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The Thunderpick World Championship 2025 is set to heat up Malta next week, bringing together eight top Counter-Strike 2 teams from around the globe for five days of action from October 15 to 19. Ahead of the LAN finals, the organisers have revealed both the opening match-ups and the full broadcast talent lineup.

The groups and opening matches

The tournament’s structure sees two groups of four teams each. Group A features FURIA, The MongolZ, OG, and 9z, while Group B includes Natus Vincere, Aurora, Imperial, and Venom.

Here’s how the opening fixtures line up (CET time):

  • FURIA vs OG – October 15, 10:30 CET
  • The MongolZ vs 9z – October 15, 13:30 CET
  • Aurora vs Venom – October 15, 16:30 CET
  • Natus Vincere vs Imperial – October 15, 19:30 CET

The defending champions The MongolZ will be looking to bounce back after a rough showing at ESL Pro League, where they crashed out in 11th place at the hands of NAVI. Meanwhile, FURIA are expected to make a statement after a solid year, and fans are already calling them early favourites.

Star-studded broadcast team

Thunderpick has assembled an impressive lineup of on-air talent to guide fans through the event. Hosting duties will be shared between Tres “stunna” Saranthus (United States) and Sam “Tech Girl” Wright (South Africa).

The desk will feature Janko “YNk” Paunović, Sudhen “Bleh” Wahengbam, Allan “Allan” Hender, and Travis “Trav” Landaw Mott, offering expert insight throughout the tournament. Geordie “Mac” McAleer will handle interviews live from the stage.

In the casting booths, fans will hear from two of Counter-Strike’s most popular duos: Hugo “Hugo” Byron and Harry “JustHarry” Russell, alongside Chad “SPUNJ” Burchill and Alex “Machine” Richardson.

It’s a lineup that’s got the community buzzing. As one HLTV user put it, “They got both of the best casting duos for this. even more reason to watch.”

What’s at stake

The Thunderpick World Championship 2025 may not be the biggest event of the year, but with a stacked talent roster, a Maltese LAN setting, and some of Counter-Strike’s most exciting teams, it’s shaping up to be one of the most entertaining stops on the CS2 calendar.

Will FURIA live up to expectations? Can The MongolZ reclaim their dominance? Or will NAVI remind everyone why they’ve long been a powerhouse?

One thing’s certain, Malta’s about to host a week of Counter-Strike you won’t want to miss.