FaZe confidently defeated Liquid in the elimination match, leaving their opponent without a single chance on either map. The performance was especially disappointing for NAF, who delivered one of the worst individual showings of his career. Once again, Liquid fall short of reaching the playoffs at a big event, while FaZe continue their run, preparing to face the loser of the Aurora vs Spirit matchup.
Tournament Run
Like FaZe, Liquid began their IEM Cologne 2025 journey in the Play-in stage. There, they lost to FaZe but secured crucial victories over paiN and FlyQuest to qualify for the main event. However, once in the main stage, they suffered a 0–2 defeat to MOUZ.
FaZe, strengthened by broky’s return to the active roster, showed aggressive and confident play during the Play-in. While their victories came against less threatening opponents — BIG and Liquid — the team looked cohesive. In the main stage, FaZe put up a fight against NAVI but eventually lost 1–2.
Elimination Match
The first half of Mirage was evenly contested, with both teams fighting hard and finishing 6:6. But in the second half, Liquid collapsed completely — they failed to win a single round on the CT side, as FaZe took full control. This match was especially rough for Keith “NAF” Markovic, who, after over seven years with the team, likely had his worst career performance: just 2 kills, 27 ADR, and a 0.18 rating. Final score: 13–6 to FaZe.
On Ancient, Liquid’s map pick, there was hardly any resistance. FaZe gave up only the first two rounds before taking over entirely. Even clutch attempts by ultimate couldn’t swing the momentum — the map ended in a dominant 13–2 for FaZe.
Match MVPs
Two FaZe players stood out in this convincing victory. EliGE led the scoreboard with 33 kills, while veteran rain delivered the highest ADR (111.6) and the best rating (1.72).
What’s Next?
This is another red flag for Liquid: the team has not reached the playoffs of a major tournament in a long time. At BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, they finished 15th–16th, and they also failed to qualify for ESL Pro League Season 22 through the European qualifiers. All signs point toward the need for roster changes if the team hopes to return to the world’s elite and re-enter the top five.
FaZe, meanwhile, continue their campaign at IEM Cologne 2025 and will next face the loser of the Aurora vs Spirit matchup.
