After almost two weeks of blistering Counter-Strike, IEM Katowice 2023 is almost at an end.
We’ve seen some incredible gameplay from some of the best CS:GO teams on the planet, but only one team can be crowned the eventual victor in Katowice. We’re previewing the Semi-Finals, to see who’ll get to compete for one of CS:GO’s greatest prizes at the Spodek Arena.
Heroic vs NAVI
Heroic have looked brilliant at IEM Katowice 2023. But NAVI seem to be Heroic’s kryptonite, s1mple seeming to have cadiaN’s number every time they step onto the server. There’s a lot to like about both of these teams at the moment. For Heroic, Jabbi is having a career-best tournament, announcing himself on the world stage. Meanwhile, the sight of cadiaN as a top-fragging IGL is becoming more and more common. For NAVI, electroNic is beginning to be the IGL they hoped he would be, while at just 17 years of age, npl has looked like the best player on the roster at times.
Ultimately, NAVI are slowly playing their way into form. But Heroic are already there, and they look irresistible right now. They simply have too much to offer NAVI here, although we think it isn’t an easy game for Heroic.
Prediction: Heroic 2-1 NAVI
G2 vs Liquid
Can anyone stop G2 at the moment? Unbeaten in 17 maps, HooXi’s project has come together better than even he ever expected. His team are clear favorites for IEM Katowice 2023, with every member of G2 playing to perfection in their current run. The ridiculous level of quality at G2 became clear when they dispatched FaZe 2-0 even with star AWPer m0NESY going 5-16 on Ancient. Liquid displayed incredible resilience to mount a legendary comeback from 12-0 down on Ancient against Vitality in the Quarter-Finals, with oSee finally showing what he’s capable of on the server. But that won’t be enough to end this remarkable G2 run.
Sometimes, CS:GO teams just have a date with destiny. With G2 in Katowice, it certainly has that feel to it. We think their run becomes 19 CS:GO maps without defeat on their way to the final.
Prediction: G2 2-0 Liquid
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