The play-in stage of IEM Katowice concluded with eight teams advancing to the group stage, with HEROIC being the only major upset after losses to Eternal Fire and BIG, particularly on Nuke.

Qualified Teams:

• Eternal Fire
• 3DMAX
• GamerLegion
• FURIA Esports
• Team Liquid
• Astralis
• Virtus.pro
• BIG

3DMAX and GamerLegion exceeded expectations and could challenge established teams like Team Vitality and MOUZ. While Astralis, Team Liquid, and VP managed to qualify despite shaky starts, their tournament prospects appear limited based on their early performances.

Group A Matches:

• G2 Esports vs. Virtus.pro
• Eternal Fire vs. Team Falcons
• Team Vitality vs. 3DMAX
• BIG vs. FaZe Clan

Team Vitality, Eternal Fire, and G2 Esports are favored to advance from Group A, though FaZe Clan remains a serious contender.

Group B Matches:

• Team Spirit vs. Astralis
• FURIA Esports vs. Natus Vincere
• MOUZ vs. GamerLegion
• Team Liquid vs. The MongolZ

Team Spirit, Natus Vincere, and The MongolZ are the projected favorites from Group B. With only three teams advancing per group to the playoffs, competition will be fierce.

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