IEM Chengdu 2025 brings together many of the world’s strongest Counter-Strike 2 teams for one of the final major offline events before the Budapest Major. Hosted in Chengdu, China, the tournament opens with a group stage running from November 3 to 5, where teams compete in double-elimination brackets to secure playoff positions.
The mix of elite and mid-tier rosters sets the stage for unpredictable results and early high-stakes clashes. With six playoff spots on the line, every match carries weight, and even established contenders must stay sharp to avoid early elimination.
How to Watch CS2 IEM Chengdu 2025 Group Stage: Live Streams
Fans can follow every Group Stage match of the Intel Extreme Masters Chengdu 2025 through ESL Counter-Strike’s official YouTube and Twitch channels. Both platforms broadcast all matches live, offering multiple streams for simultaneous games. Viewers can select between the main and secondary streams to track their favorite teams throughout the event.
Daily Match Schedule for IEM Chengdu 2025
Each competition day features several best-of-three series. The Group Stage begins on Monday, November 3, with matches running across two primary streams. Times are listed in Central European Time (CET) and Eastern Time (ET).
| Approximate Start Time | Stream A | Stream B |
|---|---|---|
| 3 a.m. CET / 9 p.m. ET (Nov 2) | TYLOO vs Falcons — 0:2 (8–13 on Inferno, 3–13 on Ancient) | FURIA vs Lynn Vision — 2:0 (13–8 on Dust II, 13–2 on Overpass) |
| 5:30 a.m. CET / 11:30 p.m. ET (Nov 2) | MOUZ vs FaZe — 2:0 (13–5 on Ancient, 13–8 on Inferno) | Vitality vs Virtus.pro — 2:1 (9–13 on Overpass, 13–11 on Dust II, 13–4 on Mirage) |
| 8 a.m. CET / 2 a.m. ET | The MongolZ vs HEROIC | G2 Esports vs 3DMAX |
| 10:30 a.m. CET / 4:30 a.m. ET | Astralis vs NAVI | paiN Gaming vs Team Spirit |
On-Air Team and Analysts
A skilled lineup of hosts, casters, and analysts guides viewers through the Group Stage. They provide commentary, match breakdowns, and post-game insights.
Each broadcast professional contributes expertise that enhances the viewing experience for global Counter-Strike 2 fans.
Group Stage matchups and results
Group A
The first group features eight teams arranged in a double-elimination bracket. Each series follows a best-of-three format. The top three teams move forward—first place advances directly to the semifinals, while second and third enter the quarterfinals.
| Stage | Match Type | Advancement |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Bracket | Best-of-3 | Winner to Upper Final |
| Lower Bracket | Best-of-3 | Loser eliminated |
Group B
Group B follows the same competitive layout. Teams compete through upper and lower brackets to determine three playoff qualifiers. The group leader secures a semifinal slot, while the next two continue in the quarterfinal stage.
Upset chances and big rivalries in CS2 esports
Rising strength of underdogs
The Group Stage at IEM Chengdu 2025 sets the stage for unpredictable outcomes. Several lower-seeded teams enter with enough form and confidence to challenge established names, creating conditions for early surprises.
paiN Gaming continue to show steady progress across major events. Their top-four finish at the Austin Major and a recent top-eight placement at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 demonstrate that they can handle high-pressure matches. Consistency remains their main challenge, but their aggressive playstyle often disrupts more structured opponents.
Astralis meet Natus Vincere (NAVI) in a pairing that could swing either way. Both rosters have displayed inconsistency in recent months. NAVI’s reverse sweep loss to FURIA at the Thunderpick World Championship 2025 exposed weaknesses that Astralis may exploit if they maintain composure in key rounds.
| Team | Notable 2025 Result | Key Opportunity |
|---|---|---|
| paiN Gaming | Top 8 at PGL Masters Bucharest | Strong early-round coordination |
| Astralis | Group Stage instability | Capitalize on NAVI’s momentum dips |
| 3DMAX | Top 8 at EPL Season 22 | Proven ability to upset G2 Esports |
| FaZe Clan | EPL S22 win over Team Spirit | New lineup energy |
3DMAX return to the spotlight after defeating G2 Esports at EPL Season 22. Their disciplined approach and ability to adapt mid-series make them a dangerous opponent for any top seed. If G2’s form wavers, 3DMAX could repeat their earlier success.
FaZe Clan now find themselves in the unusual position of being viewed as outsiders. Facing MOUZ in the opening match, FaZe rely on recent roster adjustments to regain stability. The addition of Jakub “jcobbb” Pietruszewski in place of Håvard “rain” Nygaard introduces a fresh tactical element. Their previous victory against Team Spirit at EPL Season 22 proves they still have the tools to deliver an upset.
Battles among the elite
The upper bracket of IEM Chengdu 2025 promises several high-level encounters between teams with established rivalries. These matches often serve as previews of potential Playoff clashes later in the week.
Team Vitality and MOUZ may meet as early as the group semifinals. Vitality’s recent ESL Pro League Season 22 title confirmed their strong form, while MOUZ remain consistent contenders. The rivalry between these two organizations stretches across multiple seasons, with Vitality holding a statistical edge in direct matchups.
Falcons and Team Spirit could produce another competitive series. Falcons impressed at EPL Season 22 with disciplined utility use and improved map control. Spirit’s structured aggression contrasts with Falcons’ measured tempo, making this pairing tactically compelling.
FURIA arrive as one of the most in-form teams of late 2025. Their victories at the Thunderpick World Championship and FISSURE Playground #2 underline their growing consistency. The Brazilian roster’s fast-paced coordination has become a defining characteristic of their current success.
The MongolZ introduce Unudelger “controlez” Baasanjargal to replace Azbayar “Senzu” Munkhbold. Recent results show a decline in performance, but this roster change could stabilize their play. Observers will track whether the adjustment strengthens their tactical cohesion before the Playoffs begin on November 6–9, 2025.
