Six Invitational 2025 Playoffs: Preview, Schedule and Opening Matches
The group stage of the Six Invitational 2025 has concluded, and the top 16 teams are set to battle it out in the playoffs. With a double-elimination format in place, every team has a shot at redemption, but only one can claim the title and lift the prestigious hammer as the 2024-25 season champion.
Let’s take a closer look at the playoff format, matchups, and key storylines heading into the final phase of the tournament.
Playoff Format
The Six Invitational 2025 playoffs will follow a double-elimination bracket, meaning teams have to lose twice before being eliminated. Here’s how the teams entered the bracket from the Group Stage:
- 1st place teams from each group advanced directly to Upper Bracket Round Quarterfinals.
- 2nd and 3rd place teams from each group start in Upper Bracket Round 1.
- The 2nd place teams got to choose their first opponent from the 3rd place finishers, with pick order determined by their group stage performance.
- 4th place teams were sent to the Lower Bracket Round 1.
- 5th place teams have been eliminated from the tournament.
All matches will be Bo3 except for the Grand Final, which will be a Bo5 with no map advantage. The action kicks off on February 9, leading up to the Grand Final on February 16.
Opening Matchups
The first round of the Upper Bracket features some thrilling matchups between teams hungry for glory.
Upper Bracket Round 1
- FaZe Clan vs Spacestation Gaming (4 pm CET | 10 am EST)
- Unwanted vs w7m esports (4 pm CET | 10 am EST)
- M80 vs DarkZero (7:30 pm CET | 1:30 pm EST)
- Shopify Rebellion vs RazaH Company Academy (7:30 pm CET | 1:30 pm EST)
The winners will move on to face the following teams in the Upper Bracket Quarterfinals:
- G2 Esports (11 pm CET | 5 pm EST)
- Team BDS (11 pm CET | 5 pm EST)
- FURIA (2:30 am CET next day | 6 pm EST)
- Virtus.pro (2:30 am CET next day | 6 pm EST)
Meanwhile the losers will drop to the Lower Bracket for a second chance.
Lower Bracket First Matches
The losing teams from the Upper Bracket Round 1 will drop into the Lower Bracket, where they’ll face off against:
- Team Liquid (4 pm CET | 10 am EST)
- Team Falcons (4 pm CET | 10 am EST)
- CAG Osaka (7:30 pm CET | 1:30 pm EST)
- Oxygen Esports (7:30 pm CET | 1:30 pm EST)
Lower Bracket Matches will take place on the 10th of February.
With elimination on the line, the Lower Bracket matchups will be high-stakes, do-or-die battles from the very start.
Teams to Watch
With legendary powerhouses and underdog challengers, the playoffs are set to deliver unpredictable and explosive matches. Here are some teams to keep an eye on:
G2 Esports
Being given the title of LCQ merchants, G2 have fallen far from their once impressive win at SI 2023. With an underwhelming season all year, the R6 giants finally seem to be back in form after handing over the IGL reins to Aleksi "UUNO" Työppönen. After an incredible group stage performance, they will definitely look to keep the momentum going.
FURIA
Although not in the same organization, the roster of FURIA are the current reigning SI Champions, having won the tournament with w7m. Although the squad has fallen from their championship-winning form, they still possess the talent and skill to beat any team in this tournament.
Team BDS
Currently holding the title of the best team in the world, BDS are not looking invincible going into the playoffs. Although they finished top of their group, they still have two losses to their name. Will Théo "LikEfac" Mariano be able to get his team in the right mindset, or will the titans fall short once again? Only time will tell.
DarkZero
Coming into SI as an actual dark horse, DarkZero has proved that underestimating them could prove fatal for even the best of teams. A fact that was best displayed in their upset against BDS. Although DZ have not had the best season, their current form is nothing to be scoffed at.
Don’t Forget: Get Your Predictions In!
As the Six Invitational playoffs begin, Ubisoft is offering exclusive rewards for fans who submit their predictions. Make sure to lock in your choices before the action starts! Don't forget about the drops you can also get by just watching the matches on Twitch.
The road to the 2025 Six Invitational championship is set, and only the strongest team will lift the hammer. Will we see a new champion, or will one of Siege’s giants reclaim their throne? The battle begins today!
Stay tuned to Strafe Esports for more news and coverage on future updates. And also on coverage of the Six Invitational 2025. Also follow us on our X account for the latest content.
Featured Image Source: Rainbow Six Esports/Ubisoft
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