IEM Chengdu 2025 Playoffs Preview: Favorites, Underdogs & Full Schedule

Six teams have battled through the group stage to qualify for the IEM Chengdu 2025 playoffs. Team Vitality returns in search of another title — and revenge against MOUZ. The playoffs run from Friday to Sunday, featuring a $1 million prize pool and the trophy at stake.

Here’s a breakdown of the playoff format, schedule, and our take on the favorites and dark horses heading into the weekend.

IEM Chengdu 2025 Playoff Format

• Single-Elimination bracket
• All matches (excl. Grand Final) are Bo3
• The Grand Final is Bo5

IEM Chengdu 2025 Playoff Stage: Teams, Favorites & Underdogs

MOUZ – The Team to Beat

MOUZ 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’s coordination and depth across maps have been impressive, and unless someone finds a way to slow them down, they’re the clear front-runners for the title.

Vitality – The Redemption Story

Vitality came into IEM Chengdu 2025 as one of the main favorites, but their loss to MOUZ in the group stage raised doubts about their current form. With Vitality 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 MOUZ.

Falcons – The Silent Contenders

Falcons advanced to the playoffs without losing a single match, but their path wasn’t the most challenging. While their run to the semifinals was clear, they’ve yet to face the tournament’s best teams. If their key players can keep their form under pressure, Falcons could take their chance at the trophy.

FURIA – The Brazilian Powerhouse

FURIA has shown strong form, only losing to MOUZ during the group stage. With their position on the upper side of the bracket, they avoid a MOUZ rematch until the grand final – a strategic advantage. If they maintain their aggressive style and capitalize on their bracket draw, they could easily push deep into the playoffs.

TheMongolZ – The Dark Horse

TheMongolZ continue to impress after their recent roster change, bringing in controlez in place of Senzu. Their updated lineup has brought renewed energy and sharper team play. While they’re not the favorites on paper, their unpredictability makes them a dangerous opponent for any team overlooking them.

Astralis – The Underdogs

Astralis enters the playoffs as the underdog. Their form throughout the year has been inconsistent, but the group stage of this tournament 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.

IEM Chengdu 2025 Playoff Stage Schedule

Friday, November 7

• Vitality vs. Astralis starting at 08:30 CET
• FURIA vs. TheMongolZ starting at 11:45 CET

Saturday, November 8

• Semi-final #1, MOUZ vs. the winner of Vitality vs. Astralis, starting at 08:00 CET
• Semi-final #2, Falcons vs. the winner of FURIA vs. TheMongolZ, starting at 11:45 CET

Sunday, November 9

• The Grand Final starts at 10:00 CET

How to Watch IEM Chengdu 2025

The IEM Chengdu 2025  will be streamed live for viewers worldwide. You can enjoy every thrilling moment at home, at work, or on the go.

There will be official Twitch and YouTube streams:

• IEM Chengdu 2025 Official Twitch Stream
• IEM Chengdu 2025 Official YouTube Stream

Wrapping Up the IEM Chengdu 2025 Playoffs

The IEM Chengdu 2025 playoff stage is shaping up to deliver some of the most exciting CS2 action of the year. With MOUZ looking unstoppable, Vitality seeking revenge, and teams like FURIA and Falcons ready to prove their worth, every matchup carries real stakes.

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 $1 million prize — cementing their place in IEM history.

The first playoff battle – Vitality vs. Astralis – promises fireworks. We’ve already broken it down in our latest prediction piece: Vitality vs. Astralis Match Prediction.