IEM Cologne 2025 Stage 2 betting preview, odds & predictions

Intel Extreme Masters Cologne 2025 rolls into Day 2 of the group stage, with upper-bracket semifinal spots up for grabs across both groups. Sixteen of the world’s top Counter-Strike 2 teams are battling for a US$1 million prize pool, with Stage 2 seeing dominant wins for the likes of MOUZ, Team Vitality, and Aurora Gaming. Here’s our expert IEM Cologne betting preview for Friday’s schedule.

MOUZ vs TEAM LIQUID

Best Odds: MOUZ -500 at BetOnline | Liquid +320 at SportsBetting
When: July 27, 2025 | 10:30 CEST
Watch Live: Twitch

MOUZ and Team Liquid meet in Group B’s lower bracket after mixed results during the play-in. MOUZ swept FaZe Clan and looked sharp, while Liquid battled past paiN Gaming and edged out FlyQuest to qualify. Liquid have momentum from two close series, but MOUZ present a much tougher challenge with their superior map control and fragging depth.

• 

  Fast Payouts

Given how one-sided their last encounter was, there’s little reason to think the result will change here. MOUZ should dominate again.

TEAM SPIRIT vs HEROIC

Best Odds: Spirit -769.23 at BetOnline | Heroic +430 at SportsBetting
When: July 28, 2025 | 10:30 CEST
Watch Live: Twitch

Heroic and Team Spirit face off again after qualifying via the play-in bracket. Spirit shut out Virtus.pro and TYLOO to progress with ease, while Heroic had to scrap through with a lower-bracket win over Virtus.pro. The CIS side has looked sharp throughout the year, while Heroic are still figuring out their identity following a string of roster moves.

• 

  The bookies' bookie

The gap in form is significant, and Team Spirit should cruise through.

TEAM FALCONS vs THE MONGOLZ

Best Odds: Falcons -192.31 at BetOnline | MongolZ +140 at SportsBetting
When: July 28, 2025 | 12:30 CEST
Watch Live: Twitch

The MongolZ shocked many with their 2-0 win over 3DMAX and followed up by beating Ninjas in Pyjamas in the group stage opener. Falcons earned their spot through wins against GamerLegion and The MongolZ in the play-in, and now must do it again. While Falcons have the better fundamentals, MongolZ are in red-hot form.

With MongolZ growing in confidence, there’s real upset potential.

GAMERLEGION vs 3DMAX

Best Odds: GamerLegion -161.29 at BetOnline | 3DMAX +120 at SportsBetting
When: July 28, 2025 | 12:30 CEST
Watch Live: Twitch

GamerLegion came through the play-ins with wins over Complexity and Virtus.pro but couldn’t maintain that level against Falcons. 3DMAX have been streaky throughout the year and looked flat in their loss to MongolZ. This matchup could swing either way depending on map vetoes and early momentum.

Given the closely matched form, the over offers value.

G2 ESPORTS vs TEAM VITALITY

Best Odds: G2 +450 at SportsBetting | Vitality -833.33 at BetOnline
When: July 28, 2025 | 15:30 CEST
Watch Live: Twitch

Vitality looked elite in their opener against Astralis and continue to build around their core trio. G2, who fought through the play-ins with a win over FURIA, shocked many by sweeping them again in groups. However, Vitality’s consistency and discipline should prove a tougher challenge.

• 

  Fast Payouts

While G2 could pinch a map, the favourites should prove too strong overall.

FURIA ESPORTS vs ASTRALIS

Best Odds: FURIA -113.64 at BetOnline | Astralis -117.65 at SportsBetting
When: July 28, 2025 | 15:30 CEST
Watch Live: Twitch

FURIA edged past Astralis in the play-in to qualify, but then fell flat against G2 in groups. Astralis earned a lower-bracket slot with wins over B8 and paiN, and despite a 0-2 loss to Vitality, they’ve been fairly solid structurally. This one should be a close brawl between two high-variance teams.

• 

  The bookies' bookie

A true coin flip on paper, but Astralis’ fundamentals give them a slight edge.