With the start of the main stage of PGL Major Astana 2025, we’re set for a clash between two teams from fundamentally different worlds — the stable and revamped G2 Esports against the emotional and aggressive MIBR. This showdown is more than just a match for progression: it’s a test of roster maturity, ambition, and composure under Major pressure.
Road to the Match
G2 Esports:
The European powerhouse enters the Major with a completely reformed identity. Following the departures of NiKo and m0NESY, G2 made bold but strategically sound moves — signing the experienced Snax, AWP player hades, and the aggressive Latin American rifler malbsMd. Led by huNter-, with HeavyGod in supportive roles, the team looked promising at recent events — especially showing strong synergy between Snax and hades. G2 are currently developing a new playing identity that fuses Polish discipline with Latin American flair.
MIBR:
The Brazilians aren’t ones to give up easily. Despite their last two tournaments being total disasters — only managing to beat SAW 2:1 — they arrive in Astana looking to break that losing streak at all costs. Their lineup of exit, Lucaozy, insani, saffee, and brnz4n blends youth and experience, but most importantly, it’s fueled by energy. This is no longer a team relying on luck — now they operate with a clear structure led by exit and a dynamic offense driven by insani and brnz4n. A comeback arc from underperformers to upset-makers is still on the table.
Team Form & Playstyle
G2 Esports:
The team’s approach revolves around Snax’s tactical flexibility and hades’ cold-blooded consistency. On T-sides, G2 lean into layered strategies with pop flashes, fakes, and heavy mid control. On CT, they favor aggressive AWPing and smart late-round repositioning. malbsMd and HeavyGod take on tempo-setting roles, opening up space for the core. huNter- focuses on clutch situations and glueing the team together in critical rounds. Their playstyle is structured, with clear map control concepts and strong positional awareness.
MIBR:
MIBR still lean on individual initiative — but it’s no longer chaos. They’ve learned to combine classic Brazilian aggression with more discipline. Frequently opening rounds with fast A executes or slow B hits after info gathering, their offense is spearheaded by insani, capable of solo clutches and first bloods. saffee offers consistent AWP presence, and exit coordinates mid-round transitions. Their biggest weakness lies on CT sides, especially against teams with strong map control and delayed mid-rounds.
Map Pool: Where the Fight Happens
G2 Esports:
- Strong: Inferno, Dust2, Ancient — maps where hades and Snax have the most impact.
- Neutral: Mirage, Nuke (can suffer from fragmented comms), Overpass.
- Weak: Anubis (rarely played, team-wide lack of structure on the map).
MIBR:
- Strong: Mirage, Anubis — perfect playgrounds for their aggression.
- Neutral: Nuke, Inferno.
- Weak: Ancient, Train — weak coordination and CT instability.
Summary:
If G2 bans Mirage — MIBR’s most comfortable map — and picks Inferno or Dust2, they’ll already have a sizeable veto advantage. However, if MIBR manage to force Mirage or Anubis into the mix, their upset chances increase significantly.
Key Duels
- hades vs saffee:
The AWP battle that could decide the match. hades holds the edge in Major experience, but saffee has been remarkably consistent in recent months. - Snax vs exit:
A brain-on-brain battle. Snax is known for reading opponents like an open book, while exit is a strong mid-round leader. It’s a tactical duel disguised as a player matchup. - malbsMd vs insani:
The most aggressive riflers in their squads. Whoever wins more 1v1 duels will tilt the map control in their team’s favor.
Motivation & Emotional State
G2 Esports:
Despite a roster rebuild, G2 retain a high level of ambition. All players have experience on big stages and are unlikely to crack under Major pressure. This match is their first real chance to announce the beginning of a new G2 era — and reclaim their status as a title contender.
MIBR:
True to Brazilian style, MIBR play with heart. That passion can be their strength — or their downfall, especially if G2 take an early lead. Staying calm will be crucial, and it’s up to exit to lead by example in that regard.
Match Prediction
On paper, G2 Esports have the analytical edge. They boast deeper structure, a more flexible map pool, and stronger individual talent on critical roles. That said, MIBR should not be counted out. If insani gets room to work and saffee wins the AWP duel, we could be in for a real fight.
Predicted score: 2:0 in favor of G2 Esports
But if MIBR manage to take Anubis or Mirage, a third map is absolutely possible.
