ESL has announced the invitations for IEM Cologne 2025, scheduled to take place right after the summer player break. From July 23 to August 3, 24 of the top teams from around the globe will gather in Cologne to compete in one of the most esteemed tournaments in the CS2 calendar.
You can find a complete CS2 tournament calendar here.
IEM Cologne 2025 Invited Teams
The invitations were distributed according to the June Valve Regional Standings update, and all of the top 24 teams globally recognized by the VRS accepted their invitations.
Stage 1 Teams
| Liquid | HEROIC |
| FaZe | GamerLegion |
| Astralis | 3DMAX |
| FURIA | TYLOO |
| B8 | NIP |
| FlyQuest | paiN |
| Complexity | MIBR |
| Virtus.pro | BIG |
Stage 2 Teams
| Vitality | Spirit |
| Falcons | MOUZ |
| Natus Vincere | Aurora |
| TheMongolZ | G2 |
Teams in slots nine to 24 of the VRS have been invited to Stage 1, where a thrilling double-elimination best-of-three bracket will decide which eight teams move on to Stage 2.
In Stage 2, the 16 participating teams will be split into two groups, and the double-elimination format featuring best-of-three matches will decide which teams move on to the playoffs.
Finishing in first place in the group stage secures a spot in the semi-finals, while teams that finish second and third will qualify for the quarter-finals.
The playoffs will be conducted in a single-elimination format featuring best-of-three matches until the Grand Final, which will be a best-of-five match.
Keep up with our coverage for more insights on the latest esports news and updates.
