The lower bracket clash between The MongolZ and paiN in Group A of IEM Chengdu 2025 promises to be tense and tactically rich. Both teams know each other well — they’ve already faced off twice this year, with The MongolZ winning both matches convincingly. This time, with tournament survival on the line, paiN will be looking for revenge and a chance to rewrite the story. While both sides come in with comparable form, The MongolZ appear more balanced overall — even with a stand-in. Their stability on key maps and strong individual form make them the clear favorites heading into this matchup.
Bookmakers’ View: The MongolZ as Favorites
Bookmakers favor The MongolZ to win, and for good reason. Their consistent form, reliable results, and positive head-to-head record against paiN all point in their favor. The Mongolian squad continues to perform at a high level internationally, showing tactical discipline and adaptability against both European and South American teams.
However, it’s worth noting that The MongolZ are playing with a stand-in, which could slightly affect their coordination and pacing. Still, their experience, structured approach, and strong individual mechanics suggest they remain the more likely victors. paiN’s only real chance to make things close lies in executing flawlessly on their best maps and capitalizing on any mistakes their opponents make.
Current Form: The MongolZ – What to Expect
The MongolZ have been impressively consistent on the international stage. Over the last three months, they’ve played 74 maps and won 44, maintaining a solid 59% win rate — proof of their experience and stability. In the past month, the team participated in two major tournaments: ESL Pro League Season 22 (9th–11th place) and the Thunderpick World Championship 2025, where they finished 3rd, just shy of the final.
- Roster: bLitz, Techno4K, 910, mzinho, controlez
Their last five series include wins over HEROIC, Aurora, and 9z, along with losses to Astralis and NAVI. Despite those defeats, The MongolZ continue to showcase solid preparation and tactical versatility while maintaining their trademark aggressive playstyle.
Current Form: paiN – What to Expect
paiN enter the match in an inconsistent but determined state. In the past three months, they’ve played 39 maps with 19 wins — a 49% win rate. During October–November, paiN placed 9th–12th at the CS Asia Championships 2025 and reached the quarterfinals (5th–8th) at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025.
- Roster: biguzera, nqz, snow, dav1deuS, dgt
In their five most recent series, paiN secured victories over TYLOO, GamerLegion, and B8, but fell to Spirit and Legacy. Despite some ups and downs, the Brazilians remain dangerous, relying on individual firepower and a strong entry-fragging system.
Map Pool: The MongolZ
The MongolZ consistently ban Train, as it’s their weakest map. Their strength lies in aggressive play on Ancient (69% win rate), Nuke (62%), and Overpass (60%). They most frequently pick Mirage (17 times) or Ancient (16 times), as these maps best fit their pace and individual freedom.
When facing teams that struggle on open maps, The MongolZ often choose Mirage, their most balanced option, giving them an excellent platform to start a Bo3 series strongly.
Map Pool: paiN
paiN also ban Train, so that map can be ruled out. The Brazilians adapt their picks based on the opponent’s weaknesses. Their most played maps are Nuke (8 times, 50% win rate), Dust2 (9 times, 44%), and Mirage (7 times, 57%), with their best performances coming on Mirage and Inferno (both 57% win rate).
Given The MongolZ’s style, paiN will likely avoid Ancient and opt for Nuke, where their defensive setups are stronger. They may also prepare Dust2 as a surprise option to disrupt their opponents’ rhythm.
Predicted veto order:
- The MongolZ ban Train
- paiN ban Ancient
- The MongolZ pick Mirage
- paiN pick Nuke
- The MongolZ ban Dust2
- paiN ban Inferno
- Decider: Overpass
Ultimately, Mirage and Overpass look most comfortable for The MongolZ, while Nuke gives paiN their best chance to fight back on map two.
Head-to-Head Record
In the last six months, the teams have met twice, and both times The MongolZ swept paiN 2–0. Their first encounter took place at the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, where The MongolZ dominated on both maps. The second came during BLAST Bounty Season 2, with a nearly identical outcome — another clean and confident victory for the Mongolian side. These results add psychological pressure on paiN heading into this rematch.
Prediction: The MongolZ vs paiN – IEM Chengdu 2025
Both teams have clearly defined strengths, but The MongolZ appear more stable in both their macro play and individual performances. Their strong results against top-tier international opponents and their favorable head-to-head history against paiN make them the logical favorites.
Prediction: The MongolZ to win 2–1.
