Six teams have made it through the group stage into the playoff stage of CS Asia Championship 2025, which kicks off tomorrow and will be held from October 17 to October 19, and will fight for the prize pool of $400,000. It won’t be usual for titans like Vitality, Spirit, and TheMongolZ to fight for the money and trophy now, but more tier-2 teams are trying to win their first trophy for someone.
There’s not a single top-10 team attending, and it makes it even more interesting sometimes to see different levels of games and new teams winning championships. Here we will break down the playoff stage format, bracket & teams and share our opinion on favorites and underdogs.
Contents
CS Asia Championship 2025 Playoff Stage Format
- Single-Elimination bracket
- All matches (excl. Grand Final) are Bo3
- The Grand Final is Bo5
Playoff Bracket & Teams
| Team Liquid | HEROIC |
| 3DMAX | Fnatic |
| FUT | Legacy |
Favorite & Underdogs
Top Contenders:
- Team Liquid and HEROIC stand out as the most experienced squads in the field. Both teams have competed against the world’s elite throughout the season, and that high-level experience gives them an edge heading into the playoffs.
Dark Horses:
- 3DMAX have shown flashes of brilliance recently, taking maps off tier-one opposition. They could very well upset one of the favorites if they maintain consistency.
- FUT Esports impressed during the group stage, most notably with their win over FaZe Clan. They’ve proven they can handle the pressure and could easily make a deep run.
Teams to Watch:
Fnatic and Legacy are both somewhat unpredictable. They haven’t had many playoff appearances this year, so their form remains uncertain — but that also makes them dangerous opponents with nothing to lose.
How to Watch
Catch all the playoff action live on the official Twitch and YouTube channels:
CS Asia Championship 2025 Official Twitch Stream
CS Asia Championship 2025 Official YouTube Stream
Closing Remarks: A Tournament of Opportunity
The CS Asia Championship 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable events of the year. Without tier-one giants dominating the field, fans can expect closer matches, unexpected storylines, and a glimpse of emerging talent looking to make their mark on the international stage.
Whether it’s a veteran squad reclaiming glory or a newcomer seizing their first big win, this weekend’s playoffs are bound to deliver.
