The IEM Cologne 2025 Playoffs are in full swing, and just four teams remain in contention to lift one of Counter-Strike’s most historic trophies in the LANXESS Arena.
On one side of the bracket, you have NAVI and Spirit, two teams desperate to get their hands on a significant trophy in 2025. Then, Vitality take on MOUZ. The undisputed Kings of Counter-Strike, defending their title against an eager challenger. Who comes out on top? Our preview of the IEM Cologne Semi-Finals should give you a better idea of who has the best chance of making it through to Championship Sunday.
Spirit vs. NAVI is a match-up of two new rosters. Spirit, with zweih, coasted all the way to the IEM Cologne 2025 Semi-Finals at the first time of asking, while NAVI’s debut with makazze required a little more tenacity. A strong win over The MongolZ in the Quarters got NAVI where they want to be, setting up what is sure to be an electric clash.
This one could be decided by the rookies. Both zweih and makazze have had their struggles in their Tier 1 debuts so far, but only the latter has had the opportunity to perform on stage at the LANXESS. If zweih can thrive under the lights like makazze did vs. The MongolZ, then we have ourselves a game.
You can’t ignore the donk factor, either. Spirit’s star has maintained a 1.52 rating throughout IEM Cologne 2025, and is often at his very best in the biggest moments. He’s the one reason I’m taking Spirit to win this one, even if by a narrow margin.
My prediction: Spirit 2:1 NAVI
On the other side of the bracket, Vitality face another date with frequent opponents MOUZ. Throughout this year, Vitality have consistently had MOUZ’s number, in what has been one of the few constants in the CS scene this year.
Vitality haven’t dropped a map at IEM Cologne 2025 so far, while MOUZ looked shaky in their Quarter-Finals win over FURIA. They were good enough to beat the latter, but will it be enough to topple what is fast becoming a Vitality dynasty? I don’t think so.
One thing of interest will be whether we see Overpass come out here. In the old map pool, Vitality were consistent in their excellence, but the arrival of Overpass represents a new opportunity for MOUZ to add a new weapon to their arsenal. For this clash, though, give me Vitality.
My prediction: Vitality 2:0 MOUZ
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