IEM Katowice set for 'legendary weekend' despite empty Spodek

Organisers of IEM Katowice 2020 have promised to deliver a "legendary weekend" despite having to ban fans from attending the playoffs at the Spodek Arena due to concerns over Coronavirus.

The IEM Katowice playoffs will be played behind closed doors for the first time after action from the Polish government to close the iconic venue, famous for its electric atmosphere at previous IEM events.

Who wins the first quarterfinal?

Playoffs crunch

Despite the disruption, tournament will go on, with Fnatic vs 100 Thieves and Team Liquid vs Na'Vi in Friday's quarterfinals, as the IEM Katowice playoffs start.

All IEM Katowice 2020 playoffs live streams can be found at Luckbox and CS:GO fans can make predictions with a free $5 bet. Just create your account with email and password and the $5 is added to your account instantly.

Fnatic vs 100 Thieves

Fnatic vs 100 Thieves starts at 3pm CET, with the winners going on to face G2 esports in Saturday's semifinals.

Fnatic are strong favourites to progress at 1.35, with 100 Thieves available at 2.90. That means a winning $10 bet on 100 Thieves would return $29.

A 2-0 win for Fnatic is 2.12, while a 2-1 win is 3.10. Fans who think 100 Theives can do it without dropping a map can get 6.0, while a 2-1 win for 100 Thieves is 5.0.

Liquid vs Na'Vi

Friday's second quarterfinal sees Liquid vs Na'Vi for the right to face defending champs Astralis in the semifinal. Liquid vs Na'Vi starts at 6.55pm CET.

There is very little to choose between the teams, with Na'Vi the slight favourites at 1.84 and Liquid at 1.87 at the time of publishing.

Who do you think will win?

The show must go on

IEM Katowice 2020 organisers said they were "deeply sorry" the action would not be witnessed by a live audience.

A statement read: "For the first time ever, the legendary Spodek arena will not be echoing with your chants and cheers.

"In the spirit of esports, we will still broadcast the tournament as planned on online and TV channels. Join us in the chat, we are going to make sure to deliver a legendary weekend.

"We are deeply sorry for all the fans and players."