Vitality Gaming and FURIA Esports have progressed to the penultimate stage of IEM Chengdu 2025 after achieving success in their respective quarterfinal confrontations.

The French-based organisation prevailed over Astralis in a demanding best-of-three sequence, whilst FURIA conquered The MongolZ in the day’s subsequent battle.

Having expertly manoeuvred its way via the Group B’s lower section, Vitality Gaming secured its position in the Playoffs, with Astralis becoming the obstacle in its quest for another semifinal participation. 

A spectacular play from Shahar ‘flameZ’ Shushan effectively stifled any potential resurgence from the opposing faction on the initial map, Inferno, enabling Vitality Gaming to smoothly secure a convincing 13-7 triumph, thereby initiating the series. 

On the second map, Nuke, Astralis initiated proceedings with a strong offensive display, yet concluded the initial phase with both sides evenly matched at six rounds each. The Danish contingent managed to maintain a closely contested affair; nonetheless, Vitality Gaming ultimately progressed to map point.

Still, Astralis persistently eroded the deficit to instigate overtime before Nicolai ‘device’ Reedtz’s quartet of eliminations afforded the squad a marginal 14-13 advantage. Vitality Gaming found itself incapable of formulating a response, thus allowing Astralis to draw level in the series with a 16-14 conquest on Nuke, thereby mandating a showdown on Mirage.

The second half’s pistol round demonstrated pivotal importance for Vitality Gaming in the concluding map, with flameZ executing three eliminations during the team’s inaugural defensive sequence. The positive impetus continued unabated, with the French-based entity securing seven rounds to ultimately clinch a 13-7 victory and a 2-1 series triumph. 

Vitality Gaming progresses into the semifinals of IEM Chengdu 2025, wherein it shall confront MOUZ for an opportunity to participate in the Grand Final. This forthcoming encounter will represent the 11th instance of these two combatants facing each other within the current year.

Having ascended to the summit of the November Valve Regional Standings (VRS) at the commencement of the month, FURIA Esports sustains its notable spell of form, notwithstanding its setback against MOUZ in the upper bracket final of Group B.

Even considering the presence of Unudelger ‘controlez’ Baasanjargal as a temporary replacement, The MongolZ have manifested indications of excellence as the unit adapts to a novel starting arrangement, with aspirations of providing the world’s premier Counter-Strike 2 contingent with a stern test. 

Any vestiges of momentum accrued during The MongolZ’s Group Stage endeavours were abruptly extinguished on their chosen battleground, Mirage, with FURIA Esports effortlessly achieving a 13-5 conquest. The MongolZ attempted to mount a resurgence on Overpass, seizing the initial quartet of defensive rounds to establish an early upper hand. 

Nevertheless, FURIA Esports’ offensive capabilities permeated the remainder of the first segment, securing eight successive rounds. A belated MongolZ resurgence in the nascent phases of the second half was promptly quashed by Danil ‘molodoy’ Golubenko’s AWP proficiency. The emerging talent distinguished himself during the concluding rounds to consummate a 13-10 triumph and a resounding 2-0 sweep. 

FURIA Esports advances into the second semifinal encounter, wherein a resurgent Team Falcons awaits, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive clash.

Scheduled to transpire on November 8th, 2025, the IEM Chengdu 2025 semi-finals will showcase the remaining quartet of teams engaging in a fierce contest for a coveted berth in the Grand Final.

Enthusiasts can observe the spectacle across ESL’s digital platforms, specifically its respective Twitch and YouTube channels.