The IEM Katowice 2023 Group Stage is well underway, and as teams begin to fall, the stakes have never been higher.
We’re previewing the closing games of the Group Stage, as teams battle for the final playoff places at IEM Katowice 2023.
Lower Bracket Semi-Finals
The Lower Brackets are where fans can expect to see the most thrilling competitive CS:GO, as teams in the last-ditch saloon at IEM Katowice 2023 go all out to secure their place in the Playoffs.
fnatic vs Complexity
Both teams have had their moments this tournament, but Complexity has shown more potential for huge fragging performances. There’s a level of experience to this fnatic roster, with an average age of 26.4 to Complexity’s 22.5, but the star power drawing fans to Complexity is undeniable.
Most have fnatic as favorites here. But if hallzerk and Grim can show up for Complexity, an upset could be on the cards.
Prediction: fnatic 1-2 Complexity
OG vs Outsiders
It’s been a swift fall from grace for Outsiders, who three months ago celebrated a Major victory in Rio as one of the best CS:GO teams on the planet. Their only victory in Katowice was a close 2-1 against NIP, who have struggles of their own. There’s a lot to be concerned about for Outsiders currently. Meanwhile, OG will consider themselves unfortunate to be in the lower brackets, their only defeat to a strong Heroic.
While this matchup could go either way, the clutch factor of degster could decide the game here in favor of OG. When the chips are down, no one clutches like degster at the moment.
Prediction: OG 2-1 Outsiders
Lower Brackets Finals
Here, the winners of the Lower Bracket Semi-Finals must go one step further to be in with a chance at lifting the trophy in Katowice.
FaZe vs Liquid
After IHC dispatched FURIA and Cloud9, FaZe surely felt slightly worried that they’d suffer the same fate at the hands of the Mongolian roster. FaZe made short work of IHC however, and now face Liquid for a chance at the playoffs. YEKINDAR and NAF can frag with the best of them on top form, and oSee’s form has substantially improved in Katowice, but FaZe should have too much to offer here.
Despite recent underperformance, FaZe retains some of the best CS:GO players in the world, and they’ll be ready for anything in pursuit of Grand Slam glory.
Prediction: FaZe 2-1 Liquid
fnatic/Complexity vs OG/Outsiders
If Complexity and OG go through as predicted, we expect OG to take the final match of the day comfortably. There’s a lot to like about OG’s roster, with more to come in the future. The Lower Brackets Final would be the perfect time to start delivering on that promise.
Prediction: Complexity 0-2 OG
Upper Brackets
In the Upper Brackets, teams are already qualified for the Playoffs. Players can go into these games stress-free, and play their best CS:GO without external pressure. Expect some crazy fragging on the server here.
Heroic vs Vitality
Heroic and Vitality have been quite fortunate at IEM Katowice 2023. Neither has faced particularly challenging opposition en route to the playoffs, but they can only beat whoever’s in front of them. Both teams have done that, and now face a dead rubber where the teams can enjoy themselves on the server.
Though cadiaN hosted a clinic against OG, he looked visibly unwell during the game after fighting a fever over the past few days. It’s unlikely he strains himself for victory here, which may give Vitality a slight advantage.
Prediction: Heroic 1-2 Vitality
G2 vs NAVI
The match to watch at this CS:GO tournament. G2 hasn’t dropped a map since mid-December 2022(!), and NAVI hasn’t dropped a map at IEM Katowice 2023. One of these records must end. NAVI looks strong, with npl stepping up even with s1mple struggling. On current form, G2 look unbeatable, and there’s nothing suggesting that anyone can overcome them in a best-of-three. Rifler jks is in the form of his life, with G2 seemingly able to clutch from any situation.
We think NAVI snatch a map from G2, but HooXi and his team will reaffirm their place as the number-one team on the planet at the moment.
Prediction: G2 2-1 NAVI
IEM Katowice 2023 concludes with the Playoffs, beginning February 10.
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