Cologne 2025

The Cathedral of Counter-strike

  • 24 Teams
  • EPT Championship
  • $1,250,000

1 - 3 Aug, 2025Lanxess Arena

Tournament Starts: July 23rd
Watch Live
Event Guide
Menu
Get tickets
Explore Results Overview

EPT ChampionshipIEM Cologne 2025

The Cathedral of Counter-Strike is ready to welcome back 24 of the world's best teams to the Lanxess Arena, where they will compete for the IEM Cologne 2025 title. The second EPT championship of the year is the ground where legends in this game are made. Do you want to witness history in the making? Get your tickets now and be part of this unforgettable experience alongside thousands of other passionate fans.

Cologne

August 1 - 3

Watch now

Official Aftermovie 2024

IEM-Cologne-2025-intro-1
IEM-Cologne-2025-intro-2
IEM-Cologne-2025-intro-3
IEM-Cologne-2025-intro-4
IEM-Cologne-2025-intro-5
IEM-Cologne-2025-intro-6
IEM-Cologne-2025-intro-7
IEM-Cologne-2025-intro-8
IEM-Cologne-2025-intro-9
IEM-Cologne-2025-intro-10
IEM-Cologne-2025-intro-11
IEM-Cologne-2025-intro-12
IEM-Cologne-2025-intro-13
IEM-Cologne-2025-intro-14

The essence of IEM Katowice

Ticket Owner

EPT ChampionshipSpodek Arena

Join thousands of like-minded fans in the bowl of the Spodek arena in Katowice to celebrate the world's best Counter-Strike competition at the prestigious ESL Pro Tour Championship with $1M in prize money. Which team will be able to claim the crown of FaZe and get their names engraved on the iconic trophy?

Free to Enter

IEM Gaming ExpoIEM Expo Area

The IEM gaming expo is officially back!
Across the weekend, tens of thousands of gaming enthusiasts will get together and explore various gaming & esports-related activities and booths. Meet players, enjoy fresh gaming hardware drops, play your favorite games, or simply meet up with friends and have a stroll through the broad offering of dozens of gaming booths.

Free to Enter

ESL ImpactIEM Expo Area

The success story of the all women's CS:GO league ESL Impact continues with a standalone tournament right at the IEM Expo. The action will be live on the EXPO stage across all three days, February 10-12, when 8 teams from EU, NA, SA, and Asia fight for victory!

Tickets

:
00
Hours
:
00
Minutes
:
00
Seconds

Final wave is live!

Tickets for IEM Cologne 2025, will be going live in 4 waves starting in October. Compared to previous years, we deployed a few changes to improve your experience:

  • We are splitting lower and upper ranks, allowing you to choose your favourite location in the arena. This is also intended to speed up the entrance process inside the arena.
  • "Weekend Lower Reserved" tickets include an assigned seat at the lower ranks at level 3. While all other areas are free seating, reserved tickets allow you to peacefully enjoy all the side activities in between matches, knowing you can always return to your assigned seat.
  • We are introducing the optional "Cathedral Experience" add-on for every ticket holder. This add-on allows fans from every ticket category to get their hands on highly limited merchandise items, with most items not being available for purchase. Items in this add-on are different from the premium goodie bag, making it an optional add-on for premium ticket holders, too.
Show more details

Wave 1 - October 24th, 15:00 CEST

Wave 2 - November 25th, 15:00 CET

Wave 3 - January 24th, 15:00 CET

Wave 4 - March 20th, 15:00 CET - LIVE

Please note that the minimum age to attend this event is 16.

Official ticket re-sale

TicketSwap is a platform where you can safely resell & buy your tickets from other fans. Whether your plans have changed and you can no longer make it to the event or you have been late to the party and did not get your tickets in time - TicketSwap is the place to go.

TicketSwap is our trusted source for secondary market ticket transactions, so we recommend you checking it out for any ticket opportunities closer to the event!

