In the IEM Cologne group stage held on July 23, 2025, FaZe Clan defeated the German local powerhouse BIG 2-0 and successfully advanced to the knockout stage. This is not only their key victory in this tournament, but also the first outstanding performance after Broky’s return. This victory also once again proves FaZe’s foundation and resilience in key games.
Game Overview: FaZe is in full swing, BIG is unable to resist
This matchup was held in the second round of the winner’s group of Group A, and the map pool was Ancient selected by FaZe and Vertigo selected by BIG. Although BIG made sufficient preparations in map selection, FaZe took the initiative with stronger execution and personal ability.
Ancient (FaZe’s choice): 13-8
FaZe controlled the rhythm from the beginning, and scored five points in a row at the beginning. Rain and Ropz took turns to expand their advantage steadily. Although BIG tried to stop the bleeding through k1to’s multiple kills, FaZe’s tight defense system failed to effectively break the situation.
Vertigo (BIG’s choice): 13-10
Vertigo once seemed to be BIG’s hope for a comeback. They played a 6-6 game balance on the offensive side, and faveN and tabseN’s mid-lane control was effective for a while. But after entering the second half, FaZe’s endgame handling was obviously better. Broky’s triple kill in the key game locked the victory, showing his strength as a top AWPer.
Broky returns, FaZe is complete again
This is the first time Broky has returned to the game since his short-term departure. Although his condition was a little rusty, his calm handling of key rounds and his operation in the endgame proved that he is still an indispensable part of FaZe’s system.
In this game:
broky had a total of 33 kills / 21 deaths, ADR 81.2, Rating 1.21
ropz was in excellent condition, 39 kills / 18 deaths, ADR 95.7, Rating as high as 1.34
rain also contributed many first kills and bursts at the beginning of the round, which was an important driving force for the offensive rhythm.
BIG’s home advantage failed to turn into a winning advantage
Although BIG, as a home team, received warm support from the German audience, from the overall performance, they still need to improve in key round handling and team coordination.
Especially on the Ancient map, BIG’s T side seemed to have a single tactic, and was continuously suppressed by FaZe’s mid lane and disrupted the rhythm. On Vertigo, BIG’s advantage only lasted to the mid-term, lacking sufficient resource operation and endgame harvesting capabilities.
Although k1to and faveN performed well, tabseN and krimbo failed to play a core role and ultimately failed to shake FaZe.
Team data comparison (Source: HLTV)
| Statistic | FaZe | BIG |
| Average Rating | 1.18 | 0.97 |
| Total Kills | 124 | 101 |
| Headshot Percentage | 54% | 49% |
| Pistol Round Win Rate | 75% (3 out of 4) | 25% (1 out of 4) |
| Entry Frag Conversion | 83% | 60% |
Post-match voice: FaZe is full of fighting spirit and aims at the championship
In the post-match interview, FaZe head coach RobbaN said: “Broky’s return has brought great stability to the team. We played very united in this game, and everyone knows their responsibilities. This is our biggest advantage.”
Rain also said: “Our current goal is to win the championship. No one comes to Cologne just to stop in the knockout stage.”
As for BIG, tabseN admitted: “FaZe is very well prepared, especially in map control, which almost gives us no chance. We still need more running-in.”
Conclusion
This victory is not only a victory of FaZe’s tactics and teamwork, but also a concentrated reflection of the team’s confidence after Broky’s return. After a brief fluctuation, FaZe once again demonstrated their dominance on the world stage.
Next, FaZe will face another strong team in the knockout stage (the opponent will be determined by the loser group qualifiers), and their performance has undoubtedly aroused the high vigilance of other powerful teams.
If FaZe can maintain their current competitive form, they will undoubtedly be one of the favorites to win the IEM Cologne 2025 championship. Although BIG fell into the loser group, they still have hope of qualifying and need to make quick adjustments in subsequent games. Continue to follow more CS2 news.