IEM Dallas 2025 proved once again that the CS2 scene remains unpredictable. The tournament in Texas brought not only the expected battles between top-tier teams but also a series of surprises that reshaped our understanding of power dynamics. Some squads regained respect after a tough start to the year, others emerged as new faces of the elite, and a few disappointed even their most loyal fans.
In this article, we break down the main surprises and disappointments of IEM Dallas 2025 — an event that became a litmus test for many teams ahead of the summer stretch.
Surprises of IEM Dallas 2025
GamerLegion: Restoring Faith in the Project
Just a few months ago, GamerLegion were seen as a team that had lost its identity following a string of poor performances. Roster instability, lack of leadership, and inconsistent results cast doubts on their CS2 future. But things changed at IEM Dallas. GamerLegion made the playoffs by showing cohesion and a thoughtful approach to every match. Their win over FURIA in the lower bracket was important not just in terms of results but also symbolically — the team proved they could handle pressure, learn from mistakes, and compete with the best. acoR, long under fire, finally showed why his experience matters to GL. It wasn’t a fairy-tale run, but a rebuilding effort that fans genuinely appreciated.
The MongolZ: Fearless and Formidable
The MongolZ once again proved that regional origin doesn’t define potential. After an impressive showing at PGL Astana, where they challenged top European teams, they arrived in Dallas determined to show it wasn’t a fluke. Their run to the semifinals told a story of grit and growth. They confidently beat FURIA and G2, and avenged their prior loss to Aurora with a dominant 2-0 (Dust2 13-11, Mirage 13-6). Players like Senzu and 910 consistently delivered in clutch moments, and the team’s structure has become noticeably more adaptable. Their aggressive yet calculated style earned them the respect of even veteran European opponents.
Aurora Gaming: Cementing Their Status as a Rising Force
Aurora is no longer just a “dark horse.” In Dallas, they proved they belong among the best. Their clean victory over Team Liquid and their overall run to the quarterfinals confirmed the team’s steady rise. Wicadia especially continues to stand out as the team’s emerging leader. His confident duels, smart positioning, and composure in clutch moments were key factors throughout the tournament. Aurora also bested Heroic in a three-map series, showing strong mental resilience after losing the opener. Their performance sent a clear message: Aurora is no longer just a qualifier team — they are a serious contender.
Disappointments of IEM Dallas 2025
FaZe Clan: s1mple Alone Isn’t Enough
When s1mple joined FaZe, expectations skyrocketed — fans hoped for dominance, or at least magic. With a superstar lineup and legendary talent, many saw them as favorites. But in reality, things fell apart. FaZe failed to make it out of groups, falling to Heroic in their decider match. While s1mple tried to carry the squad, the rest of the team looked disjointed. skullz and EliGE underperformed, and their gameplay lacked the structure needed at this level — relying more on improvisation than a cohesive strategy. This result, combined with the hype, made FaZe the tournament’s biggest disappointment.
FURIA: Still Searching for Direction
FURIA have always been backed by a passionate fanbase and great potential, but once again, things didn’t go as planned. A loss to The MongolZ in their opening match was an early warning, and their elimination in the lower bracket followed soon after. Even a win against Lynn Vision couldn’t restore their footing. Against GamerLegion, FURIA fell flat — lacking leadership, clear calls, and consistent fragging. yuurih and KSCERATO, usually their stars, failed to deliver. This result is another signal that a deep structural reset may be needed for the Brazilian squad.
Muted Arena: MOUZ and Aurora Failed to Capture the Crowd
One of the most unexpected disappointments of the event was the lukewarm crowd atmosphere during matches involving MOUZ and Aurora. Despite both teams performing well, the Dallas audience showed little enthusiasm for them. In contrast to the explosive reactions for The MongolZ or Heroic, MOUZ and Aurora were met with silence. Even in the grand final, where MOUZ battled for the title, the emotional energy just wasn’t there. It’s a reminder that in today’s esports, playing well isn’t enough — you also need to connect with the audience and create a story that resonates.
IEM Dallas 2025 was a reflection of the shifting tides in CS2. The tournament spotlighted new heroes: The MongolZ, GamerLegion, Aurora — all proving that a new era brings new leaders.
At the same time, it exposed cracks in the armor of traditional giants. FaZe crumbled under pressure, FURIA continue to drift without direction, and the crowd remained oddly detached from teams that arguably deserved more love. Even with MOUZ reaching the final and Aurora toppling giants, the lack of emotional connection from the audience left a strange void.
