Easy victory for BIG over HEROIC in the match for a spot in the Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2025 group stage

On January 31, 2025, the final Play-In matches of Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2025 determined which teams would claim the last slots in the tournament’s group stage. Among the key matchups was HEROIC vs. BIG, a clash that attracted significant attention. Here’s a brief overview of the match and its most exciting moments.

HEROIC vs. BIG

Fans eagerly awaited this showdown, as the two teams had not faced each other this year, making it uncertain how well they had adapted to each other’s strategies. HEROIC had the first map pick and chose Nuke, but from the very start, things went wrong for them. Their offensive strategies were poorly executed, site takes were uncoordinated, and the game was entirely one-sided. Meanwhile, BIG displayed solid defensive play and precise shooting, quickly gaining control. The final score was a dominant 13-2 in favor of BIG (11-2, 2-1).

BIG picked Ancient for the second map, a comfortable choice for them. After a crushing victory on Nuke, BIG played with confidence, took their time, and methodically dismantled HEROIC, winning round after round. A standout moment came in Round 11, when "hyped" secured four AWP kills on the offensive. HEROIC struggled again, losing the first half 0-12. Despite a slight resurgence in the second half, claiming four rounds, BIG closed out the map 13-4.

With a 2-0 series victory, BIG advanced to the group stage of Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2025. Unfortunately for HEROIC, this was their last match of the tournament, as they were eliminated, finishing in 17th-20th place.