At IEM Chengdu 2025, one of the most intriguing group stage battles awaits — Falcons versus Spirit. Both teams are in good form but approach the match with contrasting playstyles: Falcons rely on discipline and team synergy, while Spirit look to impose their aggressive, fast-paced tempo. Which of the two will come out on top and move closer to the playoffs — we’ll find out soon enough.
Bookmakers’ View: Falcons as Favorites
Bookmakers favor Falcons, rating their chances of victory significantly higher than Spirit’s. The main argument is Falcons’ stable form, their second-place finish at ESL Pro League Season 22, and convincing wins over top-tier opponents, including MOUZ. Falcons demonstrate a well-structured playstyle, a strong map pool with three maps above an 85% win rate, and excellent individual performances from their stars.
Spirit, on the other hand, are seen as dangerous yet inconsistent. Their aggressive approach can cause problems on their own map pick, but Falcons have more tools to control the tempo and adapt mid-series. According to most bookmakers, Falcons’ win probability ranges between 65–70%, with the most likely outcome being a 2:1 victory for Falcons.
Falcons’ Current Form: What to Expect
Falcons have shown remarkable consistency over the past three months — 26 wins out of 37 maps (70% win rate). Following a strong second-place finish at ESL Pro League Season 22, the team continues to maintain high standards at IEM Chengdu 2025.
- Falcons lineup: NiKo, TeSeS, kyxsan, m0NESY, kyousuke
Their last five matches confirm their good form: wins over TYLOO, 3DMAX, and MOUZ (twice), with the only loss coming against Vitality. Falcons adapt well to different opponents, showing strength in both aim duels and tactical coordination. Their current form makes them one of the main contenders for a playoff spot.
Spirit’s Current Form: What to Expect
Spirit have been keeping up an impressive pace as well — 28 wins out of 39 maps (72% win rate) over the past three months. After finishing 5–8th at ESL Pro League Season 22, the team continues to show improvement and is looking for more consistency in Chengdu.
- Spirit lineup: chopper, donk, sh1ro, zweih, tN1R
In their last five matches, Spirit secured four wins (against paiN, G2, HOTU, and Inner Circle) and only one loss versus FaZe. The team plays with aggression and confidence across multiple maps, though occasional instability in key moments remains a concern.
Falcons’ Map Pool
Falcons typically avoid Overpass, so it’s likely to be their first ban. Their primary map pick should be Ancient, where they hold a phenomenal record — ten wins out of ten. It’s their strongest weapon and not the most comfortable battleground for Spirit. Falcons also excel on Nuke with an 86% win rate but tend to avoid Dust2 due to inconsistency. Ancient is expected to be the first map of the series — the team’s best pick this season.
Spirit’s Map Pool
Spirit traditionally ban Inferno, making it their likely first veto. For their map pick, Mirage seems most probable, boasting a 77% win rate and fitting their aggressive playstyle. Spirit might also stay away from Nuke, given Falcons’ strength there. Mirage should therefore be Spirit’s pick — a map where they perform well at a fast pace. The potential decider could be Train, a relatively neutral ground that both teams rarely play, where mid-game adaptation could determine the winner.
Head-to-Head Record
In the past six months, Falcons and Spirit have not faced each other, making this their first head-to-head clash with updated rosters in 2025. The lack of prior match history adds an extra layer of intrigue — both sides have the chance to surprise early in the series.
Prediction: Falcons vs Spirit – IEM Chengdu 2025
Both teams are in strong form, but their playstyles differ: Falcons rely on structure and preparation, while Spirit emphasize aggression and individual brilliance.
Considering Falcons’ stability, tactical discipline, and their map pool with three maps above an 85% win rate, they appear to have the edge. Expect a close and intense series where micro-moments and adaptability on the decider map will be key.
Prediction: Falcons to win 2:1