Buy or sell
your tickets now

x

Step 1:
Choose your distance to the action

Wave 4 start:

:
00
Hours
:
00
Minutes
:
00
Seconds

Premium

3 day ticket

Sold out During Wave 2

Weekend Lower Reserved

3 day Ticket

Sold out During Wave 2
  • Counter-Strike 2 tournament ticket
  • Access on all three days (August 1-3)
  • Assigned Seat (Level 3)

Weekend Lower

3 day Ticket

Sold out During Wave 1
  • Counter-Strike 2 tournament ticket
  • Access on all three days (August 1-3)
  • Free Seating Lower Ranks (Level 2)

Weekend Upper

3 day Ticket

Sold out During Wave 3
  • Counter-Strike 2 tournament ticket
  • Access on all three days (August 1-3)
  • Free Seating Upper Ranks (Level 6 & 7)

Lower Seats1 day ticket

  • Counter-Strike 2 tournament ticket ​
  • Access on Friday, Saturday or sunday
  • Free Seating Lower Ranks (Level 2)​

99€Friday ticket

Saturday sold out during Wave 3 / Sunday sold out during Wave 2

Get tickets

Sat&Sun
sold out

Upper Seats1 day ticket

  • Counter-Strike 2 tournament ticket ​
  • Access on Friday, Saturday or sunday
  • Free Seating Upper Ranks (Level 6 & 7)​

59€Friday ticket

Saturday sold out during Wave 4 / Sunday sold out during Wave 3

get tickets

Sat&Sun
sold out

God Mode Lounge

3 Day Full Lounge (Minimum 10 tickets) or Single Lounge Seats

1499€ Three day lounge access
Get tickets
  • Counter-Strike 2 tournament ticket
  • Access on all three days (August 1-3)
  • Access to a comfortable private lounge
  • Large variety of free drinks incl. alcoholic options
  • Catering and refreshments
  • Dedicated entrance
  • Dedicated on-site support staff
  • Merchandising voucher valued at €150
  • Collectible event coin
  • Behind the scenes and backstage tour
  • Free parking at the venue
  • Attendee badge
  • Get a single ticket to a lounge with like-minded fans, or secure your own private lounge with your friends (minimum 10 persons). 1499€ per person.

    Single ticket = 1499€ | If you buy 10 tickets, you will receive your own lounge at a price of 1499€ per person.

For B2B lounge sales inquiries or requests, feel free to email us at events@esl.com.

Explore Details
Step 2 (optional):
Enhance any IEM Ticket with the Cathedral Experience

200€
Retail Value

Cathedral EXPERIENCEAvailable Add-ON for all ticket types

109€

Unique items, marked with "exclusive" are not available for purchase and can only be acquired with this Add-On. The Add-On can be bought in addition to all ticket types, including Premium with the Premium Goodie Bag.

Dedicated Entry

Exclusive Cathedral designs

IEM Cologne
T-Shirt

(exclusive)

IEM Cologne
Sun Visor

(exclusive)

IEM Cologne
Pin

(exclusive)

IEM Cologne
Pinback Button

(exclusive)

IEM Cologne
Laminated bag

(exclusive)

Collectable
Black Coin

IEM Cologne
Event poster

ESL Legacy
T-Shirt

(different designs)

Schedule

Day #1 - Friday

9:00 ESL Shop Opens

12:00 Outdoors Area Opens

13:00 Lanxess Doors Open

13:30 Inside Arena Doors Open

15:30 Opening Ceremony

15:45 Quarter Final #1

19:00 Quarter Final #2

20:30 Outdoor Area Closes

Day #2 - Saturday

10:00 ESL Shop Opens

12:00 Outdoors Area Opens

13:00 Lanxess Doors Open

13:30 Inside Arena Doors Open

15:30 Opening Ceremony

15:45 Semifinal #1

19:00 Semifinal #2

20:30 Outdoor Area Closes

Day #3 - Sunday

10:00 ESL Shop Opens

12:00 Outdoors Area Opens

13:00 Lanxess Doors Open

13:30 Inside Arena Doors Open

14:30 Showmatch

16:45 Opening Ceremony

17:00 Grandfinal

20:30 Outdoor Area Closes

Format and Teams

Stage 1

  • 16 team Double-Elimination bracket
  • All matches Bo3
  • Top 8 teams advanced to Stage 2

