In the IEM Chengdu 2025 third-place decider, Falcons triumphed over MOUZ 2–1 (13–5 Ancient, 11–13 Inferno, 13–6 Mirage), finishing the tournament on a high note after their semifinal loss to FURIA. For kyxsan’s squad, this is more than just a bronze medal — it’s proof of their stability, depth, and readiness to fight the world’s best ahead of the upcoming StarLadder Major Budapest 2025.
Road to the Third-Place Match
Falcons entered this match seeking redemption after a painful 0–2 semifinal loss to FURIA. Before that, they had a dominant run through the event:
- Wins over Spirit (2–0), TYLOO (2–0), and Astralis (2–0) in the group stage;
- Playoff qualification without dropping a single map;
- Until the Brazilian powerhouse ended their streak.
Even after that defeat, kyxsan’s team remained among the top contenders for a podium finish — their mix of calculated strategy, individual class, and composure under pressure made them one of the most complete lineups in CS2.
MOUZ, on the other hand, arrived in Chengdu as finalists of multiple major tournaments in 2025. Under siuhy’s leadership, the “mice” had beaten FURIA (2–1), swept FaZe (2–0), and upset Vitality (2–1), but fell short to Vitality again in the semifinals (1–2). The bronze match was their final chance to close the year strong — but this time, they couldn’t withstand Falcons’ pace.
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Map by Map
- Ancient — Total control from Falcons (13–5)
Falcons started the series in perfect form. From the opening rounds, kyxsan’s squad dictated tempo and took over the map with relentless pressure. NiKo (46–39, 1.19 rating) showed impeccable timing, while m0NESY was flawless with the AWP. TeSeS anchored the defense with precision, and kyxsan’s calling ensured seamless rotations.
MOUZ looked lost — xertioN and Jimpphat struggled to counter the aggression, and eight of the first ten rounds went to Falcons. 13–5, a dominant opener with no chance for a comeback.
- Inferno — MOUZ strike back (13–11)
On their pick, MOUZ finally found their rhythm. siuhy’s team switched to a faster, unpredictable style that caught Falcons off guard. xertioN led by example with a stellar 54–44 K–D and a 1.26 rating, winning nearly every opening duel. Falcons had flashes of brilliance from m0NESY and NiKo but lost control mid-half, allowing MOUZ to edge out a hard-fought 13–11. It was the most intense map of the series — and the only one where MOUZ truly matched Falcons’ level.
- Mirage — NiKo and m0NESY close it out (13–6)
The decider turned into a masterclass from Falcons. They seized control early: kyxsan read MOUZ’s setups perfectly, m0NESY dismantled sites with crisp entries, and NiKo dominated retakes.
The highlight came in Round 17, when TeSeS pulled off a 1v3 clutch to bring Falcons to match point. Moments later, Mirage ended 13–6 — and with it, the series.
Player Stats
Player of the Match — Nikola “NiKo” Kovač
- K–D: 46–39
- ADR: 76.1
- KAST: 67.2%
- Rating 3.0: 1.19
NiKo once again proved why he remains one of the most complete riflers in Counter-Strike. His composure and consistency anchored Falcons throughout the series, stepping up whenever his team needed him most.
Valve Regional Standings (VRS) Impact
- Falcons: +23 pt → 1918 → 1941 pt (#3)
- MOUZ: –12 pt → 1886 → 1874 pt (#4)
Falcons have solidified their hold on the #3 world ranking in the Valve Regional Standings, closing in on Vitality ahead of the StarLadder Major Budapest 2025. MOUZ remain in the top 4, but a recent streak of point losses could become a worrying sign before the year’s final stretch.
Analysis: Falcons Find Balance, MOUZ Lose Focus
- Falcons
This series symbolized maturity for Falcons. kyxsan has built a team that can adapt to any opponent — switching between controlled and aggressive styles with ease.
m0NESY continues to prove he’s one of the most consistent AWPers of the year, while NiKo has embraced a dual role as both moral and tactical leader.
Falcons’ gameplay now feels refined — precise communication, disciplined tempo, and trust in the system define their identity.
- MOUZ
For MOUZ, fatigue seemed to play a major role after a grueling playoff run against Vitality and FURIA. The young lineup couldn’t maintain its level, with torzsi and Brollan struggling to find rhythm. Still, their ceiling remains incredibly high — this experience will serve as a valuable lesson ahead of the Major.
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Falcons Close IEM Chengdu 2025 on a High Note
Falcons finish IEM Chengdu 2025 in third place, reinforcing their position as one of the most formidable teams heading into 2026. Their mix of talent, structure, and experience provides a foundation for long-term success. MOUZ end the tournament in fourth — a respectable result, though one tinged with the feeling of missed opportunity. Both teams now set their sights on the StarLadder Major Budapest 2025, where their rivalry could ignite once again.
