G2 in a dramatic showdown knocked Falcons out of the tournament, while Virtus.pro became the first team to advance to the playoffs of IEM Katowice 2025. In a tense battle of titans, Vitality defeated FaZe and also made it to the playoffs. Meanwhile, 3DMAX confidently handled BIG, sending the opponents home.

G2 vs Falcons

Judging by the teams' names, this match should be for advancing to the playoffs, or part of the playoffs. But no, this is a match for elimination from the tournament after the first stage. The first map was Ancient, where Falcons managed to show themselves well and win the first half 7:5, but they struggled in the second half. G2 managed to come back into the game and took 8 rounds, while Falcons took 2.

The second was Dust2, where Falcons managed to close the half 9:3, and in the second pistol round, Magisk pulled off an incredible 1v4 clutch. This round was key for them and the team won easily with a score of 13:7. The third game in the first half was in favor of Falcons, where they showed themselves well. But the second half was completely owned by G2, where they managed to come back and win the half 9:3, which allowed them to advance to the next stage.

Eternal Fire vs Virtus.Pro

In this match, everything started with Anubis, where the first half ended 6:6, but the second was entirely in favor of Eternal Fire, who finished it in their favor and won 13:9. On the second map, Dust2, Eternal Fire again started confidently, managing to end the half in their favor with a score of 7:5. But then VP managed to come back and win 8 rounds, moving the game to the third map.

The third map was Train, where the game was incredible, both halves ended identically 6:6, leading to overtime. Where VP managed to perform better and won with a score of 16:13. Thanks to this victory, VP became the first team to advance to the playoffs of IEM Katowice 2025.

Vitality vs FaZe

A battle of titans in the match for playoff advancement. The match was full of spectacle, emotions, and incredible moments. The first map was Nuke, where Vitality had no problems handling the opponents and won 13:3. On the second map, Vitality continued to showcase strong play, finishing the first half 8:4. In the second half, FaZe got into the game and managed to win in regular time, taking a series of 4, then 5 rounds, finishing the map 13:10.

The third map was Dust2, where the first half ended in a tie score of 6:6, and in the second half, FaZe quickly reached 12 rounds, but Vitality managed to come back with 4 rounds, taking the game to overtimes. The first overtimes were tightly fought, ending 3:3, promising a second set. In the second set, Vitality managed to press the opponent and, coming back from 12:8, won this game and advanced to the playoffs of IEM Katowice 2025.

3DMAX vs BIG

Another elimination match for today, where two relatively equal teams played. The first map of the match was Ancient, a good map for BIG, but the first half ended 6:6, and the second in favor of 3DMAX with a minimal gap, managing to win a series of 5 rounds.

The second map was Inferno, where 3DMAX again showed themselves confidently and won the first half 9:3. In the second, they simply carried the game to completion and advanced to the next round.

IEM Katowice 2025 is taking place from January 29 to February 9 in Katowice, Poland. Twenty-four teams will compete for a prize pool of $1 million. You can follow the schedule and results of the event at the link.