The world’s number one team, Vitality, continues its run at IEM Chengdu 2025, defeating Astralis 2:1 in a dramatic quarterfinal. The European lineup showed character and composure, regaining control after losing the second map. For Astralis, this was their final match of the tournament — the Danes exit the competition, finishing in 5th–6th place.
Tournament context
IEM Chengdu 2025 is part of the legendary Intel Extreme Masters series, held in Chengdu, China, from November 3 to 9. Sixteen teams compete for a $1,000,000 prize pool and valuable VRS points, which influence global rankings and qualification for the next CS2 Major. The playoff format is Single Elimination (Bo3) — every loss means elimination.
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How the match unfolded — Vitality vs Astralis
The clash between Vitality and Astralis became one of the most intense encounters in the IEM Chengdu 2025 playoffs. The French-European roster maintained control in the three-map series thanks to consistent performances from flameZ and ZywOo.
- Inferno (Vitality pick) — 13:7. The “Bees” immediately imposed their rhythm: flameZ and ropz dominated on site A, while ZywOo confidently controlled mid. Astralis failed to break through the defense and suffered a heavy defeat.
- Nuke (Astralis pick) — 14:16. The Danes came alive on their map. device and jabbi provided a strong start, and a streak of won rounds in the second half allowed Astralis to even the score in the series.
- Mirage (decider) — 13:7. Vitality closed the game in their trademark style: flameZ’s aggressive pushes and ZywOo’s precision shooting left no chance for their opponents.
Player of the Match — Shahar “flameZ” Shushan
- K–D: 58–50
- ADR: 91.5
- Rating 3.0: 1.35
The Israeli rifler became the driving force behind the victory, winning key duels on Inferno and Mirage and finishing with the highest rating of the series.
VRS results
- Vitality: +12 pt (1939 → 1951) — remain #1 in the world
- Astralis: –9 pt (1730 → 1721) — drop to #13
What’s next for the teams
Vitality will play MOUZ tomorrow, November 8, in the semifinals, where a place in the IEM Chengdu 2025 grand final will be on the line. The team looks confident, demonstrating both individual skill and coordinated teamwork.
For Astralis, the tournament has come to an end — they finish in 5th–6th place, earning $12,500 and valuable experience ahead of future competitions.
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Match summary
Vitality once again confirmed their status as the world’s best team by defeating Astralis in convincing fashion. The squad displayed disciplined play, strong defense, and composure in crucial rounds. Up next is a new challenge — a semifinal showdown against MOUZ, where a grand final berth is at stake.
Astralis, in turn, end their journey with a solid showing but fall short of contending for the trophy.
