Stage 2 of ESL Pro League Season 21 kicks off on March 7th in Sweden, featuring 16 teams competing for a $1 million prize pool. Players will earn $400,000, while their clubs receive $600,000. The competition starts with a Swiss System format, and the top eight teams will advance to the playoffs.

Underdogs

TYLOO enters Stage 2 after a surprising performance in Stage 1, including notable victories over teams like Eternal Fire. Despite their impressive run, they face significantly tougher competition now, making it unlikely they'll replicate their previous success. Similarly, SAW, having performed remarkably well without a single defeat so far, will now face much stronger opponents. Their lack of experience against top-tier teams will likely result in an early exit.

Uncertain potential

Brazilian teams MIBR and FURIA qualified from Stage 1 but raised several concerns. MIBR had limited success, primarily winning against regional and weaker international opponents while falling short against strong teams like GamerLegion. Recent roster changes and inconsistent individual performances, particularly from brnz4n and teammates, suggest they might struggle in Stage 2.

FURIA faces similar challenges. They barely secured qualification, highlighting significant issues, especially their weak map pool and an underperforming AWPer. While players like KSCERATO, yuurih, and skullz delivered strong individual performances, reliance on just a few players is risky, especially with their captain and AWPer showing inconsistent form.

PaiN also enters this stage with uncertainty. After a promising start to the year, recent performances have been disappointing. They struggled through Stage 1, narrowly qualifying after difficult matches against weaker opponents. Their lack of convincing victories against top-tier teams makes their chances unclear in this highly competitive environment.

Teams facing high pressure

G2 Esports faces considerable pressure after an unimpressive start to 2025. Their performances have been inconsistent, with mediocre results across several tournaments. Star AWPer m0NESY is currently struggling, while new members like malbsMd and HeavyGod have yet to fully integrate. Without significant improvements, they risk an early exit.

Team Liquid received a direct invite but might face difficulties due to inactivity, having not competed since early February. They missed valuable opportunities to build momentum against lower-tier opponents. Their limited recent victories—primarily against weaker or incomplete lineups—raise concerns about their ability to perform well immediately against tougher opposition in Stage 2. A poor performance here could trigger significant roster changes.

Dark horses

GamerLegion is emerging as a promising dark horse. Recently formed, they've shown consistent improvement, securing victories against established teams like MOUZ, Astralis, and taking maps from Spirit. Their expanding map pool and increasing confidence make them a strong candidate to advance to the playoffs.

3DMAX, boosted by the excellent form of their star player bodyy, who delivered exceptional performances in the earlier stage, also has potential. Although their recent roster changes initially raised eyebrows, their cohesive gameplay and individual skill could help them secure a playoff spot.

Playoffs contenders

The MongolZ and MOUZ, despite occasional inconsistencies, have solid track records of progressing through group stages. The MongolZ typically handle early tournament phases well, while MOUZ recently won PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 and have extensive experience playing with their current roster. Falcons are also notable contenders after reaching finals, although their true strength will be tested against tougher competition this stage.

Eternal Fire, having performed strongly throughout 2025, looks poised to advance. They have consistently reached playoffs, and despite some hiccups in Stage 1, they are expected to overcome these challenges. If their key players maintain consistent performances, the Turkish team should comfortably reach the playoffs.

Clear favorites

Three standout teams—Vitality, Spirit, and Natus Vincere—enter Stage 2 as clear favorites. Vitality, the winners of IEM Katowice 2025, are currently in excellent form, benefiting significantly from ropz’s smooth integration into the team.

Spirit, despite fatigue signs evident during their IEM Katowice final loss, had ample rest and preparation time. Their consistently high-level play throughout the year positions them as strong contenders once again.

NAVI has also displayed impressive consistency, reaching semifinals at multiple events, losing narrowly only to Spirit each time. The Ukrainian org boasts a robust map pool and strong individual players, notably w0nderful, whose form significantly impacts NAVI's success.

Conclusion

Stage 2 of ESL Pro League Season 21 promises thrilling matchups and potential surprises. With clear favorites, strong contenders, dark horses, and struggling teams, fans can expect intense competition and dramatic moments as teams fight for their chance at glory and a share of the substantial prize pool.