Following two days of Group Stage matches, the six groups competing within the IEM Chengdu 2025 playoffs are set.
The world’s greatest Counter-Strike 2 groups are battling it out for an opportunity to win a share of a $300,000 (~£230,103) prize pool and worthwhile LAN expertise earlier than the main focus turns in the direction of the StarLadder Budapest Main.
Earlier than the primary pictures are fired on the digital battlefield, Esports Insider takes a more in-depth take a look at the entire IEM Chengdu playoffs groups and that are in competition to elevate the trophy.
IEM Chengdu 2025 Playoffs Groups
Just like different Tier 1 occasions which have taken place in 2025, the six remaining groups efficiently navigated by two double-elimination GSL teams, with three advancing from Teams A and B.
The winners of the group have secured a spot within the semi-final, with groups that completed second and third advancing to the quarter-finals.
Group Falcons
After lacking out on victory at ESL Professional League Season 22, Group Falcons appears to be like to construct on a string of constant outcomes with one other robust exhibiting in Chengdu.
The pairing of Ilya ‘m0NESY‘ Osipov and Maksim ‘kyousuke‘ Lukin is starting to ship a major affect on the server, with the children typically topping the scoreboard because of their fragging skill.
Group Falcons navigated its method by Group A with out conceding a map, recording 2-0 sweeps over TYLOO, Group Spirit, and Astralis to lock in a spot within the semi-finals. The Saudi Arabian organisation performs both FURIA or The MongolZ.
MOUZ
MOUZ stays one of the vital constant groups in Tier 1 Counter-Strike, recording 13 top-four finishes since February.
The winner of Astralis and Group Vitality awaits MOUZ, which has one other alternative to succeed in one other Tier 1 Grand Last and construct stable foundations in preparation for the Main.
Astralis
Since its second-place end at FISSURE Playground 1, Astralis has proven glimpses of potential with Emil ‘Magisk‘ Reif absolutely built-in into the beginning lineup as soon as once more.
The Danish aspect opened its Chengdu run with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over NAVI earlier than carrying the momentum right into a 2-0 sweep of The MongolZ. Regardless of a 2-0 defeat to Group Falcons within the higher bracket closing, Astralis had efficiently made it into its first playoffs since BLAST Bounty Season 2.
Astralis faces Group Vitality within the quarter-finals, a difficult however not not possible hurdle to beat.
FURIA
FURIA’s determination to transition to a global roster is paying off in spades, successful FISSURE Playground 2 and Thunderpick World Championship 2025 together with a top-four end at BLAST Open London.
The crew at present sitting on the high of the worldwide VRS made mild work of Lynn Imaginative and prescient Gaming and G2 Esports to cement its place within the playoffs. MOUZ halted its momentum within the higher bracket closing, handing the crew its first lack of the event.
With many FURIA as a contender for the Main, victory in Chengdu will proceed what’s been a robust second half of 2025. The Brazilian organisation takes on The MongolZ within the opening quarter-final.
Group Vitality
Chengdu marks one other alternative for Group Vitality so as to add to its ever-expanding trophy cupboard. The French organisation bested Virtus.professional in its opening match earlier than defeat to MOUZ despatched the BLAST.television Austin Main winners into the decrease bracket.
Group Vitality confirmed its class, sweeping apart Lynn Imaginative and prescient Gaming and G2 Esports to earn one more playoffs look.
The crew begins its playoff run in opposition to Astralis, a crew able to springing a shock when firing on all cylinders.
The MongolZ
The brand new-look roster opened proceedings with a 2-1 win over HEROIC earlier than Astralis despatched the crew into the decrease bracket. A 2-1 win over paiN Gaming arrange a blockbuster conflict in opposition to Group Spirit for the ultimate place within the subsequent section of the event.
Controlez shone on his Tier 1 debut, making essential performs within the latter phases of Mirage to assist safe a 2-1 victory, sending the Shanghai Main champions out of the occasion.
