The match between Imperial fe and Furia at the IEM Katowice 2025 Play-In went down in esports history as the first LAN match between male and female teams in Counter-Strike 2. Although Imperial fe lost, their performance impressed many: the team managed to recover from an 11:3 deficit on the first map and bring the game to overtime.

The legendary player Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo expressed his delight in a tweet:

“Honor to be playing against a female team that is that good. Imperial and FURIA female deserve to be trying their best at the good events. Zaz and co / keep it going you are inspiring everyone.”

Other thoughts after the match

The match received a flurry of positive feedback from players, analysts, and fans. Many noted that Imperial fe had taken an important step for female esports.

For example, the FURIA coach added:

“You guys are playing beautiful CS, that was a great match ggwp. Great honor to play against you. Keep up the good work, that was an insane match .”

Legendary Brazilian player Fernando “fer” Alvarenga wrote:

“Making history! Regardless of the result... They made history, high-level CS by @imperialesports femme.”

The well-known analyst launders also did not stand aside:

“BRASIL'S GOT TALENT.”

A representative of the Maddie community emphasized the importance of the game for female esports:

“@imperialesports you are inspiring so many. Genuinely such a joy watching you break so many barriers <3 Such great strides for Fe CS.”

Brazilian journalist Julia Garcia expressed her emotions:

“How beautiful to see these women representing! Coming back from 11x3 and taking it to OT... and an amazing clutch by @ZainabTurkie - congratulations @imperialesports. I'm covered in goosebumps! Thank you.”

Imperial Esports CEO Felippe Martins summarized the feelings of many:

“NT! So proud .”

Female esports at a new level

Imperial fe's performance proved that female esports can compete on the international stage. Although the team dropped to the bottom of the bracket, their fighting spirit and high level of play give hope for the future. Imperial fe's next opponent will be the BIG team, and this match will be crucial for their continued stay in the tournament.

Further schedule

FURIA will meet Wildcard in the upper bracket, while Imperial fe is preparing for a decisive game against BIG in the lower bracket. The tournament continues, and the stakes are rising: a prize pool of $1,000,000 and the opportunity to make history at IEM Katowice 2025 add intrigue to every match.