IEM Cologne 2025

Past events Jul 22

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League Information

Series:

IEM
ESL Grand Slam

Organizer:

ESL

Type:

Offline

Location:

Germany, Cologne

Venue:

LANXESS arena (Playoffs)

Prize Pool:

$1,000,000 USD

Start Date:

2025-07-23

End Date:

2025-08-03

Teams:

ESL Pro Tour Tier:

Masters Champ.

Valve Tier:

Tier 1

Maps:

Ancient • Dust II • Inferno • Mirage • Nuke • Overpass • Train

IEM Cologne 2025: Where Legends Rise

The Cathedral of Counter-Strike opens its doors once again! From July 23 to August 3, the world’s top 24 CS teams descend upon Lanxess Arena in Cologne to battle for glory at one of the most iconic tournaments in the esports universe — IEM Cologne 2025.

This is more than just a tournament. It’s a proving ground. A legacy-defining stage. The second EPT Championship of the year promises unforgettable plays, roaring crowds, and the chance to etch your name in CS history.

The Competition Structure

Stage 1: Teams ranked 9–24 via June’s VRS face off in a high-stakes BO3 double-elimination bracket. Only eight will survive and advance.
Stage 2: The top 16 teams split into two groups for another round of BO3 double-elim warfare. The first-place teams go straight to the semifinals, while second and third places secure their spot in the quarterfinals.
Playoffs: A single-elimination BO3 bracket, culminating in a BO5 Grand Final where champions are crowned.

Global Talent, Fresh Faces & Fan Favorites

Witness Justin “⁠jks⁠” Savage make his FlyQuest debut.
Welcome Kacper “⁠xKacpersky⁠” Gabara as he enters the spotlight with Ninjas in Pyjamas.
Celebrate the homecoming of Helvijs “⁠broky⁠” Saukants to FaZe, ready to reignite the fire.

A Legendary Venue

The Lanxess Arena, known for its thunderous crowds and electric atmosphere, once again becomes the beating heart of Counter-Strike. With a tradition dating back to 2014, this event has hosted three CS Majors, welcoming the best of the best and uniting thousands of fans from across the globe.

Why It Matters

IEM Cologne is a celebration of CS:GO’s legacy, a showcase of its resilience, evolution, and unmatched spirit. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or streaming every round, you’re part of something greater — a global movement of passion, skill, and raw emotion.