The ESL Pro League Season 22 semifinal promises to be a true thriller: MOUZ and Falcons will clash for a spot in the grand final. Both teams are in fine form but display contrasting playstyles — MOUZ’s strategic discipline versus Falcons’ aggressive flexibility. This matchup could prove decisive not only for the tournament but also for the broader balance of power on the CS2 world stage.
Bookmakers’ View: Falcons Enter as Favorites
Bookmakers consider Falcons the favorites heading into this semifinal, citing their stability, deep map pool, and consistent results in recent head-to-head matches against MOUZ. The team has been showing mature tactical play, excellent adaptability, and proven strength in bo3 series. Despite MOUZ’s strong form, analysts expect Falcons to control the tempo and maintain initiative throughout most of the match.
Current Form: What to Expect from MOUZ
MOUZ continue to show consistency on the international stage. Over the past three months, the team has played 54 maps and won 33 — a solid 61% win rate. In September–October, MOUZ reached the semifinals of two major tournaments: BLAST Open London 2025 Finals (3–4th place) and now ESL Pro League Season 22.
- Roster: torzsi, xertioN, Jimpphat, Brollan, Spinx
Out of their last five matches, MOUZ won four — against Natus Vincere, 3DMAX, Gentle Mates, and GamerLegion — with their only loss coming to Falcons. The team looks cohesive, structured, and strategically sound, but individual consistency under pressure remains an open question.
Current Form: What to Expect from Falcons
Falcons continue to establish themselves as one of Europe’s most dangerous teams. Over the past three months, they’ve played 37 maps and won 25 (about 68%). In September, they placed third at FISSURE Playground 2 and now reached the semifinals of ESL Pro League Season 22, showing steady progress.
- Roster: NiKo, TeSeS, kyxsan, m0NESY, kyousuke
Falcons have also won four of their last five matches — defeating 3DMAX, MOUZ, Natus Vincere, and Astralis, while losing only to FURIA. Their map flexibility and tactical depth stand out. The team excels at adapting to opponents’ styles and tailoring game plans for specific matchups.
MOUZ Map Pool
In bo3 series, MOUZ typically start by banning Dust2, a smart choice given Falcons’ strong record there. MOUZ’s strengths lie on Mirage, Inferno, and Nuke. Their likely pick will be Inferno (75% win rate) or Mirage (60%).
Their best maps recently include Train (100%), Inferno (75%), and Mirage (60%), suggesting they’ll feel most confident on those. For their second ban, MOUZ may remove Train to avoid surprises from Falcons.
Falcons Map Pool
Falcons usually ban Overpass, a map they’re less comfortable on. Their pick is expected to be Ancient, where they hold a perfect 100% win rate, or Nuke (88%), where they’ve already claimed key victories.
Falcons are strong on Dust2, Mirage, and Ancient, with a 100% win rate on each recently. In the final phase of the veto, they’ll likely remove Mirage, leaving Nuke as a possible decider — a map where they’ve repeatedly beaten MOUZ.
Head-to-Head Record
Over the past six months, MOUZ and Falcons have met five times, with Falcons leading the rivalry 4–1.
- IEM Melbourne 2025: Falcons 2–0 (Nuke 6:13, Dust2 3:13)
- BLAST Rivals 2025 S1: Falcons 2–0 (Dust2 6:13, Nuke 14:16)
- IEM Dallas 2025: MOUZ 2–0 (Mirage 16:12, Dust2 13:4)
- Esports World Cup 2025: Falcons 2–1 (Nuke 10:13, Inferno 13:8, Ancient 10:13)
- ESL Pro League S22: Falcons 2–1 (Nuke 7:13, Inferno 13:3, Ancient 9:13)
Falcons have consistently demonstrated better preparation and adaptability against MOUZ, particularly on Ancient and Nuke.
Prediction: MOUZ vs Falcons — Battle for the Final, ESL Pro League S22
Both teams enter the semifinal in great form, but Falcons hold a psychological edge after their recent win over MOUZ and the stronger head-to-head record. MOUZ can certainly challenge on their comfort maps, but Falcons look steadier on key battlegrounds.
Prediction: Falcons to win 2–1.
#44
Inner Circle Esports
#46
Nemiga GamingWatch match
