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From heartbreak comebacks to flawless runs, the BLAST.tv Austin Major Playoffs are a showdown of styles, stories, and star power. Whether you're backing the titans like Vitality and Spirit or hoping for an underdog miracle from paiN or MongolZ, this is where CS2 history gets made.

After weeks of top-tier Counter-Strike 2 action, we’re finally at the business end of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025. The eight remaining teams are gearing up for a shot at CS2 glory in the heart of Texas at the Moody Center. Whether it’s powerhouse orgs, miracle runs, or regional pride on the line, the quarterfinal matchups are stacked.

Let’s break down how each team got here—and what to watch for in the upcoming showdowns.

Team Spirit vs. MOUZ – The Favorite vs. the Fighters

Team Spirit came into the tournament hot—and they haven’t cooled off. As defending Major champs, Spirit were one of the few teams directly invited to Stage 3, and they made quick work of it: 3-0 over paiN, Lynn Vision, and NAVI. Star player donk has been posting monster numbers (1.48 rating in Stage 3), and they look like the team to beat.

MOUZ? Their road was way bumpier. They played more maps than anyone in Stage 3 after two early losses to Virtus.pro and FaZe Clan. From there, it was do-or-die, and they delivered—clutching out 2-1 wins over Team Liquid, Aurora, and Legacy to just squeak into the playoffs. This one’s David vs. Goliath in the making… but MOUZ has pulled off miracles before.

Team Vitality vs. NAVI – The Heavyweight Throwdown

Vitality are ranked #1 in the world, but their path hasn’t been spotless. A shocking 13-3 loss to Legacy early in Stage 3 shook them up—but they recovered quickly, dispatching MOUZ, 3DMAX, and Virtus.pro to lock in their playoff berth.

NAVI, meanwhile, has looked like a tight unit all tournament. Wins over Nemiga, 3DMAX, and G2 got them here, with their only loss coming to a red-hot Spirit. If they can tighten up just a bit more, this is anyone’s game.

Vitality has the firepower, but NAVI has the chemistry—and this could be the quarterfinal to watch.

paiN Gaming vs. FURIA – A Brazilian Battle for the Ages

If you like regional rivalries, it doesn’t get better than this: paiN vs. FURIA. Both teams grinded their way from Stage 2, proving they belong among CS2’s elite.

paiN showed clutch DNA with big wins over FURIA (in an earlier stage), Nemiga, and Virtus.pro. They’ve been living on the edge but always seem to deliver when it counts.

FURIA’s been finding its rhythm too, especially with the revamped roster. FalleN’s leadership, a more supportive structure, and the inclusion of YEKINDAR have added both brains and brawn to their usual aggression.

Brazil will be watching. And honestly, so will everyone else.

FaZe Clan vs. The MongolZ – Experience vs. Grit

FaZe’s journey has been a little chaotic. They almost dropped out in Stage 2 but turned it around just in time. In Stage 3, they were clinical, beating MOUZ, Legacy, and MongolZ to punch their playoff ticket. With s1mple and frozen both hitting stride, they’re coming into this matchup looking dangerous.

But don’t sleep on The MongolZ. This squad just won the longest match of the Major so far—an epic 28-25 brawl with G2. They’ve got resilience, some real firepower (shoutout Techno4k and 910), and no fear heading into a rematch with FaZe.

This is experience vs. pure grind. FaZe might be favorites, but MongolZ won’t go down without a fight.

So… Who’s Taking the Trophy?

That’s the big question. Team Spirit looks dominant, Vitality has depth, NAVI feels dangerous, and FaZe is heating up. Then there’s the dark horses—MOUZ, paiN, FURIA, and MongolZ—each with a real shot if the stars align.

But CS2 has been unpredictable all tournament long. Upsets are no longer “surprising.” Every team here earned their spot.