We have a big international Counter-Strike: Global Offensive tournament coming up at IEM Katowice, with 12 top teams competing for a $250,000 prize. This event is not only the biggest esports event in Poland but also the world finals for ESL’s IEM circuit. Teams that have made roster changes after the ELEAGUE Major will be debuting their new lineups for the first time on the international stage, adding an extra layer of excitement. Let’s take a look at some of the interesting storylines to follow at IEM Katowice.
FaZe NiKo makes his debut
We’re finally going to see NiKo, one of 2016’s best performing players, surrounded by a talented team at FaZe Clan. After two unsuccessful years with mousesports, NiKo has made a record-breaking buyout move to FaZe Clan. Expectations for him are high, and for good reason. This will be the first time in his career that NiKo will have equally talented and successful teammates, meaning he won’t be the sole focus of the team’s success. FaZe Clan has already become a top ten team worldwide after acquiring former Astralis in-game leader Finn “karrigan” Andersen. Will NiKo be the missing piece that propels them to the next level?
Is it too late for Cloud9?
Just three months ago, Cloud9 became the most successful North American Counter-Strike team in a decade with a victory at the ESL Pro League Season 3 grand finals. However, they have since experienced disappointing results at five events in a row. Their first LAN event of the year at DreamHack Masters Las Vegas saw them fall just short of a playoff berth, unable to defeat a struggling Ninjas in Pyjamas. Now, the question is how much longer the roster can endure underwhelming results and if IEM Katowice will be a turning point for them.
Astralis look to bounce back
Despite being the reigning Valve Major champions, Astralis suffered a crushing defeat against Virtus Pro at the DreamHack Masters Las Vegas semifinals. Now, not only do they have a target on their backs for winning the major, but they also need to prove themselves as the undisputed top team in the world once again.
Will OpTic’s slide continue?
OpTic looked like one of the strongest teams from North America before the ELEAGUE Major. However, their performance at the major was disastrous, leading to an early elimination. They also saw their in-game leader leave, which resulted in a trade with Team Liquid. Despite adding a veteran player, OpTic couldn’t make an impact at DreamHack Masters Las Vegas and faced yet another early exit. Will they continue to decline or will IEM Katowice be their turning point?
Heroic brings new Danish star to the international stage
After facing difficulties for nearly a month, Heroic has added talented Danish AWPer JUGi to their roster. With one of Denmark’s most promising players alongside 21-year-old madfragger valde, Heroic has the potential to catch up to their domestic rivals, Astralis and North.
The opening match of IEM Katowice will be Astralis vs OpTic on March 1 at 5:00am ET (2:00am PT).