We take a quick look at the teams competing in the IEM Katowice Playoffs.
The Group Stages of IEM Katowice gave us a clear picture of teams and their current form. You can read the brief details here. However, we still have some major action remaining. The Playoffs include some of the best teams in the world. Competing in the Quarterfinals are FaZe Clan, Gambit Esports, Virtus.pro and G2 Esports. The Semifinals include Heroic and Natus Vincere. Here is a brief description of the current situation of the teams.
FaZe Clan Vs Gambit Esports
FaZe Clan has been performing well in the current season. Their performance in the IEM Katowice tournament has been amazing, considering it was not a straightforward path. They fought in the Play-In stage to qualify and later had to play through the groups to defeat the likes of Team Liquid and Fnatic. They lost 2+1 to NAVI who are of course extremely strong as a team. FaZe’s run in the BLAST Premier Spring Groups was also stunning. They managed to qualify for the Spring Finals.
FaZe Clan will face Gambit Esports in the Quarterfinals of the tournament. Although FaZe are in positive form, it will be tough to beat Gambit who are extremely strong as well. They were in Group A of the IEM Katowice tournament. After losing to Ninja in Pyjamas, Gambit managed to win against CPH Flames, Team Vitality and a rematch against NiP. Even after a poor start to the tournament, Gambit have shown strength to come back in form and defeat tough foes.
Virtus.pro Vs G2 Esports
Part of Group A, Virtus.pro played some incredible Counter-Strike. They won against CPH Flames and NiP, only losing to Heroic in the final round. VP will face G2 Esports in the Quarterfinals of the competition. However, even with their confidence, it will be tough to take on G2.
G2 Esports were one of the few qualifiers for the BLAST Premier Spring Finals in Group competition. They were one of the few teams which could stand against NAVI last year. G2 had a rough time in the groups of IEM Katowice, but they scraped through in the Lower Brackets after beating some tough opponents.
Natus Vincere
We all know how capable NAVI are thanks to their outstanding 2021 season. Although they look a little out of shape compared to their tremendous form, they can still win the tournament. NAVI qualified for the Spring Finals this season and they were also quite impressive in the group competition of the current tournament. Both G2 and Gambit would love to return the favor to NAVI, but we will have to wait and see who gets to challenge them after winning the Quarterfinals.
Heroic
Heroic were by far the most interesting team to follow in the IEM tournament. They surprised many by not only defeating the likes of OG but also teams like Vitality and Virtus.pro. It is possible for Heroic to go all the way and win the tournament, considering the form they are in. However, they will have to overcome the big fishes like NAVI, Gambit or G2.