The playoffs of BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 are reaching their climax, and one of the semifinals promises a true spectacle. On one side — the Brazilian hope, paiN Gaming, who proved their strength through every stage of the tournament. On the other — the biggest surprise of the Major, The MongolZ, who eliminated both G2 and FaZe. This will be a clash of opposites: methodical confidence versus raw, untamed energy.
Teams’ Journey at the Tournament
paiN Gaming
The Brazilians began their journey in Stage 2, gradually gaining momentum. In Stage 3, they convincingly overcame MOUZ and Virtus.pro. In the quarterfinal, they faced off against FURIA — a national derby that turned into a three-act drama. After losing their own pick Nuke (6:13), paiN bounced back on Anubis (13:8), and on the decider Inferno, they pulled off a comeback from 7:11 to win 16:12. Dgt was impressively consistent, while nqz delivered key frags in crucial moments.
The MongolZ
The Mongolians caused the biggest upset of the tournament. In the quarterfinal, they faced FaZe again — the team that had previously beaten them in Stage 3. But this time, The MongolZ came prepared. They secured their pick Mirage (13:9) confidently and edged out FaZe on Anubis (13:11) in a close battle. The team displayed fantastic discipline and composure. 910 was brilliant in opening rounds, mzinho closed out retakes, and Senzu once again dictated the tempo with the AWP.
Form & Playstyle
paiN Gaming
- dgt — the most consistent rifler, reads positional play well
- nqz — an improving AWPer, strong in retake situations
- biguzera & snow — a reliable anchor duo who control flanks effectively
- dav1deuS — a flexible rifler, switching between aggression and support
Playstyle: flexible control, standardized timings, CT-side heavily retake-focused.
The MongolZ
- 910 — one of the best entry fraggers at the Major
- Senzu — finally showing consistency on the AWP
- bLitz — IGL who dictates the high tempo
- Techno & mzinho — a balanced support-aggression combo
Playstyle: fast-paced rhythm, early map control, tempo shifts that disorient opponents.
Map Pool & Potential Veto
Map Stats (last 3 months):
- Dust2: paiN — 45%, MongolZ — 57%
- Mirage: paiN — 50%, MongolZ — 64%
- Inferno: paiN — 40%, MongolZ — 60%
- Nuke: paiN — 44%, MongolZ — 43%
- Train: not played
- Ancient: paiN — 0%, MongolZ — 64%
- Anubis: paiN — 33%, MongolZ — 45%
Expected veto:
- paiN bans Ancient (0% WR, strong MongolZ map)
- MongolZ bans Nuke or Inferno
Likely maps in the series:
- Mirage (favorable for MongolZ, though paiN is experienced here)
- Anubis (MongolZ outplayed FaZe on it, strong execution)
- Dust2 or Inferno as decider — both teams have inconsistent performances here, making clutches crucial
Key Duels
- nqz vs Senzu — AWP battle. Both players have shown growth, but Senzu is more aggressive early on and in pistols
- dgt vs 910 — control over mid, especially vital on Mirage
- biguzera vs Techno — positional battles during late-rounds
- bLitz vs dav1deuS — the captains’ impact on momentum and mid-round calls
Mentality & Pressure
paiN has LAN experience, especially from dgt and biguzera, but this is their first deep run at a Major. The MongolZ, on the other hand, are riding the high of their victory over FaZe — playing loose, fearless, and with nothing to lose.
Prediction
Favorite: The MongolZ
While paiN may look more structured on paper, The MongolZ are in peak form right now. Their upset over FaZe proves they’re not afraid of big names, and their relentless tempo may be too overwhelming for paiN — especially on maps like Mirage and Anubis.
Predicted score: 2–1 for The MongolZ
- Mirage — 13:10 MongolZ
- Inferno — 13:9 paiN
- Anubis — 13:8 MongolZ
The MongolZ are already the breakout stars of this Major, but they now have a real shot at reaching the grand final. If they can impose their tempo from the start, paiN may struggle to recover. Expect a close,
