The third day of IEM Melbourne 2025 proved decisive for many teams. After a series of intense battles, all playoff participants have been determined. Favorites like FaZe Clan and Natus Vincere failed to live up to expectations and were eliminated from the tournament, while Vitality and MOUZ confidently advanced to the semifinals.
Teams Qualified for the Playoffs
Group A:
MOUZ
After their triumph at EPL, MOUZ aimed to prove it wasn’t a fluke—and a flawless run to the semifinals with no losses confirmed their serious intent. They are clearly taking the next step in their evolution. In the match against The MongolZ, Spinx displayed outstanding form, racking up 39 kills and finishing with a 1.55 rating.
The MongolZ
The team came to the tournament seeking redemption after a dip in form. While they lost to MOUZ in the group final, a win over FaZe and a quarterfinal berth are major accomplishments. Their return to peak form seems within reach.
GamerLegion
Following a disappointing Major run, this tournament was their last chance to salvage the season. And they seized it: a stunning comeback from the lower bracket and a playoff spot may be the start of a new chapter—either a roster reboot or a renewed push with the current lineup.
Group B:
Vitality
Coming in as favorites after winning IEM Katowice, they fully lived up to expectations. With 2–0 victories in all matches and a 19-map winning streak on LAN, the team is in top shape and in contention for the Intel Grand Slam.
Falcons
With new star player m0NESY, Falcons were looking to cement themselves in the top six. Reaching the quarterfinals with wins over SAW and NAVI is already a step forward. A win against GamerLegion would further validate their potential.
Both teams showed strong CS. Match MVPs include: flameZ with the most kills (41), NiKo with the highest average damage (92.4), and ZywOo with the best rating (1.24).
Liquid
Their revamped roster needed to find chemistry and show playoff-caliber play—and they did just that. Liquid made it through the lower bracket, eliminated NAVI, and looked sharp doing it. If they maintain this level, they could return to title contention.
In the match against NAVI, ironically, MVPs came from the losing side: w0nderful had the most kills (53, including 20 AWP kills) and the highest rating (1.23), while jL led in average damage (87.6) and assists (20).
Teams Eliminated from the Tournament
FaZe Clan
They were expected to return to contender status, but elimination before the playoffs is a major blow. In-game leadership is once again under scrutiny, and time before the Major is running out.
NAVI
NAVI aimed to stay in the top six and test B1ad3’s new tactics ahead of the Major. Losses to Falcons and Liquid raised more questions than answers.
Complexity
Despite joining the event at the last minute, they hoped for at least one standout win. Being knocked out by GamerLegion without that result is a disappointment. Their situation remains unstable heading into the Major.
MIBR
They viewed the tournament as preparation for the Major, but an early exit limited their opportunity to test strategies. A missed chance.
3DMAX
They dreamed of international recognition, but a group stage exit shows they still have a long way to go.
FlyQuest
Playing on home soil didn’t translate into results. The “home boost” wasn’t enough to spark a breakthrough.
READ MORE: s1mple on the Sidelines: What’s Holding Back the Legend’s Return to NAVI
Day Highlights
Vitality earned their third straight 2–0 win and extended their LAN win streak to 19 maps. GamerLegion pulled off the comeback of the day with three lower-bracket wins in a row. Liquid vs NAVI in the lower bracket final was a true fight for survival.
Playoff Bracket
Semifinals:
- MOUZ vs winner of Falcons/GamerLegion
- Vitality vs winner of The MongolZ/Liquid
The most exciting part is yet to come—the playoff stage, where only the strongest remain. MOUZ and Vitality are already waiting in the semifinals, while the quarterfinals promise new drama and surprises. Can GamerLegion continue their fairy tale? Will Liquid finally reclaim their championship ambitions? We’ll find out soon—the IEM Melbourne 2025 climax is just around the corner. Follow us on social media and cheer with us!
