From July 23 to August 3, the German city of Cologne will host IEM Cologne 2025 — one of the most prestigious S-Tier events in Counter-Strike 2. With 24 teams, a $1,000,000 prize pool, and Tier 1 status by Valve, this tournament stands as a key battleground before the final Major of the year. For top-tier contenders, it’s a chance to confirm dominance. For others — it’s a last test of championship potential.
Format
The tournament begins with a Play-In Stage, where 16 teams compete in a double-elimination bracket. All matches are played as Best-of-3 series, and the top eight teams advance to the Group Stage.
The Group Stage runs with two GSL-style groups of eight teams each. Again, all matches are Best-of-3. The top three teams from each group move on to the Playoffs:
- Group winners advance directly to the Semifinals
- Group runners-up go to the Quarterfinals as high seeds
- Third-place teams qualify as low seeds
The Playoffs are played in a single-elimination format. The Quarterfinals and Semifinals are Best-of-3, while the Grand Final will be a Best-of-5 clash for the championship.
Schedule of opening matches
The tournament opens with the Play-In Stage. All times in CEST.
Wednesday, July 23
- 10:30 — GamerLegion vs. Complexity
- 10:30 — TYLOO vs. Virtus.pro
- 13:00 — Astralis vs. B8
- 13:00 — FlyQuest vs. FURIA
- 15:30 — FaZe vs. BIG
- 15:30 — 3DMAX vs. MIBR
- 18:00 — Liquid vs. paiN
- 18:00 — Ninjas in Pyjamas vs. HEROIC
Further matches will follow in the same double-elimination bracket across July 24–25, leading into the Group Stage.
Play-In Teams
The 16 teams in the Play-In Stage are fighting for 8 slots in the Group Stage. The lineup includes:
- FaZe Clan
- Team Liquid
- Virtus.pro
- FURIA
- Astralis
- Complexity
- HEROIC
- Ninjas in Pyjamas
- GamerLegion
- BIG
- MIBR
- 3DMAX
- TYLOO
- paiN Gaming
- FlyQuest
- B8
Several of these teams have strong potential to go deep — but not all will make it past the opening phase.
Direct Invites to the Group Stage
The following eight teams are already seeded into the Group Stage thanks to their results in VRS rankings:
- Vitality
- MOUZ
- Team Spirit
- Team Falcons
- The MongolZ
- Aurora
- G2
- Natus Vincere
Most of these teams are within Valve’s current top 10 and expected to be contenders for the title.
Prize Pool Distribution
The $1,000,000 prize pool is distributed as follows:
- 1st place: $400,000
- 2nd place: $180,000
- 3rd–4th place: $80,000
- 5th–6th place: $40,000
- 7th–8th place: $24,000
- 9th–12th place: $16,000
- 13th–16th place: $10,000
- 17th–20th place: $4,500
- 21st–24th place: $2,500
Every win counts, even in early rounds — especially for lower-tier teams.
Favorites to Win
Vitality, Team Spirit, MOUZ – The most complete and consistent rosters. Vitality is unbeaten for months, Spirit looks even stronger post-adjustments, and MOUZ remains rock-solid tactically.
Playoff Contenders
FaZe, Astralis, NAVI – FaZe can found balance with broky back and s1mple out. Astralis is in peak form with HooXi. NAVI’s firepower is better, but w0nderful and b1t need to step up.
Can Make a Deep Run
NIP, FURIA, Complexity, GamerLegion, B8 – NiP’s new roster has potential, FURIA is inconsistent but dangerous. Complexity and GamerLegion are stylistically hard to deal with and can capitalize on bracket chaos. B8 have picked up form and should be making themselves known by now, this is their chance.
Volatile and Unproven
paiN, Heroic, FlyQuest, The MongolZ, G2, Falcons – These teams all have major variables: new players, inconsistent results, or shaky structure. Any of them could sneak into playoffs — or bomb out early. Falcons and G2 especially remain mysteries.
Outside the Picture
Virtus.pro, Aurora, TYLOO, BIG, MIBR, 3DMAX, B8 – Virtus.Pro and Aurora are in poor form and missing key pieces. TYLOO after success, there will be failure. BIG, MIBR, and 3DMAX, haven’t shown enough stability or firepower to be taken seriously at this level.
Where to Watch
All matches will be broadcast on ESL’s official Twitch and YouTube channels, with coverage in multiple languages and commentary from the world’s top CS2 analysts. Community casters and regional studios may also carry the event under ESL’s co-streaming rules.
Final Thoughts
IEM Cologne 2025 isn’t just another S-Tier tournament — it’s a litmus test before the autumn Major. Whether it’s Vitality’s next trophy, donk’s next highlight reel, or s1mple’s redemption arc, Cologne is where the world’s best will be defined. This year’s edition has the firepower, history, and stakes to be one of the most important events in CS2’s young era. If there’s one event to watch this summer, it’s Cologne.
