Aurora Gaming went eight straight playoffs without a title and was eliminated again at IEM Dallas

In the quarterfinals of the 2025 IEM Dallas, Aurora Gaming once again fell to familiar opponent MongolZ and was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

This not only adds another regret to Aurora Gaming's playoff record this season, but also makes the outside world begin to question whether this team has missed the opportunity to reach the top.

Although Aurora Gaming defeated MongolZ in this year's PGL Astana event, this time in the United States was a different story. In the second map, Aurora was once behind 1:12 and had almost no power to fight back, and was eventually easily taken away by MongolZ.

Aurora Gaming's core lineup has made it to the playoffs eight times in a row, but has never won a championship. The initial failures may have served as motivation, but now they seem to be trapped in a vicious cycle of losing more and more.

The pressure of the game and the psychological shadows continued to accumulate, making it difficult for the players to release their full strength at the critical moment, and they were gradually swallowed up by the shadow of failure. It is difficult to use their youth as an excuse for them.

The 34-year-old MAJ3R is one of the oldest players still active in the first-tier of Aurora Gaming. woxic and XANTARES also have rich experience in major competitions. In comparison, Wicadia and jottAAA can still be considered newcomers, but the depth of experience of the entire team can no longer be described as growing.

After this defeat, whether Aurora Gaming can adjust their mentality and regain their faith, or make lineup adjustments before the Major, has become the focus. Otherwise, they may really be drifting away from the championship.