G2 Esports vs NAVI at CS:GO IEM Katowice 2023 - Predictions, where to watch, and more

CS:GO fans worldwide have witnessed an exciting series of matches being played out at IEM Katowice 2023 over the last few days. As we enter the fourth day of the tournament, four CS:GO teams have sealed their slots for the playoffs, while the remaining teams will fight for the last two playoff spots.

On Day 4 of the IEM Katowice 2023 Group Stage, one of the hottest teams on the international stage, G2 Esports, will take on CS:GO giants Natus Vincere in a best-of-three matchup. The winner of this Upper Finals matchup will qualify directly for the semi-finals, whereas the loser will enter the quarter-finals as a high seed.

G2 vs NAVI - Who will win this Upper Final matchup of CS:GO's IEM Katowice 2023?

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Predictions

G2 Esports is currently one of the most dominant teams in CS:GO right now. The organization went through a rough patch in 2022. However, G2 quickly found form after adding two promising players to its roster, which included HooXi, an experienced in-game leader.

By December 2022, G2 had reached a form that helped it triumph in all the events it played. G2 has been unbeaten since its defeat to FaZe Clan in December and has won nine games in a row. It will be looking to add another to its win streak upon encountering NAVI in the IEM Katowice Group Upper Finals.

NAVI, on the other hand, has found itself in a rather tough spot. While the performances at the start of the year were not entirely disappointing, it just wasn't something you would typically see from this CIS roster. NAVI, however, did have a new roster addition, which has taken a toll on the team's chemistry.

Judging by NAVI's performances against Cloud9 and Team Liquid so far in the IEM Katowice Group Stage, the team seems to have rectified the mistakes that led to its defeat at the BLAST Premier Spring Finals. NAVI is yet to lose a map at Katowice this year and plans to continue its momentum until the end of the tournament.

G2 Esports, despite being favorites at the tournament, is likely to be stopped in its tracks by a NAVI side that is hungry to regain its lost glory. NiKo's incredible clutches and m0NESY's prowess on the AWP have been a driving force for G2's success. However, after losing to G2 twice in 2023 already, NAVI will be determined to defeat its toughest opponents and ascend to the top yet again.

Head-to-head

The current core of the G2 and NAVI rosters has faced off on six different occasions. Out of the six matches, G2 has won four, leaving NAVI with only two match wins. They've played a total of 11 maps over the course of those six matches, where G2 has won eight and NAVI three.

G2 and NAVI have encountered each other twice in 2023, with both matches coming in the BLAST Premier Spring Groups 2023. Both of those matches ended in a 2-0 victory for G2 Esports.

Recent results

G2 Esports has won both matches in IEM Katowice 2023 so far. The team kicked off its tournament campaign with a 2-0 win over BIG, followed by a dominant 2-0 victory over FaZe Clan.

Similar to G2, NAVI has also won both of its matches in the tournament, defeating Cloud9 in the opening match, followed by a victory over Team Liquid. Both matches ended in a 2-0 win for the Ukrainian side.

Potential lineups

Natus Vincere

Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev
Denis "electroNic" Sharipov (IGL)
Ilya "Perfecto" Zalutskiy
Valerii "b1t" Vakhovskyi
Andrii "npl" Kukharskyi
Andrii "B1ad3" Horodenskyi (Coach)

G2 Esports

Nemanja "huNter-" Kovač
Nikola "NiKo" Kovač
Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov
Justin "jks" Savage
Rasmus "HooXi" Nielsen (IGL)
Jan "Swani" Müller (Coach)

Where to watch

CS:GO fans can catch the IEM Katowice 2023 live on ESL CS:GO's official Twitch channel using this link. G2 Esports will take on Natus Vincere on February 7, 2023, at 10:30 am PST/ 7:30 pm CET/ 12 am IST (next day).

About the author

Adarsh is an Esports and Gaming writer at Sportskeeda specializing in FPS games like Valorant, Counter-Strike, and Overwatch 2. After joining Sportskeeda in October 2021, he has authored over 750 stories that collectively have garnered 1.5 million views. By meticulously following reputable sources and enhancing his knowledge of the topics he covers, Adarsh eliminates any margin for error, ensuring his readers receive the most accurate information. As a Journalism graduate, these practices are skills he has honed through practical experience.

In addition to his role as a gaming journalist, Adarsh managed the Valorant, Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), and Overwatch 2 departments at Sportskeeda for nearly two years. He also serves as an Esports and Gaming Editor, boasting over a year of experience in this capacity. A significant milestone in his career involves attending various international Valorant events and conducting more than 150 interviews with some of the top talents in esports.

Adarsh's gaming journey began at the age of 3 when his parents introduced him to Roadrash. While he was too young to play independently, his parents assisted him in savoring every aspect of the game. Fast forward twenty years, Adarsh continues to exhibit a passion for video games, particularly competitive and tactical FPS titles. As a result of his fondness for football, he is a devoted fan of the EA Sports FIFA or FC series as well.

During his leisure time, Adarsh indulges in reading books and watching sports. A passionate supporter of Manchester United, he is an ardent football enthusiast. He also takes pleasure in watching basketball, tennis, MMA, and poker, actively participating in these sports as well. Furthermore, Adarsh harbors a deep-seated love for cinema, enjoying the exploration and dissection of its complexities.

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Edited by Adarsh J Kumar