The IEM Dallas 2025 semifinal promises to be a thrilling clash between the current scene dominators — Team Vitality, who have won everything there is over the past year, and Team Falcons — a project built for trophies, still in the process of solidifying its identity. This isn’t just another BO3 — it’s a test of status, ambition, and composure.
Road to the Semifinal
Vitality entered IEM Dallas 2025 with maximum confidence. In the opening round, they comfortably defeated Legacy 2:0, followed by another clean 2:0 win against GamerLegion in the upper bracket semifinals. In the group final, they faced resistance for the first time — The MongolZ managed to steal a map, but Vitality closed the series 2:1 to secure a direct semifinal spot as Group A champions. Their run so far only reaffirms their position as the most consistent team of the season.
Falcons began their campaign with a solid 2:0 victory over NRG, then edged out a close 2:1 series against Heroic, where m0NESY made the difference on the deciding map. However, they fell short against MOUZ in the upper bracket final, losing 0:2. Their challenge didn’t end there — in the playoffs quarterfinals, they battled through a tough 2:1 win over GamerLegion. With four matches played, Falcons have gradually built synergy and momentum on their way to the semifinals.
Form & Playstyle
Vitality
They play with surgical precision. ZywOo remains the driving force, but ropz and mezii anchor the structure, providing rock-solid consistency. Vitality can execute both deep tactical rounds and simple, efficient executions driven by raw firepower. apEX, despite his emotional style, acts as a true micro-manager, keeping the team calm in high-pressure moments.
Falcons
This is a team that thrives on emotion — but within structure. NiKo and m0NESY form the core of the squad. NiKo is an aggressive lurker with elite aim, while m0NESY is a dynamic sniper capable of winning rounds singlehandedly. Magisk and TeSeS handle the dirty work, creating space, while kyxsan tries to control the tempo and maintain strategic balance. They still lack consistency, but their ceiling is extremely high.
Map Pool
Vitality
- Strong maps: Nuke, Inferno
- Neutral maps: Mirage, Dust2
- Weak maps: Anubis, Train
Falcons
- Strong maps: Dust2, Ancient
- Neutral maps: Mirage, Nuke
- Weak maps: Train, Inferno
Expected veto:
- Vitality ban Anubis
- Falcons ban Train
- Vitality pick Nuke — one of their most dominant maps, featuring strong rotations and mechanical brilliance
- Falcons pick Mirage — a favorite for both NiKo and m0NESY, offering more freedom and comfort
- nferno likely becomes the decider — where a single mistake or clutch can decide it all
This map pool looks fairly balanced, but Vitality have an edge in terms of late-round discipline and tactical depth, especially on Nuke and Inferno. Falcons will need to hit hard early on Mirage to set the tone.
Key Matchups
- ZywOo vs m0NESY:Two of the brightest AWP stars in the 2025 meta. If m0NESY gains early confidence, Vitality’s path to victory may get significantly harder.
- ropz vs NiKo:Two of the smartest riflers in the game. ropz excels at trading with surgical precision, while NiKo looks to crack rounds wide open. Their duel could define map control.
- apEX vs kyxsan:A captain’s clash in styles: impulsive experience vs. composed pragmatism. If kyxsan holds up under pressure in late rounds, Falcons will stay in the game.
Mental Game & Motivation
Vitality: his is a team that doesn’t panic. With championships, synergy, and a winner’s culture, they treat every semifinal as a step toward another title.
Falcons: Here, it’s passion, hunger, and the desire to prove that the investment into this roster is worth it. They want to show they can beat the best.
The real question: can Falcons withstand the pace if Vitality starts with a dominant 6-0 lead?
Match Prediction
Favorite: Team Vitality. Given their consistency, map pool depth, LAN experience, and ZywOo’s current form, Vitality are the logical favorites. Falcons have firepower and potential, but it’s unclear whether they can maintain their level across a full best-of-three.
Predicted Score: 2:1 in favor of Vitality
However, if m0NESY wins the AWP duel against ZywOo, Mirage could swing to Falcons — and then Inferno might come down to one clutch round.
