IEM Cologne 2025 Group Stage: Teams, Format, Preview, and Predictions

The Play-In Stage of IEM Cologne has concluded. The next stage of competition will be a battle for a chance to step into the Cathedral of Counter-Strike — the LANXESS Arena.

Let’s take a look at what this stage has in store.

Teams & Format

In addition to the 8 teams qualified via the Play-In Stage, 8 directly-invited teams will compete in the IEM Cologne 2025 Group Stage.

These teams will be divided into two groups:

• Each group competes in a double-elimination bracket.
• Three teams from each group qualify for the Playoffs.
• Group winners are seeded directly into the Semifinals.
• The remaining four teams play in the Quarterfinals.
• All games are Best-of-3.

Group Stage Preview & Predictions

Opening Fixtures

Group A

FURIA vs. G2 Esports (July 26th 13:30 CET)

FURIA’s confidence and recent reps should prove enough for the team to reign supreme over G2 Esports, who will look at Cologne as a testing ground. For G2, it’s their first tournament under new leadership, meaning we expect an adjustment period before results begin follow.

Team Falcons vs. GamerLegion (July 26th 13:30 CET)

While GamerLegion effortlessly dismantled their competition during the Play-In Stage, it’ll be much harder to match Team Falcons’ firepower — even if kyousuke takes some time to adjust to the stage.

Team Vitality vs. Astralis (July 26th 16:00 CET)

The Astralis comeback train is rolling, but it won’t be enough to take down Team Vitality. While the individuals on both teams are comparable, Astralis’ current form is still far from their opponent’s.

3DMAX vs. The MongolZ (July 26th 16:00 CET)

Following their Major run, The MongolZ should have conquered the nerves, helping them solidify their position as a solid #3 in the world. 3DMAX has a chance, but it’s the Mongolian squad’s game to lose.

Group B

FaZe Clan vs. Natus Vincere (July 26th 18:30 CET)

With Broky back in the fold, FaZe looks rejuvenated. This clash against NAVI might be the closest match of the Group Stage. NAVI has a new face, but that doesn’t rule out their chances.

Aurora Gaming vs. Ninjas In Pyjamas (July 26th 18:30 CET)

Aurora will be a great test for the on-the-rise Ninjas in Pyjamas. As the gatekeepers of Tier 1, Aurora will challenge NiP — but the latter is still expected to come out on top.

MOUZ vs. Team Liquid (July 27th 16:00 CET)

Despite qualifying for the Group Stage, Team Liquid has yet to show why they haven’t made roster moves. If their current form continues, they won’t be able to challenge a well-drilled MOUZ squad.

Heroic vs. Team Spirit (July 27th 16:00 CET)

Team Spirit enter the tournament with a new member in the squad, prompting a brief adjustment period. But it won’t be child's play for Heroic to take down donk and co.

Who Enters LANXESS?

The usual suspects — Team Vitality, MOUZ, and The MongolZ — are expected to breeze through the Group Stage.

Team Spirit, who brought in zweih to replace magixx, will look to claw back to the top with bolstered firepower. For them, Cologne will be a solid indicator of what the future holds.

On a similar note, Team Falcons’ kyousuke makes his highly-anticipated debut on the big stage. Cologne is a litmus test — not just for the rookie, but also for the Falcons as a whole. A disastrous start could spiral into a bleak six months and another missed Major for NiKo.

From one debutante to another, NAVI's makazze is another prodigious talent to watch at Cologne. Whether the change gives NAVI the boost they need will be answered as the Group Stage unfolds.

These six teams will most likely book their spot in LANXESS once the dust settles on the Group Stage at IEM Cologne 2025. Among the remaining teams, Astralis, Aurora, and FaZe Clan will be strongest teams to miss out on the Playoffs.

HooXi’s addition has rejuvenated the Danish side and, despite their loss at FISSURE, the team already looks much more structured than previous iterations. Unfortunately, it'd be hard to make a case for them to come out of the first group.

Despite their strong performances, the Turkish squad struggles with long-drawn battle and need to find another level if they wish to continue performing at the highest level of competition.

Lastly, FaZe Clan, with Broky back, appears to be working well. Coupled with their deep run at the Austin Major, it looks like they got their hunger and fire back, and if they continue to perform can upset NAVI to secure the third spot from Group B.

Moving forward, the action only intensifies. You can catch the Group Stage live on:

• A Stream
  • YouTube | Twitch | ESL Website
• B Stream
  • YouTube | Twitch | ESL Website

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Featured Image Credits: ESL