FISSURE Universe: Episode 8 will be the first tournament of 2026

FISSURE Universe: Episode 8 has announced the newest installmenet of the Universe series. The online event will run in Europe from January 29 to February 1, serving as the first real measuring stick of 2026. Eight teams will clash in a double-elimination bracket for a $250,000 prize pool, where there’s no room for slow starts or “warming up into form.”

Among the invited teams are Team Yandex, one of the scene’s best feel-good stories, and MOUZ, whose roster rebuild didn’t just stabilize them, it unlocked a higher gear. Both will be in the mix as the new season kicks off in earnest.

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Also invited are Team Spirit, Team Liquid, BetBoom Team, and PARIVISION, with two more spots still up for grabs through a Play-in stage beginning next week.

In the last episode of the series, FISSURE Universe: Episode 7, HEROIC took down MOUZ 3–1 last October to claim the trophy.

FISSURE Universe: Episode 8

FISSURE Universe: Episode 8 Play-in

Nigma Galaxy, Zero Tenacity, 1W Team, AVULUS, and L1GA Team have already been confirmed for the Play-in. Seven more teams will be invited to this stage, and four will earn their way in through two open qualifiers set to begin this week.

Group Stage

• January 21 - January 28
• Four GSL groups of four teams each
• All matches are Bo3
• Top two teams from each group advance to the playoffs
• Remaining teams are eliminated

Playoffs

• January 27 - January 28
• Single-elimination bracket
• All matches are Bo3
• Two teams qualify to the main tournament

FISSURE Universe: Episode 8 Main Event

• January 29th - February 1st
• Double-elimination bracket
• All matches are Bo3
• Grand Final is Bo5