In the first round of IEM Katowice 2025, we are set for an exciting match between FaZe and BIG. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and their current form makes the match even more intriguing. In this article, we will analyze the current form of the teams, their map pool, and make a prediction on the outcome of the encounter.

Current Team Form

The average rating of FaZe over the past month is 5.9. The team started the season at the BLAST Bounty Spring 2025: Closed Qualifier, where their performance was mediocre. They secured a hard-fought victory over M80 with a score of 2-1 but then lost to paiN 0-2. Despite having a strong lineup, FaZe have not yet been able to demonstrate consistent play, raising doubts ahead of the start of IEM Katowice 2025.

The average rating of BIG over the past month is 6.5. At the BLAST Bounty Spring 2025: Closed Qualifier, the team confidently defeated SAW 2-0 but then lost to G2 in a tense battle (1-2). At the IEM Katowice 2025 Play-in stage, BIG started with a loss to Wildcard (0-2) but then redeemed themselves by defeating Imperial Fe. Their victory over HEROIC with a score of 2-0 in the final match to advance to the main stage showed their serious ambitions for the tournament.

Map Pool

FaZe will most likely ban Train, which they haven't played for the past months, with a win rate of 0%. Nuke might also be banned, where they have one of the lowest win rates — 38% over 13 matches. They are most likely to pick Ancient, where they have the best win rate of 68% over 19 games, or Mirage (65% over 17 games), which is also one of their strong maps. Inferno might remain in the pool as a decider map, given that both teams perform reasonably well on it.

BIG will likely ban Mirage, where their win rate is only 32% over 19 matches. Anubis or Inferno might also face a ban, with their rates being 40% over 10 and 5 matches respectively. BIG will probably choose Ancient (70% win rate over 23 games) or Nuke (60% over 10 games) as their strongest maps. Dust2 could be the deciding map, since both teams have experience and average performance on it.

1. Ancient — FaZe's pick
2. Nuke — BIG's pick
3. Dust2 — decider

Match Prediction

BIG approaches the match in better form, having shown an excellent level of play at the play-in stage, especially in the match against HEROIC. Their strong map pool and confident play on Ancient and Nuke give them a clear advantage. FaZe, despite their experience and strong individual players, have not yet demonstrated the necessary cohesion and stability.

BIG 2-1 FaZe

IEM Katowice 2025 takes 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 here.