Two teams with completely different paths at this tournament are set to clash in the semifinals. Team Spirit, the statistical and form-based favorite, has yet to drop a single map in Astana. FURIA, on the other hand, started with a loss but managed to bounce back and fight their way into the top four. This matchup between Spirit’s structure and discipline and FURIA’s momentum and ambition is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing clashes of the event.
Road to the Semifinal
Team Spirit
The Russian squad made it through the Swiss stage with absolute confidence. They defeated GamerLegion, NiP, and Astralis, all with clean 2–0 victories. In the quarterfinals, they once again faced NiP — and once again delivered a decisive 2–0 win. Spirit have impressed not just with results, but with the quality of their play: smart map control, minimal mistakes, sharp retakes, and the incredible form of donk.
FURIA
The Brazilians had a shaky start, losing their opening match to The MongolZ (1–2). But they quickly turned things around with victories over ODDIK, GamerLegion, and MIBR in the Elimination Stage. In the quarterfinal, they met MIBR again — this time winning convincingly 2–0 with strong coordination and composure. That series was the best yet for KSCERATO, and YEKINDAR finally hit his trademark aggressive form.
Current Form
Team Spirit are playing like a machine. donk is performing at a world-top level (1.60+ rating), sh1ro is consistent and efficient, zont1x is impactful in late rounds, and chopper expertly manages the team’s pacing. Their style is built on control, calculated aggression, and in-game adaptation. Notably, across their first 8 maps at the Major, they only lost two full buy rounds on Dust2.
FURIA relies more on momentum. After a rocky start, they’ve found their rhythm. KSCERATO remains a clutch anchor, YEKINDAR puts pressure on T-side entries, and molodoy has been gaining confidence with the AWP. While FalleN may not top the scoreboard, his strategic input and round-calling remain critical, especially in mid-to-late rounds.
Map Pool and Veto Predictions
Team Spirit
- Strong maps: Dust2, Train, Anubis
- Weak map: Ancient
FURIA
- Strong maps: Train, Anubis, Nuke
- Weak map: Mirage
Likely vetoes:
- FURIA likely to ban Mirage
- Spirit likely to ban Ancient
- Probable map pool: Dust2, Nuke, Anubis
Dust2 is a key map for Spirit where sh1ro dominates mid and donk dictates the pace.
Nuke offers FURIA a solid opportunity, especially with their fast T-side rounds and strong economic reads.
Anubis will likely be the decider — both teams are comfortable on it, and individual plays in clutch situations will be crucial.
Key Matchups
- donk vs KSCERATO – Two in-form riflers. donk is aggressive with high entry success; KSCERATO is a consistent clutcher and defensive backbone.
- sh1ro vs molodoy – A battle of generations. sh1ro is one of the most reliable AWPers of the 2020s, while molodoy is a rising talent.
- YEKINDAR vs zont1x – Whoever wins more duels early in the round will set the tempo and shift map control.
Prediction
Team Spirit are the clear favorites. They’ve yet to drop a map and look solid across all departments with no obvious weaknesses. However, FURIA have improved match by match, and if they can force Spirit out of their comfort zone — particularly on Nuke or even Vertigo — the series could get close.
Prediction: Team Spirit to win 2–1
This semifinal promises to be competitive and tense. Spirit has the edge in consistency and current form, but FURIA has repeatedly shown they can challenge stronger teams. Preparation, map adaptation, and key individual moments will ultimately decide who moves on to the final.
