A method of heating a catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine, wherein the method comprises the steps of: igniting the gas charge in one of the cylinders in a range from 10° CA before ignition top dead center to 20° CA after ignition top dead center; and opening the exhaust valve of the cylinder exhaust of the cylinder in a range from 30° CA to 55° CA after ignition top dead center. The method allows the catalytic converter of the internal combustion engine to quickly reach operating temperature and thus contributes to the reduction of pollutant emissions. An internal combustion engine is also provided that is designed to carry out the method of the invention for heating a catalytic converter.