The semifinal stage of IEM Chengdu 2025 continues with an explosive clash — MOUZ vs Vitality. This is the main European derby of the autumn, where two top-5 teams in the world rankings meet head-to-head. At stake — a spot in the grand final, $125,000, and valuable VRS points.
MOUZ have come a long way, defeating FaZe, Vitality, and FURIA, while Vitality, after a dominant run against Virtus.pro, G2, and Astralis, have rediscovered their champion form. Both lineups are in excellent shape, promising one of the most intense matches of the entire tournament.
IEM Chengdu 2025 — the main LAN of the autumn
IEM Chengdu 2025 is held from November 3 to 9 in Chengdu, China, featuring 16 teams competing for a $1,000,000 prize pool. The playoff format is Single Elimination (Bo3), with the grand final played in a Bo5 format.
Major teams like FaZe, Heroic, and Natus Vincere have already been eliminated, shifting the spotlight to the two semifinals — FURIA vs Falcons and MOUZ vs Vitality — which will decide the finalists of the main LAN event of the season.
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Head-to-head — experience vs youth
The head-to-head record between these two teams favors Vitality — 27 wins to 13 for MOUZ, with two overtime series.
However, in 2025, the trend has begun to shift. Earlier in this very tournament, MOUZ already defeated Vitality 2–1, proving their ability to break through the French-European defense in clutch moments.
Previous encounters:
- IEM Chengdu 2025 — MOUZ 2–1 Vitality
- BLAST Open London 2025 Finals — Vitality 2–0 MOUZ
- IEM Cologne 2025 — Vitality 2–1 MOUZ
- BLAST Austin Major 2025 — Vitality 2–0 MOUZ
While Vitality still hold the historical advantage, recent months have shown that MOUZ have adapted to their opponent’s playstyle and can challenge them on any map.
Current form
- MOUZ — youth, tempo, and confidence
MOUZ (#5 HLTV, #4 VRS) enter the semifinal riding a wave of confidence. The team holds a 71.4% win rate over the last three months and is on a four-match winning streak.
After victories over FaZe (2–0), Vitality (2–1), and FURIA (2–1), the European roster under sycrone has displayed discipline and cohesion at the highest level.
The team’s stars — xertioN and torzsi — blend aggression with consistency. xertioN maintains a 1.16 rating and an 84.9 ADR, while Brollan adds pace and delivers in clutch situations.
The team’s average age is only 22.5, yet their in-game maturity is remarkable. MOUZ have become a team unafraid to take risks, often winning through rapid decision-making and bold plays.
Recent results:
- 2–1 vs FURIA
- 2–1 vs Vitality
- 2–0 vs FaZe
- 2–0 vs 3DMAX
MOUZ are in their best form of the past year and are strong contenders for a grand final appearance.
- Vitality — experience and system
Vitality (#1 HLTV, #1 VRS) remain the most consistent team of the season. With a 76% win rate and three straight victories at IEM Chengdu, the team has bounced back from a brief slump at BLAST Open and once again looks like the prime favorite for the title.
The star-studded roster, led by ZywOo, who holds a 1.28 rating and 77% KAST, looks nearly flawless. ropz provides positional stability, flameZ drives aggression on Mirage and Inferno, and apEX ensures leadership and composure.
Recent matches:
- 2–1 vs Astralis
- 2–0 vs G2
- 2–0 vs Lynn Vision
- 2–1 vs Virtus.pro
Vitality continue to win through map control, ZywOo’s clutch brilliance, and XTQZZZ’s deep tactical preparation.
Map pool & veto
In this matchup, both teams have broad and balanced map pools. Vitality dominate on Dust2 (92%) and Inferno (71%), while MOUZ look strong on Train (100%), Overpass (67%), and Inferno (69%).
Predicted veto:
MOUZ will likely remove Dust2, where Vitality are nearly unbeatable.
Vitality will probably ban Train to avoid MOUZ’s strong map control.
Expected picks:
- MOUZ: Inferno or Overpass, where they can best use their speed and coordination.
- Vitality: Mirage or Nuke, maps that favor their structured and methodical approach.
Likely decider: Ancient, where both teams have nearly equal win rates.
Key duels
- ZywOo vs xertioN — the main duel of the semifinal. The French star remains the best sniper in the world, but the young Israeli player has shown the ability to pull off miracles even without an AWP.
- ropz vs Spinx — a battle of two analytical minds. Their fight for mid-control could decide the outcome on both Inferno and Mirage.
- apEX vs sycrone — a clash of philosophies. Vitality rely on experience and tempo, while MOUZ believe in youth, adaptability, and relentless pressure.
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Prediction
This is undoubtedly the most anticipated match of IEM Chengdu 2025. Vitality possess immense experience, but MOUZ are currently at the peak of their confidence.
While history favors Vitality, this time the balance feels different — MOUZ have finally learned to play Vitality’s game: slow, calculated, and risk-aware.
If ZywOo receives consistent support from ropz, the European champions could close the series 2–1. However, with their rapid rise and fearless tempo, MOUZ have every chance to cause another upset.
Predicted score: MOUZ 2–1 Vitality.
