A Rocky Start, a Resounding Finish

The path to victory was not without its challenges. MOUZ faced a tough start in the Swiss stage, where they had to overcome opponents like BIG and Virtus.pro to secure a spot in the playoffs. They started strong by defeating BIG 2-0, then continued their momentum with another 2-0 victory against 3DMAX. However, they then faced a setback, losing 0-2 to FaZe Clan. The pressure was on as they faced Falcons; a close 1-2 loss put them in a must-win situation in the final round of the Swiss stage. MOUZ rallied and triumphed over Virtus.pro 2-1, securing their place in the playoffs.

In the quarterfinals, MOUZ faced paiN Gaming, a team making their first appearance in a big tournament playoff. Despite paiN’s strong run, MOUZ proved too strong, winning the match 2-0. They then faced a formidable Astralis in the semifinals. The series was a nail-biter, with Astralis initially taking the lead on Inferno. However, MOUZ showcased their resilience, bouncing back from an 8-round deficit to win on Inferno and Ancient, securing a 2-1 victory and a spot in the grand final.

The grand final against Falcons was a rollercoaster of emotions. MOUZ started strong, dominating Dust2 with a score of 13-6. Falcons answered back with a convincing win on Mirage (13-4), showcasing their own championship aspirations. The tension was palpable as the series moved to Nuke. MOUZ regained their footing, edging out a 13-11 win. Finally, on Ancient, MOUZ held their nerve and closed out the series with a 13-9 victory, claiming the PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 title.

Tournament Details

PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 was held in Romania from February 14th to 23rd, 2025. Sixteen teams battled it out for a share of the $1,250,000 prize pool. The tournament used a Swiss system format for the group stage, which took place in Bucharest. The top eight teams then advanced to a single-elimination playoff bracket, held at the BT Arena in Cluj-Napoca.

Brollan’s Leadership Shines

Ludvig “Brollan” Brolin’s performance at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 was nothing short of remarkable. In his first tournament as MOUZ in-game leader, he faced immense pressure and scrutiny.

However, Brollan silenced the doubters with a commanding performance in Cluj-Napoca. He demonstrated exceptional composure and tactical acumen, leading MOUZ through a challenging Swiss stage and into a dominant playoff run. His leadership was instrumental in their victories over tough opponents like Astralis and Falcons.

Brollan’s own words after the victory perfectly capture the significance of this achievement: “I’m fucking happy,” he said with a huge smile on his face. “I’m working really hard for this, and it finally showed that I can actually call and be a leader, and try to improve from it. The last weeks have been really exhausting and I’m just really happy we managed to win this tournament.” This victory is not just a testament to Brollan’s individual skill but also a validation of MOUZ decision to place their faith in him as their new leader.

Individual Brilliance and Team Synergy

While Brollan’s leadership was a defining factor, MOUZ triumph was undoubtedly a team effort. Each player played a crucial role, and their individual brilliance combined with excellent team synergy was on full display throughout the tournament.

Dorian “xertioN” Berman was a standout performer, consistently delivering impactful plays and clutch moments. His performance in the grand final was particularly impressive, achieving a 1.21 rating and playing key roles in securing victories on Dust2 and Ancient. This earned him a well-deserved EVP award.

Lotan “Spinx” Giladi, the newest addition to the MOUZ roster, also proved his worth with crucial rounds and impactful peaks, particularly on Inferno against Astralis and on Nuke against Falcons in the final. His addition to the team has undoubtedly bolstered their firepower and added a new dimension to their strategic approach.

Overcoming Adversity

MOUZ journey to victory at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 was a story of overcoming adversity. They faced early setbacks in the Swiss stage, losing to FaZe Clan and Falcons, putting them in a precarious position. Furthermore, the decision to change their in-game leader just before the tournament added another layer of complexity and pressure.

However, MOUZ demonstrated remarkable resilience and mental fortitude. They bounced back from their losses, adapted to their new leadership, and ultimately delivered a championship-winning performance. Coach Dennis “sycrone” Nielsen emphasized this, stating, “For this group of people, it’s a long time coming. I think it was a team effort today — everyone was mentally in the zone, even without winning pistols.”

This win is not just a significant achievement in itself but also a powerful statement of intent for the future. MOUZ has proven their doubters wrong and shown the world that they are a force to be reckoned with in the CS scene. With their new lineup firing on all cylinders, the future looks bright for MOUZ.