With IEM Melbourne 2025 set to kick off in a number of days’ time, it’s time to start out trying on the eight opening matches set to kick off the occasion. On paper, there are some matches that must be utterly one-sided, whereas others look set to go the space. The advantage of Counter-Strike, although, is that it isn’t performed on paper, and matchups are at all times extra advanced in observe than in principle. Let’s check out all of the opening matches at IEM Melbourne, and see if we will predict the rating for each!
FaZe Clan vs. paiN Gaming
Credit score: Sebastian Pandelache | PGL
FaZe Clan haven’t enhancing of late, and there’s no motive to recommend they’re among the many IEM Melbourne 2025 favorites. Nonetheless, it’s vital to notice that paiN Gaming are coming into this one with out IGL biguzera on medical grounds, with their coach rikz as a substitute filling in on the server. Because of this, it’s onerous to see something apart from a clear FaZe sweep right here – the rest could be of nice concern.
Our prediction: FaZe Clan 2:0 paiN Gaming
The MongolZ vs. Complexity
Credit score: Luc Bouchon | ESL
The MongolZ are in a fairly tough second proper now, having seen a dip in type of late. In the meantime, Complexity are on the precise reverse trajectory, having had a wonderful run at PGL Bucharest 2025 and securing their slot on the BLAST Austin Main. On paper, The MongolZ are nonetheless the higher group, however I’m placing my religion in present type to find out the results of this opening sequence at IEM Melbourne 2025.
Our prediction: The MongolZ 1:2 Complexity
MOUZ vs. BIG
Credit score: Helena Kristiansson | ESL
After three Grand Remaining appearances in a row, it’s truthful to name MOUZ an elite group at this level. They arrive into their IEM Melbourne opening match in opposition to BIG as heavy favorites, and though we’ve not seen them within the server for a sizzling minute, there’s little question about who the winner must be on this one.
Our prediction: MOUZ 2:0 BIG
3DMAX vs. GamerLegion
Credit score: Sebastian Pandelache | PGL
GamerLegion are nonetheless reeling from their failure to qualify for the BLAST Austin Main, whereas 3DMAX appear to be on the up-and-up because the addition of bodyy to the roster. I’m anticipating this match to be extraordinarily shut between these two groups, though I’ve to offer the sting to the French roster primarily based on their robust latest type alone.
Our prediction: 3DMAX 2:1 GamerLegion
Vitality vs. FlyQuest
Credit score: Helena Kristiansson | ESL
Vitality are simply the large favorites to win IEM Melbourne 2025, whereas FlyQuest are arguably the worst group on the occasion. I’ll be completely flabbergasted if we don’t see a clear Vitality sweep on this one – neither map ought to even be shut, both. If you happen to’re an IEM Melbourne betting man, then Vitality are just about your solely selection right here.
Our prediction: Vitality 2:0 FlyQuest
Liquid vs. Virtus.professional
Credit score: Sebastian Pandelache | PGL
Staff Liquid‘s debut underneath siuhy at PGL Bucharest 2025 was nothing wanting a catastrophe, with the group not even managing a single map win earlier than bombing out. Taking up Virtus.professional is one other robust take a look at, one which I’m unsure they’ll be absolutely prepared to beat in such a brief house of time, given how dangerous it regarded final day out. I feel enhancements could have been made, in fact, which is why I’m predicting a map win no less than. Nonetheless, I feel VP take the sequence.
Our prediction: Liquid 1:2 Virtus.professional
Falcons vs. SAW
Credit score: Helena Kristiansson | ESL
Falcons vs. SAW is likely one of the most anticipated matches on day certainly one of IEM Melbourne 2025. The match is m0NESY’s debut in a Falcons jersey as he reunites with NiKo for the primary time, so expectations will clearly be very excessive to kick issues off. I don’t suppose issues will look good for the group, however there’s greater than sufficient firepower on this roster now to make sure Falcons can take a clear sweep in opposition to SAW.
Our prediction: Falcons 2:0 SAW
NAVI vs. MIBR
Credit score: Luc Bouchon | ESL
It has been over three weeks since we final noticed NAVI in motion at BLAST Open Spring 2025, the place the group confronted a disappointing exit by the hands of Spirit. It’s been the story of the 12 months thus far, however they’re nonetheless greater than adequate to take down MIBR to open up IEM Melbourne 2025. For the Brazilian group, the switch of Lucaozy has been an enormous disappointment and hasn’t helped take them up a stage in 2025 as they may have hoped.
Our prediction: NAVI 2:0 MIBR
