Anticipation Builds for CS2 IEM Melbourne 2025
The CS2 IEM Melbourne 2025 is set to kick off at the renowned Rod Laver Arena, bringing together 16 elite teams from various regions to compete for the prestigious Intel Extreme Masters Trophy. As the reigning champions, Team Vitality are eager to defend their title, but fierce contenders are poised to challenge them with innovative techniques and strategies. With a significant prize pool of $300,000, the tournament will commence on April 21, 2025.
Read further for comprehensive insights on the IEM Melbourne 2025 event, including the schedule, prize distribution, and the teams vying for glory.
Participating Teams at IEM Melbourne 2025
Below is a compilation of all the participating CS2 teams, categorized by their rankings in the Valve Regional Standings (VRS):
European Teams (VRS Europe)
- Team Spirit (chopper, magixx, zont1x, donk, sh1ro)
- Team Vitality (apEX, ZywOo, flameZ, mezii, ropz)
American Teams (VRS Americas)
- Team Liquid (NAF, Twistzz, ultimate, NertZ, siuhy)
- paiN Gaming (biguzera, nqz, snow, dav1deus, TBD)
Asian Teams (VRS Asia)
- The MongolZ (bLitz, Techno4K, 910, mzinho, Senzu)
- FlyQuest (INS, Liazz, Vexite, regali, nettik)
Global Teams (VRS Global)
- FaZe Clan (rain, broky, karrigan, frozen, EliGE)
- Natus Vincere (b1t, Aleksib, jL, iM, w0nderful)
- MOUZ (torzsi, xertioN, Jimpphat, Brollam, Spinx)
- Team Falcons (Magisk, NiKo, TeSeS, kyxsan, degster)
- Virtus.pro (FL1T, fame, electroNic, FL4MUS, ICY)
- GamerLegion (sl3nd, ztr, Tauson, PR, REZ)
- 3DMAX (Lucky, Ex3rcice, Maka, Graviti, boddy)
- MIBR (exit, brnz4n, insani, saffee, Lucaozy)
- BIG (tabseN, Krimbo, JDC, kyuubii, hyped)
- SAW (MUTiRiS, story, Ag1l, AZUWU, cej0t)
Event Schedule and Format
The IEM Melbourne 2025 will adhere to the following schedule:
Group Stage: April 21 – 24, 2025
Group A Highlights
- Upper Bracket Quarterfinals: TBD vs TBD*
- Lower Bracket Quarterfinals: TBD vs TBD*
- Upper Bracket Semifinals: TBD vs TBD*
- Lower Bracket Semifinals: TBD vs TBD*
- Upper Bracket Final: TBD vs TBD*
- Lower Bracket Final: TBD vs TBD*
Group B Highlights
- Upper Bracket Quarterfinals: TBD vs TBD*
- Lower Bracket Quarterfinals: TBD vs TBD*
- Upper Bracket Semifinals: TBD vs TBD*
- Lower Bracket Semifinals: TBD vs TBD*
- Upper Bracket Final: TBD vs TBD*
- Lower Bracket Final: TBD vs TBD*
Playoffs: April 25 – 27, 2025
Quarterfinals
- Group B 2nd Place vs Group A 3rd Place*:
- Group A 2nd Place vs Group B 3rd Place*:
Semifinals
- Group A 1st Place vs TBD*:
- Group B 1st Place vs TBD*:
Grand Final
- TBD vs TBD*
Following the usual format used in Intel Extreme Masters tournaments, the Melbourne edition will employ a double-elimination (GSL) structure. The competition will split 16 teams into two groups of eight, with matches operating on a best-of-three (BO3) format.
As for qualification, the top two teams from each group will secure their place in the semifinals, while the runners-up will head to the quarterfinals seeded as high seeds, and the third-placed teams will occupy low seeds.
During the playoffs, a standard single-elimination bracket will be utilized. All matches leading up to the Grand Final will use the best-of-three format, while the Grand Final match will be a best-of-five to crown the eventual champion.
Prize Pool Distribution
The total prize pool for IEM Melbourne 2025 amounts to $300,000, with financial rewards allocated as follows:
| Place | $USD | Participant |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | $125,000 | TBD |
| 2nd | $50,000 | TBD |
| 3rd-4th | $25,000 | TBD, TBD |
| 5th-6th | $12,500 | TBD, TBD |
| 7th-8th | $7,000 | TBD, TBD |
| 9th-12th | $5,000 | TBD, TBD, TBD |
| 13th-16th | $4,000 | TBD, TBD, TBD |
How to Watch IEM Melbourne 2025
For fans eager to catch the live action, IEM Melbourne 2025 will stream through ESL Counter-Strike’s official YouTube and Twitch channels. Tune in to experience all the thrilling moments of the tournament:
This event promises to deliver high-stakes competition and riveting action in the esports calendar following the IEM Katowice 2025 tournament.