IEM Chengdu 2025 Viewer Guide: Schedule, Format and Prize Pool

Starting November 3, CS fans will once again be treated to thrilling matches. This time it’s IEM Chengdu 2025, which brings together 16 top-tier teams battling for the championship title and a total prize pool of $1,000,000 — with $300,000 going to teams and another $700,000 allocated to the organization. In this article, we’ll take a look at the current form of the teams and their chances to claim victory.

Format, Dates, and Teams at IEM Chengdu 2025

IEM Chengdu 2025 will take place from November 3 to 9 in Chengdu, China, at the Chengdu Financial City Performing Arts Center. The event will feature 16 teams from around the world — a mix of seasoned titans and ambitious challengers.

The group stage will consist of two groups of eight teams, competing in a double-elimination format. All group stage matches will be played as best-of-three (Bo3) series.

The top three teams from each group will advance to the playoffs:

• Group winners advance directly to the semifinals.
• Second-place teams move to the quarterfinals as seeded.
• Third-place teams advance to the quarterfinals as unseeded.

The playoffs will follow a single-elimination format: all matches except the Grand Final will be Bo3, while the Grand Final will be played as a best-of-five (Bo5).

Team Vitality

Vitality are in outstanding form. In October, they became champions of ESL Pro League Season 22, sweeping Team Falcons 3-0 in the Grand Final. The French powerhouse remains a deadly opponent — even after dropping a map, they can turn the tide and dominate their rivals.

Team Spirit

After impressive victories at IEM Cologne 2025 and BLAST Bounty Fall 2025, Spirit’s October results were slightly less stellar. Despite being one of the favorites at ESL Pro League Season 22, they finished 5–8th after losing to FaZe. Still, Spirit shouldn’t be underestimated — with donk’s incredible aim and reflexes, the team can flip any match in their favor.

FURIA

FURIA have been rapidly improving, cementing their place among the top contenders. Despite finishing 5–8th at ESL Pro League Season 22, they claimed titles at both FISSURE Playground #2 and the Thunderpick World Championship 2025. Their current form makes them a dangerous opponent for anyone.

paiN Gaming

The Brazilian squad has shown mixed results. After their strong 3–4th place finish at the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, they’ve struggled to maintain momentum. In October, paiN finished 9–12th at CS Asia Championships 2025 and 5–8th at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025. IEM Chengdu will be a true test of their resilience against stronger opposition.

The MongolZ

The MongolZ shocked fans by benching one of their best players, Senzu, in October. The reason remains unclear. That month, they placed 9–11th at ESL Pro League Season 22 and 3rd at the Thunderpick World Championship 2025, losing 2–1 to Aurora. Without one of their most consistent players, The MongolZ face a risky situation heading into Chengdu.

TYLOO

The Chinese squad has had an average season so far. Their most recent appearance was at the CS Asia Championships 2025, where they finished 9–12th. TYLOO often struggle against stronger opponents, so they’ll need to bring their best game to achieve success at home.

MOUZ

MOUZ last lifted a trophy at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 in February. Since then, they’ve consistently reached playoffs but fallen short of titles. In October, they placed 3rd at ESL Pro League Season 22. Chengdu offers MOUZ a golden opportunity to finally return to the winner’s circle.

Natus Vincere

After winning StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025, expectations were high for NAVI. However, they finished 5–8th at ESL Pro League Season 22 and lost a tough 3–2 match to FURIA at Thunderpick World Championship 2025. IEM Chengdu gives them a chance to prove that their StarSeries triumph was no fluke.

Team Falcons

The star-studded Falcons reached the Grand Final of ESL Pro League Season 22, only to be swept 3–0 by Vitality. To challenge for titles, the team will need sharper decision-making and tactical flexibility.

FaZe Clan

Following rain’s departure after nearly a decade and Twistzz’s return, FaZe are still adapting to their new roster. In October, they reached the quarterfinals of ESL Pro League Season 22, falling to MOUZ, and finished 7–8th at CS Asia Championships 2025. IEM Chengdu will be another test for the revamped lineup.

Astralis

Astralis continue to struggle for form. October saw them finish 15–16th at ESL Pro League Season 22 and 9–11th at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025. Facing tough competition and intense pressure in China, Astralis must be ready for difficult battles.

G2 Esports

In September, G2 shocked the scene by winning BLAST Open Fall 2025, defeating Vitality 3–2 in the Grand Final. But the momentum didn’t last — they placed 5–8th at FISSURE Playground #2 and 9–11th at ESL Pro League Season 22. Whether G2 can recapture their championship form remains to be seen.

3DMAX

The French lineup had a busy month, competing in three tournaments. 3DMAX finished 5–8th at ESL Pro League Season 22, 2nd at CS Asia Championships 2025 (losing 2–3 to Legacy in the final), and 12–14th at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 despite being considered one of the favorites.

Lynn Vision Gaming

The Chinese roster competed only at CS Asia Championships 2025, finishing 9–12th. Playing on home soil will give Lynn Vision a slight advantage at IEM Chengdu — whether they can capitalize on it remains to be seen.

Virtus.pro

Virtus.pro have had a tough season and continue to search for consistency. Their 7–8th place at CS Asia Championships 2025 highlights their struggles. To make an impact in Chengdu, VP will need to fight hard and show resilience.

HEROIC

HEROIC have been inconsistent all year. In October, they placed 20–22nd at ESL Pro League Season 22, reached the playoffs of CS Asia Championships 2025, and made it to the quarterfinals of PGL Masters Bucharest 2025. Their form remains unpredictable.

Favorites, Underdogs, and Dark Horses of IEM Chengdu 2025

The main favorites heading into IEM Chengdu 2025 are Team Vitality, Team Spirit, and MOUZ — all three have maintained strong form and achieved top finishes at major tournaments. Their structure, consistency, and individual skill make them prime candidates for the title.

Meanwhile, NAVI, FaZe, and Team Falcons are hard to predict — they have the potential but still lack stability.

Among the underdogs, Virtus.pro and Lynn Vision Gaming could surprise stronger teams and upset the balance. As for the dark horses, HEROIC, Astralis, FURIA, and The MongolZ could all go deep into the playoffs if they find their rhythm at the right time.

Where to Watch IEM Chengdu 2025

All matches will be broadcast live on the official ESL channels on Twitch and YouTube. You can also follow live scores and match results on our website.

Starting November 3, we’ll dive into a week of thrilling Counter-Strike action! Sixteen teams, one trophy, and countless unforgettable moments await us. Don’t miss a single round of IEM Chengdu 2025!