Deadspin | 4 teams advance to IEM Chengdu group finals

The Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Chengdu 2025 tournament in China is heating up as four teams have advanced to the upper-bracket finals following an intense group stage. Taking place this week with a total prize pool of $300,000, the competition started Monday with sixteen Counter-Strike 2 teams looking to claim the top prize of $125,000. The format involves a double-elimination group stage split into two groups of eight teams each, with all matches played in best-of-three series. The winners of each group will secure a spot directly in the playoff semifinals, while runners-up will enter the quarterfinals as high seeds, and third-place finishers will take the low seed spots in the quarters. Playoffs begin Friday, running all matches as best-of-three until the grand final on Sunday, which shifts to a best-of-five format. In Group A, Astralis and Team Falcons have advanced to the upper-bracket final after decisive victories in the semifinals. Astralis swept The MongolZ in their matchup, while Falcons earned a clean sweep over Team Spirit. On the lower-bracket side, HEROIC managed a close 2-1 win against Natus Vincere, and paiN Gaming swept TYLOO to stay alive in the tournament. Over in Group B, FURIA and MOUZ emerged victorious in their upper-bracket semifinal encounters. FURIA easily dispatched G2 Esports with a sweep, while MOUZ edged out Vitality in a tight 2-1 series. The lower-bracket quarterfinals saw Lynn Vision Gaming defeat 3DMAX and Virtus.pro outlast FaZe Clan, both by 2-1 margins. The action isn't slowing down, with six crucial matches lined up for Wednesday to determine who will join the playoff bracket. Group A's upper-bracket final features Astralis facing off against Team Falcons. Meanwhile, the lower-bracket semifinals pit Team Spirit against HEROIC and The MongolZ versus paiN Gaming. Group B mirrors this structure with FURIA taking on MOUZ in the upper-bracket final. The lower-bracket semifinals will have Vitality clashing with Lynn Vision Gaming and G2 Esports battling Virtus.pro. These upcoming matches will finalize the playoff seedings and set the stage for the single-elimination rounds starting later this week. The prize distribution rewards strong placements, with the champion pocketing $125,000, the runner-up earning $50,000, and third place taking home $30,000. Other positions receive descending amounts, making every match vital for teams aiming to increase their earnings and prestige. Notable teams that have been knocked into the lower bracket or eliminated include Natus Vincere, TYLOO, 3DMAX, and recently, FaZe Clan, despite their earlier success at IEM Katowice. With high stakes and fast-paced best-of-three matches leading to the climactic best-of-five grand final, the IEM Chengdu 2025 tournament is showcasing some of the best talent in Counter-Strike 2. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating the upcoming clashes, which promise thrilling gameplay and strategic depth as teams fight for survival and glory in this prestigious event.