Group Spirit has formally withdrawn from IEM Melbourne only a week and a half earlier than the occasion kicks off, ESL introduced.
The Russian organisation will likely be changed by Complexity Gaming, which was subsequent in line primarily based on the newest Counter-Strike 2 World VRS rankings. The group has accepted the invitation.
Though Group Spirit notified ESL of its withdrawal on April 4th, neither the group nor ESL has supplied a motive for a similar.
“Group Spirit have withdrawn from IEM Melbourne on Friday, April 4th and can not be competing within the event. Complexity accepted our invitation and we’re excited to see them return down beneath after their Grand Ultimate look at IEM Sydney 2023,” ESL acknowledged within the announcement.
Different CS2 organisations which have opted out of the occasion embody G2 Esports, FURIA and Astralis. Right here’s the up to date listing of taking part groups, together with their group distribution:
Group Vitality defeated Group Spirit to win IEM Katowice 2025 and with its present roster, mixed with Spirit’s absence, the group will likely be aiming to carry its third CS2 trophy of the yr.
With one much less top-tier opponent, MOUZ additionally has an awesome alternative to give attention to taking BLAST Open Spring and ESL Professional League Season 21 revenge towards Vitality and turn out to be the champions.
ESL has additionally revealed the opening matchups and brackets for the occasion:
IEM Melbourne is ready to start on April twenty first, with the Grand Ultimate happening on April twenty seventh. The event will likely be streamed stay on ESL’s official Twitch and YouTube channels. For these attending in particular person, the Rod Laver Enviornment will host stay viewers and tickets are already fully bought out.
