IEM Cologne 2025 Kicks Off Today – A New Chapter Begins in the Cathedral of Counter-Strike

Taking place once again in the iconic LANXESS Arena, this year’s edition features 24 elite teams from around the globe, all fighting for glory, a share of the $1 million prize pool, and one of the most coveted titles in esports.

The tournament kicks off with the Play-In Stage, where 16 teams will battle through a double-elimination bracket to claim the final 8 spots in the Group Stage. They’ll then join 8 directly invited teams in a clash of titans that promises non-stop action, highlight moments, and high-stakes pressure.

With giants like FaZe Clan, Vitality, G2, and NAVI in the mix, alongside rising stars and underdog challengers, IEM Cologne 2025 is poised to deliver unforgettable matchups and potential upsets.

This year’s event marks another milestone for the Counter-Strike 2 era. Fans are eager to see which teams have adapted best to the evolving meta and who can rise to the occasion on one of the game’s most legendary stages.

As the tournament unfolds over the next week, all eyes will be on Cologne — the heart of summer Counter-Strike.

Let the battles begin.