The group stage of Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2021 (IEM KATOWICE 2021), is already served where we have seen many amazing performances. We have also seen unexpected results with some intense matches. The quarterfinals are about to start where Astralis stands as the lone warrior against three Russian squads.
A total of 6 teams have qualified for the Playoffs of Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2021. The playoffs of IEM Katowice 2021 is scheduled to be held from 26th -28th February 2021. Quarterfinals will take place on 26th February where 4 teams will battle to move further.
1st Quarterfinal – Gambit vs Natus Vincere
The first Quarter Final match will feature two CIS teams battling for the spot in the Semifinals. Natus Vincere who have a great history, will not be an easy team to defeat for Gambit Esports. Natus Vincere found their stride now, no one can keep them down for long. S1mple and electronic are performing better than ever, it looks like they will repeat the history of IEM Katowice 2020. During IEM Katowice 2020, Natus Vincere started slowly but in the playoffs, they didn’t drop a single map against Team Liquid, G2 Esports, and Astralis.
Gambit Esports is also looking strong this time, they made it to the Quarterfinals of Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2021 from the lower bracket. They will not let their opponents take the win easily. This is the first time when Gambit faces Natus Vincere, and it is one of the biggest stages of the competition. The winner of this Quarterfinal match will place against the Team Spirit in the Semifinals.
2nd Quarterfinal: Virtus.pro vs Astralis
Virtus.pro and Astralis are placed together same as the StarLadder Major Berlin 2019 finals. Last time Astralis couldn’t make it and Virtus.pro took home their fourth major title. It is almost 18 months since that finals, many things are changed. Virtus.pro started the year with a good note where they became the champion at cs_summit 7.
Although Astralis didn’t participate in cs_summit 7. On the other hand, Astralis is doing some experiment by having 6-7 man rosters. Astralis started this year with an average performance where they secured some wins. As the tournament is set to be online which doesn’t help Astralis either and Virtus.pro looking confident after defeating Vitality and FURIA.
The winner of the second Quarterfinal will be placed against Team Liquid at Semifinals.
This year IEM has a massive prize pool of $1,000,000 USD where the winning team will take home the champions title and $400,000 USD as prize money.
