The Counter-Strike Major returns to Cologne this June at the Intel® Extreme Masters Cologne Major 2026 — one of the most anticipated events in competitive gaming.
Join us at the The Zone, the exclusive, invite-only Hospitality Experience designed specifically for our business guests.


The Zone offers premium viewing, curated experiences and refined lounge spaces.
Located inside the LANXESS Arena, it is a thoughtfully designed environment where you can:
All while experiencing world-class Counter-Strike.
The Zone is located inside LANXESS Arena
Address: Willy-Brandt-Platz 3, Köln
REGISTRATION
Upon arrival, make your way to the VIP registration booth, which will be located next to the VIP entrance / North Entrance as shown on the map. The registration booth will open from 12:00 CEST on Friday and Saturday and 13:00 CEST on Sunday. Please bring a form of photo ID and your Tixr ticket (if you have one) in order to receive your VIP accreditation.
VIP BADGE & WRISTBAND PICK UP
You will receive both a VIP badge and a wristband. Please ensure that you keep and wear both at all times and on every day you plan to attend the event. Your accreditation is non-transferable.
WARDROBE
There will be limited space available for storing coats and bags. Please note that bags cannot be larger than A4 size. Any equipment or cameras must be authorized before attending [please reach out to your EFG point of contact]. Please note, EFG holds no responsibility for any lost or missing belongings.
The Zone is Intel® Extreme Masters Cologne 2025's exclusive VIP hospitality experience, designed specifically for our business guests. Located on the 4th floor of the LANXESS Arena, this premium area offers a blend of comfort, entertainment, and networking opportunities. You'll find a sophisticated lounge, diverse food and bar options, a barista coffee bar, an immersive cinema area, a private meeting room, and more.
You'll find The Zone inside the LANXESS Arena, where Intel® Extreme Masters Cologne 2025 is taking place. To enter:
- From the outside head to the North Entrance, where both The Zone Entrance stairs and the VIP Registration Booth are located
- From inside the Arena, get to the 4th floor of the Lanxess Arena and find The Zone Entrance adjacent to Sky Lounge 402
- Your credentials also allow you general event access through the attendee event entrances.
Registration Booth Opening Hours
Fri: 12:00 | Sat: 12:00 | Sun: 13:00
The Zone Opening Hours
Fri: 13:00 | Sat: 13:00 | Sun: 14:30
Please bring a photo ID and your Tixr ticket (if you have one) to the dedicated VIP registration desk to receive your VIP accreditation.
When you register, you'll receive both a VIP badge and a wristband. Please make sure to wear both of them at all times on every day you attend the event. You'll need to show both your badge and wristband for entry into The Zone and other VIP areas, like the VIP Sky Lounge. If you have issues with your badge or wristband, please visit the VIP registration booth for assistance.
Yes, the welcome desk hosts at the top of the entrance stairs will be happy to assist you. There will be limited space available for storing coats and bags. Please note that bags cannot be larger than A4 size. Any equipment or cameras must be authorized before attending [please reach out to your EFG point of contact]. Please note, EFG holds no responsibility for any lost or missing belongings.
No, unfortunately due to the exclusive nature of the area, credentials into The Zone are non-transferable/changeable and only applicable to the person named on the ticket or added to The Zone guest list by an eligible EFG employee.
Yes! The Zone guests will enjoy daily chef-made catering for both lunch and dinner, plus snacks. Vegan options will be available as well. To keep you refreshed and energized, we'll offer a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, alongside expertly crafted coffee and tea.
Yes! Wi-Fi will be available throughout The Zone. You'll find the connection details noted within the space.
The Zone Cocktail Party is on Friday evening, starting at 19:00 and finishing at 21:45. Mingle with industry peers, enjoy Counter Strike-inspired cocktails and groove to the sounds of our DJ set.
You have three excellent options to watch the live Intel® Extreme Masters matches:
- From inside The Zone: Enjoy a live broadcast from the comfort of The Zone's Cinema Area and Sports Bar-style TVs.
- From the VIP Sky Lounge: For an elevated view, head to the VIP Sky Lounge on the 4th floor of the LANXESS Arena (Loges 421/422). Complimentary snacks and beverages will be provided.
- From Infield Premium Floor Seats: For an unparalleled immersive experience, watch the matches from our premium floor seats right on the arena floor, mere steps from the main stage. Just ask your EFG point of contact to escort you down to this exclusive area!
Yes! You can find it here.
By accepting this ticket, I hereby acknowledge that I desire to participate in the gaming event held at the location of the LANXESS Arena, Willy-Brandt-Platz 3, Köln, Germany between August 1 - 3 known as Intel® Extreme Masters Cologne (“IEM Cologne 2025”). I acknowledge that my decision to participate in IEM Cologne 2025 is totally voluntary and is solely for the purpose of my pursuit of recreational activities that I enjoy. I am of sound judgment and capable of understanding the risks involved in participating in IEM Cologne 2025.
I hereby assume all risk of illness or personal injury involved in IEM Cologne 2025 in which I participate. For and in consideration of permission to participate in IEM Cologne 2025, I hereby irrevocably and unconditionally forever release, discharge, indemnify, defend and hold harmless ESL Gaming GmbH, Schanzenstrasse 23, 51063 Köln, DE, its parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, the sponsors of IEM Cologne 2025, including the LANXESS Arena, Willy-Brandt-Platz 3, Köln, Germany, and each of their officers, directors, employees, stockholders, members and agents (each, a “Released Party”) from any and all claims, losses, causes of action and liabilities of any kind, including attorneys’ fees for property damage or personal injury, arising out of or relating in any way to IEM Cologne 2025, including my own intentional or negligent acts or omissions. I voluntarily waive any claims that I might have against any Released Party, and I understand and agree that the Released Parties assume no responsibility or liability for any injury to persons or property, or lost, stolen or damaged property, that may occur during or resulting from IEM Cologne 2025. I further hereby agree that during IEM Cologne 2025, I shall conduct myself in an appropriate fashion and shall not heave poorly be performing harmful acts, using profanity, obscenity or any otherwise objectionable conduct towards any person or property involved with IEM Cologne 2025 or the Lanxess Arena, Willy-Brandt-Platz 3, Köln. I recognize and understand that ESL reserves the right to require cessation of any such activity and ESL, in ESL’s sole discretion may require my removal from IEM Cologne 2025.
I agree that I have read and will follow all official event and tournament rules, which are posted on the official IEM Cologne 2025 website, https://pro.eslgaming.com/tour/cs/cologne/. I understand media attending the event, ESL/ EFG and/or other Released Parties may take photos and/or videos of IEM Colgone 2025 and in connection therewith, I hereby unconditionally authorize ESL and such other Released Parties to use, reuse, and to grant others the right to use and reuse, in any media, my name, photograph, likeness, voice and if made available by me, my biographical information.
I represent and warrant that I am at least 18 years of age, or that if I am not 18 years of ages, that the waiver is printed (from the IEM Cologne 2025 website) and is undersigned by a parent or guardian who has executed this Waiver and Release of Liability on my behalf. By Signature of such parent or guardian, the parent or guardian is binding the participant to all the terms of this Waiver and Release of Liability.
For any questions not answered in this FAQ, please reach out to your EFG point of contact. We will be more than happy to assist you!