Stage 2

  • 2 x 8 team Double-Elimination brackets
  • All matches Bo3
  • Top 3 of each group advance to Playoffs
  • Group winners advance to Semifinals
  • Group runners-up advance to Quarterfinals as the High Seeds
  • Group 3rd place teams advance to Quarterfinals as the Low Seeds
PlayOffs
  • 6 team Single-Elimination bracket
  • Quarterfinals and Semifinals Bo3
  • Grand Final Bo5

Total Winnings: $1,250,000

Place
Prize Money
Club reward
1st
$400,000
$60,000
2nd
$180,000
$36,000
3rd-4th
$80,000
$28,000
5th-6th
$40,000
$21,000
7th-8th
$24,000
$14,000
9th-12th
$16,000
$7,000
13th-16th
$10,000
-
17th-20th
$4,500
-
21st-24th
$2,500
-
  • Team invites cut off date: June, 2025
  • Stage 1: jul 23 - 25
  • 8 teams advance to Stage 2

TBD

Global VRS Invite #9

TBD

Global VRS Invite #10

TBD

Global VRS Invite #11

TBD

Global VRS Invite #12

TBD

Global VRS Invite #13

TBD

Global VRS Invite #14

TBD

Global VRS Invite #15

TBD

Global VRS Invite #16

TBD

Global VRS Invite #17

TBD

Global VRS Invite #18

TBD

Global VRS Invite #19

TBD

Global VRS Invite #20

TBD

Global VRS Invite #21

TBD

Global VRS Invite #22

TBD

Global VRS Invite #23

TBD

Global VRS Invite #24

VRS = Valve Regional Standings

THIS IS IEM COLOGNE

Culminating in the heart of Cologne, the Cathedral of Counter-Strike has become a temple for history making. The event's significance lies in its long-lasting traditions and ability to consistently deliver iconic and memorable moments. With determination to run every year since 2014, IEM Cologne has been the hallowed ground for three CS Majors, bringing together the greatest players and thousands of passionate fans to share and celebrate their love for the game.

The Lanxess Arena has become a venue well known for its roaring crowds and electrifying atmosphere. Up to this day, IEM Cologne remains a beloved event, serving as a showcase of the game's longevity, enduring competitive spirit and the ever evolving world of esports.

Show Event Guide

FAQs

Please note that the minimum age to attend this event is 16.
It is not possible to attend the event if you are below the age of 16.

No, tickets are not refundable. Closer to the event we will open an official re-sale for those who cannot attend the event.

We will be releasing a schedule closer to the event, stay tuned!

The only area that has assigned seats is Level 3. Other areas and ticket types (upper and lower ranks, and the infield) are free seating.

No. This year we decided to completely separate upper and lower ranks, so you can only enter the area assigned on your ticket (upper ranks OR Level 3 OR lower ranks OR infield).

The main language for the event and the games commentated inside the arena will be English

Tickets for IEM Cologne 2025, will be going live in 4 waves.

  • Wave 1 - October 24th 15:00 CEST
  • Wave 2 - TBD
  • Wave 3 - TBD
  • Wave 4 - TBD

Generally, our events have a free seating model, meaning you can choose any free seat that you want inside your category.

We understand that some people would prefer an assigned seat instead, which is why we are introducing the level 3 seating with assigned seats. The assigned seat in this category allows you to enjoy all the side activities, get food, and spend time in the outdoor area, while keeping your peace of mind, knowing that your seat will still be available once you return.

Monitor SettingsGame like your favorite Player

Explore settings

Newsletter

Easy Life, Easy Subscribe and just for you!
Sign up and never miss anything about your preferred games and tournaments.

Subscribe Now

As one race ends, another begins. The $1,000,000 derby continues as top-tier teams will look to pick up the next title towards winning the ESL Grand Slam V and forever mark their names in the books of Counter-Strike history.

