For IEM Katowice 2025, the overarching theme once again was Hall of Heroes. A celebration of the legacy that defines Counter-Strike’s greatest moments. Katowice has its own deep-rooted symbol of legacy: the stairs leading onto the stage, where each step carries the name of a former champion. Every player who walks that path steps over the history of those who came before.

My idea was to merge that symbolism with the visual direction of the event’s 3D key visual. I imagined a portal - The Gate - standing at the top of those stairs, representing the threshold between the present and the Hall of Heroes. It was a space where players would pause for just a moment before stepping into esports history.

I sketched the first version by hand and worked closely with the 3D team to refine it into a detailed visualization that blended the architecture of the stairs with the atmosphere of the key visual. Once approved, a production company brought the design to life, building a five-meter-tall physical structure on site in Katowice.

I handled the lighting, photography, and post-production myself. The scale of the set allowed almost complete freedom of movement, letting me explore multiple angles and perspectives without breaking the illusion. The lighting was designed to enhance both the depth of the structure and the sense of anticipation as players stood before the gate.

The final portraits captured a balance of energy and reverence - the moment before entering something larger than yourself. The combination of a fully built set and controlled light gave the gallery a dynamic and cinematic quality that reflected both the theme and the legacy of Katowice itself.

Project:
The gate - transcending the stairs
Intel extreme masters katowice 2025

Shaping the concept

Lighting and photography

The result

Project: The gate -
transcending the stairs
Intel extreme masters katowice 2025