IEM Melbourne 2025 Play-off: Semi Finals

It looks like the NiKo + m0NESY factor is finally starting to click as it should. Falcons' win over MOUZ was not entirely expected, but it was a bright and confident demonstration from a team now seriously contesting for the IEM Melbourne title against the ever-strong Vitality. Tomorrow’s grand final is already shaping up to be a clash of two very different philosophies in CS2.

Falcons Defeat MOUZ on IEM Melbourne 2025 Semi-Finals

Falcons delivered a statement performance, dismantling MOUZ 2-0 in their semi-final match. MOUZ looked sluggish and out of rhythm, unable to handle Falcons' relentless pace and individual firepower. Dust2 was a wipeout at 13-3, and while MOUZ showed a little more life on Nuke, Falcons closed it out confidently, 13-6. The newly energized Falcons lineup, powered by NiKo and m0NESY, proved they are a legitimate title contender.

Falcons 13-3 MOUZ

Nuke

Falcons 13-6 MOUZ

It's really unexpected, but MOUZ didn't show their signature well-coached game to compete with the Falcons. Will a duo of star players create so much psychological pressure, or is it just a matter of the lightning-fast interaction of two high-skill players?

Falcons vs MOUZ - Player Stats

Player

K-D

+/-

ADR

KAST

Rating 2.1

Falcons

NiKo

31-20

+11

92.9

88.6%

1.53

Falcons

kyxsan

31-17

+14

95.9

82.9%

1.48

Falcons

m0NESY

29-17

+12

76.4

85.7%

1.48

Falcons

TeSeS

23-16

+7

76.7

85.7%

1.39

Falcons

Magisk

21-22

-1

64.9

80.0%

1.01

MOUZ

xertioN

27-30

-3

77.2

60.0%

0.92

MOUZ

Jimpphat

22-25

-3

72.3

62.9%

0.81

MOUZ

Brollan

17-27

-10

62.5

60.0%

0.71

MOUZ

Spinx

16-26

-10

55.2

65.7%

0.66

MOUZ

torzsi

10-27

-17

33.6

60.0%

0.43

MVP of the Match: Nikola "NiKo" Kovač

• 92.9 ADR
• 88.6% KAST
• 1.53 Rating 2.1

NiKo led from the front, delivering a near-flawless performance and proving why he remains one of CS2’s premier stars.

Vitality Defeat The MongolZ on IEM Melbourne 2025 Semi-Finals

Vitality showed why they are the number-one ranked team in the world, crushing The MongolZ 2-0 with clinical performances on Mirage and Nuke. The French side was untouchable, especially Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut, who looked like he was in a tier of his own. MongolZ never really found a way into the game, getting locked out early and often.

Vitality 13-3 MongolZ

Nuke

Vitality 13-3 MongolZ

Both finalists of IEM Melbourne present a strong and balanced image, having dispatched their opponents with authority. Two clean victories — no compromises. Credit must be given to The MongolZ as well; this team is clearly on the rise and destined to win a major tournament soon. Every playoff appearance like this continues to forge them into a true tier-one force.

Vitality vs The MongolZ - Player Stats

Player

K-D

+/-

ADR

KAST

Rating 2.1

Vitality

ZywOo

38-11

+27

112.8

93.8%

1.96

Vitality

ropz

29-16

+13

97.2

93.8%

1.67

Vitality

mezii

31-13

+18

87.9

90.6%

1.61

Vitality

flameZ

25-17

+8

72.9

93.8%

1.45

Vitality

apEX

19-16

+3

68.5

75.0%

1.13

MongolZ

Techno

17-28

-11

64.7

56.2%

0.61

MongolZ

bLitz

16-29

-13

77.2

46.9%

0.61

MongolZ

910

16-28

-12

52.0

43.8%

0.58

MongolZ

Senzu

13-30

-17

51.1

46.9%

0.51

MongolZ

mzinho

8-27

-19

37.6

50.0%

0.39

MVP of the Match: Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut

• 112.8 ADR
• 93.8% KAST
• 1.96 Rating 2.1

ZywOo dominated the server with an unreal combination of sharp aim and perfect positioning, making it another routine day at the office for Vitality’s ace.

IEM Melbourne Grand Final Preview: Falcons vs Vitality

After two dominant semi-final performances, the IEM Melbourne 2025 Grand Final is set: Falcons vs Vitality. Falcons, energized by the star duo of NiKo and m0NESY, are riding a wave of momentum, but they now face the ultimate test against the reigning world number ones. Vitality looked almost untouchable against The MongolZ, with ZywOo delivering a masterclass performance that will be difficult for anyone to match. Falcons have the firepower and the hunger, but Vitality have the experience and the consistency. Expect fireworks when these two titans collide on Sunday.

For Falcons, this already feels like a win. Even if they walk away with silver, they'll be the hottest topic after the tournament, because this team has logically and strategically positioned itself as a real threat—and people should be scared.

But for Vitality, there’s no excuse: they have to win gold. Anything less would break their historic win streak and could trigger a chain reaction that ends their prime era.