The “Cathedral of Counter-Strike” is all arrange for the return of IEM Cologne, and all the highest groups are coming collectively to crown a champion.
Cologne, Germany, is a particular place within the hearts of CS2 followers. Since 2014, the match has drawn simply as many eyes as Valve Majors, typically even doubling as a Main itself. It’s some of the prestigious trophies in esports historical past, and all of HLTV’s high 16 groups plus eight extra shall be gunning for the rostrum. This yr’s installment will function a 16-team play-in stage adopted by a number of brackets to finally decide the brand new kings of Counter-Strike 2.
Earlier than the occasion kicks off in Cologne, Germany, on July 23, 2025, right here’s the whole lot followers ought to know concerning the groups, format, prize pool, and favorites for IEM Cologne 2025.
All groups competing at IEM Cologne 2025
Listed below are all of the groups attending IEM Cologne 2025. Direct invitations are bolded and can robotically begin within the group stage.
Group Vitality
MOUZ
Group Spirit
Group Falcons
The MongolZ
Aurora Gaming
G2 Esports
Natus Vincere
GamerLegion
FaZe Clan
Astralis
3DMAX
HEROIC
Group Liquid
Virtus.professional
FURIA
Complexity
TYLOO
MIBR
B8
Ninjas in Pyjamas
BIG
paiN Gaming
FlyQuest
Invitations to Cologne are based mostly on Valve Regional Standings, with the highest eight groups qualifying on to the group stage. The subsequent 16 groups will compete in a play-in stage.
IEM Cologne format defined
IEM Cologne will use a three-stage format beginning with play-ins, then advancing to the group stage, and ending with the playoffs.
The play-in stage, which begins on July 23, 2025, options 16 groups in a double-elimination bracket. The highest eight groups, 4 from winners and 4 from losers, will advance to the principle occasion. This implies groups can safe a spot within the cathedral in as little as two victories. Every match shall be best-of-three.
Picture Credit score: ESL
From there, the eight play-in qualifiers will transfer to the group stage, the place they may sq. off in opposition to the direct invitations. The Cologne group stage marks the beginning of the principle occasion. Groups shall be seeded in line with both their VRS rating or efficiency within the play-ins. Group A and Group B shall be solely separate for this preliminary spherical.
Lastly, the highest 4 groups from every group will advance to the playoffs, which shall be held dwell in Lanxess Enviornment. Right here, the format will shift from double to single-elimination, making each match depend. The grand ultimate may even shift to best-of-five, going down on August 3.
$1 million up for grabs together with $400,000 for first place
IEM Cologne isn’t solely some of the prestigious Counter-Strike occasions, nevertheless it’s additionally some of the profitable.
Right here’s how this yr’s prize pool breaks down:
1st Place: $400,000
2nd Place: $180,000
Third-4th Place: $80,000 every
Fifth-Sixth Place: $40,000 every
Seventh-Eighth Place: $24,000 every
Ninth-Twelfth Place: $16,000 every
Thirteenth-Sixteenth Place: $10,000 every
Seventeenth-Twentieth Place: $4,500 every
Twenty first-Twenty fourth Place: $2,500 every
Who’re the favorites to win IEM Cologne 2025?
Group Vitality is the strong favourite to triumph at IEM Cologne 2025, however a number of different groups are within the operating to win.
Vitality is getting into Cologne as the apparent group of the yr, profitable seven of eight top-tier offline occasions in 2025. The squad appears to be like unstoppable, and the mixture of Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut on the AWP and Robin “ropz” Kool on rifles makes it the clear king of purchase rounds.
Picture Credit score: Group Vitality
Nonetheless, there’s the chance that MOUZ or The Mongolz might put a cease to Vitality’s phenomenal run. Each squads took necessary video games off the juggernaut through the Austin Main, and each enter Cologne as direct invitations. Group Falcons is streaky, however the squad pushed Vitality to recreation 5 at each IEM Melbourne and BLAST Rivals Spring only a few months in the past. Spirit additionally enters as a darkish horse, and Danil “donk” Kryshkovets is certain to place up highlights no matter outcomes.
Even with different groups scorching on its tail, Vitality stays the clear favourite to take the crown at IEM Cologne.
