The IEM Chengdu 2025 semifinal delivered a thrilling all-European clash — two of the most consistent teams of the year, Vitality and MOUZ, faced off for a spot in the grand final. The series was intense, tactically rich, and filled with highlight moments. In the end, the French-European squad led by apEX prevailed 2–1 — 16–13 on Nuke, 11–13 on Train, and 13–10 on Inferno — becoming the first grand finalists of the event.
Road to the Semifinal
Vitality entered the series in top form. After victories over Virtus.pro (2–1), Astralis (2–1), and G2 (2–0), the “bees” regained full confidence after a difficult summer. Even their earlier 1–2 loss to MOUZ during the group stage worked in their favor, sharpening their focus. This time, the squad displayed trademark discipline — built around ZywOo’s composure, ropz’s consistency, and apEX’s leadership experience.
MOUZ, on the other hand, continued their trademark year of youthful energy and structure. Wins over FURIA (2–1) and FaZe (2–0) reaffirmed their place among the elite. The team led by siuhy once again showed tactical maturity and flexibility across the map pool — qualities that make them one of the most dangerous opponents for any team in the world.
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Map by Map
- Nuke — Vitality’s Classic Control (16–13)
The series opened with Vitality dictating the tempo. ZywOo exploded out of the gate (14–3 in the opening rounds), while ropz and flameZ formed an unbreakable defensive duo.
MOUZ tried to speed things up through xertioN and torzsi, but the French structure held firm. In the deciding moments, apEX pulled off two 1v2 clutches that broke MOUZ’s economy and sealed the map. Vitality took the lead 1–0.
- Train — MOUZ Strike Back (13–11)
On their own pick, MOUZ looked revitalized. Jimpphat locked down the B site with composure, and xertioN provided explosive entries. Vitality fought back behind ZywOo’s heroics, but MOUZ’s cohesion prevailed.
Smart mid-round decisions, quick rotations, and fearless pushes helped them level the series — youthful aggression overcoming experience.
- Inferno — Vitality Secure the Final Spot (13–10)
The decider turned into a true battle of leaders. After an even first half (6–6), Vitality showed their signature composure.
ropz delivered two crucial 1v3 clutches, ZywOo dominated key duels, and mezii anchored the sites with precision.
Despite late heroics from torzsi and Jimpphat, MOUZ couldn’t stop the momentum — 13–10 on Inferno, and Vitality booked their place in the grand final.
Player Stats
Player of the Match — Robin “ropz” Kool
- K–D: 59–40
- ADR: 77.4
- KAST: 80.3%
- Rating 3.0: 1.40
The Estonian rifler was the cornerstone of Vitality’s success. His stability on defense, game sense, and clutch plays on Inferno proved decisive.
ropz continues to cement himself as one of the most intelligent and efficient players in the world — a perfect blend of mechanics and logic.
Valve Regional Standings (VRS) Impact
- Vitality: +22 pt → 1946 → 1968 pt (#1 in the world)
- MOUZ: –12 pt → 1903 → 1891 pt (#4)
This victory not only sent Vitality to the IEM Chengdu grand final but also solidified their position as the world’s #1 team. apEX’s squad officially reclaims the title of global frontrunner, edging out Falcons and Aurora. For MOUZ, the loss was painful but far from damaging — they remain a strong top-five team and one of Vitality’s fiercest rivals heading into 2026.
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Team Performance Review
- Vitality — Discipline and Depth
Vitality once again proved they are the gold standard of team Counter-Strike. Their structure remains unmatched: ZywOo sets the pace, ropz handles the dirty work, flameZ brings the aggression, and apEX steers the ship with experience. The key to their victory was patience — resisting chaos and punishing every MOUZ mistake.
- MOUZ — A Worthy Challenger to the French Giants
MOUZ played with courage and tactical sharpness, but lacked the decisive edge in key rounds. Jimpphat and torzsi shone in moments, yet inconsistencies on Inferno defense and lost force buys proved costly. This is a loss they can grow from — MOUZ’s potential remains immense, and they are clearly ready to contend for major titles in 2026.
Vitality become the second grand finalists of IEM Chengdu 2025, setting up a titanic clash with Falcons — a battle of generations.
m0NESY vs ZywOo, kyxsan vs apEX — youth versus experience, speed versus composure. Meanwhile, MOUZ conclude their campaign in 3rd–4th place, leaving behind the impression of a confident, mature team poised to chase greatness in the upcoming season.
