{"id":30728,"date":"2025-11-06T19:39:38","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T19:39:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blix.gg\/?p=30728"},"modified":"2025-11-06T19:44:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T19:44:15","slug":"iem-chengdu-2025-playoffs-preview-favorites-underdogs-full-schedule","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/news\/cs-2\/iem-chengdu-2025-playoffs-preview-favorites-underdogs-full-schedule\/","title":{"rendered":"IEM Chengdu 2025 Playoffs Preview: Favorites, Underdogs &amp; Full Schedule"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Six teams have battled through the group stage to qualify for the<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pro.eslgaming.com\/tour\/cs\/chengdu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IEM Chengdu 2025<\/a><\/strong> playoffs. <strong>Team Vitality <\/strong>returns in search of another title \u2014 and revenge against <strong>MOUZ<\/strong>. The playoffs run from <strong>Friday <\/strong>to <strong>Sunday<\/strong>, featuring a <strong>$1 million prize pool<\/strong> and the trophy at stake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a breakdown of the playoff format, schedule, and our take on the favorites and dark horses heading into the weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">IEM Chengdu 2025 Playoff Format<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Single-Elimination bracket<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All matches (excl. Grand Final) are Bo3<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Grand Final is Bo5<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">IEM Chengdu 2025 Playoff Stage: Teams, Favorites &amp; Underdogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>MOUZ<\/td><td>Vitality<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Falcons<\/td><td>FURIA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>TheMongolZ<\/td><td>Astralis<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">IEM Chengdu 2025 &#8211; Playoff Stage Teams<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/mououououo-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30731\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/mououououo-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/mououououo-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/mououououo-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/mououououo-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/mououououo-450x300.webp 450w, https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/mououououo.webp 1201w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Team MOUZ<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MOUZ &#8211; The Team to Beat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MOUZ <\/strong>enters the playoffs undefeated after a flawless group stage run. Their consistency and momentum make them the top favorite heading into the weekend. The team\u2019s coordination and depth across maps have been impressive, and unless someone finds a way to slow them down, they\u2019re the clear front-runners for the title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vitality &#8211; The Redemption Story<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Vitality <\/strong>came into <strong>IEM Chengdu 2025<\/strong> as one of the main favorites, but their loss to <strong>MOUZ <\/strong>in the group stage raised doubts about their current form. With <strong>Vitality<\/strong> superstar players and championship experience, they remain the main contender no matter what. The playoff bracket gives them a potential revenge path if they reach the semifinals, setting up a highly anticipated rematch against <strong>MOUZ<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Falcons &#8211; The Silent Contenders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Falcons <\/strong>advanced to the playoffs without losing a single match, but their path wasn\u2019t the most challenging. While their run to the semifinals was clear, they\u2019ve yet to face the tournament\u2019s best teams. If their key players can keep their form under pressure, <strong>Falcons <\/strong>could take their chance at the trophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FURIA &#8211; The Brazilian Powerhouse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FURIA <\/strong>has shown strong form, only losing to <strong>MOUZ <\/strong>during the group stage. With their position on the upper side of the bracket, they avoid a <strong>MOUZ <\/strong>rematch until the grand final &#8211; a strategic advantage. If they maintain their aggressive style and capitalize on their bracket draw, they could easily push deep into the playoffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">TheMongolZ &#8211; The Dark Horse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>TheMongolZ <\/strong>continue to impress after their recent roster change, bringing in <strong>controlez<\/strong> in place of <strong>Senzu<\/strong>. Their updated lineup has brought renewed energy and sharper team play. While they\u2019re not the favorites on paper, their unpredictability makes them a dangerous opponent for any team overlooking them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Astralis &#8211; The Underdogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Astralis <\/strong>enters the playoffs as the underdog. Their form throughout the year has been inconsistent, but the group stage of this tournament<strong> <\/strong>showed signs of their old discipline and structure. If they can handle the pressure of the big stage and find their rhythm early, they might just pull off an upset or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>IEM Chengdu 2025 Playoff Stage Schedule<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"654\" height=\"246\" src=\"https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/iemchj.