In the main stage of ESL Pro League Season 22, the ambitious Inner Circle, who confidently advanced through the first phase of the tournament, will face the experienced FURIA, looking to regain consistency after a series of mixed results. This clash will be a real test for both sides — Inner Circle will aim to prove they can compete with top-tier teams, while FURIA will look to reaffirm their status as favorites.
How the Bookmakers See It: FURIA Are the Favorites
Bookmakers consider FURIA the clear favorite in this matchup, pointing to their experience, stability, and deep map pool. The Brazilian squad consistently performs on the biggest stages and has well-drilled strategies against lower-ranked opponents. Meanwhile, Inner Circle are seen as potential underdogs capable of pulling off an upset through creative tactics and confident play on their comfort maps. The expectation is that FURIA will come out on top, but Inner Circle are more than capable of putting up a serious fight and forcing the series into a tight battle.
Current Form of Inner Circle: What to Expect
Inner Circle have been showing solid form over the past three months, winning 19 out of 33 maps, which highlights their consistency and adaptability. Over the last month, the team stood out by finishing 2nd in ESEA Advanced Season 54 Europe and qualifying for the main stage of ESL Pro League Season 22 with a perfect 3-0 record.
- Inner Circle roster: nifee, onic, Dawy, cairne, Flierax
Out of their last five matches, Inner Circle have won four — against The MongolZ, Gentle Mates, GamerLegion, and 3DMAX. Their only loss came versus Team Spirit, but even there, they showed competitive spirit. Overall, the team looks confident and well-prepared heading into the next stage.
Current Form of FURIA: What to Expect
FURIA maintain a strong pace — over the past three months, they’ve played 71 maps, winning 44 of them. This shows both their busy schedule and stable performance. In the last month, FURIA achieved solid results: 3rd–4th at BLAST Open London 2025 Finals, 1st place at FISSURE Playground 2, and a 6th–8th place finish in the first stage of ESL Pro League S22.
- FURIA roster: yuurih, KSCERATO, FalleN, molodoy, YEKINDAR
Out of their last five matches, they’ve secured three victories — over 3DMAX, B8, and M80 — while losing to G2 and Legacy. Despite occasional dips in form, FURIA remain one of the most stable and dangerous teams in the region, capable of challenging anyone.
Inner Circle’s Map Pool
Inner Circle are expected to ban Inferno first, as it’s both their most common ban and weakest map. Their likely pick will be Mirage, one of their most reliable choices with around a 65–67% win rate, where they feel comfortable even against strong opponents. In the second ban phase, they’ll probably remove Dust2 to prevent FURIA from playing their trademark aggressive style on open maps. Overall, Inner Circle will aim to build the series around fast decisions and mid control, which suits maps like Mirage and Train.
FURIA’s Map Pool
For FURIA, the first ban will almost certainly be Ancient, a map they rarely perform well on. Their map pick will likely be Nuke, where they hold an impressive 86% win rate and can fully utilize their aggressive style and tactical depth. In the second ban phase, FURIA are expected to remove Train to avoid Inner Circle’s structured play and strong coordination in tight spaces. Ultimately, the deciding map is likely to be Overpass, which looks neutral and offers a balanced contest between both sides.
Head-to-Head Record
Over the past six months, Inner Circle and FURIA have not faced each other. This adds an extra layer of intrigue — both teams lack direct experience against one another, making preparation more strategic and unpredictable. FURIA will rely on their international experience, while Inner Circle may look to surprise with unconventional setups and sharp individual play.
Prediction for Inner Circle vs FURIA — ESL Pro League S22
This matchup promises to be intense: Inner Circle are in great form, having won 4 of their last 5 matches, while FURIA bring far more experience and consistent international performance.
If Inner Circle manage to impose their pace on Mirage and stay competitive on Overpass, they could cause an upset. However, Nuke strongly favors FURIA, and that map might prove decisive.
Prediction: FURIA win 2-1.
