Both teams enter the Upper Bracket Semifinal of Group A at IEM Chengdu 2025 with different levels of confidence — The MongolZ continue to build momentum and solidify their status as one of Asia’s leading teams, while Astralis are still searching for stability after a string of inconsistent performances. This matchup promises to be an exciting clash between the fast-paced aggression of the Mongolian squad and the structured, methodical style of the Danes, where adaptability will be the key to victory.
How the Bookmakers See It: The MongolZ as Favorites
Bookmakers view The MongolZ as the favorites in this matchup, citing their solid form and impressive results against top-tier opponents in recent months. The team showcases a strong balance between individual skill and tactical discipline, particularly on their preferred maps. Astralis, despite their legendary name, are still finding their rhythm, so most analysts expect The MongolZ to have the upper hand in tempo, firepower, and mid-game adaptation.
Current Form of The MongolZ: What to Expect
The Mongolian roster continues to prove itself as Asia’s best and a legitimate playoff contender at major tournaments. Over the past three months, The MongolZ have played 72 maps, winning 44 — a strong indicator of consistency. Recently, they placed 9–11th at ESL Pro League Season 22 and secured a top-3 finish at Thunderpick World Championship 2025, showing that they can challenge Europe’s elite.
- Roster: bLitz, Techno4K, 910, mzinho, controlez
In their last five matches, The MongolZ picked up three victories — over HEROIC, Aurora, and 9z — and suffered losses to Natus Vincere and FURIA. The team looks confident, especially on its favorite maps, where they effectively mix aggression with tactical depth and sharp transitions in pace.
Current Form of Astralis: What to Expect
Astralis are still striving for stability after their recent roster changes. Over the last three months, they have played 58 maps, winning only 27 — not ideal for a team with such ambitions. Over the past month, the Danes took part in ESL Pro League Season 22 (15–16th place), PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 (9–11th place), and are now competing at IEM Chengdu.
- Roster: dev1ce, Staehr, jabbi, HooXi, Magisk
In their last five matches, Astralis have also earned three victories — against Natus Vincere, 3DMAX, and MIBR — while losing to Aurora and Legacy. Although the team occasionally shows flashes of their old brilliance, inconsistency remains their biggest problem, particularly on the T side, where a lack of mid-round ideas is often evident.
Map Pool of The MongolZ
The MongolZ are likely to start by banning Train, their weakest map. Their first pick should be Ancient, where they boast a 69% win rate and excel with their fast mid-control and coordinated entries. In the second ban phase, they will probably remove Overpass to avoid Astralis’ tactical traps. If the match goes to a decider, Mirage could favor the Mongols, allowing them to showcase their strong individual performances.
Map Pool of Astralis
Astralis will most likely ban Dust2, a map on which they’ve struggled recently. Their pick should be Nuke, where they have a 67% win rate and a structured, disciplined approach that suits their style. The Danes are well-organized in their defensive setups and rotations, giving them a tactical edge. In the second ban phase, they’ll likely remove Inferno, where their win rate is notably lower. If the series goes to a third map, Mirage could serve as neutral ground — a true test of adaptability and mechanical skill for both sides.
Head-to-Head Record
Over the past six months, The MongolZ and Astralis have not faced each other. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup, as both sides lack recent experience against one another. It will be a fascinating opportunity to see whether The MongolZ can dismantle the structured and methodical approach of Astralis.
Match Prediction: The MongolZ vs Astralis — IEM Chengdu 2025
The MongolZ appear to be in better shape — they’ve played more, maintained a higher win rate, and look more confident on their strongest maps. Astralis, on the other hand, continue to struggle with consistency and adapting to fast-paced, aggressive opponents. If The MongolZ can capitalize on their strengths on Ancient and hold their own on Nuke, they have every chance to close out the series.
Prediction: The MongolZ 2–1 Astralis.
