IEM Katowice

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Lore & Background

The IEM Katowice Major 2019 was the fourteenth CS:GO Major Championship. The defending champions were Astralis, after winning their second championship at the FACEIT Major: London 2018. At the time, Fnatic had the most Major titles, with three. The grand finals featured the world's number one team Astralis, which defeated Ninjas in Pyjamas and MIBR in the playoffs, and the underdog ENCE, which defeated the world's number two in Team Liquid and the world's number three in Natus Vincere. Astralis swept ENCE in two maps to take its third Major title and tie Fnatic for most Majors titles. In addition, Astralis became just the third team after Fnatic and the Brazilian roster of Luminosity Gaming and SK Gaming to win consecutive Majors.

In Their Own Story

The air outside Spodek was biting cold, but inside, the heat radiated from thousands of fans wearing black and red. The stage lights cut through the haze as the Fnatic players took their seats at the PCs. No one spoke; the only sound was the hum of servers and the distant roar of the crowd. One player tightened his grip on the mouse, eyes fixed on the monitor. This was it—the moment that would echo in forums for years to come. The countdown began.

Reader's Guide

For Fnatic supporters, traveling to Katowice is a pilgrimage to the heart of European competitive gaming culture. The Spodek Arena transforms into a cauldron of noise when the servers start, creating an electric atmosphere that defines high-stakes Counter-Strike. Fans clad in club colors gather from across the globe, hoping to witness history unfold on the stage below. The acoustics amplify every shot and shoutcaster call, creating a sensory overload unique to this venue. For players, stepping onto this floor means facing the best in the world under immense pressure. This tradition binds the community together through shared experience. Whether the team lifts the trophy or falls short, the chants echoing through the Polish winter air unite strangers into a single family. It cements loyalty and passion for the club's enduring legacy.

Did You Know?

• The IEM Katowice Major 2019 was the start of the second season of the Intel Grand Slam.
• Astralis tied Fnatic for the most Major titles (three) by winning this event.
• Astralis became just the third team after Fnatic and the Brazilian roster of Luminosity Gaming and SK Gaming to win consecutive Majors.
• The top eight teams from the London Major received a bye to the second phase of the group stage as 'Legends'.
• The grand finals featured the world's number one team Astralis against the underdog ENCE, which had defeated the world's number two and number three teams.