IEM Katowice 2025: Everything you need to know about CS2 event

The iconic CS2 event is back

One of the most iconic IEM Katowice 2025 is back once again which will bring one of the most revered trophies in Counter-Strike history and fans are really excited about it.

Teams will compete in Poland on January 29, with the Spodek Arena serving as the final venue on February 6. Let’s check out more details in this article.

Event format & Participating teams

Here’s everything you need to know about the event format of IEM Katowice 2025 CS2:

• Format: IEM. Katowice 2025 features 24 teams in a VRS-ranked format. The top eight teams skip the play-in process and advance directly to the group stage. For others, the play-in provides two chances to advance; fail twice and you’re out.
• Play-in: Teams compete in best-of-three matches for a spot in the group stage.
• Group Stage: The eight surviving play-in teams compete with the eight direct invitees. The top six clubs from here advance to the playoffs, while the group winners bypass the quarterfinals.
• Playoffs are best-of-three, with the grand final being best-of-five. The winner receives $400,000 and substantial VRS points.

Also Read: Cheap Counter Strike 2 skins: Top picks for Rifles, Pistols, AWP & Knives on a budget

Teams

• Group Stage: G2 Esports, Team Spirit, The MongolZ, Team Vitality, FaZe Clan, MOUZ, Natus Vincere, Team Falcons.
• Play-in: Team Liquid, FURIA, paiN Gaming, MIBR, 3DMAX, Eternal Fire, GamerLegion, Complexity, SAW, BIG, FlyQuest, Astralis, Wildcard, Virtus.pro, Imperial Fe, HEROIC.

Schedule, results & more

• Play-In (CET):
• Wednesday, January 29: 10:30am: 3DMAX vs. FlyQuest and paiN vs. VP.
• 1pm: Astralis vs. MIBR; SAW vs. GamerLegion.
• 3:30pm: Wildcard vs. BIG; Imperial Fe vs. FURIA.
• 6 p.m.: Liquid vs. Heroic, Complexity vs. Eternal Fire
• Thursday, January 30: Lower bracket matches, including eliminations and group stage qualification.
• Friday, January 31: Lower bracket finals will determine group stage participation.

Group Stage

• On Saturday, February 1, the opening matches will be best-of-three.

Playoffs

• Scheduled to be announced, but expect fierce competition for the top positions.
• Standings: Currently, placeholders for the teams’ possible prize winnings range from $2,500 to $400,000.

Where can the fans watch?

All CS2 fans can watch and support their team live on ESLCS Twitch and YouTube’s official channel. Replays will be available after the match for any instances you missed. Are you excited for the IEM Katowice 2025 CS2 event? Do let us know in the comment section.

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