Starting April 21, IEM Melbourne 2025 kicks off — the biggest CS2 tournament in Australia. This year, ESL moved the location from the usual Sydney to Melbourne, but the event still stands as a top-tier stop in the Counter-Strike calendar. Let’s take a closer look at the list of participants and divide them into tier-based categories.
Tournament Format
The group stage runs from April 21–23 and follows a GSL format with double elimination. Sixteen teams are split into two groups of eight, with all matches played in Best-of-3 format. The top 3 teams from each group will advance to the playoffs.
The playoffs will take place from April 25–27 on the iconic Rod Laver Arena stage. The quarterfinals and semifinals will be played in Best-of-3, while the grand final will be a Best-of-5. The total prize pool is $1,000,000.
Participating Teams & Group Breakdown
Group A:
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FaZe Clan
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MOUZ
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The MongolZ
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3DMAX
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GamerLegion
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paiN Gaming
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Complexity
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BIG
Group A appears balanced, with few obvious underdogs and a fierce battle likely for the third playoff spot. FaZe, MOUZ, and The MongolZ look like the top contenders, but the rest will certainly put up a fight for those slots.
Group B:
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Vitality
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Natus Vincere
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Team Falcons
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Team Liquid
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Virtus.pro
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SAW
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MIBR
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FlyQuest
Group B features a stronger top end, with clear favorites and defined underdogs. Vitality, NAVI, and Virtus.pro are expected to move on, but Team Liquid and Falcons may challenge for the final spot.
IEM Melbourne 2025 Tier List
While IEM Melbourne 2025 isn’t quite on the level of Majors or Katowice, the event is widely regarded by the community as a valuable test of form ahead of the Major. Its unique setting in Australia — a region rarely hosting large LANs — adds to its significance for fans. With a mix of elite teams and wild cards, the stage is set for surprises. For top teams, it’s a stage to refine strategies. For underdogs, it’s a chance to make a name. Though not the crown jewel of the circuit, it’s a “momentum tournament” with high production and big implications.
S-Tier: Tournament Favorites
These are teams that have already claimed major titles in 2024–2025 or consistently rank in the top 3 globally. Their experience and firepower make them serious contenders to lift the trophy in Melbourne.
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Vitality arrive in Melbourne as top contenders and look to reinforce their dominance following a title run at IEM Katowice.
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NAVI are a constant presence in the top 4–6 and need to uphold their reputation, with coach B1ad3 using this event to test tactics ahead of the Major.
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The MongolZ see this event as a shot at redemption after a dip in form — a strong showing here could mark their return to peak performance.
A-Tier: Strong Playoff Threats
These teams have proven they can compete at a top-5 level but still lack the consistency and key wins against elite squads. If they hit their stride, a deep playoff run is absolutely on the table.
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MOUZ aim to prove that their EPL triumph wasn’t a fluke and want to take the next step in their development.
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Virtus.pro are looking to bounce back after recent struggles, using this tournament to rebuild momentum.
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Team Liquid need to establish chemistry in their revamped lineup and show playoff-worthy form.
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Team Falcons, recently strengthened by m0NESY, are working to break into the top 6 — and this event is their perfect opportunity.
READ MORE: ZywOo vs mONESY: PEACEMAKER Decides Best AWPer of 2025
B-Tier: Middle-of-the-Pack Competitors
These teams are generally stable and can fight for playoff spots, but are unlikely to go deep without upsets or major missteps from top teams.
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FaZe Clan, while trending upward, need at least a top-2 finish here to regain their status as tournament favorites — and much will depend on their in-game leadership.
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paiN Gaming arrive to prove they can not only challenge the elite but also break into the playoff rounds.
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MIBR view this as a proving ground before the Major — the more they win, the more tactics they get to test, and a strong showing could lift their morale significantly.
C-Tier: Dark Horses & Wild Cards
These squads are unstable or inexperienced at this level. While not favored, their unpredictability and aggressive playstyles make them capable of upsets.
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3DMAX are eyeing international recognition and will use this stage to prove they belong among the top.
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FlyQuest treat this tournament as a home turf opportunity. While their stats don’t impress, home advantage could fuel a breakout run.
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Complexity joined at the last minute and will use this event to test themselves internationally and boost morale with even a single big win before the Major.
READ MORE: Complexity Qualified for the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025
D-Tier: Underdogs & Outsiders
These are teams who were late additions or failed Major qualifications — for them, this is a final chance to end the season on a high note.
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SAW were a late replacement but hope to make the most of this big stage by gaining experience and possibly creating an upset.
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BIG aim to avoid early elimination, make the playoffs, and redeem themselves after falling short in Major qualifiers.
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GamerLegion, after a disastrous Major run, see this tournament as their last chance to salvage the season and assess whether their current roster has a future.
Final Word
IEM Melbourne 2025 promises to be a celebration of CS2 — with battles between world-class giants, bold underdogs, and unpredictable newcomers. For some, it’s a chance to confirm dominance. For others, an opportunity to rewrite their story. And for a few, it’s the ultimate trial on the biggest stage yet.
