Astralis Pulverized – Na`Vi enters the final of IEM Katowice

The finalists of the IEM Katowice 2020 have been determined. G2 Esports and Natus Vincere will play for the big title in Poland.

Power demonstration by Natus Vincere

The Eastern Europeans around their star duo Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev and Denis “electronic” Sharipov virtually showed the world number one Astralis in the semi-finals. The Danish stars could only fetch ten laps over two maps, the rest of the semi-final was completely Na`Vi.

On Dust 2, Natus Vincere swept the Danes off the server with 16-5. A clear result, which could have been much worse. s1mple & Co. played completely unleashed, and partly, the map became the highlight reel for the Eastern Europeans.

Astralis hoped for a comeback on their Mappick Nuke, but Na`Vi didn`t give the Danes any breathing space. Instead, Natus Vincere continued exactly where they had left off on Dust 2 and was already leading 13-2 at half time. Some of the rounds were almost embarrassing for the world number one.

Especially, round five will be remembered by the fans for a long time. Here, Egor “flamie” Vasilev completed the complete Astralis with a Galil within seconds:

All in all, Nuke also finished 16-5 for Na`Vi, who will enter the final against G2 as clear favourites with this demonstration of power.

G2 wrestles down Fnatic

In the other semi-final, the three-time IEM Katowice Champion fnatic and G2 clashed. With a 2-1 win against the Swedes, G2 was far more difficult than Na`Vi against Astralis. Both teams did not give each other anything, but thanks to a strong performance by star player Kenny “KennyS” Schrub, G2 secured their ticket to the final.

The Swedes from Fnatic lacked the usual star power in the semi-finals. Neither Jesper “JW” Wecksell nor young star Ludvig “Brollan” Brolin could fully call on their power, and so Fnatic had to give up the chance for a second win for the Intel Grand Slam.

Who will crown himself the new champion in Katowice?

Natus Vincere has more than earned the role of favourite for the final by beating Astralis. Nevertheless, the Eastern Europeans would do well not to underestimate G2. After all, in the course of the tournaments, G2 turned out to be a real secret favourite, having already scored surprise victories over mousesports and Team Liquid.

Both teams also have the chance to win their first victory on the way to the Intel Grand Slam at the final.

So we can look forward to an exciting final.