GamerLegion Easily Defeat paiN Gaming and Qualify for the IEM Katowice 2025 Group Stage

On January 30, 2025, the second day of play at Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2025 kicked off. Based on the results of previous matches, the teams for the upper and lower brackets were determined, and our attention was drawn to the paiN Gaming vs. GamerLegion matchup. The match gained extra intrigue as the two teams had an even head-to-head record of 2-2 in previous encounters.

paiN Gaming vs. GamerLegion

GamerLegion had the first map pick, selecting Inferno, which ultimately set the tone for the entire match. The game started calmly, with both teams opting not to reveal their strategies too early. After exchanging a few rounds, something unexpected happened—GamerLegion began securing round after round with precision and speed. By the end of the first half, they had built a commanding 9-3 lead. The second half followed the same pattern, with GamerLegion giving paiN no chances and securing four more rounds to claim victory on Inferno.

For the second map, paiN Gaming chose Mirage. They started strong, using solid positional play and well-executed site takes to win four consecutive rounds. However, things quickly took a turn as GamerLegion began reading their strategies and mounted a comeback. The first half ended 7-5 in favor of GamerLegion, and the match concluded with a dominant 13-5 scoreline, as paiN Gaming failed to win a single round in the second half.

With this victory, GamerLegion secure their spot in the group stage of the tournament, while paiN Gaming drop to Lower Bracket Round 2, where they will face Astralis.