As Stage 3 of the Austin Major 2025 playoffs unfolded, fans were treated to a standout series that reminded everyone why FaZe Clan remains one of the most dangerous teams in Counter-Strike 2. In a thrilling matchup against the rising force of TheMongolz, FaZe delivered a confident and coordinated performance—powered in large part by the ever-iconic s1mple and the team’s veteran leadership.
This tournament marks a new chapter for FaZe, with their 2025 roster featuring a dangerous mix of experience and firepower: Rain, s1mple, Karrigan, Frozen, and EliGE. The team’s blend of mechanical skill and strategic depth was on full display as they took on one of Asia’s most aggressive teams.
s1mple, widely regarded as the greatest to ever touch the game, looked revitalized in FaZe colors. His precision and calm under pressure gave FaZe the edge in critical rounds. Whether it was holding off fast executes or finding opening picks through sheer instinct, s1mple once again showed why he’s in a league of his own.
But FaZe’s dominance wasn’t just about s1mple. Rain, the longest-standing member of the team, continued to deliver impactful plays, often anchoring sites with textbook positioning and raw aim. Karrigan, the in-game leader, orchestrated the team’s pacing beautifully—switching between slow defaults and explosive bursts that kept TheMongolz guessing all series long. Frozen brought consistency and rifling power, while EliGE—one of North America’s finest—added aggressive tempo and multi-frag potential on both sides of the map.
To their credit, TheMongolz showed why they’ve earned their spot on the Major stage. Their fast-paced, no-fear style caused problems for FaZe early in the series, especially on their T-side entries. But when the pressure mounted, their inexperience compared to FaZe’s veteran lineup became clear. Key clutches and retake scenarios repeatedly swung in FaZe’s favor.
With this victory, FaZe marches forward in the playoffs, eyes set on lifting the trophy in Austin. Their synergy is tightening with every map, and if they continue on this trajectory, it’s hard to imagine many teams stopping them.
The question now becomes: can anyone keep up with this version of FaZe?