ESL has confirmed the final list of teams invited to IEM Cologne 2025 (July 23 to August 3), one of the biggest and most hyped events in the CS2 calendar.
The invites were determined by the latest June VRS rankings, with all top 24 teams jumping at the chance to compete in Cologne. Stage 1 will see teams ranked nine through 24 fight through a double-elimination BO3 bracket to earn their spot in Stage 2.
In Stage 2, the 16 teams will be split into two intense groups, battling it out in another double-elimination BO3 setup. Group winners will go straight to the semi-finals, while second and third place finishers will secure quarter-final spots.
The playoffs will be a high-stakes single-elimination BO3 bracket, leading to an electrifying best-of-five grand final where the IEM Cologne crown will be claimed.
