Vitality Hunt Ninth Title in IEM Chengdu Grand Final vs FURIA
Team Vitality and FURIA are set for an electrifying showdown in the IEM Chengdu 2025 Grand Finals, as both squads battle for $125,000 in prize money and a trophy – the second-to-last piece of silverware before their Budapest Major campaigns begin.
Vitality: The Relentless Champions
Team Vitality’s presence in yet another Grand Finals hardly comes as a surprise to anyone. Throughout the 2025 CS2 season, the Golden Hornets have put up astonishing numbers: eight trophies from nine Grand Finals appearances, with their only defeat being against G2 Esports. Now in their tenth Grand Finals of the year, they stand tantalizingly close to tying Astralis’ record of ten trophies in a calendar year.
This run has been fueled by some heroic performances, particularly by flameZ, whose ability to bail Vitality out of difficult situations was highlighted in earlier stages of the tournament. Yet in their semifinal clash against MOUZ, it was none other than ZywOo who truly shone. The French phenom delivered a monstrous showing with an incredible 63-46 KD, with 21 of those kills coming from the big green.
However, Vitality aren’t without their problems. 'British playaa' mezii has been struggling so far in Chengdu, drawing criticism from fans and analysts alike. His continued poor performance, especially in high-pressure matches like the semifinal, shows a chink in the armor that FURIA might be able to capitalize on.
FURIA: A Resurgence Story
On the opposite end, FURIA’s journey in the later half of 2025 has been nothing short of spectacular. Underestimated and underperforming coming into the year, the Brazilian side has clawed its way among the elites, winning out both FISSURE Playground #2 and the 2025 Thunderpick World Championship. Their resurgence is headlined by rookie sensation Danil "molodoy" Golubenko, whose dominant performance on Mirage against Falcons – 24 kills, with 16 on the AWP – has generated whispers of greatness around him.
molodoy puts up a spectacular performance on Mirage against Falcons (Image Source: ESL)Molodoy’s impact has reinvigorated FURIA, especially alongside the leadership of seasoned IGL FalleN and the ever-aggresive YEKINDAR. However, the team is not without its own streaks of inconsistency. Molodoy’s slow start on Inferno and yuurih’s wobbly form have introduced inconsistency into their campaigns, a luxury The Professor and his side cannot afford against ruthless opposition like Vitality. Nevertheless, if FalleN can summon his legendary strategic calls, FURIA will still remain capable of pulling off an upset.
Map Veto: Tactical Chess
- With both Vitality and FURIA set to permaban Ancient, the side that bans first could dictate the flow from the outset.
- Vitality are expected to ban Train if given the second ban, while FURIA will likely remove Dust2 – a map on which they have not been too good recently.
- For this Bo5 Grand Finals, expect Vitality to anchor their game plan with picks on Nuke and Inferno, while FURIA might opt to choose Mirage and Overpass.
- The final decider could swing between Dust2 or Train, depending on what the second ban is.
Prediction:
Vitality and FURIA last clashed at ESL Pro League Season 22, with Vitality winning in a closely contested Bo3. While FURIA’s rise offers hope for another upset, the French squad’s consistency, star power, and hunger to chase Astralis’ record should see them over the line. However, expect a close contest between the two sides.
Final Verdict: Team Vitality 3-2 FURIA
Expect fireworks in Chengdu. Regardless of who wins, the road to Budapest could present one last, unforgettable series.
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Featured Image Credit: ESL
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