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Spirit & NAVI tanked heavy, bracket wide open for new champions

After a chaotic Round of 16 that saw Team Spirit and Natus Vincere crash out early, the Esports World Cup 2025 Counter-Strike 2 playoffs are down to just eight teams. With FaZe, G2, and Astralis also eliminated, the quarterfinals feature a mix of seasoned title contenders and hungry dark horses ready to shock the world.

Here’s your full breakdown of the quarterfinal matchups:

Heroic vs The MongolZ

Heroic enter the quarters riding high after their massive upset over Team Spirit, one of the tournament favorites. Their composure and mid-round calls turned that clash into one of their most memorable wins in years.

But The MongolZ are no underdogs. They dismantled GamerLegion in the opener, showing raw firepower and aggression. If they catch Heroic off guard with their trademark explosive style, another upset could be on the cards.

🔥 Match narrative: Can Heroic’s structure withstand The MongolZ’s chaos?

Shameless input: Pick’Em Spotlight: Gocore’s $500 Quarterfinal Challenge

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Check out our TIPS page, where you could find analysis and predictions for each match!

👉 Make your picks before the first quarterfinal kicks off!

Vitality vs TYLOO

Vitality looked sharp against Liquid, with ZywOo and flameZ leading the way in clutch moments. The French powerhouse remain one of the top favorites for the trophy.

TYLOO, meanwhile, shocked Astralis and are carrying the pride of Asian Counter-Strike into the quarterfinals. Their upset potential is real, but facing ZywOo in playoff form is a different beast altogether.

🔥 Match narrative: Will TYLOO’s Cinderella run continue, or will Vitality’s superstars shut it down?

Falcons vs 3DMAX

The most anticipated clash of the quarters. Falcons, led by a rejuvenated NiKo, looked dominant in their win over G2. Their firepower and experience scream “title contender.”

But 3DMAX are the story of the tournament so far, eliminating defending champions NAVI in Gravitis’ IGL debut. Their miracle run has captured fans’ imaginations, and another upset here would shake the CS scene even more.

🔥 Match narrative: Can 3DMAX keep the dream alive against NiKo’s Falcons?

Aurora vs MOUZ

Aurora capitalized on FaZe’s weak T-sides to book their spot, proving they’re not just bracket fillers. Their discipline and preparation have turned heads.

MOUZ, quietly consistent all year, now find themselves in one of the most favorable positions of the bracket. Their mix of youthful aggression and veteran stability could see them push all the way.

🔥 Match narrative: A clash of rising stars, which new blood will reach semis?

What’s at Stake

With NAVI, Spirit, FaZe, G2, and Astralis all eliminated, the EWC 2025 title is wide open. Vitality look like the team to beat, Falcons are firing on all cylinders, while Heroic, 3DMAX, Aurora, and The MongolZ are all chasing legacy runs.

The pressure is immense, and so is the opportunity.