Read more
ESL Gaming GmbH | Schanzenstraße 23 | 51063 Cologne, Germany
Tel.: +49 221 - 880 449 - 0 | Fax: +49 221 - 880 449 - 999 | info@eslgaming.com
ESL Gaming GmbH
Schanzenstraße 23 | 51063 Cologne, Germany
Tel.: +49 221 - 880 449 - 0 | Fax: +49 221 - 880 449 - 999
info@eslgaming.com
Facebook-f Youtube Instagram Twitch
Facebook-f Youtube Twitch

Copyright 2025 © | All Rights Reserved | Imprint | Privacy Policy | Privacy Settings

Newsletter

Choose your preferences and stay up to date

* indicates required
I want to know what is happening in this game

Please select all the ways you would like to hear from us:

By checking the box, I consent to the processing of my personal data and tracking of my activity for marketing purposes, and I agree to receive marketing communications, including newsletters, raffles and surveys from ESL Gaming GmbH, in joint controllership with Dreamhack AB and ESL Gaming Online Inc., all around their products/services. I have read ESL Privacy Notice and I understand I can withdraw my consent at any time.

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.
Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices.

160€
Retail Value

Premium Goodie bagExclusive for Premium Ticket holders

We listened to your feedback and significantly improved the value and quality of items in the goodie bag.

IEM Cologne
Laminated bag

IEM Cologne
Silver Coin

IEM Cologne
Premium Pinback Button

IEM Cologne
Premium Pin

(exclusive)

IEM Cologne
T-Shirt

IEM Cologne
Longsleeve

IEM Cologne
Socks

IEM Cologne
Postcards Set

Presenting Partner

Intel is the catalyst for PC gaming innovation, rallying the industry to make the PC the best place to play and create. The company believe the best gaming experience is done on the PC and always looking for ways to push their technology to the limits when it comes to performance, enabling the development community, driving new form factors and leveraging emerging technology. 

Additional information about Intel is available at intel.com/gaming

Official Partners

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL family of divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 380,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses and is enabling global trade flows. Visit DHL In Motion

Predator embodies the premium gaming experience by empowering our community with the latest technology, cutting-edge innovation, and iconic design. The entire lineup of products, from top-tier performing laptops and desktops to the newest gadgets and gear, is a showcase of our drive to deliver a unique value on every front. Please visit predator.acer.com for more information.

Launched in December 2023, the Qiddiya Gaming & Esports District will be world’s first mix-use gaming and esports district, attracting gamers from across the globe and cementing Saudi Arabia as the rapidly-growing industry’s global epicenter. Located prominently within Qiddiya City, the Gaming & Esports District will be home to multiple dedicated esports venues — one of which will be among the top three largest in the world — plus next-gen facilities that will host up to 19 top-tier esports clubs at once, each with dedicated facilities like scrim rooms and strategy theater – and the regional headquarters of leading video game companies. The vibrant space covers more than 500,000 square meters of gaming space and aims to attract 10 million visits annually, with 100,000 square meters set aside for retail, dining and entertainment venues. For more information, visit Qiddiya here

Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene. Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and is the core of what its sports, athletes, eSports athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, gamers, believers and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at monsterenergy.com and monsterenergy.com/gaming

The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win – airpower anytime, anywhere. For 2022, the Air Force Recruiting Service is hiring over 26,000 new Airmen. An emphasis is on recruiting people with no prior military service into one of over 130 enlisted career opportunities. The Air Force recruits to retain, so we recruit the best and brightest candidates possible, then provide them with tough, highly technical training that gives them the right skills to sustain the combat capability of America’s Air Force. For more information about Air Force benefits and opportunities, go to airforce.com

Founded in 2007, 1xBet has quickly become one of the leading brands in the gaming industry. Hundreds of events every day plus exciting promotions and offers have already attracted millions of sports and esports fans. Here players place bets on CS:GO, Dota 2, football, basketball, as well as dozens of other sports and esports disciplines. The high level of 1xBet service for esports fans was recently recognised with a victory at the prestigious 2020 SBC Awards in the “Esports Operator of the Year” category. Visit 1XBET here

Introduced in 2008, ZOWIE is a brand committed to developing top-tier competitive gaming gear designed to enhance the performance of Esports athletes. Specializing in equipment for FPS players, ZOWIE strives to create products that empower players to perform at their best in intense FPS competitions. Check out ZOWIE products here.

