The group stage of Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Cologne has come to an end as the final teams have booked their place in the playoffs.
Two more teams have qualified for the final stage of the Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) tournament, joining the four that have already earned a spot.
Team Vitality and NAVI Advance, FaZe Clan and G2 Esports Eliminated
In Group A, Austin Major winner Team Vitality continued its dominant run of form with 2-0 sweeps over Astralis, G2 Esports and The MongolZ to secure a place in the semi-finals. Despite the loss, The MongolZ becomes the second team to earn a spot at the Lanxess Arena.
From the group’s lower bracket, FURIA faced off against G2 for the final Playoff spot. The Brazilian organisation kicked off Dust II with a convincing 13-5 win, putting G2 on the back foot from the outset.
A hotly contested Inferno went to overtime, with FURIA managing to outlast a tough G2 offence to grab the final place at the Lanxess Arena.
Group B saw Team Spirit advance as its top seed after defeating HEROIC, Aurora Gaming, and MOUZ, with strong performances from Danil ‘donk’ Kryshkovets putting him in early contention for the tournament’s MVP award. Team Spirit advances to the second semi-final, while MOUZ will feature in the quarter-finals.
FaZe Clan battled through the lower bracket to earn a place in the final, where a clash against NAVI would decide the third and final team to qualify from the group. The Ukrainian organisation secured the opening map, but the Red Militia responded to level the series. Despite a spirited FaZe comeback in the second half, NAVI held on to advance.
IEM Cologne 2025 Playoffs Set
With the group stage now concluded, attention turns towards the Playoffs, where the six remaining teams compete for the lion’s share of the $1m (~£749,410) prize pool.
Below are the quarterfinals and the teams that have earned a place in the semi-finals, taking place from August 1st to 3rd:
- MOUZ vs FURIA
- The MongolZ vs NAVI
- Team Vitality vs MOUZ/FURIA
- Team Spirit vs The MongolZ/NAVI
