The MongolZ triumphed over world No.1 FURIA to secure a place in the IEM Beijing semi-finals, while NAVI ousted the heavily funded Falcons in the group stage. These outcomes significantly alter the perceptions of main contenders ahead of the PGL Major Singapore, beginning on 24 November.
The MongolZ faced FURIA on Wednesday and managed to bounce back after losing the initial map. MOUZ has also secured a spot in the semi-finals after remaining unbeaten in Group B.
This loss capped a streak of seven wins for FURIA, as noted by HLTV, though it was not a match of elimination. They had maintained their form since their victory at PGL Masters Bucharest and will now encounter BetBoom in the quarter-finals.
On the second map, Cache, which FURIA selected, The MongolZ had previously lost on this venue four consecutive times. However, they turned the tables this time, winning and subsequently securing the series on the third map.
The significance of this result is amplified by the context. IEM Beijing constitutes ESL’s premier CS2 event and stands as the final major tournament before the Major begins. FURIA remains in the competition, yet this series has demonstrated that they can be challenged by teams in their vicinity.
NAVI dominates with 12 consecutive rounds to eliminate Falcons
The Falcons were eliminated from the Group A lower-bracket final. NAVI rebounded from a tight loss on the first map, displaying dominance throughout the remainder of the series. During the deciding Mirage map, NAVI swept all 12 rounds in their T-side half.
w0nderful recorded an impressive 25-4 statistic on Inferno, while b1t excelled in Mirage.
For an organization that has heavily invested, an early exit from the playoff contention is a disappointment. The Falcons are tied for seventh to eighth position with Team Liquid, both earning the same payout. This contrasts with the champions’ prize of $360,000.
Team Liquid also faced a last-minute defeat, as BetBoom overcame them with a score of 2-1 to secure the final playoff berth in Group B. A standout ace by zorte in round 23 of the Mirage decider shifted the momentum of the series. PARIVISION, who finished behind MOUZ in Group B, will face NAVI in the other quarter-final.
The tournament features a $1,250,000 prize pool, distributing $300,000 as player rewards and $950,000 as club share. The competition is taking place at the Bloomage Biotech Biohyalux ECM Arena in Beijing, classified as an ESL Pro Tour Masters event.
The quarter-finals on Friday initiate the countdown to Singapore
The playoff format consists of single-elimination best-of-three series. Additionally, a best-of-three third-place match will occur, culminating in a grand final that is best-of-five.
Both quarter-finals are scheduled for Friday, 6 November, at 14:30 and 17:45 local time. Following that, the semi-finals will unfold on Saturday, 7 November, with the grand final set for Sunday, 8 November.
Attention will then shift to the PGL Major Singapore, which marks the second CS2 Major of 2026. The concluding four days will take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, capable of accommodating over 12,000 spectators.
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