IEM Katowice 2023 is running hot as we just got started with group A action today. With the matches already going on as we write this, let’s find out who were the victors on day one. Do check out our previous Katowice 2023 article to learn about this year’s event.
IEM Katowice 2023 Group A
Regarded by many as the group of death, group A is surely delivering us the action CS:GO fans are craving for. With the likes of G2, FaZe Clan, Team Liquid and NaVi in group A, the hype is justified. Group A consists of the following teams:
- Team Liquid
- IHC Esports
- Cloud9
- Natus Vincere
- G2 Esports
- BIG
- Team Spirit
- FaZe Clan
Now, let’s check out all the matches of group A of day 1.
Group A Day 1 Matches
G2 Esports vs BIG
Being directly qualified into the group stage, G2’s first opponent was BIG. The Blast Premier World Final 2022 was up against the Roobet Cup 2022 winners. Despite BIG getting the first map pick, it didn’t end well for them. G2 picked up both Anubis and Inferno with a 2-0 clean sweep.
The streak continues #IEM pic.twitter.com/KAG4riUO8p
— G2 Esports (@G2esports) February 5, 2023
Cloud9 vs Natus Vincere
Meanwhile, G2’s arch rival, NaVi was busy dealing with Cloud9. NaVi showed up on matchday with a clear game plan in mind. That was well reflected in the series between the two teams. On a day where s1mple had barely stepped up, it was the likes of electroNic and b1t that took matters into their own hands. In the end, NaVi walked away with a clean 2-0 win over Cloud9.
You've just got hit by @b1tcs #IEM pic.twitter.com/dYMMmm9C9x
— NAVI Live 🔴 (@natusvincerelv) February 4, 2023
Team Spirit vs FaZe Clan
Team Spirit faced the mighty FaZe Clan in the upper bracket quarter finals. Captain Karrigan had an amazing field day leading his team to victory from the front. The team didn’t have to go to a third map and won their series 2-0. They won 16-5 on Ancient and 16-12 on Nuke. Team Spirit will face BIG at the lower bracket quarter finals.
Title defense: underway pic.twitter.com/5LsXZuTI0F
— FaZe Clan (@FaZeClan) February 4, 2023
Team Liquid vs IHC Esports
On the last series of day 1 of Katowice 2023 group A, Team Liquid was paired against IHC Esports. IHC showed up but their efforts fell short as Liquid picked up both maps 16-13 and 16-6. The two maps were Iferno and Overpass. IHC will be facing Cloud9 in the lower bracket quarter finals.
Who’s meeting at the upper bracket semifinals?
It’s getting hotter and hotter here at IEM Katowice 2023 group A. Team Liquid is set to face Natus Vincere and G2 will be facing FaZe today. Both matchups are well-balanced and there will be no love lost when the teams will be facing each other. All four of the teams have a terrific shot at winning this major but unfortunately, two will have to take the harder route at the end of the day.
