At IEM Katowice 2025, we are in for an exciting showdown — NAVI versus The MongolZ. Both teams have already showcased themselves in the tournament and have advanced to the playoffs. This match will be crucial for both teams, as a spot in the tournament playoffs is at stake. In this article, we'll analyze the current form of the opponents, the possible map pool, and make a match prediction.

Current form of the teams

NAVI are in good form. In January, they went through the closed qualifiers of BLAST Bounty Spring 2025, confidently defeating Imperial (2-0) and Astralis (2-0). Then on the LAN stage, they took a series from paiN (2-1) but lost in the semifinals to Spirit (0-2). They started strongly in Katowice — crushing FURIA (2-0) and battling to a victory against Spirit (2-1), thus advancing to the playoffs.

The MongolZ are also holding their ground. They have the same average rating for the month as NAVI — 6.2. The MongolZ also advanced to the playoffs after victories over Liquid and GamerLegion. The team plays aggressively, unconventionally, and can sometimes surprise even more renowned opponents.

Map pool 

NAVI will likely choose Dust2 or Ancient, as these maps are their strong suits. On Dust2, the team shows an impressive win rate of 80% over 15 games, and on Ancient — 75% over 20 matches. Train has been out of their pool since its return, and previously, NAVI consistently banned Vertigo, so the switch was convenient for them.

The MongolZ choose Train as their first ban, but since NAVI also don't play this map, it's likely The MongolZ will ban Anubis. The team feels most confident on Inferno (75% wins) and Dust2 (67% wins). However, weakness on Nuke (only 44% wins) could be a key factor — this map will likely be banned.

1. Nuke - NAVI's choice
2. Inferno - The MongolZ's choice
3. Ancient - decider

Match prediction

The match won’t be easy. The MongolZ are in great form, but NAVI have more experience in major tournaments, and in such matches, it makes a difference. If maps are in their favor, NAVI can control the game. 

Prediction: 2-1 in favor of NAVI

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 event schedule and results here.