IEM Katowice: All Teams Qualified for Playoffs

Oh man, the matches at IEM Katowice 2025 so far have been intense. It’s impossible to believe we’re not even in the playoffs yet, with the quality of CS and the drama that we have witnessed. But the real spice is still to come, and a total of six teams are up to serve it piping hot in the Spodek. I know it’s been a lot to take in, but let’s take a moment to look at the list of teams still standing after a series of fierce, no-holds-barred battles.

1. Virtus.pro

Virtus.pro were the first team to qualify for Spodek, and it’s not like they had an easy ride. They took down the likes of G2 and Eternal Fire to earn their spot. FL1T seems to have found his form again, and the latest addition, ICY, has been pulling his weight. They’ve already exceeded expectations, and while they may not be favorites to win the tournament, every extra win is just a bonus. They did lose the Upper Bracket Final to Vitality, which means they will continue their run in the Quarter-Final.

2. Eternal Fire

The grind has been tough for the Turkish squad, but it has paid off. After a strong showing at BLAST Bounty, they’ve now secured back-to-back playoff appearances. Despite getting 50 frags in the final qualification game against FaZe, the most impressive part of their run hasn’t been XANTARES or even woxic. While both have performed well, it feels like MAj3R has stolen the show in both fragging and IGL duties, stepping up massively and leading the team to success.

3. NAVI

I see NAVI as a team of five soldiers, each ready to take on the responsibility when another falls. Early last year, it was jL stepping up, then iM, and now, b1t is carrying the load. After a strong showing at BLAST Bounty Season 1, he is currently the second-highest-rated player of the event, sitting just behind donk with a 1.35 rating. A crazy stat is that, despite facing Spirit, NAVI will enter Spodek as the highest-rated team.

4. The MongolZ

It’s baffling how The MongolZ are seen as underdogs at every event, yet they still manage deep runs. This team is criminally underrated. Despite this being their first event of the season, and with senzu still recovering from a wrist injury, they show no signs of rust. They’ve already taken down Liquid, GamerLegion, and others, proving yet again that they are here to compete.

5. Vitality

It felt like FaZe was the last demon standing in Vitality’s path, and they’ve finally laid all their ghosts to rest. While they struggled to close out matches cleanly at BLAST Bounty Season 1, they’ve now started steamrolling opponents with ease. They are easily one of the favorites to win it all here at IEM Katowice 2025, and every team left in the tournament should be wary.

6. Team Spirit

And last but not the least, despite a scary brawl against GamerLegion, defending champions Team Spirit will be in attendance at Spodek for the playoffs. far from the indomitable force we’re used to. But this is donk we’re talking about, and he’s still sitting pretty as the highest-rated player. He will be a thorn in the sides of any team eyeing the Katowice trophy. Call it fate, call it fortune but will see more of him as Team Spirit continue their campaign in the Quarter-Finals.

Action returns on Friday

That settles it, all six teams have been confirmed. They will all be causing ruckus starting Friday, as like every year, the Spodek arena will once again light up with energy. The script writers for Katowice have undoubtedly been onto something this tournament, as we have a plethora of banger matchups lined up. Don’t take my word for it, see for yourself :

Quarter Finals (Friday) :

The MongolZ vs Eternal Fire
Virtus.pro vs Team Spirit
Semi-Finals (Saturday) :

NAVI vs TBD
Vitality vs TBD