The stage is set for the grand finale of the IEM Katowice CS:GO Major following the second semifinal between Astralis and MIBR.
Astralis are moving on to their second-straight Valve Major grand final after sweeping the Brazilians in two maps today. MIBR surprised Astralis with an Overpass pick, while Astralis went with Inferno, a map on which the Brazilians were slaughtered by Cloud9 in the group stage of the Major.
Related: ENCE pull off stunning heroics to defeat Na’Vi in the IEM Katowice semifinals
Semifinal No. 2: Astralis vs. MIBR
Astralis won Overpass 16-14
Astralis took the first pistol round and early rounds with ease before MIBR answered back with a couple of explosive executes and an eco reset to gain a 9-6 lead at halftime. With their backs against the wall, the Danes clawed back into the game on their T side, especially thanks to clutches from Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz and Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen. Numerous B site hits allowed Astralis to take map one with only two lost post-plant scenarios.
Astralis won Inferno 16-7
The Danish side reset their emotions going into Inferno, and it showed as they commanded the pace of the map starting on their T side. Following a pistol round clutch from Emil “Magisk” Reif, MIBR had to fend off the relentless aggression on all sides of the map, only to get six successful defensive rounds before halftime. After winning the second pistol round, a CT eco win broke the economy and spirits of MIBR, and Astralis walked on to map and series point with ease.
Astralis are headed to their third Valve Major finals at IEM Katowice, where they’ll face off against ENCE Esports at 12pm CT. If the Danes win tomorrow in front of the Polish crowd, they’ll make history and tie Fnatic for the most Major wins in history. Astralis’ last two victories were at FACEIT London in September 2018 and ELEAGUE Atlanta in January 2017.