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30732\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/iemchj.png 654w, https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/iemchj-300x113.png 300w, https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/iemchj-150x56.png 150w, https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/iemchj-450x169.png 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 654px) 100vw, 654px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">IEM Chengdu 2025 &#8211; Playoff Stage Brackets<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Friday, November 7<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Vitality <\/strong>vs. <strong>Astralis <\/strong>starting at <strong>08:30 CET<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>FURIA <\/strong>vs. <strong>TheMongolZ <\/strong>starting at <strong>11:45 CET<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Saturday, November 8<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Semi-final #1<\/strong>, <strong>MOUZ <\/strong>vs. the winner of <strong>Vitality <\/strong>vs. <strong>Astralis, <\/strong>starting at <strong>08:00 CET<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Semi-final #2<\/strong>, <strong>Falcons <\/strong>vs. the winner of <strong>FURIA <\/strong>vs. <strong>TheMongolZ, <\/strong>starting at <strong>11:45 CET<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sunday, November 9<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Grand Final<\/strong> starts at<strong> 10:00 CET<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Watch IEM Chengdu 2025<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"340\" src=\"https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/twitch-1-1024x340.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30734\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/twitch-1-1024x340.png 1024w, https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/twitch-1-300x100.png 300w, https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/twitch-1-768x255.png 768w, https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/twitch-1-150x50.png 150w, https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/twitch-1-450x149.png 450w, https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/twitch-1.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Streaming Platform Twitch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>IEM Chengdu 2025&nbsp; <\/strong>will be streamed live for viewers worldwide. You can enjoy every thrilling moment at home, at work, or on the go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There will be official <strong>Twitch <\/strong>and <strong>YouTube <\/strong>streams:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.twitch.tv\/ESLCS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IEM Chengdu 2025 Official Twitch Stream<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/ESLCS\/streams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IEM Chengdu 2025 Official YouTube Stream<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wrapping Up the IEM Chengdu 2025 Playoffs<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"690\" height=\"460\" src=\"https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/iemchtr.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/iemchtr.webp 690w, https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/iemchtr-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/iemchtr-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/iemchtr-450x300.webp 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">IEM Chengdu 2025 Trophy<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The <strong>IEM Chengdu 2025<\/strong> playoff stage is shaping up to deliver some of the most exciting <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.counter-strike.net\/cs2?l=english\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.counter-strike.net\/cs2?l=english\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CS2 <\/a><\/strong>action of the year. With <strong>MOUZ <\/strong>looking unstoppable, <strong>Vitality <\/strong>seeking revenge, and teams like <strong>FURIA <\/strong>and <strong>Falcons <\/strong>ready to prove their worth, every matchup carries real stakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether a favorite fulfills expectations or a dark horse steals the spotlight, fans can expect thrilling storylines and world-class gameplay all weekend long. By Sunday, one team will lift the trophy and claim their share of the<strong> $1 million<\/strong> prize \u2014 cementing their place in <strong>IEM <\/strong>history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The first playoff battle &#8211; <strong>Vitality vs. Astralis<\/strong> &#8211; promises fireworks. We\u2019ve already broken it down in our latest prediction piece: <a href=\"https:\/\/blix.gg\/cs2-predictions\/vitality-vs-astralis-quarter-final-prediction-iem-chengdu-2025\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/blix.gg\/cs2-predictions\/vitality-vs-astralis-quarter-final-prediction-iem-chengdu-2025\/\">Vitality vs. Astralis Match Prediction<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Six teams have battled through the group stage to qualify for the IEM Chengdu 2025 playoffs. Team Vitality returns in search of another title \u2014 and revenge against MOUZ. The playoffs run from Friday to Sunday, featuring a $1 million prize pool and the trophy at stake. Here\u2019s a breakdown of the playoff format, schedule,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":75,"featured_media":30730,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[5,247],"class_list":{"0":"post-30728","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cs-2","8":"tag-cs2","9":"tag-cs2-tournaments"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30728","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/75"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30728"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30728\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30736,"href":"https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30728\/revisions\/30736"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30730"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30728"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30728"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blix.gg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30728"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}