IEM Melbourne Playoffs CS2 Betting Picks

The highly anticipated Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Melbourne 2025 playoffs commence on Friday, April 25, featuring thrilling matchups that promise to deliver high stakes and intense competition. The opening clash sees the formidable Team Falcons take on GamerLegion, followed by an exhilarating encounter between Team Liquid and The MongolZ. As part of our comprehensive coverage, we provide in-depth Counter-Strike 2 betting predictions for these key match-ups, powered by the latest esports odds from premier betting platforms in France.
Team Falcons vs GamerLegion: Betting Insights & Match Overview
Best Odds:
- Team Falcons: $1.37 at Betway
- GamerLegion: $3.06 at Betway
Match Timing:
- Date: April 25, 2025
- Time: 17:00 AEST
Watch Live:
- Streaming on Twitch: ESLCS
Team Falcons has made headlines with their strategic acquisition of Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov from G2 Esports, which has yielded significant results. The Saudi powerhouse surged through the group stage to reach the IEM Melbourne 2025 knockout stage, showcasing exceptional play with victories over SAW and a remarkable reverse-sweep against Natus Vincere. They also put up a strong fight against Team Vitality in the upper-bracket finals, positioning themselves as serious contenders.
In contrast, GamerLegion’s path to the playoffs has been somewhat unorthodox. Despite being seen as the underdogs, they will need to leverage their recent success against teams like 3DMAX and Complexity. However, doubts linger regarding their capability to perform against a more seasoned opponent like Team Falcons, which boasts a star-studded lineup even prior to m0NESY’s addition. The looming challenge will be to counter the devastating synergy between m0NESY and Nikola “NiKo” Kovač—a duo that presents a formidable threat to any opponent.
The MongolZ vs Team Liquid: Betting Insights & Match Overview
Best Odds:
- The MongolZ: $1.63 at Betway
- Team Liquid: $2.26 at Betway
Match Timing:
- Date: April 25, 2025
- Time: 20:00 AEST
Watch Live:
- Streaming on Twitch: ESLCS
Team Liquid has solidified their playoff position with impressive performances against heavyweight teams including Virtus.pro, MiBR, and Natus Vincere. Their recent success underscores the effectiveness of the new strategies implemented under the leadership of Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek. On the flip side, The MongolZ stumbled into the knockout stage, securing victories largely against underperforming teams such as Complexity and a struggling FaZe Clan.
Oddsmakers are currently favoring The MongolZ, but their performance since the ESL Pro League Season 21 raises concerns. Despite winning their last encounters, they have struggled to showcase consistency against more competitive teams. Conversely, Liquid, having faced The MongolZ earlier this month and suffered a 2-0 defeat, has shown measurable improvement since then. With an average performance rating that ranks among the lowest in the tournament and a concerning -7 K/D ratio, The MongolZ may not be the most reliable option for bettors.
Expert Betting Tips for Esports
As you prepare for the upcoming matches, consider these key insights:
- Evaluate Recent Performance: Historical matchups provide context, but pay close attention to recent form—especially in high-stress playoff contests.
- Check for Roster Changes: Player swaps, like that of m0NESY, can significantly affect team dynamics and performance.
- Monitor Betting Trends: Betting lines can shift based on public sentiment and insider insights; be on the lookout for value bets ahead of the matches.
With the stakes being high, these playoffs are set to redefine the competitive esports landscape. Stay updated and place your bets wisely!