IEM Cologne 2025 has reached the playoffs, however having so few groups doesn’t make match predictions any simpler.
24 groups got here to Germany for a shot to play on the “Cathedral of Counter-Strike,” however solely six have earned the distinction. MOUZ, Staff Spirit, Natus Vincere, FURIA, The MongolZ, and Staff Vitality are the one ones left in competition for the $400,000 grand prize. With the opening matchups drawn, the playoffs will begin with two contested best-of-threes. Natus Vincere and The MongolZ have loads of historical past between them whereas MOUZ and FURIA has a lot much less prededence. Nonetheless, we expect we all know which groups will come out on high and attain the ultimate 4 of IEM Cologne 2025.
IEM Cologne 2025: Na’Vi vs The MongolZ prediction
Natus Vincere took a tricky street the playoffs, going through down FaZe Clan within the first spherical earlier than falling to MOUZ within the second. The decrease bracket wasn’t type both, with an unexpectedly shut victory over Ninjas in Pyjamas. The squad acquired its mojo again for a heartbreak repeat over FaZe. Mihai “iM” Ivan is choosing up the slack with 90.6 injury per spherical and a 1.32 score. In the meantime, Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen is lagging behind with simply .50 kills a spherical. The squad can normally rely on its captain for just a few frags, and he hopefully finds his kind at church.
Picture Credit score: Joao Ferreira, PGL
In comparison with Na’Vi, The MongolZ had been on straightforward avenue. Two fast 2-0s over 3DMAX and Staff Falcons had been sufficient to safe playoffs. Staff Vitality understandably denied a semi-finals berth. Whereas comparatively untested, Azbayar “Senzu” Munkhbold is clearly in high kind. .83 kills per spherical with 62.4% headshots solidly makes him the participant to observe. Sadly, he’s the one participant with a constructive KD ratio in Germany.
Picture Credit score: PGL
The 2 groups are at a fair 2-2 in 2025 with the latest win going to The MongolZ at PGL Astana 2025 in Could.
Our prediction for Na’Vi vs The MongolZ at IEM Cologne 2025 is that Na’Vi will take it 2-1 with a decent third map. Na’Vi’s firepower is unfold rather more evenly, and just some unhealthy rounds from Senzu may doom the squad. Nonetheless, we anticipate each groups to win their very own map picks and strike all the way down to a decider on both Historic or Mirage.
IEM Cologne 2025: MOUZ vs FURIA prediction
MOUZ followers had their hearts damaged on the finish of the group stage. After large wins over Staff Liquid and Na’Vi, the staff went into deep additional time towards Staff Spirit to power a 3rd map for the win-and-in. Whether or not it was stamina or abilities, the worldwide roster faltered and is pressured to play an additional sport if it hopes to succeed in the rostrum. Each Jimi “Jimpphat” Salo and Dorian “xertioN” Berman are on level, combing for a +47 kill differential.
Picture Credit score: Stephanie Lindgren, PGL
As for FURIA, the Brazilian roster had an event price of storyline all within the group stage. A tumble towards G2 Esports within the opener ended with revenge as FURIA handed again its personal 2-0 to qualify. It’s match towards Staff Falcons regarded a little bit shaky, however in-game chief Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo has someway made its tight map pool work wonders. Kazakh transplant Danil “molodoy” Golubenko and hometown hero Kaike “KSCERATO” Cerato are developing large with 1.19 HLTV rankings every.
Picture Credit score: Adam Lakomy, ESL
These squads have a lot much less historical past. MOUZ is 1-0 towards FURIA in 2025, although it was a decent 2-1 at ESL Professional League 21 method again in March.
Based mostly on present kind, we expect MOUZ in two tight maps is the probably consequence. The Europeans merely have extra maps to work with. Hanging out Mud 2 ought to put FURIA off steadiness earlier than the server even begins, and Nuke or Prepare could as properly be assured wins. Nonetheless, this matchup is extraordinarily unstable, and one participant both taking part in absent or popping off may swing every thing.
