The Esports World Cup 2025 kicks off with a thrilling clash: G2 vs Falcons in the opening match. The European giant is eager to prove itself on the big stage, while Falcons are determined to reinforce their reputation as a team capable of toppling favorites.
Current Form of the Teams
G2
Over the past three months, G2 have played 31 maps, winning 15. In July–August, they participated in two major tournaments: IEM Cologne 2025 (7–8th place) and BLAST Bounty Season 2 (9–16th place). Their recent form looks inconsistent: in their last 5 matches, G2 managed only 2 wins — against Nemiga and 3DMAX, while suffering defeats to Spirit, FURIA, and Vitality. This shows that the squad struggles against top-tier opponents, though they can still secure victories against teams of lower caliber.
Falcons
Falcons have played 28 maps in the last three months, winning 13. Their run at IEM Cologne 2025 ended at the 9–12th place stage. In their last 5 matches, Falcons claimed 2 victories — against GamerLegion and OG, but lost to FURIA, The MongolZ, and MIBR. The team shows a similar inconsistency but is capable of putting up a fight against strong opponents, especially when their map choices align well.
Map Pool
Expected bans/picks:
- G2 will likely remove Train first, as it is their most common ban. Falcons in response will ban Overpass, which is their usual approach.
- G2’s first pick is expected to be Inferno (their most-picked map with a solid 56% win rate) or Ancient, where they boast their best win rate at 60%.
- Falcons are unlikely to rely on Dust2 due to their ongoing losing streak there, so their pick will most likely be Nuke, a map they select frequently and where they sit at a 43% win rate.
- In the second ban phase, G2 will probably remove Dust2, given their poor record on it. Falcons are expected to eliminate Mirage, as G2 look fairly comfortable on that map.
Possible map pool for the series:
- G2 pick: Inferno / Ancient
- Falcons pick: Nuke
- Decider: Mirage
Head-to-Head
In the last six months, the teams have faced each other only once — in the grand final of PGL Bucharest 2025. Back then, with m0NESY still in the G2 lineup, Falcons crushed them 3-0 to lift the trophy. This result carries psychological weight: G2 enter this match seeking redemption, but Falcons have already proven they can dismantle their opponent’s style in decisive games.
Match Prediction
Both teams head into the Esports World Cup 2025 opener in shaky form: G2 and Falcons alike have struggled against stronger opponents and shown inconsistency. However, Falcons hold a key advantage — their recent grand final victory over G2, which boosts their confidence.
In terms of maps, G2 look stronger on Inferno and Ancient, but Falcons can fight back on Nuke and capitalize on G2’s weakness on Dust2 or possible errors on Mirage.
This promises to be a tense bo3 series, with a high likelihood of going the distance. Yet, considering their adaptability in vetoes and recent head-to-head success, Falcons seem to have the slight upper hand.
Prediction: Falcons to win 2-1.