Logitech G, a brand of Logitech, is a global leader dedicated to serving the needs of Gamers and Creators with award-winning hardware, software, and solutions. Logitech G’s industry-leading products include keyboards, mice, headsets, mousepads, simulation products such as wheels and flight sticks, webcams, lights and microphones, and specialized furniture solutions; all made possible through innovative design, advanced technologies and a deep passion for gaming and creator communities. Learn more at logitechg.com

Since its beginnings in 1838, Knorr has been passionate about better cooking and eating. Following that tradition, Knorr has entered the world of gaming as the go-to fuel for gamers, esports athletes, and the streaming community. As the 5th most chosen FMCG brand globally (according to Kantar World Panel), Knorr proudly stands as Unilever’s largest food brand - committed to making good food accessible to all. Knorr products are sold in over 90 countries around the world and are being chosen 3.1 billion times annually across 379 million households. With 95% of the vegetables and herbs used being sustainably sourced, Knorr increasingly prioritizes ingredients grown following regenerative agriculture principles. Visit Knorr here

Noodle nostalgia, a British staple since the 70s, and as Pot Noodle we’ve been serving it up to the British nation for over 40 years. Being there for anyone and everyone that wants a bit of noodle-y goodness in their life, refuelling them to do whatever it is that makes them happy – that’s what we’re all about. Life’s too short to be spent twiddling your thumbs… If you're hungry and looking for a quick, convenient, and tasty solution, we've got the noodles for you. Visit POT noodle here

FACEIT is the leading independent competitive gaming platform for online multiplayer PvP gamers with more than twenty million users. We aim to further the esports ecosystem by offering players of all levels the chance to compete in a competitive environment with the games they love while providing publishers and third party organisers with the tools needed to build their competitive community. Visit FACEIT here

About Molkerei Alois Müller GmbH & Co. KG Founded in 1896 by Ludwig Müller, the former village dairy developed into a modern large dairy from the time it was taken over by Theo Müller in 1971. Around 140 million kg of milk are now processed into high-quality dairy products at the Alois Müller dairy's Swabian headquarters. In many product groups, Müller has created a market with numerous innovations in the first place. For example, buttermilk, kefir, Müller Corner, Müller Rice or the flavoured Müllermilch. The company still holds top positions in these segments. The Müller brand is almost 100 percent well known and practically everyone in Germany knows the slogan: "Alles Müller, oder was?" ("Müller, what else?").

Spotify transformed music listening forever when it launched in 2008. Discover, manage and share over 82 million tracks, including more than 4 million podcast titles, for free, or upgrade to Spotify Premium to access exclusive features for music including improved sound quality and an on-demand, offline, and ad-free music listening experience. Today, Spotify is the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service with 422m users, including 182m subscribers, across 183 markets.

Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$60 billion revenue Fortune Global 500 company serving customers in 180 markets around the world. Focused on a bold vision to deliver smarter technology for all, we are developing world-changing technologies that power (through devices and infrastructure) and empower (through solutions, services, and software) millions of customers every day and together create a more inclusive, trustworthy, and sustainable digital society for everyone, everywhere. To find out more about Lenovo visit https://www.lenovo.com or https://www.lenovo.com/legion

Newsletter

Choose your preferences and stay up to date

* indicates required
I want to know what is happening in this game

Please select all the ways you would like to hear from us:

By checking the box, I consent to the processing of my personal data and tracking of my activity for marketing purposes, and I agree to receive marketing communications, including newsletters, raffles and surveys from ESL Gaming GmbH, in joint controllership with Dreamhack AB and ESL Gaming Online Inc., all around their products/services. I have read ESL Privacy Notice and I understand I can withdraw my consent at any time.

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.
Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices.