IEM Cologne 2023: all you need to know

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

14 Jul

Andre Guaraldo

IEM Cologne 2023 is rapidly approaching, and it is regarded as one of the most prestigious CS:GO tournaments on the circuit. This event will mark the beginning of the new season and will feature all the top teams, along with a passionate crowd.

Often referred to as the 'Cathedral of Counter-Strike,' this in-person event draws thousands of fans each year who come to support their favorite players. This tournament holds immense significance and is only surpassed in prestige by the Valve-sponsored Majors.

IEM Cologne and the LANXESS arena, a legendary duo in CS:GO events (credits: ESL)

The LANXESS arena, where the event will take place, has witnessed countless legendary matches throughout the years, etching its name in the annals of Counter-Strike history. However, the forthcoming IEM Cologne 2023 holds particular significance.

It will be the final edition of the event featuring CS:GO, as the esport is gradually transitioning to Counter-Strike 2, set to be released in the summer. Let's delve into the details of IEM Cologne 2023. Keep in mind that this information will be updated as more details are released.

IEM Cologne Dates, Schedule, and Format

IEM Cologne 2023 is scheduled to take place from July 25 to August 6. The Play-In Stage and the group stage will be held behind closed doors, while the playoff matches will be hosted at the LANXESS arena in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

Here's the schedule and format for each stage of the tournament:

Play-In Stage (July 25-26):
- It will follow a 16-team double-elimination bracket format. The opening round will be a Best-of-1 match, while the rest will be Best-of-3. Eight teams will advance to the group stage.
Group Stage (July 27-30):
- Consists of two double-elimination groups, each comprising eight teams. All matches in this stage will be Best-of-3. The top three teams from each group will progress to the playoffs.
Playoff Stage (August 4-6):
- The playoff stage will feature a single-elimination bracket, with the group winners directly advancing to the semi-finals. Quarter-finals and semi-finals will be Best-of-3 matches, while the grand final will be a Best-of-5 clash.

IEM Cologne Teams and Rosters

IEM Cologne 2023 will showcase a total of 24 teams from various regions worldwide. Eight of these teams will receive direct entry into the group stage, while the remaining 16 will need to prove themselves in the Play-In stage to secure their spots in the main tournament.

Four group stage slots are reserved for the winners of previous tournaments, including IEM Katowice, ESL Pro League Season 17, IEM Rio, and IEM Dallas. The champion of ESL Meisterschaft, the primary CS:GO league in Germany, will also earn a direct entry into the Play-In stage.

Now, let's take a look at the teams qualified for the Group Stage and the Play-In teams:

Group Stage Teams

G2 Esports (Qualified from IEM Katowice):
- Players: NiKo, jks, HooXi, m0NESY, huNter
FaZe (Qualified from ESL Pro League 17):
- Players: karrigan, Twistzz, ropz, broky, rain
Vitality (Qualified from IEM Rio):
- Players: ZywOo, apEX, Magisk, Spinx, flameZ
ENCE (Qualified from IEM Dallas):
- Players: Snappi, SunPayus, dycha, maden, NertZ
Heroic (Qualified from ESL World Ranking):
- Players: cadiaN, stavn, Jabbi, sjuush, TeSeS
Cloud9 (Qualified from ESL World Ranking):
- Players: nafany, sh1ro, Ax1Le, HObbit, buster
NAVI (Qualified from ESL World Ranking):
- Players: s1mple, B1T, Aleksib, jL, iM
GamerLegion (Qualified from ESL World Ranking):
- Players: acoR, isak, Keoz, TBD, TBD

Group stage teams for IEM Cologne 2023 (credits: ESL)

Play-In Teams

MOUZ (Qualified from ESL World Ranking):
- Players: frozen, torzsi, xertioN, siuhy, Jimpphat
Apeks (Qualified from ESL World Ranking):
- Players: nawwk, jkaem, STYKO, kyxsan, CacaNito
9INE (Qualified from ESL World Ranking):
- Players: Goofy, Kylar, mynio, hades, KEi
FURIA (Qualified from ESL World Ranking):
- Players: yuurih, KSCERATO, arT, FalleN, chelo
Team Liquid (Qualified from ESL World Ranking):
- Players: oSee, YEKINDAR, NAF, Rainwaker, Patsi
Imperial (Qualified from ESL World Ranking):
- Players: boltz, VINI, JOTA, HEN1, felps
The MongolZ (Qualified from ESL World Ranking):
- Players: Techno4K, bLitz, hasteka, 910, mzinho
Grayhound (Qualified from ESL World Ranking):
- Players: Sico, INS, Liazz, aliStair, Vexite
Fnatic (Qualified from ESL World Ranking):
- Players: mezii, roeJ, KRIMZ, afro, dexter
Complexity (Qualified from ESL World Ranking):
- Players: floppy, Grim, hallzerk, JT, EliGE
Monte (Qualified from ESL World Ranking):
- Players: sdy, Woro2k, DemQQ, kRaSnaL, br0
NIP (Qualified from ESL World Ranking):
- Players: REZ, Brollan, headtr1ck, k0nfig, hampus
OG (Qualified from ESL World Ranking):
- Players: nexa, regali, F1KU, k1to, FASHR
Into the Breach (Qualified from ESL World Ranking):
- Players: Thomas, CRUC1AL, rallen, Bymas, NEOFRAG
Astralis (Qualified from ESL World Ranking):
- Players: dev1ce, blameF, Buzz, Staehr, b0RUP
BIG (Qualified from ESL Meisterschaft):
- Players: tabseN, Krimbo, S3NSEY, prosus, s1n

Play-In teams for IEM Cologne 2023 (credits: ESL)

Please note that Complexity will replace paiN Gaming, as paiN Gaming is unable to attend the event according to ESL's announcement.

Furthermore, FORZE will not be able to participate due to visa issues and will be replaced by OG.

Prize Distribution

The prize money for IEM Cologne 2023 is as follows:

1st Place: $400,000
2nd Place: $180,000
3rd-4th Place: $80,000 each
5th-6th Place: $40,000 each
7th-8th Place: $24,000 each
9th-12th Place: $16,000 each
13th-16th Place: $10,000 each
17th-20th Place: $4,500 each
21st-24th Place: $2,500 each

As the tournament unfolds, these prize amounts will be allocated to the respective teams based on their final standings.