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 house. All of the motion has been extremely intense – we’ve obtained the entire 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 overlook that the Falcons roster that was scrutinized all through 2024 truly reached the Semi-Finals of final yr’s IEM Katowice. This time round, Falcons have bombed out with out a single sequence win to their identify, after falling brief towards G2 2:1. This was truly an enormous match for each groups, because it noticed NiKo taking up his outdated crew for the primary time since his blockbuster CS2 roster change over the winter.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 struggle one other day at IEM Katowice 2025. They required a large efficiency out of none apart from NiKo’s substitute, HeavyGod. With out him, we’d be discussing a completely completely different narrative on the again of this sequence. G2 nonetheless have an extended solution to go in the event that they’re to make it to the IEM Katowice Playoffs, however that is a minimum of a begin.
FaZe thwarted by ropz’ Vitality
Credit score: IEM on X
One other distinctive reunion happened between FaZe and Vitality, with ropz going through the crew 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 We wanted all three maps to discover a winner right here, with Vitality and ropz simply edging it out towards his outdated crew to lock down a Playoffs spot.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 impression all through this one, and his step up from his regular degree (particularly on the Dust2 decider) allowed Vitality a large benefit. Regardless, we’re simply excited by what we noticed from each these groups, and hopefully FaZe are in a position to be a 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 adverse of late. They didn’t precisely set the world alight at BLAST Bounty Season 1, main many to suppose we had been in for extra of the identical from Virtus.professional. Effectively, after beating Everlasting Fireplace in a good 2:1 sequence, we’re going to start out them in a barely completely different mild, particularly given their place within the Playoffs of IEM Katowice 2025 is now safe.
Extra spectacular is the way during which they received. Going a map right down to Everlasting Fireplace, Virtus.professional might have rolled over and died. As a substitute, they managed to drag off a reverse-sweep during which they obtained to strut their stuff on new map pool addition Prepare. 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 components of IEM Katowice 2025 is the chance to see Group Spirit defend their title, after their unlikely victory this time final yr. It was Astralis up first for his or her protection, a ‘take a look at’ 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 obtained going, although, each of those maps started to really feel like a non-contest.
Whereas donk’s persevering with unbelievable type will all the time take the highlights, IGL chopper managed to match him within the fragging division on this event. It was a stunning displaying from the in-game chief, whose output ensured Astralis had been all the time on the again foot on this sequence. If Group Spirit are to retain their IEM Katowice title, they’re off to the absolute best begin.
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