After two fast-paced days of group stage action at BLAST Rivals 2025, the six playoff teams have been decided. Pinnacle breaks down each contender ahead of the knockout matches.
Playoffs Team-by-Team Preview
Vitality
Team Vitality is dominating the competitive scene like never before. They've just claimed their fourth consecutive championship title while maintaining an incredible 23-match win streak - boasting a perfect 100% win rate over the last three months. This historic run has now tied them for second place in the all-time LAN win streak records, equalling Team Liquid's incredible run in 2019. With just one more victory, Vitality will surpass Liquid's record and secure sole possession of the second-longest streak in history. Given this phenomenal form, they stand as the undisputed favorites to win the current tournament.
MOUZ
MOUZ has undoubtedly established themselves as a top-tier team, currently ranked #2 by Valve and #3 on HLTV. However, Team Vitality remains their kryptonite - MOUZ has now suffered six consecutive losses against them, with their last victory dating back to IEM Rio on October 11, 2024 (203 days ago). All eyes will be on how MOUZ adapts for their upcoming playoff rematch.
Wildcard
Wildcard enters the playoffs as the ultimate underdog, currently ranked #30 in both HLTV and Valve's rankings - the lowest among all six qualifying teams. After defeating South America's paiN Gaming in the lower bracket to claim their playoff spot, they now face their biggest challenge yet. With minimal top-tier tournament experience, Wildcard's playoff run will be a true test of their potential against the world's best.
Spirit
Team Spirit lost their #1 ranking to Vitality after falling to them in the BLAST Open Lisbon 2025 semifinals. Following a month-long break from top-tier competition, they've returned with a dominant 2-0 sweep against FaZe in their group stage opener. Now, with momentum on their side, Spirit is determined to reclaim their throne as the world's best team.
Falcons
Falcons currently hold the #3 spot in Valve's rankings and #8 on HLTV - the largest discrepancy between these rankings of any top team. After claiming their first championship at PGL Bucharest 2025, they strengthened their roster by adding Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov. The new lineup has maintained impressive momentum, finishing as runners-up at IEM Melbourne 2025 (narrowly missing a second trophy). With these consistent performances, Falcons have firmly established themselves among the elite alongside teams like Spirit and Vitality.
FaZe
FaZe currently sits at #8 in Valve's rankings and #9 on HLTV, marking a significant decline from their #1 position just one year ago. The team has yet to secure any major achievements in 2025, gradually falling behind the current elite squads. Robin “ropz” Kool's departure appears to have had a substantial impact - while FaZe remains consistent enough to reach playoffs, they now lack the firepower to seriously compete for trophies.
