Eternal Fire Becomes First Ever Turkish Team to Reach IEM Katowice Playoffs
On the final day of the Group Stage at IEM Katowice 2025, fans witnessed an unforgettable battle between FaZe Clan and Eternal Fire in the Lower Bracket Finals of Group A. With a spot at the Spodek Arena on the line, the stakes couldn’t have been higher—the winner would advance to the playoffs, while the loser would be sent packing.
And what a match it was. Eternal Fire put on a stellar performance, dismantling FaZe on Anubis with a dominant 13-4 win before taking Nuke into a marathon showdown. The second map went to a jaw-dropping four overtimes, with Eternal Fire finally closing it out 25-22 in round 47, securing their first-ever playoff berth at Katowice.
Making Turkish CS History
With this monumental victory, Eternal Fire has made history, becoming the first ever Turkish team to qualify for the IEM Katowice Playoffs. The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated, as no Turkish squad or player has ever reached this stage before.
The journey hasn’t been easy. In 2024, Eternal Fire fell short in the group stage, eliminated by Natus Vincere. The last time a Turkish player even made it to Katowice was in 2021, when İsmailсan "XANTARES" Dörtkardeş competed with BIG, only to be eliminated in the groups. For Özgür "woxic" Eker, his last appearance came in 2020, when he played for MOUZ (then known as mousesports).
The foundation of Eternal Fire was fueled by a singular dream—to bring Turkish CS to the top level. After years of competing on international teams, XANTARES and woxic joined forces with local talent to create a superteam that could challenge the best in the world.
That dream has now become reality. With their historic qualification for the playoffs, Eternal Fire has cemented their place in Counter-Strike history. This victory is more than just a personal milestone for the players; it is a defining moment for Turkish esports.
The Road Ahead
Eternal Fire now looks ahead to the Spodek Arena, where they will face off against some of the best teams in the world. But no matter what happens next, their journey has already inspired a new generation of Turkish Counter-Strike players. As they step onto the playoff stage, they do so not just as competitors but as pioneers of Turkish CS on the global stage.
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Featured Image Source: ESL
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IEM Katowice 2025: Group Stage Matchups, Format, and Schedule