The BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 will be remembered as a turning point for Brazilian Counter-Strike. For the first time since PGL Major Kraków 2017, two Brazilian teams — FURIA and paiN Gaming — have reached the playoffs of a Major. For FURIA, this is a triumphant return. For paiN, a chaotic miracle.
It’s very new to all the Brazilian fans… Nobody really expected the Brazilian scene to shine once again through all these stages, — peacemaker
FURIA — Structured, Fearless, and on the Rise
FURIA entered the Major with a fresh lineup — and crushed expectations. After a confident 3–1 in Stage 2 (beating M80, Lynn Vision, B8), they stormed through Stage 3 with a flawless 3–0 over MongolZ, Aurora, and Virtus.pro. It wasn’t just results — it was dominance.
13–3 vs VP on Mirage, 13–5 on Train — didn’t feel any pressure. That was complete domination, peacemaker
Their success isn’t built on stars alone — it’s the synergy. YEKINDAR has become the team’s true engine, not just for his firepower but for how he bridges FalleN’s vision with molodoy’s explosiveness. He’s the crucial link — keeping the system coherent while unleashing the younger talent.
FalleN doesn’t need to be the star anymore. His job is to lead. Now it’s the young guys like molodoy taking over — and that’s the real strength of this FURIA, peacemaker
FURIA players at the Major:
- molodoy — 1.52 rating
- KSCERATO — 1.42
- YEKINDAR — 1.32
- yuurih — 1.23
- FalleN — 0.94
Peacemaker sees even more upside — as long as map pool issues don’t become a trap.
You can win as long as people let you play your maps. But if someone bans Anubis or Train, suddenly you’re not as consistent anymore, peacemaker
Performance summary: FURIA arrived at the Major as a question mark and turned into a contender. Their system looks polished, their players confident, and their chemistry dangerous. More than anything, they’re a team playing with freedom and purpose — and peacemaker sees real staying power.
paiN Gaming — Pressure, Passion, Unpredictability
paiN came the hard way. They were 0–2 after blowout losses to Spirit and G2, but clawed back with wins over Nemiga, 3DMAX, and Virtus.pro. Few believed they would make it — peacemaker certainly didn’t.
They changed the roster way too much. They had to play with their coach. They’ve been practicing in Brazil. Who the hell did they practice against?, peacemaker
Still, they made it — and that resilience deserves credit. The x-factor? A fearless AWPer in nqz and incredible emotional momentum.
You could just tell from the cameras — the energy, how much it meant to them. Biguzera screaming, dgt delivering. That was a team that believed, peacemaker
paiN’s players at the Major:
- nqz — 1.40 rating
- dgt — 1.11 rating
- dav1deuS — 1.10 rating
- biguzera — 0.99 rating
- snow — 0.95 rating
nqz reminds me of s1mple in 2018 — going for insane flicks and winning rounds out of nowhere. But the real test is if he can do it now, on stage, against FURIA and molodoy, peacemaker
Performance summary: paiN aren’t here because of structure — they’re here because of heart. But peacemaker questions whether that alone will carry them any further.
Momentum vs Instinct — Brazil’s Internal War
FURIA are preparing for a deep run. paiN are preparing to survive. The two teams couldn’t be more different in playstyle and mentality — and yet they’ll clash in the quarterfinals.
This is amazing for the region. One Brazilian team in the semis guaranteed. But part of me wishes they played other opponents. Maybe we could have had both in the grand final, peacemaker
From peacemaker’s perspective, the difference between the teams is stark.
FURIA is a Tier-1 project. paiN is a team of emotion. That can work for one event, but it won’t work forever, – peacemaker
Statistically, FURIA are favorites — by margin:
- Overall team rating: FURIA 1.20 vs paiN 1.04
- Average player rating (Top 3): FURIA 1.42 vs paiN 1.20
How Far Can They Go?
This quarterfinal isn’t just about bragging rights — it might define who from Brazil continues the run.
If FURIA wins, they have a real shot at reaching the grand final. Their core is playoff-tested, their system is structured, and YEKINDAR’s presence gives them tactical edge.
If paiN wins, their next step becomes much harder. Against disciplined teams like FaZe or The MongolZ, peacemaker doubts their loose, instinctive style will hold up.
FURIA has the foundation to go deep. paiN? They’re here on emotion — and that’s hard to replicate again, peacemaker
Roster Moves: A New Chapter or a Honeymoon?
Both teams entered the Major with recent roster changes — but they’ve had very different effects.
FURIA’s move to bring in YEKINDAR looks transformational. He’s not just bringing firepower — he’s a second voice behind FalleN, a tactical mind, and a pace-setter.
This isn’t a honeymoon phase. YEKINDAR is reshaping the way they play. He’s unlocking molodoy and stabilizing the whole system, peacemaker
paiN, on the other hand, rebuilt in isolation — staying in Brazil, grinding confidence, and showing up with nothing to lose. It worked — but for how long?
What paiN did was impressive. But they haven’t been tested in Europe, and that’s where we’ll see if they can keep up. I don’t think they’ll be regular playoff contenders just yet, peacemaker
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a sustainable rise or a one-tournament miracle, Brazil is back in the playoff spotlight. FURIA’s foundation looks built to last — a veteran core, rising stars, and real structure. paiN, meanwhile, is the perfect Major storyline — passion, chaos, redemption.
Having both of them here… it’s already a win for Brazilian CS. But only one has a real shot at the trophy, – peacemaker
BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 might be the rebirth of FURIA — and the farewell flash of this paiN lineup. Either way, it’s a moment worth remembering.
Brazil Is Back – Pick Your Champion with Skin.Club Pick’em
The BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 has brought Brazilian Counter-Strike back to the spotlight — but who will carry the flag further? FURIA’s structured dominance or paiN’s emotional miracle?
With the Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge, it’s your call. Predict who survives the quarterfinals, pick your MVPs, and climb the leaderboard to earn epic CS2 skins. From underdog runs to title favorites — your game sense can turn into a Dragon Lore. Brazil has two contenders. Only one will rise. Make your picks. Prove your vision. Earn your skins.
