Match Overview
The IEM Katowice 2025 Grand Final delivered everything fans could hope for. FaZe Clan and G2 Esports, the two highest-ranked teams entering the tournament, clashed in an epic five-map series that showcased the absolute peak of CS2 competition. This analysis breaks down the key tactical elements that decided the outcome.
Map 1: Mirage (16-13, FaZe)
FaZe's Mirage pick immediately established the tempo they wanted. Their CT-side setup utilized an aggressive mid-presence that disrupted G2's default executes.
Key Strategic Elements
FaZe CT Setup
Karrigan positioned broky in an unconventional window spot, taking early aggressive peeks. This forced G2 to invest utility clearing angles rather than executing onto sites.
G2 T-Side Adaptation
HooXi called for split executes, attempting to isolate defenders. However, FaZe's rotation speed through connector negated these advantages.
Pivotal Round Analysis: Round 18
With the score at 10-7 favoring FaZe, G2 needed momentum on their T-side. The round began with a standard A-split setup, but ropz's patience on short proved decisive. Holding his position for 45 seconds, he gathered information that allowed karrigan to stack the correct site. When G2 finally executed, they faced a three-player crossfire that ended the round in seconds.
Map 1 Statistics
Map 2: Ancient (12-16, G2)
G2's map pick demonstrated their preparation depth. Ancient has become one of NiKo's strongest maps, and G2's approach maximized his impact.
G2's Winning Formula
The key to G2's Ancient success was their mid control. m0NESY repeatedly won the opening duel at mid doors, creating map control that forced FaZe into reactive positions. This mid presence opened both sites for G2's late-round executes.
Tactical Note
G2 ran an unusual 2-1-2 CT setup, with huNter- playing an aggressive cave position. This departure from standard Ancient defense caught FaZe's T-side off guard in the opening rounds.
NiKo finished with 28 kills, including a memorable 1v3 clutch in round 21 that broke FaZe's economy and secured G2's map victory.
Map 3: Inferno (16-11, FaZe)
FaZe's Inferno showcased why they remain the world's best team on the map. Their banana control and apartment pressure created constant dilemmas for G2's defense.
FaZe's Banana Dominance
Rain and frozen established early banana control in 9 of 15 T-side rounds. This consistent pressure forced G2 to invest heavy utility, leaving them exposed to A-site executes with diminished resources.
Round 24 Breakdown
The championship point round demonstrated FaZe's composure. Leading 15-11, they executed a patient default, gathering information for 90 seconds before committing to a B-split. The execution was textbook, with ropz's entry frag opening the site for a comfortable plant and post-plant setup.
Map 4: Nuke (16-14, G2)
G2's Nuke kept their championship hopes alive in dramatic fashion. The map went to overtime, with both teams trading rounds in tense back-and-forth action.
Overtime Analysis
G2's overtime CT-side relied heavily on aggressive ramp plays from huNter-. His opening kills in rounds 31 and 33 gave G2 the early advantages they needed to close the map.
m0NESY's clutch performance in round 32, a 1v2 with just 20 seconds remaining, shifted momentum decisively. His AWP shot through secret connected with frozen, leaving him in a favorable 1v1 against rain that he won with calm precision.
Map 5: Anubis (16-12, FaZe)
The decider map showcased why FaZe earned the number one ranking. Their Anubis preparation featured innovative utility usage and rotations that G2 struggled to counter.
FaZe's Winning Adjustments
- Early B control: FaZe immediately contested B main, denying G2's preferred setup positions
- Mid aggression: Karrigan took mid duels with rifles, saving AWP resources for post-plant
- Rotation denial: Utility blocked connector rotations, isolating defenders
The Championship Point
With match point at 15-12, FaZe executed a B-split that demonstrated their championship pedigree. Perfect timing saw rain's flash blind two defenders as ropz entered, securing the opening kill. Broky's AWP covered the rotation from A, picking off nexa and ending G2's resistance.
Final Verdict
FaZe's victory came through superior tactical depth and clutch performances from their veteran core. While G2's firepower kept them competitive throughout, karrigan's in-game leadership proved the deciding factor in crucial moments.
Key Takeaways
Experience Matters
FaZe's veteran roster made fewer mistakes in high-pressure situations, converting close rounds into victories.
Utility Economy
Both teams demonstrated the importance of utility management in CS2. Wasteful early-round utility often led to disadvantaged retakes.
AWP Impact
broky and m0NESY traded highlight plays throughout. The AWP remains the highest-impact weapon when used effectively.
Adaptation Speed
FaZe's ability to read G2's tendencies and adjust mid-series proved crucial, particularly on the decider map.