The Group A upper bracket semifinals at IEM Chengdu 2025 tested the tournament favorites to their limits. Astralis secured a confident 2–0 victory over The MongolZ, while Falcons, led by kyxsan and powered by a stunning performance from m0NESY, swept Team Spirit by the same scoreline. Two series — two paths to success: Astralis relied on structure and experience, while Falcons dominated through raw individual brilliance.
Astralis 2–0 The MongolZ — Experience and Structure Prevail Over Aggression
For Astralis, this match was a test of consistency after a string of mixed results in recent months. Their opponents, The MongolZ, came in with trademark aggression and momentum, known for their fast-paced, instinctive playstyle. But this time, the Danish discipline proved superior.
- Nuke — Total Control from Start to Finish
Astralis picked Nuke and immediately imposed their tempo. Magisk and jabbi built a wall on defense, while HooXi orchestrated rotations with surgical precision.
Despite a stellar effort from 910, who delivered an impressive 102.5 ADR and 1.43 rating, The MongolZ couldn’t convert their openings. Astralis closed the map 13–11.
- Inferno — The Danish School of Consistency
On Inferno, Astralis looked even more composed. device delivered his classic steady aim, winning crucial duels, while Staehr and HooXi displayed growing synergy in the late rounds.
Although Techno and mzinho attempted to fight back, Astralis wrapped up the map 13–8, securing their playoff berth and continuing their impressive run in Chengdu.
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Player statistics for the match
Player of the Match — Usukhbayar “910” Banzragch
- K–D: 49–26
- ADR: 102.5
- KAST: 68.9%
- Rating 3.0: 1.43
Despite The MongolZ’s loss, 910 delivered an outstanding individual performance. His aggressive entry plays, confident aim, and clutch awareness kept his team competitive on both maps. Even in defeat, 910 proved once again why he’s considered one of Asia’s most impactful riflers.
Valve Regional Standings (VRS) Impact
- Astralis: +48 pts → 1664 → 1712 (World #12)
- The MongolZ: –22 pts → 1874 → 1852 (World #5)
This victory marks a significant leap for Astralis, who rise back into the global Top 15 after a period of instability. The Danes’ structured approach and veteran leadership under HooXi earned them vital regional points, putting them in striking distance of a guaranteed Major invite.
Meanwhile, The MongolZ suffer a small drop in points but maintain their standing within the world’s Top 5. Despite the loss, their consistent results throughout the season ensure they remain Asia’s leading contender on the global stage.
Falcons 2–0 Spirit — m0NESY Destroys the Defending Major Champions
The second semifinal was all about Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov. The young superstar produced one of his finest performances since joining Falcons, combining mechanical precision, awareness, and composure to dismantle Team Spirit, the reigning Major champions.
- Dust2 — The m0NESY Show Begins
Spirit started strong, but m0NESY quickly took over, winning almost every duel and dominating the map with aggressive confidence.
With solid support from TeSeS and NiKo, Falcons cruised to a 13–6 victory, setting the tone for the series.
- Ancient — Battle of Nerves and Leadership
Ancient turned into a tense, high-stakes map. sh1ro pulled off spectacular clutches and donk fought to keep Spirit alive, but Falcons remained composed. When it mattered most, kyxsan won a 1v3 clutch, TeSeS closed two critical post-plants, and m0NESY sealed the map with trademark composure. 16–13, and Falcons moved on to the playoffs.
Player statistics for the match
Player of the Match — Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov
- K–D: 49–30
- ADR: 91.8
- KAST: 77.1%
- Rating 3.0: 1.48
m0NESY was the embodiment of confidence and brilliance — combining lightning-fast reflexes with mature decision-making to lead Falcons to victory.
Valve Regional Standings (VRS) Impact
- Falcons: +25 pts → 1896 → 1921 (World #2)
- Spirit: –12 pts → 1816 → 1804 (World #7)
The dominant win over the reigning Major champions solidifies Falcons as one of the strongest teams in the world. Their continued climb in the Valve Regional Standings now places them just behind the global #1 spot — confirming that kyxsan’s leadership and m0NESY’s brilliance have turned the roster into a true powerhouse.
For Team Spirit, the defeat slightly dents their regional points but not their prestige. The squad remains firmly within the Top 10, and while their performance in Chengdu shows cracks in their dominance, they remain a dangerous opponent capable of a deep lower-bracket run.
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Analysis and Outlook
These results reflected two contrasting styles of modern Counter-Strike. Astralis proved that discipline, teamwork, and experience can still overcome the chaos of younger, aggressive teams. Falcons, on the other hand, showcased the new generation — powered by individual excellence, tempo-based play, and adaptability led by world-class talent.
With these victories, Astralis and Falcons become the first teams to reach the playoffs at IEM Chengdu 2025. Their next challenges may include rising forces from the lower bracket, such as Heroic, paiN, or potentially a resurging The MongolZ. Meanwhile, Spirit and The MongolZ drop to the lower bracket, where every match becomes a do-or-die scenario. There’s no room for mistakes now.
Falcons and Astralis have cemented themselves as the true giants of Chengdu. m0NESY is performing at a level worthy of a Top 1 player in the world, while Magisk and device continue to drive Astralis toward a renaissance. As the playoff picture begins to take shape, one thing is clear — if these two teams meet again in the later stages, it could become one of the defining clashes of 2025.
