The IEM Katowice 2025 tournament is gaining momentum, and the battle for survival is becoming increasingly fierce. In the lower bracket of group B, two decisive matches took place, determining the participants for the final showdown for a playoff slot. Liquid and Spirit, as well as Astralis and GamerLegion, played elimination matches where the losers left the tournament.

Battle for a Playoff Spot

IEM Katowice is one of the main tournaments of the year, bringing together the world's best players. The group stage has become a real test, as teams are fighting for a prize pool of $1 million. The winners of the Liquid vs Spirit and GamerLegion vs Astralis matches keep their chances of advancing to the main stage of the tournament, while their opponents leave Katowice without a chance to compete for the main trophy.

Spirit confidently defeated Liquid

The first match in the lower bracket was a confrontation between Team Liquid and Spirit, ending in the Russian team's victory with a score of 2-0.

On Nuke, chosen by Liquid, the first half was evenly contested and ended with a score of 6-6. However, after switching sides, Spirit turned on the heat, taking 5 rounds in a row and pulling ahead. Liquid managed to secure three rounds, but Spirit carried through to win 13-10.

On Dust II, picked by Spirit, the game initially went in their favor. They started confidently, winning 6 of the first 7 rounds, and finished the first half with a score of 8-4. After switching sides, Spirit solidified their advantage by taking 3 consecutive rounds and reaching match point. Liquid tried to fight back but lost the map 13-8. 2-0 in favor of Spirit.

GamerLegion won against Astralis

The second match between Astralis and GamerLegion also ended with a 2-0 score, with the Danish team unexpectedly exiting the tournament.

On Nuke, selected by Astralis, the first half was relatively even, but GamerLegion still switched sides with a two-round advantage. After that, they fully controlled the game, winning 6 rounds in a row and closing the map 13-7.

On Mirage, where GamerLegion had the pick, the dominance of their attack was the key factor. They started confidently, winning 5 rounds in a row and then consolidating their success by taking 4 more, losing only 3. The result of the first half was 9-3. Astralis tried to get back into the game, but after a series of exchanges, GamerLegion took 3 decisive rounds and closed the match 13-7.

Now Spirit and GamerLegion will meet in the lower final of group B, where they will compete for the last playoff slot. The winner will continue the fight for the championship, while the loser will end their tournament run.

IEM Katowice 2025 takes place from January 29th to February 9th in Poland, with 24 teams competing for a prize pool of $1 million. You can follow the schedule and results via this link.