Complexity replaces Team Spirit at IEM Melbourne 2025
As the start of IEM Melbourne 2025 approaches, ESL has confirmed a significant change to the team lineup. Team Spirit, one of the tournament’s top contenders, has officially withdrawn from the event as of April 4, the reason still remains unknown.
This marks the second lineup change for the event, following SAW’s earlier replacement of Eternal Fire (now Aurora). With the tournament set to run from April 21-27, the clock has been ticking for ESL to finalize the participating teams.
#IEM Melbourne 2025 Teams Update 🚨 @eternalfiregg has withdrawn from the event. In accordance with the latest global ranking we approached the next eligible teams. @sawggofficial has accepted the invite and will join us down under! Full details available in our blogpost.
In accordance with the global ranking at the time of Team Spirit’s withdrawal, ESL approached several teams to fill the vacancy. G2, FURIA, and Astralis were among the first contacted, but all declined the offer. Wildcard, B8, and HEROIC were also considered but could not secure visas in time.
Ultimately, Complexity accepted the invitation and were able to provide all necessary documentation for travel, becoming the final addition to the IEM Melbourne lineup. The North American side returns to Australia after an impressive runner-up finish at IEM Sydney 2023, and they’ll be looking to make another deep run.
Strong Form at the Right Time
Complexity’s call-up comes at a moment when their form is on the rise. As of this writing, the team has just secured a semifinal berth at PGL Bucharest, marking their first top-four finish in nearly a year. Their last appearance at this level came during ESL Pro League Season 19, where they were eventually eliminated by MOUZ.
🇺🇸 @ComplexityCS TO THE SEMIFINALS ✅ 💣They shut it down on Nuke with a fantastic performance to take the series 2-1 🔥 @AuroraCS2_GG are out! #PGLBucharest
Vitality Remain the Team to Beat
The withdrawal of Spirit removes yet another obstacle for tournament favorites Team Vitality, who have been dominant so far in 2025. With three titles from four appearances, their only blemish remains a top-eight exit at BLAST Bounty Spring courtesy of Eternal Fire (now Aurora).
With few squads consistently challenging the French powerhouse, all eyes may once again turn to MOUZ—Vitality’s recent Grand Final adversary—to provide stiff resistance in Melbourne.
Whether Complexity can disrupt that narrative remains to be seen.
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Featured Image Source: Sebastian Pandelache/PGL
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