IEM Katowice 2025 Kicks Off: 3DMAX Victory Over FlyQuest

On January 29, 2025, one of the most anticipated tournaments of the year, Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2025, officially kicked off. This event also marks the start of the Counter-Strike 2 professional season, with every team eager to start on the right foot. In one of the first matches of the opening day, 3DMAX faced off against FlyQuest, both teams determined to showcase their best performance.

3DMAX vs. FlyQuest

FlyQuest had the first map pick, choosing Train, which had recently returned to the official tournament map pool. However, their choice didn’t seem to work out as planned. Although both teams traded early rounds, 3DMAX quickly gained control with excellent positional play, securing the majority of rounds. The first half ended 10-2 in favor of 3DMAX, leaving FlyQuest with a massive challenge ahead. In the second half, FlyQuest adjusted their strategy, showing more determination and managing to secure three additional rounds, but it wasn’t enough. 3DMAX closed out the first map with a dominant 13-5 victory.

For the second map, 3DMAX chose Inferno. They entered as the favorites, but FlyQuest proved to be a tough opponent, refusing to go down without a fight. The match started at a much higher pace compared to Train, with FlyQuest showing strong resistance. However, 3DMAX stepped up to demonstrate why they deserved the win, eventually taking control of the game. The first half ended 8-4 in favor of 3DMAX, and they smoothly closed out the second half, securing a 13-7 win and a 2-0 series victory. 3DMAX displayed strong strategic execution, while FlyQuest will need to make adjustments moving forward.

With this win, 3DMAX advances to the Upper Bracket Round 2, while FlyQuest drops to the Lower Bracket, where they still have a chance to fight for survival in the tournament.