FURIA Dominate Vitality 3–0 to Win IEM Chengdu 2025: The Best Highlights, MVP Moments, and Player Reactions

FURIA Dominate Vitality 3–0 to Win IEM Chengdu 2025: The Best Highlights, MVP Moments, and Player Reactions

FURIA’s 3-0 demolition of Vitality in the IEM Chengdu 2025 grand final produced a reel of unforgettable plays that will be replayed in highlight compilations for months to come. The showdown, originally covered by HLTV in partnership with Allstar.gg, showcased some of the best Counter-Strike 2 action of the year — from ice-cold clutches to pure aim duels worthy of LAN history.

FURIA vs. Vitality: How the Grand Final Played Out

Intel Extreme Masters Chengdu 2025 gathered 16 of the world’s top CS2 teams in Chengdu, China, battling for a $1,000,000 prize pool at the Chengdu Financial City Performing Arts Center.

When the dust settled on November 9, FURIA had swept Vitality 3–0 in a best-of-five final, securing $125,000 in prize money and cementing their position as one of the defining forces of the late 2025 competitive season.

Final Map Scores:

Ancient: Vitality 11 – 13 FURIA

Inferno: Vitality 10 – 13 FURIA

Overpass: Vitality 11 – 13 FURIA

Rising star Danil “molodoy” Golubenko claimed his second MVP medal of the year after a series of high-impact performances throughout the playoffs and final. HLTV’s sponsored highlight package, made in partnership with Allstar.gg, selected the standout plays from this electrifying grand final.

The Standout Plays from the Grand Final

Mezii’s Pistol-Round Ace on Ancient

Even though Vitality were ultimately swept, William “mezii” Merriman gave fans one of the cleanest moments of the entire series. With his team trailing 4–8 and desperate for momentum at the start of the second half, mezii pulled off a stunning pistol ace — five instant headshots that cut through FURIA’s push.

It was a glimpse of what could have been for Vitality, and proof that even in defeat, their individuals could shine.

Yuurih’s Four-Kill Round on Inferno

Few expected FURIA to dominate Inferno, yet Yuri “yuurih” Santos made it his stage. In a pivotal round, armed with a recovered AK-47, yuurih shredded Vitality’s attack with a four-kill sequence that completely derailed their economy.

That round didn’t just look good on the highlight reel — it was the turning point that flipped a map traditionally favoring Vitality into a statement win for the Brazilians.

ZywOo’s Textbook B-Site Hold on Overpass

Even on an off day, Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut reminded everyone why he’s still one of the greatest. On Overpass, he traded his AWP for an M4A4 and delivered a clinical B-site hold — four crisp kills, perfect positioning, flawless mechanics.

It didn’t change the match’s trajectory, but it reinforced ZywOo’s legendary consistency in big moments.

Ropz’s “Donk-Style” Spraydown

One of the most entertaining moments came courtesy of Robin “ropz” Kool, who pulled off a devastating multi-kill spraydown reminiscent of Danil “donk” Kryshkovets’s viral highlight earlier in the year. The Allstar.gg segment framed it perfectly: a “donk-esque” 4K spray, same energy — different jersey.

apEX’s Miracle 1v3 on Overpass

Veteran captain Dan “apEX” Madesclaire proved once again that age and experience can still deliver magic. In a near-impossible 1v3 clutch, apEX navigated FURIA’s defense with composure and converted a round that looked completely lost.

It briefly broke FURIA’s momentum and gave Vitality a spark, even if the comeback fell short in the end.

Molodoy’s Defining 4K to Seal the Trophy

The final highlight belonged, fittingly, to the MVP. Danil “molodoy” Golubenko unleashed a devastating four-kill on Overpass that felt like the moment the title truly slipped from Vitality’s grasp.

It was just one of many high-impact rounds from the 19-year-old sniper, who combined mechanical brilliance with composure beyond his years. Chengdu marked his second MVP award in his rookie season — a staggering achievement that has firmly placed him among CS2’s brightest stars.

Why This Title Matters for FURIA

The Chengdu championship represents far more than another addition to FURIA’s trophy cabinet.

It was their third grand final in four tournaments, capping off a dominant Fall season.

They had already lifted titles at the Thunderpick World Championship and FISSURE Playground 2, though critics questioned the level of competition.

A 3–0 sweep over Vitality on a million-dollar Masters stage silenced those doubts for good.

As HLTV’s main match report summarized, FURIA “emphasized their world-beating credentials” with this confident sweep — powered by newcomers molodoy and Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis, whose aggression and synergy reshaped FURIA’s identity.

In prize terms, FURIA walked away with $125,000 for first place, while Vitality earned $50,000 for second, followed by Falcons and MOUZ rounding out the top four.

What the Players Said

Molodoy: “Trophies First, Awards Second”

After being named MVP, molodoy downplayed individual glory:

“It’s good if I take Rookie of the Year, but it doesn’t matter for me because first I want to win trophies.”

Chengdu marked his second MVP award of the season — and strengthened his claim to the Rookie of the Year crown.

FalleN on Facing Vitality: “They’re the Big Boss”

Before the grand final, team captain Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo put things plainly:

“The PR answer is, ‘We believe we can win’; the reality check is they’re the big boss.”

For FURIA, this victory wasn’t just about silverware — it was about conquering one of CS2’s most respected dynasties.

YEKINDAR on FURIA’s Star Power

Ahead of the playoffs, Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis praised his teammates’ raw skill:

“m0NESY is great but we’ve got molodoy; NiKo or kyousuke are great, but we have KSCERATO.”

That confidence proved justified as both molodoy and KSCERATO delivered crucial performances in the title run.

flameZ on Finals Pressure

After Vitality’s semi-final victory over MOUZ, Shahar “flameZ” Shushan reflected on what it feels like to play under pressure:

“The day that I won’t feel nervous or stressed in a final, I will probably be too old to remember my name.”

Despite the loss in the grand final, flameZ and his team remain one of the most formidable rosters in the CS2 scene heading into 2026.

A Defining Moment for CS2 in 2025

IEM Chengdu wasn’t just another stop on the circuit — it was a showcase of the game’s evolving meta, new stars, and emerging rivalries. FURIA’s blend of youthful aggression and veteran leadership proved unbeatable, and the event delivered a highlight reel that captured everything fans love about Counter-Strike: intensity, precision, and heart.

With FURIA’s rise, Vitality’s resilience, and a new generation of players like molodoy redefining expectations, Chengdu 2025 will be remembered as one of the most pivotal LANs in early CS2 history.