The Opening round of IEM Cologne 2025 start with an electrifying clash: G2 will face off against Brazil’s FURIA in the upper bracket quarter-final of Group A. This matchup isn’t just a battle to advance without extra hurdles — it’s a test for both lineups as they aim to reaffirm their status among the CS2 elite.
Lineups
G2:
- SunPayus
- HeavyGod
- malbsMd
- huNter-
- MATYS
FURIA:
- molodoy
- yuurih
- FalleN (IGL)
- KSCERATO
- YEKINDAR
G2 enters this tournament with a refreshed identity: the addition of malbsMd and MATYS has brought an aggressive edge, while SunPayus provides the key AWP presence that controls the rhythm of the game. FURIA arrives on LAN with a polished core of yuurih, KSCERATO, and the legendary FalleN, reinforced by the explosive talent of molodoy and the relentless aggression of YEKINDAR, making the Brazilians dynamic and unpredictable.
Current Team Form
G2 come into the match with a mixed run of results — 2 wins and 3 losses in their last five outings. The European powerhouse handled Aurora (13–4 on Inferno) and paiN (13–6 on Dust2) with authority, proving they’re still dangerous on their comfort picks. However, series against top-tier teams exposed weaknesses: losses to The MongolZ (0–2) and Natus Vincere (1–2) suggested G2 are still searching for consistency on the big stage. The biggest concern came with their defeat to 3DMAX (5–13 on Nuke) — a match they were expected to close out but instead looked disorganized.
FURIA show a much steadier picture — 3 wins and 2 losses in their last five matches. The Brazilians secured convincing victories over Astralis (2–0), FlyQuest (2–1), and Wildcard (2–0), reinforcing their status as a Bo3-ready squad. Their slip-ups came twice against SAW (0–2 and 1–2), but even in those losses, FURIA fought to the wire and looked competitive. Their LAN form remains stable: they win most of their key matches and dictate the tempo thanks to the FalleN — yuurih — KSCERATO core.
Map Pool & Potential Veto
Map stats (last 3 months):
- Dust2: G2 — 25% | FURIA — 56%
- Mirage: G2 — 50% | FURIA — 38%
- Inferno: G2 — 60% | FURIA — 50%
- Nuke: G2 — 50% | FURIA — 71%
- Train: G2 — unplayed | FURIA — 89%
- Overpass: both teams unplayed
- Ancient: G2 — 0% | FURIA — 0%
Expected veto:
- G2 will almost certainly remove Train — FURIA’s powerhouse map with an 89% win rate.
- FURIA might ban Ancient or Dust2 to limit G2’s aggressive attempts.
Likely picks:
- FURIA should lean toward Nuke or Dust2 — strong maps where they’re confident.
- G2 will likely opt for Inferno — their best map over the past few months (60% win rate).
Decider: Mirage looks the most likely third map, with neither side holding a clear advantage.
Key Duels
- MATYS vs KSCERATO — both play vital entry and mid-round decision roles.
- SunPayus vs FalleN — an AWP duel where the young Spaniard will try to prove he can challenge the legend.
- huNter- vs YEKINDAR — a battle of aggressive riflers that could dictate the tempo on Mirage or Inferno.
Prediction
FURIA appear more stable and bring stronger LAN experience, but G2 has the firepower to trouble any opponent — especially if SunPayus finds his peak form. This match will likely hinge on the veto phase and execution of mid-round strategies.
Predicted score: 2–1 in favor of FURIA.
G2 will likely take their own map pick, but the Brazilians seem poised to close out the series on the crucial maps and secure their spot in the upper bracket.
