In the group stage of the IEM Melbourne 2025, we have an elimination match between two teams in different forms: Virtus.pro continues to seek stability after a playoff disappointment in the last tournament, while FlyQuest tries to justify the promise shown after winning the regional qualifiers. In this article, we will examine the current form of the teams, analyze the potential map pool, and provide a prediction for the match outcome.
Current Team Form
Virtus.pro shows inconsistent yet sometimes very powerful gameplay. At PGL Bucharest 2025, the team confidently passed the group stage but then fell to G2 in the quarterfinals. The team's performance hinges on the mood and emotional state of its leaders, particularly electroNic, whose emotions in crucial moments can either energize or undermine the team. This lineup is capable of defeating anyone but can also lose unexpectedly.
| Date | Team | Score | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 21 | Virtus.pro | 1 - 2 | Liquid |
| Apr 11 | Virtus.pro | 0 - 2 | G2 |
| Apr 10 | Virtus.pro | 2 - 0 | Astralis |
| Apr 09 | Virtus.pro | 0 - 2 | GamerLegion |
| Apr 08 | Virtus.pro | 2 - 0 | FURIA |
FlyQuest, on the other hand, is experiencing a tough period. After a confident victory in the regional qualifier for the major, the team faltered at ESL Pro League Season 21, finishing in the Play-In stage with a 9th–11th place result. Nevertheless, the average team rating over the past month is 6.7, indicating a high individual skill level among players. The question remains about their execution consistency and confidence in matches against strong opponents.
| Date | Team | Score | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 21 | FlyQuest | 0 - 2 | Vitality |
| Apr 17 | FlyQuest | 2 - 0 | SemperFi |
| Apr 16 | FlyQuest | 2 - 0 | SemperFi |
| Apr 15 | FlyQuest | 2 - 0 | Rooster |
| Mar 05 | FlyQuest | 1 - 2 | TYLOO |
Map Pool
During the ban phase, Virtus.pro will almost certainly remove Nuke, where they have a 0% win rate, and Anubis, where their performance is also weak (36%). This is standard practice for a team avoiding risky maps.
FlyQuest, in turn, will likely ban Train—a map they regularly remove and on which Virtus.pro plays confidently. The second ban might be Dust2, as it's VP's strongest map (77% win rate).
For picks: Virtus.pro will likely choose Inferno—one of their comfort maps with a good history and a 53% win rate. FlyQuest might pick Anubis if it's not banned, as it ranks among their top maps (67% win rate with 9 picks), or Inferno if they want to play on common ground.
| Map | Winrate Compare | FlyQuest WR | FlyQuest Matches | FlyQuest Last 5 | Virtus.Pro WR | Virtus.Pro Matches | Virtus.Pro Last 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mirage | 62% | 100% | 2 | W W | 38% | 13 | L W L L L |
| Dust II | 34% | 33% | 6 | FB L FB W W | 67% | 15 | W W W W L |
| Nuke | 33% | 33% | 9 | FB FB FB FB FB | 0% | 0 | - |
| Anubis | 24% | 60% | 10 | W L W W L | 36% | 11 | L L L L W |
| Inferno | 14% | 40% | 15 | L L W FB FB | 54% | 13 | W L W L W |
| Train | 10% | 50% | 2 | L W | 60% | 5 | L W L W W |
| Ancient | 9% | 50% | 8 | L L W FB W | 41% | 17 | W L L L L |
Match Prediction
The outcome of the match largely depends on which version of Virtus.pro we see on the server. If the team is energized and focused, especially electroNic and Jame, they should secure the match in their favor. However, FlyQuest should not be underestimated: their individual form allows them to at least expect a close fight, especially if they manage to impose their map.
Considering the map pool, form, and experience, Virtus.pro appears more favorable. If they handle pressure and emotions, they have every chance to advance to the playoffs.
Prediction: Virtus.pro wins 2-1
IEM Melbourne 2025 takes place from April 21 to 27. The entire tournament is held in Melbourne, Australia, at Rod Laver Arena. Participants compete for a prize pool of $300,000. You can follow the results and progress of the tournament through this link.
Comments