IEM Katowice continues despite Russia-Ukraine conflict

Although some tournaments have already been canceled in many titles, Intel Extreme Masters announced via Twitter that IEM Katowice will continue despite the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Four of the remaining six CS:GO teams have Russian or Ukrainian members.

IEM Katowice will go on

On Wednesday, February 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to attack Ukraine. The war will have far-reaching geopolitical consequences and also has consequences for Esports. Some Ukrainian players are stuck in their home country and can’t leave because Kiev is under attack and men are supposed to stay in Ukraine to fight against Russia. Several pros from different titles are currently stuck in Kiev or other cities and are in danger. Still others have fled.

The Esports community is showing great concern about the recent events, but IEM Katowice has announced that the event will still go ahead as planned until further notice: “Our current priority is to support the players, talent and staff who may be affected by the situation in Ukraine,” the statement reads. The event has been underway for several weeks.

Although the tournament is being held in Katowice, Poland, many of the participating players, talent and ESL staff have been directly or indirectly affected by the current crisis. Four of the remaining six CS:GO teams (Natus Vincere, Gambit, Virtus.pro and G2 Esports) have players from Russia and Ukraine on their teams.

Natus Vincere has as many as three players from Russia, two players from Ukraine and one Ukrainian coach in their line-up. Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev has been active on social media, condemning the violence and expressing concern about his hometown of Kiev, which is currently being targeted with bombs.
Natus Vincere has its headquarters in Kiev. The Ukrainian organization said its main focus is to “stay calm and take care of ourselves, our loved ones and those who need help.”

Many more tournaments canceled

Although the StarCraft 2 side of IEM Katowice does not feature players from Russia or Ukraine, a cancellation would likely affect both CS:GO and SC2. The CS:GO playoffs are scheduled to be played in front of a live audience at Spodek Arena in Katowice from February 25-27. The SC2 group stage and playoffs will take place from February 24 to 27.

Although the IEM Katowice will go on, it will certainly not be easy for the Russian and Ukrainian players to concentrate knowing that at the same time their homeland is under attack and possibly their families are in danger. Unlike IEM Katowice, a lot of other events and tournaments in titles like PUBG, Apex and VALORANT have been cancelled. Dota 2 is also looking bleak for the time being in terms of events, as many Dota 2 players come from Ukraine.