The French powerhouse Vitality will face the Chinese squad Lynn Vision in the group stage of IEM Chengdu 2025. This match will serve as a test for Vitality ahead of the playoffs and an opportunity for Lynn Vision to prove their potential against one of the world’s elite teams. Can the Chinese side pull off an upset, or will the experience and class of Vitality prevail? Let’s break it down.
Bookmakers’ View: Vitality as Clear Favorites
Bookmakers unanimously regard Vitality as the heavy favorites. The reasoning lies not only in the skill gap between the teams but also in the European side’s excellent recent form. Fresh off their ESL Pro League Season 22 victory and showing strong adaptation to CS2, Vitality is expected to dictate the pace and likely close out the series 2–0 without much resistance.
However, for those betting on a surprise, Nuke stands out as a potential battleground — it’s Lynn Vision’s best map and could provide some competitiveness. Still, Vitality remain the primary contenders to advance further in the tournament.
Current Form: Lynn Vision – What to Expect
Lynn Vision enters the match with inconsistent form. Over the past three months, they’ve played 39 maps, winning just 19 — a below-average record. Their last major appearance at the CS Asia Championships 2025 ended in 9th–12th place, and now they continue their fight in Chengdu.
- Roster: westmelon, z4kr, EmiliaQAQ, Starry, C4LLM3SU3
In their five most recent matches, Lynn Vision secured two wins (vs 3DMAX and GamerLegion) and three losses (vs FURIA, 3DMAX, and MIBR). The team looks motivated but struggles with consistency, particularly against top European and American opponents.
Current Form: Vitality – What to Expect
Vitality are in great shape, showcasing strong stability and high-level execution. Over the past three months, they’ve played 57 maps, winning 38 of them. The French side’s recent triumph at ESL Pro League Season 22 confirmed their elite status, and they now aim to extend their dominance in Chengdu.
- Roster: apEX, ZywOo, flameZ, mezii, ropz
In their last five matches, Vitality won four (against Virtus.pro, Falcons, FaZe, and FURIA), losing only to MOUZ. This record highlights their adaptability and consistency against diverse playstyles.
Lynn Vision Map Pool
Lynn Vision typically bans Mirage, making it their likely first veto. They often tailor their map pick to their opponent’s weaknesses, and in this case, Nuke appears to be their best option — their most consistent map with a 60% win rate.
They might also remove Inferno, one of Vitality’s strongest maps, aiming to keep more favorable options open. Overall, the team relies on structured play on Nuke and Ancient, though the latter is unlikely to be allowed by Vitality.
Vitality Map Pool
Vitality usually bans Ancient to avoid giving opponents their comfort pick. For their own choice, the French side will likely go for Dust2, where they hold an impressive 91% win rate and a five-map winning streak. In the second ban phase, they could remove Train to eliminate randomness.
If the series goes to a decider, Overpass is the most probable outcome — a neutral ground for both teams.
Head-to-Head Record
Over the past six months, Lynn Vision and Vitality have not faced each other. This will therefore be their first meeting, adding a touch of unpredictability to the match — though the vast experience gap still heavily favors the European side.
Prediction: Lynn Vision vs Vitality – IEM Chengdu 2025
Considering the overall statistics, Vitality are clear favorites. With superior map control, recent tournament success, and elite individual skill, they should dominate the matchup.
Lynn Vision’s only realistic chance lies in an overperformance on Nuke or unexpected mistakes from Vitality. Otherwise, the European squad is likely to dictate the tempo from start to finish.
Prediction: Vitality to win 2–0.
