The grand final of IEM Chengdu 2025 promises to be a true celebration for Counter-Strike 2 fans. Two teams with completely different styles will clash on stage — the emotional and aggressive FURIA against the cold-blooded and structured Vitality. Both teams have gone through a long and challenging path to reach this decisive match: the Brazilians impressed with their consistency and resilience even against top-tier opponents, while Vitality once again proved their class and championship pedigree. This final is a battle between Latin American passion and European discipline, where every round could become a turning point.
How the Bookmakers See It: Vitality as Favorites
Bookmakers unanimously consider Vitality the favorites of the final. This is due not only to their stable form over the past few months but also to their recent victory at ESL Pro League Season 22, where they displayed mature and cohesive gameplay. The experience of apEX as in-game leader, combined with the individual brilliance of ZywOo and ropz, makes Vitality predictably strong — they rarely falter on their own picks and often find ways to turn games around in tough situations. FURIA, despite their great form and dynamic style, are viewed more as dangerous underdogs capable of making the series exciting, but not as the main favorites.
Current Form of FURIA: What to Expect from FURIA
The Brazilian team FURIA has shown a consistently high level of play in recent months. Over the last three months, they have played 75 maps and won 51 — a solid indicator of their adaptation to CS2. In the past month, FURIA competed at ESL Pro League Season 22, where they finished in the top 8, and also claimed the championship title at Thunderpick World Championship 2025. At the current event, they continue to deliver confident performances.
- FURIA lineup: yuurih, KSCERATO, FalleN, molodoy, YEKINDAR
Out of their last five matches, FURIA won four — against Falcons, The MongolZ, G2, and Lynn Vision, losing only to MOUZ. This record highlights their strong form and consistency, especially given their victories over elite opponents.
Current Form of Vitality: What to Expect from Vitality
The European powerhouse Vitality also heads into the grand final in great shape. Over the past three months, they’ve played 67 maps and won 46. They recently became champions of ESL Pro League Season 22, proving their ability to perform under pressure in decisive matches against the world’s best.
- Vitality lineup: apEX, ZywOo, flameZ, mezii, ropz
From their last five matches, Vitality claimed four wins — against Astralis, G2, Lynn Vision, and MOUZ, suffering only one loss, also to MOUZ. The trio of ZywOo, ropz, and flameZ continues to be the team’s main weapon, while captain apEX maintains a perfect balance between aggression and discipline.
FURIA’s Map Pool
In a bo5 final, FURIA will likely start by banning Ancient, their weakest map, which they almost never play in official matches. This allows them to focus on their stronger areas and build the series around their best maps. Their first pick is expected to be Overpass, where they boast an impressive 85% win rate. On this map, FURIA showcases excellent coordination, aggressive defensive setups, and their trademark high-tempo style.
Their second pick could be Inferno, where they hold a 65% win rate. It’s one of their most balanced maps, offering a mix of fast-paced site executions and slower, control-oriented rounds. If needed, FURIA can also rely on Dust2 or Mirage, both of which fit their individual aim-heavy playstyle.
Thus, FURIA are expected to ban Ancient, pick Overpass and Inferno, and keep Dust2 or Mirage as backup options.
Vitality’s Map Pool
Vitality approaches the map veto phase strategically, adapting to opponents and avoiding their own weaknesses. They will most likely ban Train, where they have only a 44% win rate, making it their most unstable map. Their first pick will almost certainly be Dust2, their signature battleground with a phenomenal 92% win rate. This map allows ZywOo and ropz to unleash their full potential, while the team’s fast-paced playstyle sets the tone for their opponents.
Their second pick could be Nuke, where Vitality has a 67% win rate and demonstrates structured, tactical play under apEX’s leadership. If the series goes long, they might turn to Inferno, another strong map with a 73% win rate, where they are confident both on attack and defense.
Therefore, Vitality are expected to ban Train, pick Dust2 and Nuke, with Inferno or Mirage as additional options.
Predicted final map pool:
- FURIA ban Ancient
- Vitality ban Train
- FURIA pick Overpass
- Vitality pick Dust2
- FURIA pick Inferno
- Vitality pick Nuke
Mirage as the decider — a balanced map for both sides, with FURIA holding a 67% win rate and Vitality 69%.
Head-to-Head Record
The last meeting between the two teams took place at ESL Pro League Season 22, where Vitality won 2–1 (Nuke 7–13, Inferno 7–13, Overpass 13–9). FURIA managed to fight back only on their strongest map, Overpass, but struggled to maintain consistency on Vitality’s structured picks. That experience may help the Brazilians better prepare for the grand final, particularly in terms of map selection.
IEM Chengdu 2025 Grand Final Prediction: Vitality vs FURIA
The IEM Chengdu 2025 grand final promises to be intense and entertaining. FURIA arrive with great momentum, a deep map pool, and confidence after their recent title win at Thunderpick. However, Vitality appear slightly more stable — they have more experience in big finals, stronger discipline, and world-class individual performances from ZywOo and ropz.
This series is expected to last at least four maps, with FURIA likely taking Overpass or Inferno, but Vitality holding firm on Dust2 and Mirage.
Prediction: Vitality to win the series 3–1.
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