Welcome, Counter-Strike 2 fans! The excitement at IEM Chengdu 2025 reaches new heights as the tournament moves into the semifinal stage, running from November 3 to November 9, 2025, with the best teams in the world battling for a $300,000 prize pool. Today’s spotlight falls on an electrifying showdown between FURIA Esports and Team Falcons, two squads known for their bold playstyles and relentless drive to win.This semifinal promises to deliver world-class Counter-Strike — FURIA’s high-tempo aggression and Brazilian flair will be tested against Falcons tactical discipline and international firepower. With both teams just one step away from the grand final, every round will matter, and every mistake could be costly. Let’s dive into their recent form, key players, and what to expect from this much-anticipated battle for a spot in the IEM Chengdu 2025 final.
How the Bookies View It: Falcons Hold the Edge
As the semifinals of Intel Extreme Masters Chengdu 2025 kick off, bookmakers slightly favor Team Falcons, giving them 1.56 odds to win, while FURIA Esports come in as the underdogs at 2.37. The odds highlight the Falcons’ solid tactical foundation and consistent results throughout the tournament, showcasing their ability to adapt and control the pace of the game.
FURIA, on the other hand, have shown flashes of brilliance and remain a dangerous opponent capable of turning any series around with their trademark aggression and momentum-driven play. Their explosive style, led by veteran experience and sharp aim, makes them a serious threat even against statistically stronger opponents. With both teams hungry for a spot in the grand final, this clash is set to be a thrilling balance of discipline versus chaos, where small details could decide everything.
Falcons form. What result can be expected from Falcons
Team Falcons in 2025 has solidified its position as one of the strongest and most ambitious teams on the global CS2 scene, combining world-class talent, experienced leadership, and a clear strategic vision. Originally founded in 2017 as a Saudi Arabian esports organization, Falcons have evolved into a multi-game powerhouse with a focus on international competition. Their entry into Counter-Strike 2 was marked by bold decisions — including the signing of legendary coach Danny “zonic” Sørensen, which signaled the team’s intent to compete at the very top level.
The 2025 roster features some of the biggest names in modern Counter-Strike: NiKo, m0NESY, Kyxsan, TeSeS, and the newly signed rifler Kyousuke from Team Spirit Academy, whose addition brought fresh energy and mechanical skill to the lineup. The mix of veteran leadership and young talent has become one of Falcons’ key advantages, allowing them to adapt to different playstyles and maintain consistency throughout the year.
- Team Falcons 2025 roster: NiKo, m0NESY, Kyxsan, TeSeS, Kyousuke.
Coach Danny “zonic” Sørensen — known for his championship-winning mentality and tactical precision, continues to refine the team’s communication and map control, helping Falcons reach new heights in the CS2 circuit.
Falcons’ 2025 campaign began with a series of steady performances that laid the foundation for later success. In early February, they placed 13th–16th at IEM Katowice 2025, followed by a strong 1st–4th finish in the IEM Dallas 2025: European Qualifier, which secured them a spot at the main event. Their upward trajectory continued with an impressive 2nd place at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025, where they earned $187,500, narrowly losing 1–3 in the grand final. March brought mixed results, including 9th–11th at ESL Pro League Season 21 and 9th–12th at BLAST Open Spring 2025, as the team worked to refine its coordination and map pool.
Spring marked a turning point — Falcons hit their stride with a series of deep playoff runs. They claimed 2nd place at IEM Melbourne 2025 and BLAST Rivals Spring 2025, followed by a strong 3rd–4th finish at IEM Dallas 2025, earning valuable ranking points and solidifying their top-tier status. The pinnacle came in April, when Falcons triumphed at PGL Bucharest 2025, dominating the finals 3–0 and taking home $200,000 — their first major international title in CS2.
Summer and autumn continued to reflect their consistency: 20th–22nd at BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, 9th–12th at IEM Cologne 2025, and a podium finish at the Esports World Cup 2025 (3rd place, $130,000). Falcons then added 3rd–4th at FISSURE Playground #2 and finished as runners-up at ESL Pro League Season 22, earning $50,000 after a hard-fought final. Across the 2025 season, the team participated in more than a dozen S-tier events, collecting over $650,000 in prize money and securing their spot among the world’s elite.
