From 1982 the club consistently found itself up the top end of the ladder, as well as playing off in several Polish Cup finals.

In 1985 GKS Katowice played in its first Polish Cup final but lost in a penalty shootout to Widzew Łódź.

Over the years fans of GKS got to witness their team take on the likes of Sportul Studentsc Bucharest, Rangers, Club Brugge, Galatasaray, Benfica, Aris, Girondins Bordeaux and twice Bayer Leverkusen.

Piotr Dziurowicz became president who, despite growing debts and financial troubles, kept the team in the top flight.

In 2003, the team managed to qualify for the UEFA Cup by finishing third in the league under coach Jan Żurek.

On 26 May 2024, they clinched promotion during the last matchday of the 2023–24 season after a 1–0 away victory over Arka Gdynia, tying them on points, but finishing ahead in the standings on head-to-head difference.

[3] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.