TheMongolZ continue to prove that their story is far more than a string of lucky upsets. In the Group A upper-bracket semi-final of IEM Cologne 2025, the Mongolian roster convincingly swept Falcons 2-0, booking their ticket to the Group Stage Upper Final — one step away from the playoffs of the legendary tournament. What many considered a “test of strength” for TheMongolZ turned into a statement of power — they didn’t just win; they dominated, looking every bit like the true favorites.
Dust2 – a cold shower for Falcons
Falcons picked Dust2, counting on their usual map control and the individual brilliance of NiKo and m0NESY. But from the very first rounds, it was clear that TheMongolZ had done their homework. Senzu and 910 immediately cut Falcons off from key map areas, landed crucial mid picks, and their aggressive pushes gave them a massive information advantage. The half ended 4:8 in favor of TheMongolZ, and while Falcons tried to regroup in the second half, the Mongolian side stayed ice-cold — 13:9 and the first step toward victory.
Mirage – the final chord from TheMongolZ
On their own pick, TheMongolZ looked even more confident. Falcons tried to disrupt their rhythm, but the Mongolian team smothered them with sheer speed of decision-making and team synergy. bLitz and Techno delivered key trades in critical moments, while Senzu was everywhere — from opening frags to clutch plays. Falcons managed just five rounds in the first half and a couple more after the side switch, but it only delayed the inevitable. 13:9 – and TheMongolZ closed the series.
Player stats for the match
TheMongolZ: the new power of the global scene
This victory is yet another confirmation that TheMongolZ are not just a “one-tournament wonder.” In recent weeks they have beaten G2, FaZe, paiN, and now Falcons – each time not through luck, but thanks to preparation, discipline, and raw individual skill.
- Azbayar “Senzu” Munkhbold (45–24, 1.56 rating) – the undisputed hero of the match. His aggression on Dust2 and surgical picks on Mirage left Falcons helpless.
- Usukhbayar “910” Banzragch (34–25, 1.27 rating) – the second pillar of the team, punishing every Falcon mistake.
- bLitz and Techno brought stability and composure, locking down lanes and giving their stars space to shine.
Falcons: a brutal fall in a crucial moment
Falcons came into this match with confidence after wins over GamerLegion and OG, but against TheMongolZ they looked lost. Their trademark strategies didn’t work, they lost too many individual duels, and their star players failed to step up.
- Maxim “kyousuke” Lukin (42–30, 1.34 rating) was the lone bright spot, trying to drag his team forward and winning crucial duels.
- NiKo and m0NESY had one of their weakest showings in recent memory, often failing to impact the game.
- TeSeS and kyxsan couldn’t find their rhythm either, compounding the team’s problems.
Player of the Match – Azbayar “Senzu” Munkhbold
Senzu earned 60.9% of fan votes and rightfully claimed MVP of the series. His 45–24 K/D, 1.56 rating, and 97.5 ADR tell the story of a dominant performance.
On Dust2, he suffocated Falcons with solo pushes and opening frags, while on Mirage he was the engine behind key executions, initiating pushes and clutching rounds. His game was a mix of aggression, intelligence, and surgical precision — Senzu didn’t just win MVP, he showed he’s one of the best riflers in the world right now.
What’s next?
TheMongolZ advance to the playoffs of IEM Cologne 2025, and it’s becoming harder and harder to deny that this team is ready to fight for the title. Their mix of youthful energy, discipline, and fearless play will test any opponent they meet in the playoffs.
Falcons, meanwhile, drop to the lower bracket, where they’ll have to fight for survival. The loss to TheMongolZ is a heavy blow to their ambitions but not the end of the road. They still have a chance to bounce back — but only if they find answers to the questions TheMongolZ left on the server.
