One of the most intriguing matchups of the BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 2 group stage is about to unfold — the Asian powerhouse The MongolZ will take on the ambitious Ukrainian squad Passion UA. Both teams enter the clash with different goals: the Mongolians aim to reaffirm their status as favorites, while the Ukrainians seek to surprise with bold plays and team cohesion. The question remains — who will prevail in this battle of experience versus youthful energy?
Bookmakers’ View: The MongolZ as Clear Favorites
Bookmakers see The MongolZ as heavy favorites. The team consistently performs well against strong opponents, boasting a deep map pool and extensive experience on the international stage. Their disciplined, aggressive playstyle and structured in-game decision-making allow them to dominate most matchups — particularly against opponents with less top-tier exposure.
Passion UA, on the other hand, are viewed as underdogs capable of creating tension through unexpected tactical approaches or standout individual performances. While the young Ukrainian lineup has the potential to take a map, bookmakers believe that The MongolZ’s stability and experience will be the deciding factors in this encounter.
Current Form: The MongolZ
The MongolZ have maintained solid form over the past three months, winning 46 out of 79 maps (58% win rate). The team finished 3rd at the Thunderpick World Championship 2025 and 5th–6th at IEM Chengdu 2025, proving they can compete at the highest level.
- Roster: bLitz, Techno4K, 910, mzinho, controlez
In their last five matches, The MongolZ defeated Spirit, paiN, and HEROIC, but fell to FURIA and Astralis. Their aggressive style, centered on consistent firepower and strong mid-round coordination, makes them the more experienced and structured team — especially compared to the developing Passion UA lineup.
Current Form: Passion UA
Passion UA have played 58 maps in the past three months, securing 28 wins (48% win rate). Although their statistics are less impressive, the team is showing growing synergy thanks to recent roster adjustments and a more coherent tactical system.
- Roster: Kvem, JT, Grim, hallzerk, nicx
The Ukrainians haven’t participated in official tournaments over the past month but scored convincing wins against BIG, Fingers Crossed, and EYEBALLERS (twice). Their only loss came to OG, highlighting that Passion UA are still seeking consistency against top-level teams. The match against The MongolZ will serve as a crucial test of their readiness for elite competition.
Map Pool: The MongolZ
The MongolZ typically ban Train, as it doesn’t align with their playstyle. When picking, they usually target their opponent’s weaknesses, favoring Ancient, Mirage, or Inferno.
In this matchup, Ancient is likely their pick — they hold a 67% win rate on it, leveraging aggressive entries and strong mid-round tactics. After their pick, they’ll likely remove Overpass to avoid surprises. If the match goes to a decider, Inferno should be the battlefield — a well-balanced map where The MongolZ excel on both sides.
Map Pool: Passion UA
Passion UA tend to ban Nuke, preferring to avoid a map where they lack confidence. Their usual pick is Dust2, boasting a 71% win rate — a map that highlights their fast-paced style and individual firepower, potentially challenging The MongolZ. They may then remove Mirage to deny their opponents another comfort map. If the match reaches a third map, Inferno will likely decide the outcome — a balanced ground where execution precision and mental resilience will be key.
Head-to-Head Record
The MongolZ and Passion UA haven’t faced each other in the past six months. This lack of direct history adds an element of unpredictability, as both teams may bring unique strategies and adaptations to the table.
Match Prediction: The MongolZ vs Passion UA
The MongolZ enter the match with stronger form, superior experience, and a proven record on the international stage. Their confidence on Ancient and Inferno makes them the clear favorites. Passion UA could make things interesting on Dust2, their comfort pick, but without stability in clutch moments and tempo control, it’s unlikely they can outlast the Mongolians.
Passion UA may take a map, but The MongolZ remain the more mature and well-rounded team — ready for a tough series.
Prediction: The MongolZ to win 2–1.
