The playoff stage of PGL Astana 2025 kicked off with electrifying matches and unexpected twists. Eight of the world’s strongest CS2 teams clashed for a spot in the semifinals, delivering high-stakes moments, unforgettable clutches, and standout individual performances. From stunning underdog victories to dominant displays by rising stars, the quarterfinals offered a full spectrum of elite competition. Here’s how the action unfolded.
Quarterfinal 1: The MongoLZ vs Aurora
The first quarterfinal matchup featured The MongolZ facing off against Aurora. Expectations were high for The MongolZ to come out on top, as they had delivered impressive performances throughout the tournament. They advanced from the group stage with a flawless 3-0 record, defeating NAVI, FURIA, and MIBR. However, Aurora stunned everyone with a convincing 2-0 victory.
Aurora’s journey began with a loss to BIG, starting the group stage 0-1. But they bounced back by defeating HOTU, ODDIK, and NiP to finish 3-2 and secure a playoff spot. In this quarterfinal, two players were key to Aurora’s success: woxic, who racked up 46 kills and earned a 1.47 rating, and Wicadia, who led in average damage per round with 101.5.
Wicadia pulled off an incredible 1v3 clutch, staying calm under pressure and landing precise shots — a brilliant moment from the young star:
A defining moment in Aurora’s victory — raw emotions, joy, and a well-deserved triumph after a tense battle:
Quarterfinal 2: Natus Vincere vs Astralis
Before the head-to-head clash, both teams had overcome a challenging path:
- NAVI finished the group stage with a 3-1 record, securing wins over FURIA, Aurora, and MIBR, while their only loss came against The MongolZ. The team showed consistency, strong teamplay, and high individual skill throughout the stage.
- Astralis had a similar journey — four matches, three wins, one loss (3-1). They defeated ODDIK, paiN, and Virtus.pro, but fell to Spirit. Their performance displayed structure and resilience, setting up a promising showdown with NAVI.
Final maps and scores:
- Nuke (Astralis’s pick): Astralis 16 – 13 NAVI
- Mirage (NAVI’s pick): NAVI 13 – 8 Astralis
- Ancient (decider): Astralis 13 – 6 NAVI
Key moments:
Staehr emerged as the star of the decisive map, Ancient. His aggressive yet calculated plays helped Astralis dismantle NAVI’s defense in crucial rounds. He finished with the highest rating of the series — 1.51.
Staehr – 1v2 clutch:
- On Nuke, Astralis showcased tactical maturity with precise reads, smart utility usage, and clean coordination.
device gains advantage with a boosted entry onto B site:
- NAVI’s B1t tried to keep his team alive on Mirage with a strong individual performance, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide on the final map.
Astralis proved they can once again compete at the highest level, and now face a serious challenge in the semifinals against Aurora — the team that already delivered a major upset by eliminating The MongolZ.
This victory reignites hope among Astralis fans for the Danish giants’ full return to the top of the global CS2 scene.
Quarterfinal 3: FURIA vs MIBR — Brazilian Derby
In another thrilling quarterfinal clash at PGL Astana 2025, fans witnessed a classic Brazilian showdown. Both teams knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses well, setting the stage for an intense battle. However, FURIA lived up to their status as favorites and secured a confident 2-0 victory, thanks to disciplined play and a breakout performance by rising star molodoy.
Path to the Quarterfinals:
- FURIA completed the group stage with a 3-1 record, earning wins over GamerLegion, ODDIK, and MIBR, while their only loss came at the hands of The MongolZ. The team adapted quickly and confidently advanced straight into the playoffs.
- MIBR had a tougher path, finishing 3-2. After losing to both The MongolZ and FURIA, they bounced back with wins over G2, SAW, and Complexity. However, their journey was cut short as they once again fell to FURIA in the quarterfinals.
Final Maps and Scores:
- Nuke (MIBR’s pick): FURIA 16 – 13 MIBR
The closest map of the series. MIBR managed to apply pressure, but FURIA held their ground with strong clutch moments and solid retakes.
- Train (FURIA’s pick): FURIA 13 – 2 MIBR
Total domination. molodoy was brilliant on defense. MIBR appeared helpless against FURIA’s confident and composed approach.
yuurih – 4 Glock kills:
Key Moments:
Danil “molodoy” Golubenko delivered a standout performance on the big stage, ending the series with a 1.54 rating, 43 kills, and 84.1% KAST. His composed, high-impact play on both maps was the cornerstone of FURIA’s success.
molodoy – 4 M4A1-S kills on defense:
Nuke was a tense battle, but FURIA managed to close it out 16–13 thanks to solid team coordination and molodoy’s key plays. On Train, the Brazilians dominated from the first round, cruising to a 13–2 finish with flawless execution and individual brilliance.
FURIA now advances to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of Spirit vs NiP. The team looks sharp and focused, determined to fight for the championship title.
Quarterfinal 4: Team Spirit vs Ninjas in Pyjamas — donk’s Comeback Show
The final quarterfinal match of PGL Astana 2025 concluded with yet another confident victory for Team Spirit, who swept Ninjas in Pyjamas 2-0. Despite the best efforts of the Swedish squad, donk and his teammates left them with little room to breathe and pulled off one of the tournament’s most impressive comebacks on the second map.
Road to the Quarterfinals:
- Team Spirit cruised through the group stage without dropping a single map. Their wins over GamerLegion, NiP, and Astralis were marked by clean execution, excellent coordination, and outstanding form from donk. Early on, the team cemented their reputation as the tournament favorite.
- Ninjas in Pyjamas had a rockier path. They began with a win over Virtus.pro but then lost their next two series to Spirit and Aurora, putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy. However, NiP showed resilience, bouncing back with wins over HOTU and a surprise victory over G2 to secure a 3-2 record and a playoff berth.
Final Maps and Scores:
- Train (NiP’s pick): Spirit 13 – 8 NiP
The map started promisingly for NiP, but Spirit quickly adapted. Their defense proved nearly impenetrable, and their attacks were sharp and effective. Donk constantly applied pressure, dominating key positions.
r1nkle 4 AK kills:
- Dust2 (Spirit’s pick): Spirit 13 – 11 NiP
The most emotional map of the series. NiP stormed ahead with a 10-3 lead, showcasing a strong T-side. But Spirit regrouped and mounted a stunning comeback, winning 10 of the final 11 rounds. Donk’s CT-side performance was phenomenal — with clutch retakes, multi-kills, and flawless aim.
zont1x – 3 Five Seven kils:
Key Match Highlights:
Danil “donk” Kryshkovets once again showed why he’s the tournament’s brightest star. With 45 kills, a 1.48 rating, and 75.6% KAST, his impact was decisive on both maps. He set the pace for the team, often taking initiative in crucial rounds.
Team Spirit’s structured gameplay, ability to shift momentum, discipline, and individual skill allowed them to move forward flawlessly.
They now advance to face FURIA in the semifinals — one of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament, with both teams showing incredible form.
The semifinals are shaping up to be even more intense:
- Aurora vs Astralis
- FURIA vs Team Spirit
The PGL Astana 2025 quarterfinals delivered surprises, spectacular clutches, and confirmed the high level of the teams advancing to the semifinals. Ahead lie matchups where every mistake could cost a place in the grand final.
