The IEM Katowice 2025 Group Stage is officially in full swing, and we’re already seeing some teams lock in a Playoffs spot, while others are already finding themselves heading to de_airport for a swift journey home. All the action has been incredibly intense – we’ve got all of the highlights from the event so far right here.
Falcons fall at the first hurdle at the hands of G2
Credit: IEM on X
It’s very easy to forget that the Falcons roster that was scrutinized throughout 2024 actually reached the Semi-Finals of last year’s IEM Katowice. This time around, Falcons have bombed out without a single series win to their name, after falling short against G2 2:1. This was actually a huge match for both teams, as it saw NiKo taking on his old team for the first time since his blockbuster CS2 roster change over the winter.
Despite the best efforts of Falcons’ AWPer degster, G2 clung to life to fight another day at IEM Katowice 2025. They required a massive performance out of none other than NiKo’s replacement, HeavyGod. Without him, we’d be discussing a totally different narrative on the back of this series. G2 still have a long way to go if they’re to make it to the IEM Katowice Playoffs, but this is at least a start.
FaZe thwarted by ropz’ Vitality
Credit: IEM on X
Another unique reunion took place between FaZe and Vitality, with ropz facing the team with whom he had so much success. Throughout the whole day of competitive CS2 action, this one was arguably the best of all. We needed all three maps to find a winner here, with Vitality and ropz just edging it out against his old team to lock down a Playoffs spot.
Although he was outfragged by both flameZ and ZywOo, my MVP of this series was mezii. It felt like the Englishman had tons of impact throughout this one, and his step up from his usual level (especially on the Dust2 decider) allowed Vitality a massive advantage. Regardless, we’re just excited by what we saw from both these teams, and hopefully FaZe are able to join Vitality in the Playoffs.
Virtus.pro make surprise Playoffs run
Credit: Enos Ku | ESL
The narrative around Virtus.pro has been surprisingly negative of late. They didn’t exactly set the world alight at BLAST Bounty Season 1, leading many to think we were in for more of the same from Virtus.pro. Well, after beating Eternal Fire in a tight 2:1 series, we’re going to start looking at them in a slightly different light, especially given their place in the Playoffs of IEM Katowice 2025 is now secure.
More impressive is the manner in which they won. Going a map down to Eternal Fire, Virtus.pro could have rolled over and died. Instead, they managed to pull off a reverse-sweep in which they got to strut their stuff on new map pool addition Train. With two new additions in FL4MUS and ICY (the latter of which was extremely impressive here), Virtus.pro have wiped the slate clean for a promising 2025. The Playoffs await!
Spirit defense starts in victory
Credit: Helena Kristiansson | ESL
One of the most exciting elements of IEM Katowice 2025 is the opportunity to see Team Spirit defend their title, after their unlikely victory this time last year. It was Astralis up first for their defense, a ‘test’ they passed with flying colors. It was a quick 2:0 series, with both maps actually starting out extremely promising for the Danish outfit. Once Spirit got going, though, both of these maps began to feel like a non-contest.
While donk’s continuing incredible form will always take the highlights, IGL chopper managed to match him in the fragging department on this occasion. It was a surprising showing from the in-game leader, whose output ensured Astralis were always on the back foot in this series. If Team Spirit are to retain their IEM Katowice title, they’re off to the best possible start.