The PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 opening matches are set to get underway, kicking off the first Swiss Group Stage we’ve seen in Counter-Strike for what feels like quite some time. 16 teams are set to take to the server tomorrow – here are our predictions for how it’ll go down!
MOUZ vs. BIG
Credit: Luc Bouchon | ESL
The opening match of PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 is bound to be one of the most interesting: MOUZ vs. BIG, where the narrative is focused on Spinx’s debut. MOUZ didn’t fare too well with a stand-in at IEM Katowice, but now, with their full lineup, they should be ready to make some noise in Romania. Meanwhile, the less said about BIG, the better, based on their recent form.
Despite the disparity of the individual quality here, I still think that Brollan as IGL is not the play for MOUZ. It’s not his fault, but his lack of experience could see the team dragged into scrappy battles in series they should be winning with ease.
Our prediction: MOUZ 2:1 BIG
3DMAX vs. Virtus.pro
Credit: Enos Ku | ESL
Virtus.pro looked better than most expected at IEM Katowice 2025, and lost all momentum when they were forced to use a stand-in in the Playoffs. Still, there’s a lot of positivity around this team coming into PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025. Meanwhile, bodyy has replaced Djoko on 3DMAX, in what feels like a sideways step at best.
For this matchup, I don’t expect 3DMAX to have much to offer Virtus.pro. With FL4MUS back in the team, it’s likely VP will be able to sweep this series in convincing fashion, barring any major disasters.
Our prediction: 3DMAX 0:2 Virtus.pro
FaZe vs. SAW
Credit: Enos Ku | ESL
FaZe Clan‘s start with EliGE replacing ropz hasn’t been totally smooth sailing, but it should still prove to be a lot better than SAW ever since they lost arrozdoce and ewjerkz to Ninjas in Pyjamas.
Player for player, there’s just no real competition here. SAW haven’t been in good form, and there’s absolutely nothing to suggest they have anything to offer against FaZe. Anything beyond a clean sweep in this PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 opening match would be a massive surprise, and a moral win for SAW.
Our prediction: FaZe 2:0 SAW
Falcons vs. FlyQuest
Credit: Helena Kristiansson | ESL
It’s been a mixed bag of results to start 2025 for the new Falcons roster. They’ve beaten the teams they’re supposed to beat on paper, and lost against the theoretical better teams. Meanwhile, FlyQuest‘s addition of regali hasn’t exactly done much to push the team forward in place of aliStair.
I reckon this one will be a two-map affair in favor of Falcons, but I’d expect both to be pretty competitive. It would be incredibly disappointing to see this freshened-up FlyQuest immediately get dumpstered by Falcons.
Our prediction: Falcons 2:0 FlyQuest
The MongolZ vs. Complexity
Credit: Enos Ku | ESL
The MongolZ have had a great start to 2025, kicking their year off with a Semi-Finals run at IEM Katowice 2025. You couldn’t ask for better progress from the team, who just look to get better and better with each passing month. Then, you have Complexity. Neither of new signings cxzi and nicx have done much to suggest they belong on this team so far, but there’s still time for Complexity’s risk to pay off.
It won’t be here, though. The MongolZ have Complexity beaten in every single aspect of Counter-Strike. They shoot harder, and tactically, they’re a level above. Expect this series to be quick, and for Complexity, making it relatively competitive should be seen as a win.
Our prediction: The MongolZ 2:0 Complexity
MIBR vs. Wildcard
Credit: Enos Ku | ESL
In MIBR vs. Wildcard at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025, you have two teams struggling for relevancy while continuing to attend Tier 1 events. Wildcard exploded onto the scene at the Shanghai Major, while MIBR continue to adapt to the addition of Lucaozy a few months ago, which hasn’t been going to plan at all so far.
Wildcard may not be the PGL Cluj-Napoca betting favorite in this matchup, but there’s a clutch factor about this team that I can’t quantify with actual stats. They just seem to pass the eye test, which is why I have them edging this one in what should be a tight contest.
Our prediction: MIBR 1:2 Wildcard
pain Gaming vs. Astralis
Credit: Helena Kristiansson | ESL
I rate this paiN Gaming roster so much higher than Astralis right now. The Brazilian team have a solid mix of youth and experience, while the Danes remain committed to their “2022 and 2023 Heroic reborn” experiment that isn’t quite going to plan.
Astralis have some quality, but are just constantly undermined by their own silly mistakes. Yes, paiN Gaming are quite a brawly team on the server, and that should be enough to allow them to see out a series win here, even if it’s over three maps.
Our prediction: paiN Gaming 2:1 Astralis
Eternal Fire vs. Imperial Valkyries
Credit: Enos Ku | ESL
It’s good to see Imperial Valkyries continue to get experience against top teams, after some solid showings against NAVI and FURIA so far in 2025. Eternal Fire are coming off the back of a disappointing IEM Katowice campaign, but still have a solid showing at BLAST Bounty to fall back on this year.
Despite some signs of brightness in Imperial Valkyries, I just don’t see this being the series where they finally get that Tier 1 map win on LAN. Eternal Fire are a level above at the moment, and I’m struggling to see anything beyond a clean sweep. I’d love to see Imperial get a map win for the record books, though.
Our prediction: Eternal Fire 2:0 Imperial Valkyries