IEM Katowice isn't just about the stars in the server, you know? Sure, the Counter-Strike gods doing battle for their share of the $1m prize pool steal the show but a CSGO Major is so much more than that.
Talent, technical crews, support staff and, of course, the thousands of fans who descend on the Spodek all make the Major magnificent. And, provided the wifi's in good shape, many of them will be sharing their experiences from the venue. Here's some Spodek social media posts that have caught the eye.
Grand Finals day
Sunday, March 3
Sunday at the Major was, of course, all about the Grand Final as Astralis continued their era of dominance with victory over ENCE. It meant a second successive Major and third in total for the Danes.
Magisk is the main main
Dedicated to dupreeh
A million viewers
allu's ambition
Champions Stage day three
Saturday, March 2 2019
ENCE were at it again, pulling of another shock win - this time over Na'Vi to book a place in the final. It followed the quarter-final victory over FaZe and set up a Sunday showdown with Astralis, who beat MIBR 2-0 in the other semi-final.
Champions Stage day two
Friday, March 1 2019
There were no alarms and no surprises as the second set of quarter-finals at IEM Katowice went the way of the favourites, with MIBR easing past Renegades and Astralis destroying NIP, both with 2-0 victories.
Win or lose, players are loving the Spodek atmosphere
Na'Vi's newest fan
Na'Vi star electronic posted an update on Instagram to annouce the birth of his baby daughter - during Na'Vi's quarter-final victory over FaZe.
Champions Stage day one
Thursday, February 28 2019
ENCE provided the biggest talking point of day one with their stunning victory over Team Liquid, prompting reaction - and some riducule - from onlookers, including Cloud9 boss Jack Etienne.
It's fair to say the result went down well in ENCE's native Finland...
CARMAC brings the feels
ESL's Vice-President of Pro Gaming Michal Blicharz - AKA CARMAC - struck a chord with fans as he started proceedings with a highly emotional speech, at the end of which he urged the crowd: "When you go home, remember to tell your father and tell your mother that you love them."
Nerves were jangling
Earlier in the day, nerves were jangling ahead of the opening match between Na'Vi and FaZe.
Commentator Vince is ready
FaZe are ready
Head of IEM Michal Blicharz is, erm, ready
Being this good isn't easy, you know?
The boss is loving it
... and so are the fans
Main picture: Copyright ESL | Helena Kristiansson
