ESL has announced the invited teams for IEM Katowice 2025
Soon one of the most anticipated moments of the year will arrive — IEM Katowice 2025. The tournament will bring together the best players and teams ready to compete for the championship title and a hefty prize pool.
The competition in Katowice draws the attention of millions of viewers from around the world. Every match becomes intense due to the attempt to win the iconic tournament.
Tournament Background
IEM Katowice holds the status of one of the most prestigious tournaments on the esports stage. Here, Counter-Strike 2 giants meet to showcase their skills on the world stage. The competitions will take place from January 29 to February 9, with teams vying for a staggering prize pool of $1 million.
The event is also part of the race for the Intel Grand Slam — a special title awarded to a team that wins four tournaments from ESL. A victory in Katowice becomes strategically important as it's one of the main tournaments required to fulfill the conditions for the Intel Grand Slam prize.
Participants and Tournament Structure
IEM Katowice 2025 has invited 24 teams, divided into two stages. In the second stage, already during the group stage, teams like G2, Spirit , The MongolZ , Vitality , FaZe, Mouz , NAVI, and Falcons have guaranteed participation.
The first stage — Play-in — will be the battleground for the remaining 16 teams, among them Liquid, FURIA Esports , pain , MIBR , 3DMAX , Eternal Fire , GamerLegion , Complexity, SAW , BIG , FlyQuest, Astralis , Wildcard, Virtus.pro , Imperial Fe, and Heroic .
From the Play-in, the top eight will advance to the main stage to join the already invited teams. Then participants will be divided into two groups of eight teams, where every match will carry significant weight.
IEM Katowice 2025 is not just a competition, but the most prestigious tournament that fans eagerly anticipate every year. It's an event that shapes the future of Counter-Strike and unites the esports community. A victory here opens new horizons for teams, and for fans, it's a chance to witness unforgettable moments.
