Ahead of the matchup between Passion UA and paiN at BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 2, the intrigue continues to grow. The young European roster has gained excellent momentum, while the experienced Brazilian five is looking to regain control after a string of inconsistent results. This clash promises to be one of the most compelling in the group stage, featuring a rapidly improving team against an opponent with international experience and a deeper map pool.
How the bookmakers see it: paiN are the favourites
At BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 2, bookmakers favour paiN, considering their experience on international stages and consistent results against strong opponents. Despite recent fluctuations in form, the Brazilians maintain a reputation for having a deep map pool and a high individual skill level, which strengthens their position in the eyes of analysts. Passion UA, meanwhile, although demonstrating rapid progress, remain a young roster that may lack stability in decisive moments.
Passion UA’s current form: What to expect
Passion UA enter the match in fairly convincing form. Over the last three months, the team has played 52 maps, winning 24 — a result that demonstrates steady progress and noticeable growth in confidence. The past month has been particularly successful: the roster won the Urban Riga Open Season 1 and continues competing in BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 2.
- Passion UA roster: Kvem, JT, Grim, hallzerk, nicx
In their last five matches, Passion UA secured four victories — against The MongolZ, BIG, and twice over EYEBALLERS. Their only loss came against Falcons. This result highlights both strong individual form and a solid map pool, allowing the team to consistently impose their playstyle even against more experienced opponents.
paiN’s current form: What to expect
paiN have shown more unstable results. Over the past three months, they played 43 maps and won 21 — a figure similar to Passion UA, but their recent performances leave mixed impressions. Over the last month, the team participated in several major events: CS Asia Championships 2025 (9–12th place), PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 (5–8th place), IEM Chengdu 2025 (9–12th place), and the ongoing BLAST Rivals.
- paiN roster: biguzera, nqz, snow, dav1deuS, dgt
In their last five matches, paiN managed to secure only two wins — both against TYLOO. Their other matches ended in losses to stronger opponents: FURIA, The MongolZ, and Spirit. This may indicate a loss of stability and issues adapting to various opponents' playstyles.
Passion UA map pool
Passion UA typically start their veto by banning Nuke. Despite having a decent win rate on it, the team prefers to avoid the map due to structures that favour their opponents. Their most likely pick in this matchup is Dust2 — one of their strongest maps with a very high win rate and confident performance on previous picks. After that, they are expected to remove Ancient, which is not a comfortable map for them and has shown inconsistent results. If the match reaches a decider, Passion UA should feel comfortable on Inferno, a map they do not avoid and can play with confidence.
paiN map pool
paiN traditionally begin their veto by banning Train — a logical move considering Passion UA’s strengths on the map. For their pick, the Brazilians are likely to choose Mirage, since Nuke is expected to be removed early by the opponent, and Mirage remains one of their most stable and well-prepared maps. In the second wave of bans, paiN will likely remove Overpass, which can cause them problems due to Passion UA’s playstyle. If the match goes to a decider, Inferno remains the most likely option, as both teams are comfortable playing it.
Head-to-head history
Over the past six months, Passion UA and paiN have not played each other. This only adds intrigue to the match, as the teams lack recent head-to-head experience. Therefore, their preparation will rely heavily on demo reviews and statistical patterns in their opponent’s play.
Match Prediction — BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 2: Passion UA vs paiN
Despite Passion UA’s strong recent performances, paiN may enter this match with significantly better prospects. The Brazilian roster has experience playing at major tournaments against top-tier teams, allowing them to adapt quickly to different playstyles and maintain composure in difficult situations. Even with some recent setbacks, paiN continue to display a high individual level and confidence on their key maps.
The map pool in this matchup also looks slightly more favourable for paiN. A potential Mirage pick could become a serious challenge for Passion UA, while Dust2 is also a strong map for the Brazilians, enabling them to put up a tough fight. Should the match reach a deciding map — likely Inferno — both teams appear evenly matched, but paiN’s experience against more accomplished opponents may give them the crucial edge.
Prediction: paiN to win 2:1.
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