ESL FACEIT Group and Intel continue their partnership: IEM remains in the CS2 arena

ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) and Intel have announced a multi-year extension of their 24-year partnership. As part of the agreement, the tech giant will remain the title partner of the ESL Pro Tour and Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) series. The new agreement came into force in January 2025.

The continuation of this partnership was not only a pleasant surprise for esports fans, but also dispelled numerous rumors that the IEM tournaments might cease to exist. Thanks to this contract, IEM will remain a key part of the Counter-Strike 2 ecosystem.

“This is more than just a renewal - it's a strategic partnership that reflects the level of collaboration we value most,” said Rodrigo Samwell, Chief Commercial Officer of ESL FACEIT Group. “Over the years, Intel has become the most trusted brand in esports because they have been with us from the beginning, helping to build the industry.”

Impact of the partnership on esports
Thanks to the cooperation between EFG and Intel, more than 100 tournaments have been held, including the most prestigious events such as IEM Katowice, Dallas , Rio de Janeiro, and others. According to the official press release, the cumulative viewing of IEMs exceeded 2 billion hours, and the total prize pool amounted to more than $27 million.

IEM Katowice 2025, which started on January 29, has already confirmed its status as one of the most important CS2 tournaments in the world. It features 24 top teams competing for a $1 million prize pool. The final stage of the competition is expected to feature exciting matches with legendary teams.

Intel is a leading brand in esports
Intel has been supporting esports for over two decades, working with many tournament organizers and organizations. Their reputation in the gaming community is unquestionable. “Together, we look forward to continuing to create unique experiences and celebrate IEM champions for many years to come!” added Samwell.

This agreement also opens up new horizons for the IEM series, as this year the organizers will hold the tournament in Melbourne, Australia for the first time. This confirms ESL FACEIT Group's intention to continue developing the esports ecosystem and attracting new viewers around the world.

Rumors about the closure of IEM
Earlier, there were rumors among esports fans that the IEM tournament series might cease to exist. However, the multi-year extension of the partnership with Intel was a clear signal that these fears were not justified. Not only does IEM remain a part of the esports scene, but it will continue to grow thanks to the renewed agreement.

Thanks to Intel's support and long history, ESL FACEIT Group plans to strengthen its position as a leader in the world of esports. “This partnership demonstrates that esports is ready for new challenges and is able to attract millions of viewers around the world,” Samwell summarized.