The Group Stage Upper Final of IEM Chengdu 2025 offers fans a spectacular clash — FURIA versus MOUZ. Two top teams from different continents will face off for a direct ticket to the playoff semifinals. FURIA enter the match in phenomenal form, riding a six-win streak, while MOUZ continue to show their signature European stability with three straight victories. Prestige, VRS points, and the chance to skip the quarterfinal stage are all on the line.
IEM CHENGDU 2025 — THE ASIAN MAJOR OF THE AUTUMN
Intel Extreme Masters Chengdu 2025 takes place from November 3 to 9 in China, gathering 16 of the world’s strongest teams, including Vitality, FaZe, G2, NAVI, and FURIA. The tournament’s prize pool is $1,000,000, with the champion taking home $125,000 and valuable VRS ranking points. The group stage follows a Double Elimination (Bo3) format — upper bracket winners advance directly to the semifinals, while the remaining teams fight in the quarterfinals. The Grand Final will be played in a Bo5 format. For both teams, this match is not only a guaranteed top-4 opportunity but also a statement ahead of the major events of the winter season.
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HEAD-TO-HEAD — A LONGSTANDING RIVALRY
FURIA and MOUZ share a rich competitive history — 23 official encounters, with MOUZ leading the record 13–10. Their most recent meeting took place at BLAST Open London 2025, where they traded map wins (16–14 on Mirage for FURIA, 13–7 on Inferno for MOUZ).
Over the past six months, the teams have crossed paths repeatedly on big stages — ESL Pro League, IEM Cologne, and BLAST. This meeting is another test for both sides: can FURIA maintain their ranking dominance, or will MOUZ’s structured and disciplined playstyle guide them to another victory?
CURRENT FORM
- FURIA — the best form of 2025.
The Brazilians enter this match with six consecutive series wins, sweeping opponents like G2, NaVi, OG, and The MongolZ. Under FalleN’s leadership, the roster blends experience and youth: KSCERATO remains the team’s engine (1.24 rating, 83.3 ADR), while molodoy brings the tempo and aggression the lineup lacked in 2024. FURIA appear cohesive, dominate on defense (72% CT round win rate), and boast one of the most stable economies in the tournament.
- MOUZ — youth, synergy, and cold precision.
The European squad led by xertioN displays balanced and coordinated gameplay. Ranked #5 in the HLTV world standings, MOUZ have won their last three series, including victories over FaZe (2–1) and Vitality (2–1). Their success relies on torzsi’s consistent AWP presence (1.18 rating) and Spinx’s composure in clutch situations. MOUZ rarely lose a series after taking the opening map — a testament to their mental strength and sharp coordination.
MAP POOL & VETO
Last 3-month win rates — FURIA | MOUZ:
- Dust2: 54% | —
- Mirage: 62% | 60%
- Inferno: 69% | 69%
- Nuke: 78% | 43%
- Train: 75% | 100%
- Overpass: 82% | 80%
- Ancient: — | 50%
Predicted veto:
FURIA are likely to remove Ancient, which they haven’t played for over three months. MOUZ will probably ban Nuke, where FURIA hold an impressive 78% win rate.
Expected picks:
- FURIA: Overpass or Inferno
- MOUZ: Mirage or Train
The deciding map could be Inferno — a classic for both lineups, where everything will come down to tempo control and defensive discipline. FURIA are traditionally strong on CT sides, but MOUZ are known for their precise T-side executions and post-plant coordination.
KEY DUELS
- KSCERATO vs xertioN — the clash of leaders and playmakers. Both maintain ratings above 1.15 and frequently determine the outcome of maps through sheer individual impact.
- FalleN vs torzsi — the AWP duel of generations. The Brazilian veteran has rediscovered his form, but torzsi’s aggressive early-round pressure can shift the momentum.
- molodoy vs Brollan — the young guns. Both players often open rounds for their teams, and their entry frags will shape the pace of the series.
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PREDICTION
FURIA currently look like the stronger team — their form, statistics, and psychological stability are impressive. However, MOUZ possess a tactical discipline that the Brazilians sometimes lack in long series. Expect a close Bo3 where entry duels and micro-clutch moments will be decisive. FURIA hold the edge thanks to their deeper map pool and LAN confidence.
Predicted score: FURIA 2–1 MOUZ
