Virtus.pro and Heroic secure their first group stage wins at IEM Katowice 2022

Teams Virtus.pro and Heroic got their first wins at the group stage of IEM Katowice 2022, beating Copenhagen Flames (2:0) and OG (2:1) respectively. Now the teams will go to the semi-finals of the upper bracket, where they will play with the winners of the remaining two pairs. At the same time, Copenhagen Flames and OG fell into the lower bracket of the group, where they will get another chance to reach the championship playoffs.

Virtus.pro - Copenhagen Flames

An intriguing duel started on the Vertigo map, which became the choice of Copenhagen Flames. However, the Danes quickly regretted their choice, as Virtus.pro confidently closed the first half with a score of 12:3, effectively resolving all issues. After the side switch, the Danish team tried to wake up, but in vain. As a result, Virtus.pro confidently closed the opponent's pick and took the lead in the series — 16:9.

Next, the teams moved to the Inferno map, which was picked by Virtus.pro. Once again, the Danes failed to come up with anything at the start of the map, finishing the first half with a devastating score of 4:11. After switching sides, Copenhagen Flames tried to get back into the game. However, the team from the CIS easily dealt with the opponent and got the first victory at IEM Katowice 2022 — 16:10.

Heroic-OG

The parallel meeting started on the Ancient map, which became the choice of OG. At the same time, the Danes had a good start in defense, having managed to get a comfortable advantage before switching sides. However, in the second half, OG quickly reduced the gap, and at the same time managed to snatch the victory - 16:14.

Next, the teams moved to the Overpass map, which was chosen by Heroic. Here OG still tried to fight on defense, finishing the first half with a minimal backlog. However, after the change of sides, the Danes finally seized the initiative and confidently leveled the score in the series - 16:12.

Everything was decided on the Inferno map, where the Danish team once again held the starting advantage, converting which they got a comfortable score of 9:6. After the side switch, OG quickly managed to get back into the game, and at the same time, pull ahead. Nevertheless, Heroic managed to make it to the end, starting its journey at IEM Katowice 2022 on a positive note — 16:13.

IEM Katowice 2022 runs from 15 to 27 February. 24 teams from all over the world compete for a $1,000,000 prize pool.

Interim results of IEM Katowice 2022

• 1st place: TBD.
• 2nd place: TBD.
• 3rd-4th place: TBD.
• 5th-6th place: TBD.
• 7th-8th place: TBD.
• 9th-12th place: TBD.
• 13th-16th place: TBD.
• 17th-20th place: Entropiq - $4,500.
• 17th-20th place: Movistar Riders - $4,500.
• 17th-20th place: BIG — $4,500.
• 17th-20th place: GODSENT — $4,500.
• 21st-24th place: Renegades - $2,500.
• 21st-24th place: Wisła Kraków — $2,500.
• 21st-24th place: Sprout - $2,500.
• 21st-24th place: MIBR — $2,500.