The group stage of IEM Katowice 2025 brought plenty of action and surprises as teams battled to secure their spots in the playoffs. Some squads exceeded expectations, while others fell short. Let’s break down how it all went.

The Bottom Finishers

Falcons ended up at the bottom, despite their significant roster investment and the addition of NiKo. They faced tough opponents in Eternal Fire and G2, and while their match against G2 was close, they ultimately couldn’t pull through. While this is a disappointing result, there’s a glimmer of hope that the team can improve with time.

MOUZ, playing with a stand-in, offered little to analyze. The temporary roster lacked cohesion, and their performance reflected that. Fans will have to wait for the next event to see the fully reformed lineup in action.

BIG showed potential but fell short in key matches. They pushed FaZe to the edge and put up a fight against 3DMAX, but consistency was lacking. For a revamped roster, reaching the main stage was an achievement, but there’s still plenty of work ahead.

FURIA struggled, losing decisively to NAVI and Astralis. Chelo’s performance raised concerns, while skullz with 6.2 rating was a rare bright spot. With rumors of possible roster changes, it’s uncertain how FURIA will rebound.

The 9th–12th Placers

3DMAX impressed with a solid showing, beating BIG and coming close to upsetting Vitality. Their match against Eternal Fire demonstrated resilience, forcing the Turkish team to fight hard for the win. Rumors of potential roster changes swirl, but the current lineup has shown promise.

G2 suffered a major disappointment, exiting early after losses to Virtus.pro and FaZe. Despite their high-profile roster, inconsistency plagued their performance. Questions arise about m0NESY’s form, who dropped just 6.0 of a rating, and Snax’s leadership, casting doubt on their ability to bounce back soon.

Astralis managed just one win against FURIA, with a loss to GamerLegion being particularly concerning. For a team of their caliber, this performance is far below expectations, raising concerns about their form heading into the Major cycle.

Liquid showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately couldn’t find consistency. After a close match against The MongolZ, they fell to Spirit. NertZ’s illness impacted their performance, and while the roster has potential, this result highlights areas that need improvement.

The Quarterfinalists

GamerLegion exceeded expectations, finishing 7th–8th. With wins over Astralis and MOUZ, the team demonstrated strong teamwork and individual skill. New additions REZ and PR have made an immediate impact. The NIP legend was consistent and averaged at 6.2 of a rating, while Czech prodigy finished with a massive 6.7 result, but their map pool remains a potential weakness.

FaZe matched GamerLegion’s placement but underwhelmed overall. EliGE has struggled to adapt to his new role, leaving frozen as the most consistent performer. Close matches against Vitality and Eternal Fire highlight the team’s potential, but they’ll need more time to fully gel.

Playoff Contenders

Virtus.pro surprised many by reaching the playoffs. Wins over G2 and Eternal Fire showcased their defensive strength, though captain electroNic’s individual form remains a concern, once a top 5 rifler finished the group stage with only 5.5 rating. With FL4MUS facing visa issues, their quarterfinal match against Spirit becomes even tougher.

The MongolZ delivered a stellar performance, defeating Liquid and GamerLegion to secure their playoff spot. While they couldn’t compete with NAVI, their journey so far has been impressive. A favorable quarterfinal matchup against Eternal Fire offers hope for a deeper run.

Eternal Fire continues to shine in 2025, building on their BLAST Bounty final appearance. Hard-fought victories over FaZe and 3DMAX highlight their resilience. XANTARES and woxic lead the charge, with rookie jottAAA proving his worth. Their upcoming match against The MongolZ will test their mettle.

Group Leaders

Spirit had a rocky path to the playoffs, finishing third in their group after losing to NAVI. sh1ro’s inconsistent performance has raised concerns, though the team rallied in key matches against Liquid and GamerLegion. With their playoff spot secure, Spirit must address their weaknesses to contend for the title.

Vitality cruised through Group A, despite close calls against 3DMAX and FaZe. ZywOo and his team are in top form, and their direct spot in the semifinals makes them strong favorites for the championship.

NAVI dominated Group B, securing a direct semifinal spot. Their decisive victory over The MongolZ capped an impressive group stage run, solidifying their status as title contenders.

Looking Ahead

The playoffs kick off on February 7th with two exciting quarterfinals: The MongolZ vs. Eternal Fire and Virtus.pro vs. Spirit. With NAVI and Vitality waiting in the semifinals, the stage is set for thrilling matches as teams battle for the prestigious IEM Katowice crown.