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Team FURIA has finally secured what eluded them for years. The Brazilian organization claimed their first tier-one trophy at Intel Extreme Masters Chengdu 2025, dismantling tournament favorites Team Vitality in a commanding 3-0 grand final sweep. After competing in countless CS2 tournaments without reaching the summit, FURIA finally broke through with a victory that showcased the emergence of a 20-year-old Kazakh AWPer who proved he belongs among the game's elite.

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Over 13.7 million hours of viewership witnessed FURIA rewrite the narrative that had defined their competitive story. After years of near-misses and playoff exits, the Brazilian squad delivered when it mattered most. The championship run through Chengdu wasn't just about lifting a trophy. It represented validation for a rebuilt roster that combined Brazilian veterans with international talent in a calculated gamble that paid massive dividends.

Molodoy Establishes Himself Among Best CS2 Players with Tournament MVP

Danil "molodoy" Golubenko earned the IEM Chengdu MVP award, marking his second such honor in his rookie year after previously claiming MVP at FISSURE Playground 2 in September. The 20-year-old AWPer posted a tournament-high 1.27 rating across 14 maps, accompanied by a plus-88 kill-death differential that separated him from the competition. His 0.85 kills per round led all players at the event, while his 55.7 percent multi-kill rate demonstrated consistent impact across every series.

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The Kazakh star dominated in clutch situations throughout the tournament, winning 10 one-versus-X scenarios that frequently swung rounds in FURIA's favor. His AWP kills per round of 0.53 topped the tournament leaderboard, and his plus-3.86 percent round swing statistic highlighted how often his individual plays directly changed round outcomes. In the grand final against Vitality, molodoy maintained a 1.19 rating despite facing ZywOo and the French powerhouse, delivering crucial opening kills and retake sequences that kept FURIA in control across all three maps.

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What separates molodoy from other talented rookies is his composure under pressure. Joining FURIA alongside fellow newcomer Mareks "YEKINDAR" Gaļinskis in April 2025, he adapted quickly to tier-one competition and consistently performed in elimination matches. His mechanical precision with the AWP combined with intelligent positioning has established him as one of Counter-Strike's most exciting young talents, with many analysts already projecting top-10 player rankings by year's end.

FURIA's Flawless CS2 News: Playoff Run Dominates Tournament Competition

FURIA entered the Chengdu playoffs as underdogs after dropping a series to MOUZ in the group stage. That loss proved to be their final defeat of the tournament. The Brazilian squad demolished The MongolZ 2-0 in the quarterfinals before dispatching Falcons by the same scoreline in the semifinals, setting up a clash with Vitality that few believed they could win.

The grand final opened on Ancient, a surprising map selection from FURIA considering they had banned it consistently throughout the tournament. Playing as Terrorists first, the Brazilians established an early lead before Vitality fought back to create tension. Gabriel "FalleN" Toledo delivered a clutch that shifted momentum permanently, helping secure a 13-11 victory that put FURIA ahead in the series.

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Inferno saw FURIA build on their confidence. YEKINDAR ignited a comeback after Vitality grabbed an early 6-1 advantage, while molodoy and FalleN combined for critical retakes that prevented Vitality from establishing map control. The 13-10 result put FURIA one map away from the championship, and Vitality couldn't generate the response needed to extend the series.

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Overpass provided the coronation. Despite another strong Vitality start, FURIA's tactical discipline and individual skill overwhelmed the French side. The final 13-11 scoreline completed the 3-0 sweep and delivered FURIA their first tier-one championship. FalleN's in-game leadership consistently outmaneuvered Dan "apEX" Madesclaire's calls, while YEKINDAR's entry fragging and trade efficiency gave FURIA the consistent site executions they needed to crack Vitality's defense.

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What Next CS2 Tournament Awaits the Championship Squad

IEM Chengdu represents FURIA's third major championship of 2025, following victories at Thunderpick World Championship and FISSURE Playground 2. This latest triumph carries extra significance as it comes against the highest level of competition and positions FURIA as legitimate contenders heading into the Budapest Major. The team has demonstrated they can defeat any opponent when performing at their peak, erasing doubts about their ability to close out important series.

The timing couldn't be better for FURIA's championship form. With the Major approaching, this victory provides crucial momentum and confidence. The roster additions of molodoy and YEKINDAR have elevated FURIA from solid contenders to championship threats, while FalleN's veteran leadership continues to prove invaluable in high-pressure situations. The Brazilian organization has transformed from a team that consistently fell short into one that expects to compete for every trophy.

The competitive landscape has taken notice. FURIA's ability to dismantle Vitality, who entered as overwhelming favorites, sends a clear message about their current level. Their tactical flexibility, individual firepower, and mental resilience have all reached elite standards. As the CS2 scene continues to evolve, FURIA has positioned themselves at the center of championship conversations, and their performance in Chengdu suggests this is just the beginning of a sustained period of success.

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