Publication date: 29 Jul 2025
About IEM
The Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) esports series are one of the most prestigious events in the world of esports. Organized by ESL, it attracts the best teams and players in the world on a daily basis. Since its inception in 2007, IEM has become a symbol of the highest level of competitive play. For instance, in such disciplines as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, StarCraft II, Warcraft III, etc. In addition, the IEM tournament grid is always formed considering the ranking of the teams. Therefore, that guarantees the audience exciting matches at every stage of the competition.
IEM 2025
The IEM 2025 season promises to be one of the largest in the tournament’s history. Events in the world’s biggest esports cities such as Katowice, Rio de Janeiro, Dallas and Cologne are on the schedule. The total prize fund will amount to millions of dollars. Besides, the best teams in the world will compete for the title of IEM champion.
Tournament Schedule for 2025
- IEM Katowice: January 29 – February 9
- IEMDallas: May 19-25
- IEM Cologne: July 23 – August 3
It became known that the ESL refused to hold the championship on CS2 IEM Rio in 2025.
Each tournament will mark a separate milestone of the season. Moreover, spectators will be provided with unforgettable matches and the opportunity to bet on their favorite teams.
Main favorites and participants in the disciplines
In the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive discipline, the favorites for the 2025 season are Team Vitality, NAVI, and FaZe Clan. StarCraft II is traditionally dominated by Korean players such as Maru and Rogue. In Dota 2, the focus is on Team Spirit and Virtus.pro, who represent the Russian region on the world stage.
Tournament History
Since its inaugural season, IEM has been home to some of the biggest wins and unexpected triumphs. The tournament has established itself as a platform where new esports legends are born. Over the years, such teams as Astralis, Fnatic, Team Vitality and others have become champions. Thus, they are leaving an important mark in the history of championships.
What makes IEM unique?
It boasts global reach and iconic venues like Katowice’s Spodek Arena (11,000+ capacity) and Cologne’s Lanxess Arena (20,000 capacity). The tournament offers impressive prize pools and connects players, fans, and brands. IEM’s online and offline stages are the best that eSports has to offer.
Biggest bet in Intel Extreme Masters history
The largest bet in the history of IEM was made on the final match of IEM Katowice 2022 in the discipline of CS:GO – it amounted to more than $500,000. As a result of a successful prediction, the bettor won a big prize and was remembered in the betting history of esports.
Favorite teams for the last 3 years
| Year | Winning Team |
| 2024 | Team Vitality – their tournament wins showed the power of modern strategy in CS:GO. |
| 2023 | Team Vitality – the team that won IEM Rio. |
| 2022 | FaZe Clan – the dominant team that became IEM Cologne champions. |
IEM in the 2026 season
The 2026 schedule promises even more innovations. Tournaments in traditional arenas and venues are featured on the schedule. Besides, it is planned that disciplines may expand to include new games such as Valorant and League of Legends. The IEM remains the premier event for anyone who wants to be part of the global esports movement.
Intel Extreme Masters is the tournament series that sets the standard for esports!
Keep an eye on the dates of esports tournaments and other events in our Sporting Events Calendar.
Share it with your friends via favorite social media
