In the semifinals of IEM Katowice 2025, we are set for an incredible match between NAVI and Spirit. Both teams approach the match in good form, and this matchup is already being regarded as a derby. In this material, we'll analyze the current form of the teams, map pool, and make a prediction for the match.

Current Form of the Teams

The average rating of NAVI at S-tier tournaments over the past month is 6.2. The team managed to participate in the BLAST Bounty Spring 2025: Closed Qualifier, where they confidently defeated Imperial and Astralis. In the LAN part of this tournament, NAVI defeated paiN, but then lost to Spirit in the semifinals. At IEM Katowice 2025, NAVI started with a confident victory over FURIA. Then, in a match to advance to the playoffs, they defeated Spirit in a close game 2-1, and later in a seeding match, they secured a victory over The MongolZ.

The average rating of Spirit at S-tier tournaments over the past month is 6.4. Spirit also participated in the BLAST Bounty Spring 2025: Closed Qualifier, where they showed excellent results, losing only one map throughout the tournament — in the final against Eternal Fire. Along the way to victory, they defeated Fnatic, FlyQuest, HEROIC, NAVI, and in the decisive match, they beat Eternal Fire 3-1. At IEM Katowice 2025, Spirit started with a confident victory over Astralis, then lost to NAVI in a close game. In the lower bracket, they secured victories over Liquid and GamerLegion.

Map Pool

NAVI is highly likely to choose Dust2 or Ancient, as these are their strong points. On Dust2, they have an 80% win rate over 15 games, and on Ancient — a 75% win rate over 20 games. They avoid Train, as they haven't played it since its return to the map pool, and previously their bans included Vertigo, so the replacement was good for them.

Spirit consistently continues to ban Inferno. Their strong map is Nuke (72% win rate) and Dust2 (72% win rate), showing confident play on both sides. Their results on Mirage and Ancient are also reliable (63% win rate), but their performances on Anubis are less stable (50% win rate).

1. Mirage — NAVI's pick
2. Ancient — Spirit's pick
3. Dust2 — decider

Head-to-Head

The clash of these teams can be called a new derby in the world of CS. In 2025, the teams have met twice. The first in the LAN stage of BLAST Bounty Spring, where Spirit won 2-0, with the second map ending 22-20. And the second time in the group stage of IEM Katowice, where NAVI won a close game 2-1, with the third map ending 16-14.

Match Prediction

The match between NAVI and Spirit in the semifinals of IEM Katowice 2025 promises to be spectacular and intense. Both teams are showing strong results, and their recent encounters suggest that the contest will be very evenly matched. Key factors will be the form on match day and the mindset with which the teams come into the match.

The match will be tense and close, so victory in such matches is decided by clutches and individual play. If Spirit has donk, then NAVI has b1t, who is performing very well in this tournament and, in certain moments, looks better.

Match Prediction: NAVI 2-1 Spirit

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.