IEM Katowice is not just a tournament; it's synonymous with the pinnacle of professional Counter-Strike. It first took place in Katowice in 2014. Since then, the tournament has become a dream destination for fans, and every pro player aspires to lift the trophy here. The legendary Spodek Arena has become the true heart for all Counter-Strike enthusiasts.

It is the Spodek Arena that has made the tournament's atmosphere in Katowice truly iconic. The dome, resembling a UFO, has become a symbol of top-tier gameplay. Here, the roar of the crowd merged with gunfire, and CS legends were born. From 2014 to 2025, all playoff stages were held exclusively here.

Why the Katowice Tournament Became Legendary

From its very first event, IEM Katowice became a place where Counter-Strike history was made. Major events took place here: from the first major in 2014 to unforgettable finals between the world's strongest teams. The best players competed, and the prize pool was always one of the largest in the discipline. The entire infrastructure, media attention, and the legendary arena atmosphere turned this tournament into one of the year's main events.

All IEM Katowice Champions

Since 2014, when Virtus.pro won the tournament with their legendary Polish lineup, IEM Katowice has been a place of generational change and the rise of new stars.

• 2014 — Virtus.pro
• 2015 — fnatic
• 2016 — fnatic
• 2017 — Astralis
• 2018 — fnatic
• 2019 — Astralis
• 2020 — NAVI
• 2021 — Gambit
• 2022 — FaZe
• 2023 — G2
• 2024 — Spirit
• 2025 — Vitality

All IEM Katowice MVPs

Players who single-handedly carried their teams and became symbols of the tournament over the years:

• 2014 — Jarosław "pashaBiceps" Jarząbkowski
• 2015 — Olof "olofmeister" Kajbjer
• 2016 — Olof "olofmeister" Kajbjer
• 2017 — Andreas "Xyp9x" Højsleth
• 2018 — Robin "flusha" Rönnquist
• 2019 — Emil "Magisk" Reif
• 2020 — Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev
• 2021 — Dmitry "sh1ro" Sokolov
• 2022 — Helvijs "broky" Saukants
• 2023 — Nemanja "huNter-" Kovač
• 2024 — Daniil "donk" Kryshkovets
• 2025 — Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut

Moving to Kraków: A New Chapter in IEM History

In May 2025, ESL FACEIT Group announced that IEM is leaving Katowice, a city that for over a decade symbolized global Counter-Strike. The tournament will move to Kraków, to Poland's largest Tauron Arena, and will take place from February 6 to 8.

Organizers explain the decision as a desire to move forward. Modern infrastructure and larger arena capacity will allow more spectators and provide fans with a new level of excitement. This is not just a location change—it's an attempt to elevate the tournament to the next level and establish it as a permanent event in the global calendar.

Kraków, with its tourist and cultural potential, is seen as the ideal venue for future major events. IEM Kraków is expected to become as iconic as its predecessor in Katowice. More details on the announcement and the new format can be found in our special article.

Community Reaction

The reaction to moving IEM from Katowice to Kraków was emotional and multifaceted. James Banks, neL, kennyS, apEX, and other scene representatives acknowledged the historical significance of the Spodek Arena but emphasized that the time for change has come. The Tauron Arena in Kraków opens new opportunities for the tournament, but the atmosphere of Katowice will forever remain in the hearts of players and fans.

For more on the community's reaction, opinions from pro players and commentators, read our article.

Over the years, IEM Katowice has become more than just a tournament—it's become part of Counter-Strike itself. Stars were born here, favorites fell, and the Spodek stands echoed with the cheers of thousands of fans. This tournament became an annual tradition that united generations of players and spectators worldwide.

Now, we can only hope that the new arena doesn't lose the old spirit. Katowice is a history that cannot be erased. And Kraków is a chance to write a new chapter, inspired by past success.