FURIA has finally done it. After years of being on the cusp, the Brazilian-led lineup lifted their first tier-one LAN trophy by sweeping Team Vitality 3–0 in the IEM Chengdu 2025 grand final.
The win marks a defining moment in the organization’s history – and a breakout performance for Danil “molodoy” Golubenko, who claimed his second MVP medal of his rookie season.
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FURIA’s Breakthrough
After achieving a few promising results at smaller tournaments earlier, FURIA entered Chengdu with momentum, still looking to prove themselves at the highest level. They found what they’ve been looking for – a 3-0 sweep over the best team in the world, Vitality, that silenced any remaining doubts.
The Brazilians dispatched The MongolZ and Falcons en route to the final before facing a Vitality side that many considered tournament favorites. Despite Vitality’s experience and firepower, FURIA dominated the series across Ancient (13-11), Inferno (13-10), and Overpass (13-11).
Each map told the same story: composure, calculated aggression, and an unshakable belief in their system.
Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo’s leadership was on full display, balancing veteran calm with the raw energy of newcomers YEKINDAR and molodoy.
Vitality’s Veto Gamble Backfires
Vitality’s veto decisions caused questions after the final, with their choice to allow FURIA to open on Ancient proving costly. The map immediately swung in FURIA’s favor as molodoy produced a crucial 1v2 clutch that flipped early momentum.
On Inferno, Vitality couldn’t find answers to FURIA’s relentless pressure, while Overpass saw the Brazilians close out the series with a confident T-side led by YEKINDAR’s explosive pistol round and FalleN’s late-game composure.
The 3–0 scoreline reflected not just FURIA’s mechanical edge but also their tactical growth. What had long been their Achilles’ heel – closing out big matches – is now becoming their strength.
Molodoy’s Meteoric Rise Continues
At just 20 years old, Danil “molodoy” Golubenko has become one of Counter-Strike’s most exciting new stars. His MVP performance in Chengdu, his second of the year, cements an extraordinary rookie season that few could have predicted.
Molodoy finished the event with a 1.19 rating in the grand final and a +18 Kill-Death difference, delivering consistent impact rounds throughout the playoffs.
From multi-kills on Ancient to clutch saves on Overpass, he embodied the confidence of a veteran in a rookie’s debut year.
Molodoy’s first MVP earlier already showed that FURIA had found gold with his signing, but this second MVP medal places him among a different group of players to earn multiple MVPs within their rookie season.
New Era For FURIA
This victory feels like more than just a trophy – it’s validation for years of persistence.
FURIA have rebuilt and reinvented themselves through ups and downs, and now, under FalleN’s leadership, they have a lineup capable of winning on the biggest stages.
For Vitality, the loss will be felt deeply. A mix of strategic missteps and cold individual form left them without answers against a fired-up FURIA. But for the Brazilians, the message is clear: they’re no longer underdogs.
With majors and top-tier events looming, FURIA’s win at IEM Chengdu signals that the Brazilian Counter-Strike renaissance is officially underway.
The Win That Redefined FURIA’s Ceiling
IEM Chengdu 2025 will be remembered as the event where FURIA arrived.
A perfect storm of experience, youth, and belief propelled them to one of the cleanest finals of the year – and with molodoy’s second MVP, the organization may have found its next superstar.
If this level of form continues, FURIA won’t just be chasing trophies – they’ll be defining an era.
