IEM Chengdu 2025 became an arena of renewal for the global Counter-Strike scene. The tournament, which gathered the best teams from around the world, delivered not only FURIA’s historic title but also a new superstar — Danil “molodoy” Holubenko, who earned the MVP award and topped the event’s HLTV Rating 3.0 leaderboard. His performance for FURIA was sensational — a Kazakh player in a Brazilian jersey, breaking regional boundaries and proving that talent knows no borders.
molodoy (FURIA) — 1.27 Rating | MVP of IEM Chengdu 2025
Molodoy’s phenomenal performance was not just a personal breakthrough but a defining moment for the entire scene. His 1.27 HLTV Rating 3.0, +88 K-D, and 79.5 ADR across 14 maps made him the driving force behind FURIA’s championship run. He combined individual brilliance with team discipline — he didn’t just shoot better; he thought deeper.
Molodoy shined brightest in the grand final against Vitality: from 1v2 clutch rounds to calm, calculated retakes — every play became a turning point for his team. HLTV analysts noted that his composure and understanding of the game were “unusual for a 19-year-old rookie.” Because of this maturity, he is already being compared to the early days of ZywOo and m0NESY, though with a unique mix of Kazakh resilience and Brazilian fire.
m0NESY (Falcons) — 1.33 Rating | 11 Maps
Even though m0NESY didn’t win the trophy, his numbers were unmatched. 1.33 rating, +60 K-D difference, 1.46 K/D — numbers reminiscent of peak s1mple. Representing Falcons, he once again proved he can single-handedly keep his team in the game: his clutch moments versus Spirit and Vitality were among the playoff highlights. Falcons finished with bronze, but m0NESY left Chengdu as its most mechanically perfect player. And while the MVP went elsewhere this time, his performance made it clear — the next crown is only a matter of time.
ZywOo (Vitality) — 1.29 Rating | 19 Maps
The tireless leader of Vitality once again displayed consistency at the edge of human limits. Over 19 maps, he recorded +85 K-D, 1.33 K/D, and once more became the engine of apEX’s team. ZywOo carried Vitality through tough series against Astralis, Falcons, and Spirit, and his showing in the grand final versus FURIA was a masterclass in determination. Despite the defeat, he ended the event with the second-highest ADR among snipers, reaffirming his position as a top contender in the HLTV Top-1 2025 race.
sh1ro (Team Spirit) — 1.28 Rating | 10 Maps
sh1ro’s return to form was one of Chengdu’s most positive storylines. Once again, he became the immovable wall opponents feared to challenge. A 1.51 K/D and 1.28 rating over 10 maps is an outstanding result for a team that failed to reach the semifinals. His composure, timing, and discipline were the only stable elements in an otherwise turbulent Spirit lineup.
KSCERATO (FURIA) — 1.23 Rating | 14 Maps
Alongside molodoy, KSCERATO formed the duo that brought Brazil its first major CS2 title. KSCERATO embodies calmness, precision, and reliability. His 1vX clutches, trade efficiency, and perfect spatial awareness made him the ideal balance to his explosive young teammate. His contribution to FURIA’s triumph was no less fundamental than molodoy’s MVP performance.
xertioN (MOUZ) — 1.21 Rating | 14 Maps
For MOUZ, Chengdu was a test of maturity — and xertioN was the one who passed it with heart. Despite the team’s uneven results, he maintained a +28 K-D and performed consistently across every series. His aggressive, confident entries showed that MOUZ may be down, but far from out.
donk (Spirit) — 1.20 Rating | 10 Maps
Even amid Spirit’s struggles, donk remained true to himself. A 1.20 rating may seem below his usual standards, but it came against the toughest opponents in high-pressure series. In matches versus Vitality and FURIA, he once again proved he’s the most explosive rifler in the world. Donk may not have won this event, but his name still equals fear.
910 (The MongolZ) — 1.20 Rating | 13 Maps
The Mongolian sensation was one of the brightest discoveries of IEM Chengdu. Representing The MongolZ, 910 emerged as Asia’s top performer with +63 K-D, 1.37 K/D, and an impressive mix of stability and aggression. His play on Ancient and Nuke helped his team reach the playoffs — a milestone proving that the Mongolian scene is no longer a surprise, but a legitimate world-class force.
flameZ (Vitality) — 1.19 Rating | 19 Maps
While ZywOo dominated with the AWP, flameZ ripped through defenses with fearless aggression. His entry kills and lightning-fast decisions repeatedly saved Vitality from collapse. Despite “modest” numbers — 1.09 K/D — his in-game impact was massive. Once again, flameZ confirmed his status as the engine of European firepower.
ropz (Vitality) — 1.19 Rating | 19 Maps
The “silent killer” of Vitality finished the tournament with +69 K-D and his trademark composure. ropz played with trademark intelligence, precision, and elegance — a perfect example of efficiency without excess. His map control and flawless timing left opponents no chance in clutch situations.
read more
A Tournament That Shifted the Balance of Power
IEM Chengdu 2025 marked a turning point for the global CS2 landscape.
- Molodoy proved that the new generation can not only compete but win on the biggest stages.
- FURIA ushered in the era of a Brazilian-Kazakh alliance.
- Vitality and Falcons reaffirmed their place among the elite.
- Spirit and The MongolZ showed that even in turmoil, new stars can emerge.
Above all, Chengdu proved one thing — Counter-Strike has never been more global. From Paris to Almaty, from São Paulo to Ulaanbaatar — new heroes have arrived, and their era has only just begun.
