In one of the most talked-about matches of the tournament so far, The MongolZ secured a decisive victory over Team Liquid in the semifinals of FISSURE Playground 2, booking their place in the grand finals. The best-of-three series ended 2-1 in favor of the Mongolian squad, who displayed composure, aggression, and teamwork throughout the clash. The match began on Dust 2, a map where The MongolZ immediately asserted dominance.
They dismantled Liquid’s defenses with relentless attacking strategies, taking the map 13-3. The North American side found themselves outpaced and outgunned, unable to adapt to The MongolZ’s aggressive pushes and precise execution. Mirage, however, brought redemption for Liquid. With veteran Russell “Twistzz” van Dulken leading from the front, Liquid fought back to secure a convincing 13-5 win. Their control of mid, coordinated executes, and defensive holds forced the series to a decisive third map.
The semifinal match carried special significance beyond the scoreline. For Russell “Twistzz” van Dulken, this was his final appearance with Team Liquid at FISSURE Playground 2. The Canadian rifler, who has been a cornerstone of Liquid’s roster, marked his departure with grace, showing leadership and professionalism even in defeat. After the match, Twistzz shared his reflections on social media. “1-2 against The MongolZ, gg. This is where our story at FISSURE comes to an end. Before talking about the future, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the team for this tournament. The way we mentally regrouped after a 0-2 loss in the group stage was incredible. Everything was handled maturely and professionally. We have no regrets about our performance at this event.”
His words highlight the resilience Liquid showed in the tournament. Despite an early setback in the group stage, the team rallied to reach the semifinals. Their campaign may have ended earlier than they hoped, but the manner in which they carried themselves demonstrated growth and unity. Twistzz will soon rejoin the roster for another major test: the ESL Pro League Season 22, scheduled from September 27 to October 12, 2025. His presence will be vital as Liquid seeks to bounce back and reclaim their spot among CS:GO’s elite teams.For The MongolZ, this semifinal victory is more than just progression to the finals—it is a statement of intent.
The team, representing Mongolia, has long been viewed as a rising force in the Counter-Strike scene, steadily building their reputation through disciplined play and fearlessness against tier-one competition. Their performance in Belgrade underscores how far they’ve come. By defeating a respected organization like Team Liquid, The MongolZ showed that they are capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the best teams in the world. Their aggressive style, precise aim, and strong in-game leadership have become trademarks of their gameplay.
The team’s journey also highlights the broader growth of esports in regions outside the traditional strongholds of Europe and North America. Mongolia’s emergence as a competitive hub is a testament to the global reach of Counter-Strike and the dedication of players determined to make their mark on the world stage. With the finals looming, The MongolZ now prepare to face either FURIA or Team Falcons. Both potential opponents bring their own challenges—FURIA with their explosive Brazilian flair and Falcons with their methodical, European approach. Regardless of the opponent, The MongolZ enter the final brimming with confidence and hungry for glory.
FISSURE Playground 2, held in Belgrade from September 12 to 21, 2025, has quickly established itself as one of the standout events in the CS:GO calendar. With a $500,000 prize pool, the competition has attracted top-tier teams and provided fans with high-quality matches full of drama and intensity. For The MongolZ, reaching the finals is already a milestone achievement, but the opportunity to lift the trophy and claim a major share of the prize pool would cement their place among the elite.
For Liquid, despite the semifinal exit, the tournament offered valuable lessons and a chance to test themselves against diverse opponents ahead of their next challenges. The final promises to deliver fireworks, as both The MongolZ and their eventual opponent will have everything to play for. Beyond money and prestige, victory in Belgrade represents momentum heading into the last stretch of the CS:GO calendar before the transition to Counter-Strike 2 reshapes the competitive landscape.
