The match between TheMongolZ and Liquid will be one of the key ones at the Group stage of IEM Katowice 2025. Both teams aim to secure a place in the next round. This game will determine who will stay in the fight for the title and who will move to the lower bracket, where further mistakes will be unacceptable. Liquid has experience of playing at the top level, but TheMongolZ is a team that can surprise with its unpredictable style of play.

Current form of the teams

TheMongolZ comes to the tournament with a history of performances that demonstrate their potential, but also reveal their weaknesses. In 2024, the team took 5th-8th place at the Perfect World Shanghai Major, where they surprised with wins over MOUZ and Heroic. However, the playoff loss to MOUZ showed problems with the stability of the game against strong opponents. Their recent performance at regional tournaments gives them confidence, but the team still lacks experience in international competitions.

Liquid started the year with victories over Complexity and Wildcard at IEM Katowice 2025, which shows that they are off to a good start. However, a few weeks before that, the team lost to Heroic at BLAST Bounty Spring 2025, which was a wake-up call about their inability to cope with strong opponents. Liquid has a lot of experience, but their potential is overshadowed by a lack of consistency in crucial moments.

Map Pool

TheMongolZ show the best results on Inferno (75% WR) and Dust II (67% WR). They feel good on these maps, using an aggressive style and unpredictable decisions. However, their weakness on Nuke (44%) makes these map potential candidates for a ban.

Liquid is known for their strong performances on Anubis (80% WR) and Ancient (83% WR), where they rely on tactical play and a deep understanding of positional rotations. Their weaknesses on Dust II (20%) and Nuke (44%) can be used by opponents to gain an advantage.

Expected Map pool in this match: Inferno, Ancient, Anubis.

Match Prediction

The match is likely to be protracted and will take place on three maps. Liquid have an advantage in terms of experience and tactical depth, which allows them to adapt to their opponents. However, TheMongolZ can cause problems on maps where they show strong form. Liquid is expected to prevail due to their greater experience on the international stage.

Prediction: 2-1 in favor of Liquid.

TheMongolZ and Liquid have not met each other for the last six months. This adds to the intrigue, as both teams do not know what to expect from each other. For TheMongolZ, this is a chance to make a name for themselves on the big stage, while Liquid is trying to rebuild their reputation after failing in previous tournaments.

This match will be a test for both teams: will Liquid be able to maintain the status of a favorite, and TheMongolZ - to surprise and emerge victorious? In any case, the fans will see a spectacular confrontation!

IEM Katowice 2025 takes place from January 29 to February 9 in Katowice, Poland. Twenty-four teams will compete for a prize pool of $1 million. You can follow the schedule and results of the event here.