The IEM Chengdu 2025 semifinal between MOUZ and Vitality promises to be a true spectacle for all Counter-Strike 2 fans. Both teams arrive in excellent form: MOUZ continue to impress with consistency and tactical maturity, while Vitality once again confirm their status as one of the main contenders of the season. This clash is more than just a fight for a spot in the grand final — it’s another chapter in their intense rivalry that has lasted for half a year.
Every recent encounter between these two teams has delivered drama, comebacks, and highlight moments. Expectations are high — this will be a duel between MOUZ’s tactical flexibility and Vitality’s experience and composure.
How the Bookmakers See It: Vitality Are the Favorites
Bookmakers view Vitality as the favorites heading into this semifinal. Despite their recent loss to MOUZ in the group stage, analysts rate the French team as more stable and experienced when it comes to performing at big tournaments. Their victory at ESL Pro League Season 22 further solidified their reputation as one of the world’s elite teams, while their track record in playoff stages often becomes the decisive factor.
Experts also point to the head-to-head record — Vitality lead 3–2 over the past six months. With ZywOo in top form, ropz’s consistency, and excellent team chemistry, the French squad is seen as the more likely winner, capable of controlling the game’s tempo and taking revenge for their earlier defeat in the group stage.
Current Form of MOUZ: What to Expect
MOUZ enter the IEM Chengdu 2025 semifinal in great shape. Over the past three months, they’ve played 51 maps and won 32 — a solid result that confirms their position among Europe’s elite. During ESL Pro League Season 22, they finished 3rd overall, showing strong performances against top-tier opponents.
- MOUZ lineup: torzsi, xertioN, Jimpphat, Brollan, Spinx
In their last five matches, MOUZ have secured four victories — over FURIA, Vitality, and twice against FaZe — with their only loss coming against Falcons. This winning streak highlights their solid synergy and consistent form, and most importantly, the confidence they’ve gained from already defeating Vitality earlier in the tournament.
Current Form of Vitality: What to Expect
Vitality remain one of the top favorites to win the tournament. They boast 44 wins in 64 maps over the past three months and recently claimed the title at ESL Pro League Season 22, once again proving their championship pedigree.
- Vitality lineup: apEX, ZywOo, flameZ, mezii, ropz
In their last five matches, Vitality have earned four wins — against Astralis, G2, Lynn Vision, and Virtus.pro — with their only loss coming at the hands of MOUZ. The team continues to showcase discipline, tactical depth, and excellent preparation, though it’s fair to admit that MOUZ have become one of their toughest opponents lately.
MOUZ Map Pool
MOUZ usually start by banning Dust2, their weakest map. They are most likely to pick Train, where they hold a perfect 100% win rate, or Inferno, which remains one of their most reliable choices with 71% success across 14 plays. On the second ban phase, they might remove Mirage to deny Vitality a comfortable pick. If the series goes to a decider, Inferno looks like the most likely choice — a map where MOUZ have consistently strong performances.
Vitality Map Pool
Vitality almost always ban Ancient, so that’s a predictable move again. Their most logical pick would be Nuke, which fits their structured playstyle and where they maintain a solid 64% win rate. Since Dust2 will be banned by MOUZ, Nuke becomes their best alternative. For their second ban, Vitality are likely to remove Overpass, avoiding MOUZ’s confident record there. If it goes to a decider, Inferno will likely remain — a balanced map where both teams perform evenly.
Head-to-Head Record
Over the past six months, MOUZ and Vitality have faced each other five times — each series filled with intensity and momentum swings.
- IEM Dallas 2025 (Final): Vitality won 3–0 (Dust2 13:11, Mirage 13:9, Inferno 13:8)
- BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025: Vitality won 2–1 (Mirage 13:8, Inferno 4:13, Train 13:6)
- IEM Cologne 2025: MOUZ won 2–0 (Mirage 9:13, Train 8:13)
- BLAST Open London 2025 Finals: Vitality won 2–0 (Mirage 13:7, Inferno 13:8)
- IEM Chengdu 2025 (current tournament): MOUZ won 2–1 (Train 3:13, Nuke 13:8, Inferno 13:22)
Overall, Vitality lead the head-to-head 3–2, though MOUZ have claimed victory in two of the last three meetings — a sign of how evenly matched these two sides are.
Match Prediction: MOUZ vs Vitality
The semifinal between MOUZ and Vitality is shaping up to be one of the most competitive matches of the event. Both teams are in great form, but Vitality hold a slight edge thanks to their deeper map pool, consistency, and playoff experience. Despite their earlier group-stage loss, Vitality are known for their ability to adapt in elimination matches and perform under pressure.
MOUZ certainly have the tools to make it close with their aggressive playstyle and strong individual form, but Vitality appear more composed and tactically refined. If they manage to contain MOUZ on Train or Inferno, they should be able to secure the win.
Prediction: Vitality to win 2–1, using their experience, strategic depth, and composure to reach the grand final.
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