IEM Cologne 2025 kicks off with a fiery clash between GamerLegion and Complexity. These teams recently met in the IEM Melbourne playoffs — a series that turned into a fierce duel where the momentum gradually swung in favor of the European squad. But both sides have had time to prepare, adapt, and restructure, and now we’re in for another high-stakes rematch with no easy path to victory.
Team Lineups
GamerLegion:
- REZ
- PR
- Tauson
- ztr
- Kursy
Complexity:
- JT
- nicx
- hallzerk
- cxzi
- Grim
GL continue building around the consistent REZ, who has taken on a leadership role both statistically and in clutch situations. On the other hand, Complexity arrive with a mostly unchanged lineup, where hallzerk remains the team’s key playmaker, while Grim and cxzi bring structure in clutch and trade scenarios.
Head-to-Head History
The two teams have faced off multiple times in 2025, most notably at IEM Melbourne. GamerLegion edged out a 2:1 series win, but every map had its own rhythm:
- Nuke: GL 13–4 Complexity
- Ancient: GL 5–13 Complexity
- Train: GL 13–9 Complexity
The Nuke map was particularly one-sided, with GL asserting full control. While Complexity responded on Ancient, they lacked consistency in the decider. This history adds spice to their upcoming match, as both teams are already familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
Current Form
GamerLegion enter Cologne in mixed form. REZ is maintaining top-tier numbers with a 1.10 rating, over 80 ADR, and 1.16 impact — his contributions are crucial in opening rounds, anchoring defenses, and consistent trading. ztr is evolving into a steady in-game leader, leveraging his experience. However, Kursy and Tauson remain unstable — capable of highlight moments but also of slumps, leaving GL exposed when REZ isn’t carrying.
Complexity, on the other hand, have shown more consistency, especially after their run at FISSURE Playground 1. They pushed SAW in a close Bo3 and looked well-prepared for deeper tournament runs. hallzerk remains their brightest star with a 1.14 rating, 1.20 impact, and 71% KAST. JT continues to lead with structure and discipline, while Grim and cxzi provide reliable support and clutch presence. The team synergy has improved significantly compared to the spring, making them legitimate contenders in this matchup.
Map Pool & Potential Veto
Map stats (last 3 months):
- Mirage: GamerLegion — 25%, Complexity — unplayed
- Inferno: GamerLegion — unplayed, Complexity — 50%
- Nuke: GamerLegion — 64%, Complexity — 25%
- Ancient: GamerLegion — 50%, Complexity — 50%
- Train: GamerLegion — 67%, Complexity — 50%
- Overpass: both teams — unplayed
- Dust2: GamerLegion — 100%, Complexity — 0%
Expected Veto:
- GamerLegion will likely remove Overpass — neither team plays it, and neither will risk it on LAN.
- Complexity are expected to ban Dust2, where GL have a perfect win rate, while they themselves have struggled.
- GamerLegion may opt for Nuke as their pick — their strongest and most played map at 64% win rate.
- Complexity could lean toward Ancient or Train — both have seen consistent results (50%) for them recently.
- Decider: potentially Mirage or Ancient, depending on what gets through pick/ban and which side wants to gamble on a partially controlled map.
While GamerLegion has a broader pool, their map performances are inconsistent. Complexity might use this to secure a more comfortable veto phase. The veto process itself may become the most decisive factor of the series.
Key Matchups
- REZ vs hallzerk: A star rifler vs a high-impact AWPer. REZ can break Complexity’s setup, but hallzerk holds the key to stopping GL’s aggression.
- ztr vs JT: The IGL duel. Whichever leader reads the mid-rounds better could tip the balance in their team’s favor.
- Kursy vs Grim: A young talent against an experienced anchor. These roles will matter in tight site defense and late-rounds.
Prediction
GamerLegion come into this match as slight favorites — thanks to their past wins, REZ’s form, and more flexibility in vetoes. However, Complexity have a clear win condition if Grim and hallzerk step up on their map pick.
Predicted score: 2–1 in favor of GamerLegion
Expect a close series across all maps, but GL’s structured approach and mid-round control may ultimately prove decisive.
