The IEM Katowice 2025 Group Stage is formally in full swing, and we’re already seeing some groups lock in a Playoffs spot, whereas others are already discovering themselves heading to de_airport for a swift journey dwelling. All of the motion has been extremely intense – we’ve acquired all the highlights from the occasion to this point proper right here.
Falcons fall on the first hurdle by the hands of G2
Credit score: IEM on X
It’s very straightforward to neglect that the Falcons roster that was scrutinized all through 2024 truly reached the Semi-Finals of final 12 months’s IEM Katowice. This time round, Falcons have bombed out and not using a single sequence win to their identify, after falling brief in opposition to G2 2:1. This was truly an enormous match for each groups, because it noticed NiKo taking over his outdated group for the primary time since his blockbuster CS2 roster change over the winter.
Regardless of the most effective efforts of Falcons’ AWPer degster, G2 clung to life to combat one other day at IEM Katowice 2025. They required an enormous efficiency out of none apart from NiKo’s substitute, HeavyGod. With out him, we’d be discussing a very completely different narrative on the again of this sequence. G2 nonetheless have a protracted technique to go in the event that they’re to make it to the IEM Katowice Playoffs, however that is no less than a begin.
FaZe thwarted by ropz’ Vitality
Credit score: IEM on X
One other distinctive reunion befell between FaZe and Vitality, with ropz going through the group with whom he had a lot success. All through the entire day of aggressive CS2 motion, this one was arguably the most effective of all. We would have liked all three maps to discover a winner right here, with Vitality and ropz simply edging it out in opposition to his outdated group to lock down a Playoffs spot.
Though he was outfragged by each flameZ and ZywOo, my MVP of this sequence was mezii. It felt just like the Englishman had tons of affect all through this one, and his step up from his ordinary stage (particularly on the Dust2 decider) allowed Vitality an enormous benefit. Regardless, we’re simply excited by what we noticed from each these groups, and hopefully FaZe are capable of be part of Vitality within the Playoffs.
Virtus.professional make shock Playoffs run
Credit score: Enos Ku | ESL
The narrative round Virtus.professional has been surprisingly detrimental of late. They didn’t precisely set the world alight at BLAST Bounty Season 1, main many to suppose we have been in for extra of the identical from Virtus.professional. Effectively, after beating Everlasting Hearth in a good 2:1 sequence, we’re going to begin them in a barely completely different gentle, particularly given their place within the Playoffs of IEM Katowice 2025 is now safe.
Extra spectacular is the way through which they gained. Going a map all the way down to Everlasting Hearth, Virtus.professional may have rolled over and died. As a substitute, they managed to tug off a reverse-sweep through which they acquired to strut their stuff on new map pool addition Practice. With two new additions in FL4MUS and ICY (the latter of which was extraordinarily spectacular right here), Virtus.professional have wiped the slate clear for a promising 2025. The Playoffs await!
Spirit protection begins in victory
Credit score: Helena Kristiansson | ESL
One of the vital thrilling parts of IEM Katowice 2025 is the chance to see Workforce Spirit defend their title, after their unlikely victory this time final 12 months. It was Astralis up first for his or her protection, a ‘check’ they handed with flying colours. It was a fast 2:0 sequence, with each maps truly beginning out extraordinarily promising for the Danish outfit. As soon as Spirit acquired going, although, each of those maps started to really feel like a non-contest.
Whereas donk’s persevering with unbelievable type will at all times take the highlights, IGL chopper managed to match him within the fragging division on this event. It was a stunning exhibiting from the in-game chief, whose output ensured Astralis have been at all times on the again foot on this sequence. If Workforce Spirit are to retain their IEM Katowice title, they’re off to the very best begin.
