IEM Melbourne 2025 is entering its decisive stage, and one of the most intriguing quarterfinal matchups will be the clash between The MongolZ and Liquid. Both teams have something to prove: The MongolZ are looking to solidify their status as the tournament’s dark horse, while Liquid aim to redeem themselves after a stretch of inconsistent results. Considering player form, head-to-head history, and map pool, this match promises to be intense and unpredictable.
Current Form
The MongolZ have been one of the pleasant surprises at IEM Melbourne 2025, showing solid performances and unexpectedly strong results. Over the past three months, they’ve played 63 maps and won 37 of them. In March, they placed 9th–11th at PGL Bucharest and finished 7th–8th at BLAST Open Lisbon 2025. Despite losses to MOUZ and Falcons, The MongolZ managed to defeat FaZe, Complexity, and FURIA in their last five matches — a strong indicator of good individual form and solid team structure.
Liquid have shown inconsistency in recent months. They’ve played 51 maps over the past three months and won 23 — a middling record. Their showings at PGL Bucharest (15th–16th) and BLAST Open Lisbon (9th–12th) were underwhelming. However, their current form at IEM Melbourne seems to be improving. Liquid have won three of their last five matches — against NAVI, MIBR, and Virtus.pro — but suffered losses to Vitality and, notably, The MongolZ.
Key Player Comparison
At IEM Melbourne 2025, mzinho from The MongolZ and Twistzz from Liquid have emerged as standout performers, leading their teams with impressive individual form. mzinho, with a 1.19 rating at the tournament, is not only the top fragger for MongolZ but also one of the most consistent players overall. His aggressive playstyle, clutch potential, and ability to pressure opponents have been crucial to his team’s success. Twistzz, with a 1.12 rating, has also shown noticeable improvement compared to previous months. Throughout the event, he has repeatedly stepped up for Liquid in tough situations, displaying composure and impact. However, in head-to-head matchups, it’s been mzinho who consistently made the difference, often acting as the X-factor in The MongolZ’s victories. His stability and game-changing presence currently give him the edge over Twistzz’s occasional bursts of brilliance.
Map Pool
In the first ban phase, The MongolZ are expected to remove Nuke, a map they traditionally avoid. Liquid, on the other hand, will likely ban Train, a map they’ve shown they aren’t ready to play.
For their map pick, The MongolZ will likely opt for Mirage (66.7% win rate) or Ancient (60%), both of which align well with their strengths. Liquid might respond with a pick like Anubis (58.3%) or even Inferno (66.7%), depending on their confidence and preparation.
In the second ban phase, The MongolZ may choose to remove Inferno, aiming to avoid a strong Liquid map. Liquid are likely to ban Overpass. This scenario would most likely leave Ancient as the decider map, where both teams are well-practiced — The MongolZ with a 60% win rate and Liquid with 50%.
Head-to-Head
In the past six months, The MongolZ and Liquid have met three times — at IEM Katowice 2025, BLAST Open Lisbon 2025, and PGL Bucharest 2025. The MongolZ won all three encounters, giving them a clear psychological edge heading into this quarterfinal.
Match Prediction
This quarterfinal is expected to be competitive, but The MongolZ come into it with a clear advantage. Their current form at IEM Melbourne is strong, and they’ve already beaten Liquid three times in the past six months. With a solid map pool and the ability to exploit their opponents’ weaknesses, they are well-positioned to secure a spot in the semifinals.
While Liquid are showing signs of improvement, they remain inconsistent and haven’t yet found a formula for success against The MongolZ. If The MongolZ stick to their game plan and maintain their momentum, they should have the upper hand.
Prediction: The MongolZ win 2–1.
