Ahead of the playoff match between Vitality and The MongolZ at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, the tension is already high, as both teams enter the series with different but equally intriguing form. Vitality aim to confirm their status as one of the main favorites of the tournament and show stability in decisive matches. The MongolZ, meanwhile, will try once again to surprise the world with their aggressive and unconventional style, which has already earned them major victories in the past. This matchup will be a true test of Vitality’s consistency and a chance for The MongolZ to impose their own pace, making this clash one of the most anticipated in the playoffs.
How Bookmakers See It: Vitality as the Favorites
Bookmakers consider Vitality the clear favorites, as the team consistently shows a high level of play, demonstrates strong long-distance form, and benefits from superior structure. Analysts highlight Vitality’s strength on key maps, the experience of their players, and their confidence in crucial moments — all of which make them the more predictable and reliable team in a bo3 format. The MongolZ are viewed as a dangerous underdog capable of putting up a serious fight thanks to their aggressive style, but Vitality are still rated with significantly higher chances to take the win.
Vitality’s Current Form: What to Expect From Vitality
Vitality enter this match in good and stable condition. Over the past three months, the team has played 52 maps and won 33 — a strong indicator of confidence and clear in-game structure. From August to October, the roster also competed at BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 2, finishing 3rd–4th, losing only to tier-one opponents.
- Vitality roster: apEX, ZywOo, flameZ, mezii, ropz
In their last five matches, Vitality secured three victories — against Natus Vincere, B8, and 3DMAX. The losses to FaZe and Falcons don’t look critical, considering the opponents' style and the fact that both series were competitive. Overall, Vitality demonstrate strong adaptability and excellent firepower, making them favorites in most of their bo3 matchups.
The MongolZ’s Current Form: What to Expect From The MongolZ
The MongolZ have played far more maps over the last three months — 69, winning 36. The team traditionally maintains a high competitive pace, but recent results show inconsistency. At BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 2, they finished 7th–8th, which is a fairly modest result given their ambitions.
- The MongolZ roster: bLitz, Techno4K, 910, mzinho, controlez
Their last five matches included three surprising wins — over G2, FaZe, and Liquid. This shows the team’s ability to peak in specific series, though losses to Imperial and Spirit highlight their instability. Their CS is aggressive and fast-paced, but less consistent than Vitality’s structure-driven style.
Vitality’s Map Pool
Vitality almost always start their veto with an Ancient ban — a logical decision since Ancient is one of The MongolZ’s strongest maps. After that, Vitality are likely to pick a map where they can punish their opponent’s weaknesses. The most probable choice is Dust2, where they hold their highest win rate and have repeatedly dominated The MongolZ in head-to-head matchups.
In the second banning phase, Vitality will aim to remove Overpass to avoid the unpredictable rounds and tactics The MongolZ often employ. If the series goes to a third map, Mirage is the likely decider, as Vitality feel comfortable there and have strong statistics, giving them an advantage heading into the final map.
The MongolZ’s Map Pool
The MongolZ traditionally start by banning Train, which they consistently avoid. Their first pick is most likely Inferno, a core map in their pool where they’ve repeatedly beaten strong opponents. Inferno allows them to impose their aggressive tempo and exploit Vitality’s occasional early-round mistakes.
In the second phase, The MongolZ will remove Nuke, as Vitality have a stable and well-prepared game plan on that map. The remaining map — Mirage — is a comfortable battleground for The MongolZ, as their fast, chaotic style often creates problems for Vitality and enables big individual plays.
Head-to-Head Record
Over the past six months, Vitality and The MongolZ have played four series, and the score is tied 2–2. This balance adds intrigue to the upcoming match, as both teams have already proven they can beat each other in a bo3.
Their first matchup took place at BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, where Vitality won 2–1. They confidently closed Inferno 13–6 and Dust2 13–4, losing only on Mirage. Discipline and tempo control allowed Vitality to impose their game early.
The second series happened at IEM Cologne 2025, where Vitality again came out on top, this time 2–0. They won Inferno 13–8 and Mirage 13–5 — one of their cleanest performances against The MongolZ.
The third matchup was at BLAST Bounty 2025 Season 2 Finals and resulted in a 2–0 victory for The MongolZ. They won Inferno 13–11 and Mirage 13–7, surprising many with their confidence and sharp aggression.
The fourth series took place at the Esports World Cup 2025, where The MongolZ won 2–1. They took Nuke 13–7, lost Dust2 9–13, and closed the series on Mirage 13–8. This match reinforced the idea that The MongolZ thrive on high-tempo maps and can exploit Vitality in chaotic scenarios.
The head-to-head record shows that the result often depends on which team manages to enforce its philosophy. Vitality excel on structured maps like Dust2 and Inferno, while The MongolZ are strongest on aggressive maps such as Mirage, Nuke, and Ancient.
Match Prediction: Vitality vs The MongolZ — StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Playoff
Based on current form, map statistics, and head-to-head results, Vitality appear to be the stronger team heading into this series. They show stability, strong preparation, and an ability to adapt to their opponent’s style. Dust2 and Inferno will be especially important, as Vitality frequently secure early advantages there.
The MongolZ certainly have win conditions, but to succeed they must deliver a confident and aggressive performance on Inferno, win key clutches, and maintain a high tempo. Mirage could also become an opportunity for them, as they have repeatedly troubled Vitality on this map. Still, in a bo3 setting, Vitality have a deeper map pool and more reliable structure, giving them the edge in longer and more complex series.
Prediction: Vitality to win 2–1.
