Both teams entered this match, marking their first LAN appearance of 2025. However, it was Wildcard who showcased superior preparation and performance from the outset.
On the opening day of IEM Katowice 2025's Stage 1, BIG Clan suffered a significant defeat against Wildcard, putting them on the brink of elimination.
BIG's Map Pick Backfires
The series commenced on Ancient, BIG's own map selection, but the choice backfired spectacularly. Wildcard dominated the first half, securing a flawless 12-0 lead, leaving BIG without a single T-side round on their own pick - a devastating scenario for in-game leader Johannes "tabseN" Wodarz.
J. B. A. It's a WIPEOUT Ace to keep the clean sheet #IEM @JBafps pic.twitter.com/4MSR8xAIfO
— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) January 29, 2025
Wildcard’s Josh "JBa" Barutt was the standout player on Ancient, achieving an ace in one round and amassing 21 kills overall. His exceptional performance propelled Wildcard to a commanding 13-4 victory on the map.
Just better.That's it. That's the tweet.#IEM pic.twitter.com/Odeyewvcdw
— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) January 29, 2025
On the other hand, the Germans' star player, Karim "Krimbo" Moussa, struggled significantly, managing only five kills. The rest of the team also failed to make a substantial impact, resulting in an utter collapse.
BIG Falls in Overtime on Inferno
The competition then moved to Inferno, Wildcard’s map choice, where the battle intensified. In a questionable strategic decision, BIG opted to start on the T-side, giving Wildcard the defensive advantage.
HE DOES IT AGAIN???? #IEM @JBafps pic.twitter.com/POqQ5lvVdL
— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) January 29, 2025
The first half was evenly contested, ending in a tie, with neither team gaining a clear lead. Wildcard slowly pulled ahead, once again fueled by another JBa ace, but BIG fought back. Strong defensive holds on the A site by Krimbo and tabseN put BIG in a promising 12-11 lead, just one round away from forcing a deciding third map, Train.
However, they fumbled at the worst possible moment. Their young AWPer, Marcel "hyped" Köhn, missed multiple crucial shots, allowing Wildcard to force overtime. Once there, Wildcard showed no mercy, closing out the map 16-13 and securing their spot in an advancement game versus FURIA.
+= domination.From other sides of the world but they come together at #IEM Katowice 2025!@JBafps & @suspcsgo set fire to the server and dismantle @BIGCLANgg pic.twitter.com/pHZdIvEYYl
— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) January 29, 2025
Meanwhile, BIG now faces a do-or-die elimination match against Imperial fe, who lost to FURIA. Imperial fe will be playing without their in-game leader Victoria "tory" Kazieva, due to visa issues, but they remain the number one-ranked female team in the world.
BIG is under immense pressure now, as their recent roster changes have yet to pay off. The team brought back hyped and added Can "kyuubii" Ali, but their performances remain inconsistent. Just over a week ago, they choked a lead against G2 at BLAST Bounty, and now, they risk an early exit from Katowice.
The crucial elimination series between BIG and Imperial fe will take place tonight at 6:30 PM CET. Will BIG recover, or will they suffer another disappointing loss?