ESL has confirmed the 24 teams invited to IEM Cologne 2025, set to take place right after the summer break.
The invite list is based on the latest VRS (Valve Regional Standings) update, featuring a mix of teams from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The top eight in the rankings go directly to Stage 2, while the remaining 16 teams begin in Stage 1.
NIP and BIG qualify
Among the qualified teams are Ninjas in Pyjamas and BIG — two squads that haven’t been regulars at top-tier events this year.
For NIP, this will be just their second S-tier appearance in 2025, following their playoff run at PGL Astana. BIG, meanwhile, have managed to stay more active on the circuit, but is still far from their former level.
Both teams will start from Stage 1 and fight for a spot in the main event. The attending list, of course, also includes superstar teams such as Vitality, Falcons and FaZe.
IEM Cologne 2025 runs from July 23 to August 3 and features a $1 million prize pool.
All invites for IEM Cologne
