The prestigious international Counter-Strike 2 tournament, IEM Katowice 2025, is heading into its final stretch as the Playoff Stage begins this weekend. The top six teams of the competition will battle it out for the grand prize of $400,000 and the coveted championship trophy.
IEM Katowice 2025 Playoffs Overview
After an intense Group Stage, the competition has narrowed down to six elite teams. The Playoffs, beginning on February 7, will determine the winner of this historic event.
This tournament also serves as a crucial stepping stone for teams aiming to qualify for the Austin Major, the first CS2 Major of the year. With a single-elimination format, each team has one shot at glory, with best-of-three (BO3) matches deciding the winners—except for the Grand Final, which will be a best-of-five (BO5).
Image via ESL.
IEM Katowice 2025 Playoffs Match Schedule
Quarterfinals
- Eternal Fire vs TheMongolZ – February 7, 08:45 / 09:45 / 11:45
- Virtus.pro vs Team Spirit – February 7, 12:00 / 13:00 / 15:00
Semifinals
- Team Vitality vs Eternal Fire/TheMongolZ Winner – February 8, 08:45 / 09:45 / 11:45
- NAVI vs Virtus.pro/Team Spirit Winner – February 8, 12:00 / 13:00 / 15:00
Grand Final
- TBD vs TBD – February 9, 10:00 / 11:00 / 13:00
Image via ESL.
Playoff Bracket and Format
Following the conclusion of the Group Stage, teams were placed into the Playoff bracket based on their results. Team Vitality and NAVI secured direct semifinal spots after dominating Groups A and B, respectively.
Meanwhile, the other four teams must first compete in the quarterfinals to earn their place in the semis. With a single-elimination format in place, every match is do-or-die, adding immense pressure to every round.
How to Watch IEM Katowice 2025
Fans worldwide can catch all the action live on Twitch, where the official broadcast will provide in-depth coverage of every match, including expert analysis and commentary. This weekend promises to be packed with high-stakes Counter-Strike 2 action, featuring some of the best teams in the world battling for supremacy.
Image via ESL.
Final Thoughts
Don’t miss a moment of IEM Katowice 2025, as the Playoffs will undoubtedly bring thrilling moments and unforgettable plays. Stay tuned for the grand finale on February 9 to see who will be crowned the new CS2 champion!
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