Another Dota 2 competition has concluded, marking the end of FISSURE Playground #1. Although this tournament featured many of the same participants as standard tier-one events, the games unfolded differently, delivering unique surprises and significant upsets.

If you missed the action of FISSURE Playground #1, read ahead to meet the standout performers who delivered unexpected twists throughout the event.

But first, let's meet the champions.

Tundra Esports' Triumphant Victory

Tundra Esports emerged victorious at FISSURE Playground #1, defeating Team Falcons 3-2 in the Grand Final. It was a heated series where they executed a remarkable reverse sweep, making their victory even more exciting.

Tundra's win was both expected and unexpected. As a former The International-winning organization, they certainly had the potential to claim the title. However, heading into this tournament, other teams, particularly Team Falcons, were considered stronger contenders for first place.

Additionally, this event marked Tundra's first tournament with their new core duo, making predictions even harder. Dyrachyo and bzm had both recently joined Tundra, and their debut proved to be an incredible success.

But their victory didn't come with their own challenges. During the Group Stage, Tundra had a shaky run, nearly facing elimination. They suffered costly losses against Yakult Brothers and Talon Esports. However, their three victories against Shopify Rebellion, Wildcard, and Gaimin Gladiators allowed them to narrowly qualify for the Playoffs.

Despite their struggles in the Group Stage, Tundra delivered an exceptional performance in the Playoffs. They had a dominant Upper Bracket run, defeating HEROIC and Team Spirit. Tundra also faced Team Falcons twice, defeating them in both the Upper Bracket Final and Grand Final.

Biggest Surprises: Teams That Outperformed Expectations

Several underdog teams and dark horses stepped up to prove themselves in this million-dollar event, and a few truly exceeded expectations.

One of them was Talon Esports, the Southeast Asian squad. The team had not been particularly impressive over the past year, but in this event, they managed to qualify for the Playoffs and secure a top-8 placement. This achievement placed them above notable contenders such as Gaimin Gladiators and Xtreme Gaming.

Another standout was HEROIC. The South American squad had been consistently strong, and even after a significant roster shake-up, they still delivered an outstanding performance. HEROIC achieved a flawless 3-0 record during the Group Stage, topping the standings without a single loss. The only other team to accomplish a clean sweep was BetBoom Team.

Biggest Upsets: Teams That Had Underwhelming Results

Interestingly, several powerhouse teams struggled in this event.

One highly anticipated team was Team Spirit. The two-time TI champions had just reunited with Yatoro and Collapse, rejoining forces for this event. Although they still managed a top-4 finish, their loss to PARIVISION was a painful upset, especially for a roster of their caliber. However, given that the two legendary players had been on a brief hiatus before this tournament, they may need some time to regain peak form.

Another disappointing result came from Gaimin Gladiators. The team, once known for its stability and dominance throughout 2023, has struggled immensely in the new season. Since changing their carry player, Gaimin Gladiators have failed to find their footing and have even missed qualification for multiple tournaments. Their performance at FISSURE Playground #1 reinforced this, as they bowed out at 9th-11th place, indicating they are not yet ready to compete at the highest level.

More Tournaments Ahead

FISSURE Playground #1, the first edition of this tournament, is just the beginning. This event provided a glimpse of what to expect in 2025, setting the stage for the season's emerging storylines. More tournaments are on the horizon, with the next one coming up shortly - BLAST Slam II is set to take center stage on February 4th.

Stay tuned for more Dota 2 tournament news here on bo3.