With IEM Melbourne 2025 set to kick off in a few days’ time, it’s time to start looking at the eight opening matches set to kick off the event. On paper, there are some matches that should be completely one-sided, while others look set to go the distance. The good thing about Counter-Strike, though, is that it isn’t played on paper, and matchups are always more complex in practice than in theory. Let’s take a look at all the opening matches at IEM Melbourne, and see if we can predict the score for each one!
FaZe Clan vs. paiN Gaming
Credit: Sebastian Pandelache | PGL
FaZe Clan haven’t looked to be improving of late, and there’s no reason to suggest they’re among the IEM Melbourne 2025 favorites. However, it’s important to note that paiN Gaming are coming into this one without IGL biguzera on medical grounds, with their coach rikz instead filling in on the server. As a result, it’s hard to see anything other than a clean FaZe sweep here – anything else would be of great concern.
Our prediction: FaZe Clan 2:0 paiN Gaming
The MongolZ vs. Complexity
Credit: Luc Bouchon | ESL
The MongolZ are in a pretty rough moment right now, having seen a dip in form of late. Meanwhile, Complexity are on the exact opposite trajectory, having had an excellent run at PGL Bucharest 2025 and securing their slot at the BLAST Austin Major. On paper, The MongolZ are still the better team, but I’m putting my faith in current form to determine the result of this opening series at IEM Melbourne 2025.
Our prediction: The MongolZ 1:2 Complexity
MOUZ vs. BIG
Credit: Helena Kristiansson | ESL
After three Grand Final appearances in a row, it’s fair to call MOUZ an elite team at this point. They come into their IEM Melbourne opening match against BIG as heavy favorites, and although we’ve not seen them in the server for a hot minute, there’s no doubt about who the winner should be in this one.
Our prediction: MOUZ 2:0 BIG
3DMAX vs. GamerLegion
Credit: Sebastian Pandelache | PGL
GamerLegion are still reeling from their failure to qualify for the BLAST Austin Major, while 3DMAX seem to be on the up-and-up since the addition of bodyy to the roster. I’m expecting this match to be extremely close between these two teams, although I have to give the edge to the French roster based on their strong recent form alone.
Our prediction: 3DMAX 2:1 GamerLegion
Vitality vs. FlyQuest
Credit: Helena Kristiansson | ESL
Vitality are easily the big favorites to win IEM Melbourne 2025, while FlyQuest are arguably the worst team at the event. I’ll be absolutely flabbergasted if we don’t see a clean Vitality sweep in this one – neither map should even be close, either. If you’re an IEM Melbourne betting man, then Vitality are pretty much your only choice here.
Our prediction: Vitality 2:0 FlyQuest
Liquid vs. Virtus.pro
Credit: Sebastian Pandelache | PGL
Team Liquid‘s debut under siuhy at PGL Bucharest 2025 was nothing short of a disaster, with the team not even managing a single map win before bombing out. Taking on Virtus.pro is another tough test, one that I’m not sure they’ll be fully ready to overcome in such a short space of time, given how bad it looked last time out. I think improvements will have been made, of course, which is why I’m predicting a map win at least. Still, I think VP take the series.
Our prediction: Liquid 1:2 Virtus.pro
Falcons vs. SAW
Credit: Helena Kristiansson | ESL
Falcons vs. SAW is one of the most anticipated matches on day one of IEM Melbourne 2025. The match is m0NESY’s debut in a Falcons jersey as he reunites with NiKo for the first time, so expectations will obviously be very high to kick things off. I don’t think things will look perfect for the team, but there’s more than enough firepower on this roster now to ensure Falcons can take a clean sweep against SAW.
Our prediction: Falcons 2:0 SAW
NAVI vs. MIBR
Credit: Luc Bouchon | ESL
It has been over three weeks since we last saw NAVI in action at BLAST Open Spring 2025, where the team faced a disappointing exit at the hands of Spirit. It’s been the story of the year so far, but they’re still more than good enough to take down MIBR to open up IEM Melbourne 2025. For the Brazilian team, the transfer of Lucaozy has been a massive disappointment and hasn’t helped take them up a level in 2025 as they might have hoped.
Our prediction: NAVI 2:0 MIBR