The BLAST Open London 2025 final turned into a true thriller, closing the tournament in the finest traditions of Counter-Strike. G2, in a five-map battle, defeated Vitality 3:2 and sensationally took the crown from the reigning champions. But this tournament will be remembered not only for its dramatic finale but also for a series of major surprises and disappointments.
G2 — From a Team Full of Questions to the Biggest Surprise of the Year
Just a few months ago, G2 were considered unstable, still searching for balance after losing their stars. But London became the stage of their true breakthrough.
In the group stage, they confidently passed FlyQuest and Liquid, and in the playoffs, they consecutively beat FaZe, FURIA, and Spirit. And in the final, where most experts predicted Vitality’s domination, G2 produced the match of the year. The decisive rounds on the last maps symbolized the team’s new energy.
The main hero was the Ukrainian Nikita HeavyGod Martynenko, who not only claimed the tournament MVP but also firmly established himself as G2’s new leader. His stability and composure in clutch situations became the foundation of victory, while SunPayus and huNter- shone alongside him, delivering some of the best performances of 2025.
M80 — The Story of the Underdogs
The second biggest surprise was M80. The North American roster, considered at the start of the tournament as mere “participants for experience,” shattered all expectations. They first knocked out NAVI, then swept aside Fnatic, and even defeated Virtus.pro. In the quarter-finals, M80 lost to MOUZ, but even there they managed to take a map and fight until the very last rounds.
For a scene dominated by European teams, M80’s run was a breath of fresh air. This result can already be called the greatest success in the organization’s CS2 history.
FURIA — Return to Contenders
The Brazilians have long been associated with chaos, risk, and instability. But BLAST Open London showed a different FURIA — more disciplined and structured. Their victory over Spirit and confident semifinal run proved that the new signings and revamped playstyle are paying off.
For the first time in a long while, FURIA looked not like a “team for upsets” but like genuine trophy contenders. And although their journey ended in the semifinals against G2, their London run sent a clear message: the Brazilians are once again ready to battle Europe’s elite.
MOUZ — Consistency at the Top
MOUZ leave London without a trophy but with their status as one of the most consistent teams in the world intact. In the group stage, they confidently beat Imperial and FlyQuest, then overcame M80 in the quarter-finals. Only Vitality in the semi-finals proved insurmountable.
Even so, MOUZ once again proved why they remain firmly in HLTV’s top 3. Their discipline, the synergy between young talent and veteran presence, makes them a dangerous force at any event.
Vitality — An Unexpected Fall in the Final
Vitality looked like undeniable favorites leading up to the final. They convincingly beat GamerLegion, M80, and MOUZ, leaving their opponents without chances. Many had already handed them the title, but G2 became the team to break their dominance.
The 2:3 loss in the final was Vitality’s first Bo5 defeat in 2025. Their winning streak of seven straight grand finals was finally snapped. This moment could prove pivotal for the entire scene: the much-discussed “Vitality era” is now under serious question.
Biggest Disappointments of the Tournament
- Spirit — donk without the magic
Donk’s team had every chance to reach the final, but this time the magic was gone. Losses to FURIA and G2 showed that even the brightest individual talent cannot save a team when its structure fails. Spirit finished 7–8th, which looks like a clear step backward.
- NAVI — Another Collapse
NAVI fell to M80 and looked completely lost. A team that not long ago fought for top-4 couldn’t even make the playoffs. Another confirmation of the deep crisis surrounding the organization.
- Virtus.pro — Without Direction
The “Bears” looked helpless against GamerLegion and M80. A 13–16th place exit is a disaster that’s hard to justify given the roster’s experience. Virtus.pro more and more resemble a team that has lost its way.
- Liquid — Yet Another Poor Start
Liquid had a decent bracket draw but fell to both Spirit and G2. Once again, the American giants showed they are not ready to compete at the European elite level. The result — just 9–12th place.
BLAST Open London 2025 was a tournament of contrasts. It gave us G2’s sensational championship comeback, M80’s breakthrough, and FURIA’s return as serious contenders. At the same time, it shattered the illusion of Vitality’s “unbeatable” status and highlighted the crisis of several giants — Spirit, NAVI, Virtus.pro, and Liquid.
CS2 once again proved that the competitive landscape is becoming increasingly unpredictable. And if G2 could transform from underdogs into champions in just a few months, other teams too now have the chance to rewrite their stories in upcoming tournaments.
