Vitality and The MongolZ secure Quarter-Finals at IEM Chengdu 2025 as Spirit sent home

Vitality and The MongolZ have secured the last two Quarter-Final berths at IEM Chengdu 2025, after taking down G2 and Spirit in Lower Bracket runs. While Vitality’s win over G2 comes as little surprise to most, The MongolZ reaching the Playoffs in their first event in life post-Senzu is certainly a shocking result.

Vitality rock huNter-less G2 in two

Vitality vs. G2 was something of an unfortunate matchup. It was obvious that Vitality were already coming into the series as big favorites, and only found themselves in the Lower Bracket of the IEM Chengdu 2025 Group Stage after an unfortunate loss to MOUZ. So, when G2 IGL huNter- was faced with a medical emergency pre-match and coach sAw was forced to step in, the odds became truly lopsided.

That struggle showed itself on the server, too. Vitality ran out 13:4 winners on map one, indicating we were in for a quick series. And while G2 did put up a respectable 11 rounds on map two, it still wasn’t enough as Vitality put themselves straight into the Playoffs, right where they belong. For Vitality, the hope that they will further add to their ESL Grand Slam tally remains at IEM Chengdu 2025.

The MongolZ in control as Spirit defeated

Ah, yes. The MongolZ beat Spirit in three maps, as we all predicted. Following the bizarre benching of Senzu, most believed The MongolZ were headed for a swift exit in Chengdu, especially after adding 28-year-old rifler controlez from Chinggis Warriors in the interim. Yet, it appears that coach maaRaa has done it again, putting together a plan to beat donk and friends, sending them packing from IEM Chengdu in very early fashion.

Now, The MongolZ did require all three maps to beat Spirit here, but the fact they did it is more than impressive. They made Spirit look ordinary at times, marking another terrible result for the organization. Their run since the EWC has been poor, and remains a massive cause for concern. But for The MongolZ, this result offers hope for the future. It shows they’ve created a team and a system bigger than any individual, and can thrive even in adversity. Now, they have even more to give in the IEM Chengdu 2025 Quarter-Finals.

Elsewhere, Falcons and MOUZ managed to lock down their Semi-Final spots after wins over Astralis and FURIA, respectively. Where Falcons looked comfortable, MOUZ faced a much more competitive affair against FURIA. This leaves us with the following IEM Chengdu 2025 Quarter-Finals:

• Vitality vs. Astralis
• FURIA vs. The MongolZ