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 dignity. MOUZ, Group Spirit, Natus Vincere, FURIA, The MongolZ, and Group 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 predict we all know which groups will come out on prime and attain the ultimate 4 of IEM Cologne 2025.
IEM Cologne 2025: Na’Vi vs The MongolZ prediction
Natus Vincere took a troublesome highway the playoffs, going through down FaZe Clan within the first spherical earlier than falling to MOUZ within the second. The decrease bracket wasn’t form 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 harm per spherical and a 1.32 ranking. In the meantime, Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen is lagging behind with simply .50 kills a spherical. The squad can often depend on its captain for a number of frags, and he hopefully finds his kind at church.
Picture Credit score: Joao Ferreira, PGL
In comparison with Na’Vi, The MongolZ have been on straightforward road. Two fast 2-0s over 3DMAX and Group Falcons have been sufficient to safe playoffs. Group Vitality understandably denied a semi-finals berth. Whereas comparatively untested, Azbayar “Senzu” Munkhbold is clearly in prime kind. .83 kills per spherical with 62.4% headshots solidly makes him the participant to look at. Sadly, he’s the one participant with a constructive KD ratio in Germany.
Picture Credit score: PGL
The 2 groups are at a good 2-2 in 2025 with the latest win going to The MongolZ at PGL Astana 2025 in Might.
Our prediction for Na’Vi vs The MongolZ at IEM Cologne 2025 is that Na’Vi will take it 2-1 with a good 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 right 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 Group Liquid and Na’Vi, the group went into deep time beyond regulation in opposition to Group Spirit to drive 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 recreation 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 match price of storyline all within the group stage. A tumble in opposition to G2 Esports within the opener ended with revenge as FURIA handed again its personal 2-0 to qualify. It’s match in opposition to Group Falcons seemed a 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 in opposition to FURIA in 2025, although it was a good 2-1 at ESL Professional League 21 manner again in March.
Primarily based on present kind, we predict MOUZ in two tight maps is the most certainly 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 Practice might as effectively be assured wins. Nonetheless, this matchup is extraordinarily unstable, and one participant both enjoying absent or popping off may swing all the things.