Throughout the year, Falcons displayed exceptional resilience and adaptability. NiKo has remained the tactical and emotional leader, while m0NESY continues to prove himself as one of the most explosive AWPers in the game. Kyxsan’s leadership provides structure and composure under pressure, TeSeS delivers reliability in crucial rounds, and Kyousuke’s addition has injected fresh energy and flexibility into the lineup. Under zonic’s guidance, Falcons have built a system that emphasizes teamwork, smart utility usage, and mid-round decision-making — elements that define top-tier CS2 competition.
Heading into 2026, Team Falcons stand poised as one of the main contenders for future Major titles. Their strategic depth, financial stability, and balanced roster give them all the ingredients to dominate the upcoming competitive season and cement their legacy as one of the defining organizations of the CS2 era.
Falcons Map Pool
Over the past three months, Team Falcons have demonstrated dominant performances on Ancient and Mirage, winning 100% of their matches on both maps, highlighting their strong preparation and tactical depth. Nuke also remains a strong map for the team, with an 85.7% win rate, making it a reliable choice in competitive play. Their results on Dust2 (50%) and Inferno (40%) show moderate success, while Train has proven more challenging, with only a 40% win rate, suggesting it is an area for potential strategic improvement as Falcons continue to refine their map pool.
FURIA Esports form. What result can be expected from FURIA
Team FURIA Esports in 2025 has established itself as one of the most dynamic Latin American organizations in the global CS2 scene, combining aggressive gameplay, regional experience, and a growing international presence. Founded on April 16, 2018, FURIA initially rose to prominence in Counter‑Strike: Global Offensive, consistently competing among the top South American teams and earning recognition for their distinctive playstyle and strong brand identity. The transition to Counter-Strike 2 brought new challenges, including higher global competition and the need for roster evolution, which the organization addressed by integrating international talent alongside its Brazilian core.
The 2025 roster blends seasoned veterans with emerging players: Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo leads as captain and IGL, providing strategic guidance and leadership; Kaike “KSCERATO” Cerato delivers consistent rifling prowess; Yuri “yuurih” Santos acts as a reliable support; while Danil “molodoy” Golubenko and Mareks “YEKINDAR” Galinskis, both 2025 additions, bring fresh mechanical skill and flexibility to the team. This combination allows FURIA to maintain aggressive playstyles while adapting to different opponents and high-pressure situations.
- Team FURIA Esports 2025 roster: FalleN, KSCERATO, yuurih, molodoy, YEKINDAR.
FURIA’s 2025 season demonstrated a trajectory of improvement and resilience. In mid-October, they captured the Thunderpick World Championship 2025, coming from behind to defeat their opponents 3:2 in a thrilling offline final, earning $200,000. Earlier that month, at ESL Pro League Season 22, the team faced stronger competition and finished 5th–8th, taking $18,000. September began with a notable triumph at FISSURE Playground #2, winning 3:2 in another S-tier offline event for $200,000, though a week earlier they had placed 3rd–4th at BLAST Open Fall 2025 with a 0:2 loss in the final stages, highlighting the team’s competitive consistency with occasional setbacks. On the online front, FURIA qualified through BLAST Open Fall 2025: Closed Qualifier, winning 2:0, reinforcing their strength in online competition.
The summer season included mixed results. Early August saw the team exit BLAST Bounty Fall 2025: Closed Qualifier in 9th–16th place with a 1:2 loss, while at the beginning of the month they performed admirably at Intel Extreme Masters Cologne 2025, finishing 5th–6th and earning $40,000. July brought a 9th–12th place at FISSURE Playground #1 ($10,000), and in June, FURIA competed at BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, securing 5th–8th place and $45,000. In May, the team faced early exits at IEM Dallas 2025 (9th–12th, $5,000) and PGL Astana 2025 (4th, $43,750), reflecting the challenges of competing consistently against global top-tier teams.
