IEM Chengdu 2025 is set to deliver another thrilling showdown between two world-class titans — MOUZ and FaZe. Both teams have already clashed multiple times this season, and each has solid arguments for victory. MOUZ come into the match in excellent form after a string of consistent performances, while FaZe are hungry for revenge after a series of setbacks. Beyond just a spot in the next stage, this battle will be about establishing psychological dominance for future encounters.
Bookmakers’ Outlook: MOUZ Slight Favorites
Bookmakers view this matchup as fairly even but give a slight edge to MOUZ. Following their strong showings at ESL Pro League Season 22 and consistent play against top-tier opponents, odds for MOUZ’s victory hover around 1.70–1.80, while FaZe’s success is priced at 2.00–2.20.
The reasoning lies not only in head-to-head stats but also in current form: MOUZ display better team cohesion and stability in Bo3 series, whereas FaZe often rely heavily on the individual brilliance of their stars. Analysts expect a close match likely to go to three maps, but MOUZ remain the pre-match favorites.
Current Form: What to Expect from MOUZ
MOUZ enter IEM Chengdu 2025 in impressive shape. Over the past three months, they’ve played 51 maps, winning 30 — a solid figure for a top-tier squad. In October, they finished third at ESL Pro League Season 22, losing only in the semifinals.
- MOUZ lineup: torzsi, xertioN, Jimpphat, Brollan, Spinx
From their last five matches, MOUZ claimed victories over FaZe, Natus Vincere, and 3DMAX, confirming their readiness to face teams with differing playstyles. The only struggles came against Falcons, who beat them twice. Still, the overall team rhythm remains strong — especially on Overpass and Inferno, where MOUZ continue to shine.
Current Form: What to Expect from FaZe
FaZe are going through a turbulent phase. Over the last three months, they’ve played 56 maps, winning 28 — exactly half. The team finished 4th at ESL Pro League Season 22 and 7–8th at CS Asia Championships 2025.
- FaZe lineup: broky, karrigan, frozen, jcobbb, Twistzz
In their last five matches, FaZe managed only two wins — over TYLOO and B8. The rest ended in losses: once to MOUZ and twice to FUT. The team struggles with consistency on its favorite maps and fluctuating individual form, especially in clutch moments.
MOUZ Map Pool
MOUZ typically start vetoes by removing Dust2, a map they feel least comfortable on. Their picks revolve around exploiting opponents’ weaknesses, favoring Mirage, Inferno, or Nuke. For this series, Inferno looks the most likely choice — MOUZ boast a 67% win rate there and balance aggression with positional control effectively.
For their second ban, MOUZ will likely remove Ancient, as FaZe are strong on it and have beaten them there before. Overall, MOUZ will aim to steer the series toward structured maps that favor their synergy and tactical discipline.
FaZe Map Pool
FaZe usually open vetoes by banning Train, historically their weakest map. For their pick, they often go for Mirage, where they can showcase raw mechanical skill and individual flair — their win rate sits at 69%. This map fits their strengths perfectly, allowing star players to take over.
Their second ban will likely target Overpass, as MOUZ have an 80% win rate there and appear extremely confident. If both teams exchange their comfort picks, the decider is expected to be Nuke — a balanced map for both sides, prone to tense, tactical rounds.
Head-to-Head Record
Over the past six months, MOUZ and FaZe have met three times, with MOUZ leading the series 2–1. At BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 1, MOUZ crushed FaZe 2–0 (Mirage 13:2, Dust2 13:11). FaZe struck back at BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, winning 13:10 on Ancient (Bo1). Finally, MOUZ reasserted control at ESL Pro League Season 22, winning 2–0 (Overpass 13:10, Ancient 13:7), displaying superior tactics and composure in clutch situations.
Prediction: MOUZ vs FaZe — IEM Chengdu 2025
Considering MOUZ’s stable performance, confidence on Inferno and Overpass, and positive head-to-head record, they enter this matchup as rightful favorites. FaZe may challenge on Mirage, but their inconsistency and recent losses to weaker teams raise doubts about their resilience in long series.
The key to victory will be siuhy’s tempo control and the reliable firepower of frozen and torzsi, who have often been decisive in past clashes between these teams.
Prediction: MOUZ to win 2–1.
