The Brazilian squad paiN continues their run at IEM Cologne 2025. In the elimination match, they managed to defeat BIG 2-1 and remain in contention for a place in the main stage of the tournament. Their next challenge will be a decisive clash against Astralis. Meanwhile, the German team ends their campaign in Cologne after losing both of their matches.
Tournament journey
BIG’s run at IEM Cologne 2025 comes to an end as they fail to qualify for the main stage. After a loss to FaZe in their opening match, the Germans couldn’t bounce back and fell to paiN in the elimination match.
On the other hand, paiN — quarterfinalists of the BLAST.tv Austin Major — showed resilience. After a tough 0-2 loss to Liquid, they regrouped and defeated BIG 2-1. The match went across three maps: Ancient 13:7, Nuke 13:3, Inferno 13:11 — with the Brazilians holding strong under pressure on the decider.
Player of the match
Despite the loss, it was BIG’s JDC who ended the series as the top fragger with 49 kills. He was also the only player on his team to finish with a positive rating — though it wasn’t enough to secure victory.
For paiN, it was the AWPer nqz who shined. Posting a 1.26 rating, he once again proved his ability to step up in crucial moments. His consistency has repeatedly been a lifeline for his team on big stages.
One step away from the main stage
paiN are once again just one match away from making the main stage of a top-tier event. This time, they’ll have to overcome a revamped Astralis roster. Whether the Brazilians can handle the pressure and replicate their surprise run in Austin, where they reached the quarterfinals, remains to be seen. One thing is clear — paiN have the potential, and they’re not planning to slow down.
