IEM Melbourne 2025 delivered exciting matchups overnight, highlighted by playoff-clinching victories from MOUZ and The MongolZ, as well as notable eliminations with Complexity and 3DMAX ending the campaigns of paiN and BIG.
MOUZ continues dominance, defeating GamerLegion
MOUZ showcased exceptional form, defeating GamerLegion 2-0 (13-6 Inferno, 16-13 Nuke) to secure their playoff berth. GamerLegion initially took a promising 3-0 lead on Inferno, but MOUZ swiftly countered through Ádám “torzsi” Torzsás’ precise AWP play around Mid and Arch and Dorian “xertioN” Berman’s control of Banana. Jimi “Jimpphat” Salo’s pivotal clutch performances, notably a critical 1v3 at Boiler, effectively demoralized GamerLegion.
Nuke saw a fierce struggle, with GamerLegion mounting a strong defense and achieving a momentary 9-6 lead. However, MOUZ’s resilience emerged strongly in late rounds, overcoming multiple tense situations to claim victory in overtime. Jimpphat’s clutch ability, supported by torzsi’s consistency, proved decisive. MOUZ will now meet The MongolZ in their next playoff match.
The MongolZ triumph Over FaZe Clan with star performance by mzinho
In another thrilling series, The MongolZ stunned FaZe Clan 2-0 (Dust2, Ancient), powered by standout 17-year-old Ayush “mzinho” Batbold. Despite FaZe initially controlling Dust2, mzinho shifted momentum with an exceptional all-headshot AK-47 ace and a crucial 1v2 clutch. Ancient was equally tense, with FaZe briefly regaining control before The MongolZ’s Techno and Senzu executed aggressive plays to seize the overtime victory.
This victory secured The MongolZ’s playoff spot, highlighting their rapid tactical evolution and increasing potential as tournament favorites.
paiN and BIG exit early following defeats
paiN Gaming and BIG faced early elimination after disappointing performances against Complexity and 3DMAX, respectively. paiN, weakened by captain Rodrigo “biguzera” Bittencourt’s health absence, struggled significantly, losing decisively on Train and failing to capitalize on early momentum on Anubis.
BIG also exited prematurely, continuing their 2025 struggles after losing dramatically to 3DMAX. Initially competitive on Dust2, BIG squandered a commanding 9-3 lead, eventually falling in double overtime as Lucas “Lucky” Chastang of 3DMAX dominated with an exceptional 2.43 rating.
Upcoming matchups
Complexity now prepares to face GamerLegion, while 3DMAX will challenge FaZe in intense elimination matchups. These forthcoming battles will undoubtedly test each team’s resilience and strategic adaptability.
Fixtures: (CEST)
Tuesday:
Live: Liquid – Vitality
Live: Virtus.pro – FlyQuest
10.45: Falcons – Natus Vincere
11.00: SAW – MIBR
Wednesday:
03.15: FaZe – 3DMAX
03.15: Complexity – GamerLegion
05.45: Group B – Lower Bracket Semi-final #1
05.45: Group B – Lower Bracket Semi-final #2
08.15: Group A – Lower Bracket Final
08.15: MOUZ – The MongolZ
10.45: Group B – Lower Bracket Final
10.45: Group B – Upper Bracket Final