Overall, FURIA’s 2025 results show a mix of regional dominance, strong online performances, and valuable international exposure. The roster has demonstrated the ability to win high-stakes matches, adapt to changing metas, and incorporate new talent effectively, while still working to close the gap against established European and North American organizations.
The team’s main strength lies in balancing experienced leadership with emerging talent. FalleN, KSCERATO, and yuurih provide stability and strategic direction, while molodoy and YEKINDAR bring energy, sharp mechanical skills, and versatility. This combination allows FURIA to execute aggressive tactics while maintaining cohesion and mid-round decision-making.
Challenges remain in achieving consistent results at the global level, particularly against elite European and North American teams. FURIA will need to continue refining strategies, building roster synergy, and gaining experience in S-tier tournaments to secure a more permanent position among the world’s top squads.
Looking toward 2026, FURIA aims to cement its status as a leading Latin American team while expanding its impact on the international stage. With a balanced roster, focused coaching, and steady participation in major tournaments, the organization is poised to compete more effectively with elite CS2 teams and continue its upward trajectory in competitive Counter-Strike 2.
FURIA Esports Map Pool
Over the past three months, FURIA Esports has demonstrated strong map performance across their competitive schedule, highlighting both consistency and strategic depth. The team has been particularly dominant on Nuke and Overpass, winning 77.8% of their matches on each map, showcasing their preparation, utility usage, and coordinated executes. Train has also been a reliable map for the squad, with a 71.4% win rate, reflecting their ability to control key choke points and maintain pressure in mid-round situations. On Inferno, FURIA has achieved a 68.8% success rate, combining aggressive mid-round plays with disciplined site control. Mirage remains a solid choice at 61.5%, while Dust2 presents more of a challenge, with a 50% win rate, indicating opportunities for further refinement and strategic adjustments. Overall, these statistics underline FURIA’s versatility and adaptability across a variety of maps, cementing their reputation as one of Latin America’s top CS2 teams.
Head-to-Head: FURIA vs Falcons
The rivalry between FURIA Esports and Team Falcons has developed into one of the more intriguing matchups of 2025, with both teams showcasing their strengths across several international events. Their most recent encounters paint a picture of fierce competition and tactical evolution on both sides.
In March 2025, during the ESL Pro League Season 21, Falcons secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory, dropping Train but bouncing back with wins on Mirage and Dust II. A few months later, at IEM Cologne 2025 in July, FURIA struck back, taking the series 2–1 after losing Train but dominating the next two maps. Their latest clash at the FISSURE Playground 2 event in September 2025 saw FURIA deliver a convincing 2–0 sweep on Train and Nuke, signaling their growing form and confidence.
Overall, the head-to-head record slightly favors FURIA, with two wins to Falcons one. Both teams have proven they can adapt and outplay each other depending on the map pool, making their upcoming semifinal clash at IEM Chengdu 2025 a true test of preparation, mental resilience, and strategic depth.
Predicted result of the match Falcons – FURIA Esports at IEM Chengdu 2025
Given the form and history of both teams, this semifinal between FURIA Esports and Team Falcons is shaping up to be a highly competitive best-of-three series that’s unlikely to end in a sweep. Falcons enter the match as slight favorites with 1.56 odds thanks to their tactical precision and deep map pool, but FURIA’s recent surge in form and their aggressive, unpredictable style make them a real threat to any opponent. Both squads have the firepower and strategic flexibility to trade maps — Falcons often shine on structured battlegrounds like Ancient and Mirage, while FURIA thrive on pressure-heavy environments such as Nuke and Overpass.
The head-to-head record (2–1 in favor of FURIA) also suggests a balanced rivalry where neither team holds clear dominance. Considering their similar win rates on key maps and their tendency to adapt mid-series, this matchup should go the distance. Each side has too much individual talent to fall quickly, and momentum swings are inevitable given their contrasting approaches — Falcons’ discipline versus FURIA’s chaos.
Expect a tense and evenly matched series that extends to all three maps. The most realistic outcome is Over 2.5 total maps, as both teams will likely secure at least one strong map pick before the deciding third.
Prediction: Total Over 2.5.
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