IHC Esports knock out FURIA from IEM Katowice 2023 and advance to the group stage

The IHC Esports team sensationally outplayed FURIA with a score of 2:1, thanks to which it advanced to the group stage of IEM Katowice 2023. In turn, the Brazilian team, following MIBR, leaves the tournament, taking 17-20th place and earning $4,500.

The meeting within the second round of the lower bracket started on the map Nuke, which became the choice of the Mongolian team. At the same time, IHC Esports players quickly took control of the initiative, making FURIA fans nervous. However, towards the end of the first half, the Brazilians joined the game in order to catch up and overtake the opponent - 9:6. After the side switch, IHC Esports was able to quickly close the gap and run ahead. At some point, FURIA players were able to join the fight. But in the very end, the Mongolian team did the impossible and closed their own pick - 16:14.

Then the teams moved to the Mirage map, which turned out to be the choice of FURIA. Here the struggle was no less equal, and yet the Mongolian team managed to join in the end of the first half and secure a minimal advantage for themselves — 8:7. After switching sides, IHC Esports players went even further, receiving four match points at once. However, FURIA was able to make a comeback, and after that successfully transferred the series to the deader — 19:16.

Everything was decided on the Anubis map, where FURIA started right off the bat and played confidently in attack to get a great advantage at the end of the first half — 9:6. However, after the change of sides, the Mongolian team quickly caught their game, managing not only to win the pistol series, but also to secure a comfortable start. As a result, the Brazilians were no longer able to return to the game, while IHC Esports finally created a sensation and knocked out FURIA from the championship - 16:10.

IEM Katowice 2023 takes place from 1 to 12 February in Katowice at the Spodek Arena. As part of the championship, 24 teams from the CIS, Europe, North and Latin America, Asia and Oceania are fighting for a total prize pool of $1,000,000, as well as a ticket to IEM Cologne 2023 for the winner.

Interim results of IEM Katowice 2023

• 1st place: $400,000 + ticket to IEM Cologne 2023
• 2nd place: $180,000
• 3rd-4th place: $80,000
• 5th-6th place: $40,000
• 7th-8th place: $24,000
• 9th-12th place: $16,000
• 13th-16th place: $10,000
• 17th-20th place: MIBR and FURIA - $4,500
• 21st-24th place: paiN Gaming, Evil Geniuses, Permitta Esports and Grayhound Gaming — $2,500