In a stunning display at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025, MOUZ clinched the championship with a decisive 3-1 victory over Team Falcons in the Grand Final. This triumph marked a significant milestone for the organization, securing their first arena event win since December 2019, when they were known as mousesports and won the ESL Pro League Season 10 Finals.
The journey to this victory has been particularly poignant for the core trio of Dorian "xertioN" Berman, Ádám "torzsi" Torzsás, and Jimi "Jimpphat" Salo. Despite previous successes in studio events alongside former in-game leader Kamil "siuhy" Szkaradek, an arena trophy had remained elusive - until now.
A Dominant Victory for MOUZ
The best-of-five Grand Final kicked off on Dust 2, a map selected by Falcons but dominated by MOUZ. An 8-4 lead on the CT side set the stage for an unexpected map one victory for the Hamburg-based team. However, MOUZ faltered on their own pick, Mirage, managing only two T-side rounds and conceding the map 4-13, allowing Falcons to equalize the series at 1-1.
NIKO THE KING OF CONNECTOR pic.twitter.com/NhgxAcFINL
— Falcons Esports (@FalconsEsport) February 23, 2025
Nuke, the third map, proved to be the most competitive. Opting to start on the CT side, MOUZ secured a 9-3 advantage. Falcons mounted a formidable comeback, with Nikola "NiKo" Kovač delivering an ace in the pistol round, but a critical 1v1 clutch by torzsi halted their momentum, enabling MOUZ to edge out a 13-11 win.
I couldn't have been closer than that pic.twitter.com/8W3uCed3iq
— MOUZ (@mousesports) February 23, 2025
The final map, Ancient, saw MOUZ decisively claim the championship with a 13-9 victory. NiKo, who had been instrumental throughout the tournament and earned the event's MVP honors, struggled on this map, particularly in opening duels, going 2:9 and often being outmaneuvered in Mid. Post-match, NiKo candidly acknowledged his difficulties, expressing disappointment in his performance during the crucial moments.
I lost us the game on ancient, unlucky, we live and learn
— NiKo (@G2NiKo) February 23, 2025
Spinx’s Perfect Debut and Brollan’s Redemption
This tournament also marked the debut of Lotan "Spinx" Giladi with MOUZ, following his recent addition to the roster after siuhy's benching a month prior. Spinx's integration into the team was seamless, contributing significantly to their success and dispelling any uncertainties surrounding the lineup change.
CHAMPIONS We crown ourselves proud winners of PGL Cluj-Napoca with a 3-1 victory over Falcons. Very few believed in it in the beginning, but we never lost track of our goal. Big thanks to all the MOUZ fans out there for their relentless support! Today we celebrate, tomorrow... pic.twitter.com/LUjKXj9n3b
— MOUZ (@mousesports) February 23, 2025
Ludvig "Brollan" Brolin, who assumed leadership duties amidst skepticism, led MOUZ to this monumental victory, his first arena trophy since DreamHack Masters Malmö 2019.
"I'm incredibly happy. I've been working tirelessly for this moment, proving to myself and others that I can lead and elevate the team. The past weeks have been exhausting, but this triumph makes it all worthwhile." - Brollan
Despite the championship win, MOUZ's T-side performances on Mirage and Nuke raised some concerns, with the team securing only two and four rounds, respectively.
While NiKo and René "TeSeS" Madsen's exceptional defensive play on Mirage accounted for some of these struggles, the team recognizes areas for improvement moving forward.
Falcons Fall Short but Show Promise
For Team Falcons, the runner-up finish, especially after a challenging 2024 season, signifies a remarkable turnaround. Their path to the final included impressive victories over Eternal Fire and FaZe in the playoffs. Although the Grand Final outcome was disappointing, the team's performance throughout the tournament, bolstered by NiKo's MVP-worthy contributions, signals a promising future for the revitalized roster.
NiKo takes PGL Cluj-Napoca MVP https://t.co/G5AwRahqzX
— HLTV.org (@HLTVorg) February 23, 2025
As the CS community reflects on PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025, MOUZ's resurgence and Team Falcons' revitalization underscore the dynamic and evolving landscape of competitive Counter-Strike. With this victory, MOUZ has shattered doubts, while Falcons have proven they are no longer a team to be underestimated.