The BLAST Bounty Spring 2025 Closed Qualifier between Imperial Fe and NAVI has set a groundbreaking milestone in Counter-Strike esports, drawing a peak audience of 490,804 viewers, as per Esports Charts. This makes it the most-watched match involving a female Counter-Strike team in history.
The Match That Captivated the Community
The clash occurred on the third day of the BLAST Bounty Closed Qualifiers, where 32 teams are vying for one of eight spots at the LAN Finals in Copenhagen, scheduled from January 23 to 26.
Despite NAVI securing a 2-0 victory (13-7, 13-8), Imperial Fe’s performance garnered widespread acclaim, with many praising the team for standing strong against one of the world’s best CS2 lineups.
NAVI, the most-watched Counter-Strike team of 2024, demonstrated their dominance yet again, advancing to the Round of 16 and edging closer to a place in the $500,000 (~£409,678) LAN Finals.
A Milestone for Female Esports
Imperial Fe’s match against NAVI has not only broken records for female Counter-Strike viewership but has also become the most-watched game of the Closed Qualifiers so far. This is a testament to the growing prominence of female esports teams in competitive gaming and their ability to draw significant audiences.
What’s Next for Imperial Fe?
While Imperial Fe fell short in their match against NAVI, the team remains focused on competing in international tournaments throughout 2025. Notably, they will participate in IEM Katowice on January 29, marking another historic achievement as the first female roster to qualify for an ESL Pro Tour Championship event.
IEM Katowice, organized by ESL FACEIT Group, features 24 teams battling for a $1 million (~£817,450) prize pool. Imperial Fe’s journey at Katowice promises to further elevate their status and inspire female gamers worldwide.
The Rise of Female Counter-Strike
The record-breaking viewership of Imperial Fe vs NAVI underscores the growing popularity of female Counter-Strike teams and their increasing competitiveness on the global stage. With more opportunities and high-profile tournaments like BLAST Bounty and IEM Katowice, the future looks bright for female esports.
Conclusion
Imperial Fe’s clash with NAVI is a historic moment for Counter-Strike esports, showcasing the rising influence of female teams in the competitive scene. As Imperial Fe prepares for IEM Katowice, all eyes are on their next steps in shaping the future of female gaming.
BLAST Bounty: Imperial fe Shines and Showcases Female Talent in CS2