IEM Katowice 2025 Kicks Off: paiN Gaming’s Easy Victory Over Virtus.pro

On January 29, 2025, one of the most anticipated tournaments of the year, Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2025, began. This event also marks the start of the Counter-Strike 2 professional season, and every team is eager to begin on a high note.

paiN Gaming’s vs. Virtus.pro

The first match of the opening day featured paiN Gaming and Virtus.pro, both carrying the pressure of not only their own performance but also of kicking off the tournament. VP had the first map pick, choosing Mirage. While the early rounds were evenly contested, with both teams exchanging rounds, it soon became clear that paiN Gaming had the upper hand. They gradually took control, winning the first half 8-4. In the second half, Virtus.pro adjusted their gameplay and surprisingly managed to tie the score at 8-8. However, paiN won a crucial round that shifted the momentum back in their favor, allowing them to close out the first map 13-8.

For the second map, paiN Gaming picked Dust 2, and from the very start, it was evident that they had thoroughly prepared for it. Their strategies were well executed, and they did not allow Virtus.pro a single opening. The first half ended with a dominant 10-2 lead for paiN Gaming. With such a scoreline, making a comeback was nearly impossible for VP. paiN Gaming sealed the series with a convincing 13-2 victory, securing a clean 2-0 sweep. With this win, paiN advances to the Upper Bracket Round 2, while Virtus.pro drops to the Lower Bracket, where they still have a chance to fight their way through the tournament.

How would you rate the match between paiN Gaming vs. Virtus.pro and the overall start of Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2025?