What to expect from Wildcard v. FURIA

After a successful debut in IEM Katowice 2025 Stage 1 against BIG, Wildcard are set to play FURIA for a spot in Stage 2. Even though Wildcard are the underdog based on the Valve Ranking, it's certainly a doable mission as Joshua "JBa" Barutt seems to have found his mojo on European soil and FURIA are far from being one of the best teams in the world.

Wildcard have way less pressure coming to this game

Wildcard and FURIA aren't facing elimination yet as they have won their first match in the tournament. This could do wonders for a team like Wildcard, who are still walking their first steps in Europe after a successful campaign at the Perfect World Shanghai Major last year.

This, theoretically, allows Wildcard to stick to their game plan and not be afraid to take risks, which is something JBa mentioned to James BanKs after the victory against BIG.

"I'm just believing in myself and my teammates to play how I usually do, and not letting the pressure of any game get to me and not going for any plays," JBa said. "I'm just believing in myself."

FURIA, on the other hand, are a seasoned team that should qualify for Stage 2 no matter what.

FURIA still commit the same silly mistakes from last year

While the season has just started, FURIA already let down the fans this year as they missed the opportunity to play at the BLAST Bounty Season 1 Finals after losing to BetBoom.

The Brazilians had everything to win that match after securing the first map, but a succession of mistakes cost them Mirage and Anubis. With paiN being right behind their backs on the ranking, FURIA must secure a spot in Stage 2 to remain the highest-ranked team in Brazil.

Although FURIA defeated Imperial fe in the opening round, they almost lost on Mirage, the first map. Even Sidnei "sidde" Macedo, FURIA's head coach, said Imperial fe deserved to win on Mirage more than them.

Previous Matchups

These two teams previously faced each in the opening stage of the Perfect World Shanghai Major, where FURIA secured a 16-14 win Wildcard on Vertigo, a map that is no longer in the pool.

Likely vetoes

As FURIA had problems with Ancient in the past and Wildcard played it a lot last year, the Brazilians will likely ban it. Wildcard will probably ban Mirage again and try to draw FURIA to play on Dust2.

As for the decider, FURIA have no reason to risk playing Train as they haven't played it themselves nor Wildcard.

• Wildcard ban Mirage

• FURIA ban Ancient

• Wildcard pick Inferno

• FURIA pick Dust2

• Wildcard ban Anubis

• FURIA ban Train

• Nuke is left as the decider