora, meanwhile, have steadily improved and built tactical cohesion, positioning themselves as dangerous dark horses ready to snatch a playoff spot.
The fight for playoff qualification will be fierce, but these eight lineups combine the best balance of form, experience, and potential to survive the punishing Swiss system and reach the high-stakes single-elimination bracket. As for the title race, The MongolZ stand as clear favorites to lift their first elite trophy, riding unmatched momentum and consistency.
Vitality’s ability to rediscover peak form makes them a dangerous contender, while Spirit’s gamble on a new roster could turn them into the tournament’s biggest story. MOUZ, NAVI, and Falcons all lurk as dark horses, ready to capitalize if the frontrunners falter.
Final Thoughts
The battle for ESL Pro League Season 22 Stage 2 is fierce, with The MongolZ and Vitality standing out as the clear favorites. Beneath them, teams like Gentle Mates, Spirit, Falcons, MOUZ, Aurora, and NAVI bring a mix of experience, momentum, and tactical depth, making the fight to reach the playoffs intense and unpredictable.
Spirit’s roster overhaul adds an element of uncertainty that could spark surprise runs or early exits, while underdogs such as HOTU and Inner Circle hope to turn their Stage 1 momentum into further upsets. With Major qualification points and a million-dollar prize pool on the line, ESL Pro League Season 22 Stage 2 is poised to deliver high-stakes Counter-Strike drama and captivating autumn competition in Stockholm.
