Intel Extreme Masters Returns to Cologne in 2025, Moving Further Away From gamescom
The Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Cologne will take place at a greater distance from gamescom in 2025. In addition, the ESL Faceit Group has announced a financial contribution of over $22m to the Counter-Strike ecosystem in 2025 and 2026.
ESL Faceit Group (EFG) has announced details of the ESL Pro Tour (EPT) 2025. The programme will integrate several professional ESL Counter-Strike 2 tournaments into one ecosystem. In 2025, the Lanxess Arena in Cologne will once again host one of the biggest Counter-Strike tournaments: the Intel Extreme Masters Cologne 2025, from 23 July to 3 August. The last three days of the tournament will be played in front of a live audience. This time the event will take place a few weeks before gamescom 2025 (20 to 24 August). The last edition took place the weekend before gamescom 2024. However, the finals were not integrated into the gamescom Environment, which also drew some criticism.