IEM Cologne 2024: Teams, schedule, format, prize pool, where to watch
A new pilgrimage at the Cathedral of Counter-Strike.
Get ready to watch intense battles at the “Cathedral of Counter-Strike” as the Intel Extreme Masters Cologne 2024 (IEM Cologne 2024) pits the bestCounter-Strike 2teams in the world.
This year, the legendary Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany once again serves as the stage for elite squads across the globe, with a passionate crowd roaring in the stands.
Here’s all you need to know about the iconic tournament.
What is IEM Cologne 2024?
This year’s IEM Cologne marks the first time that the premier tournament is played on Counter-Strike 2.
The competition features the world’s 24 best teams vying for the largest share of the whopping US$1 million prize pool and 7,000 BLAST Premier points.
The champion also qualifies for the BLAST Premier World Final this year and the IEM Katowice 2025.
Matches take place on a LAN within the massive Lanxess Arena in Cologne. This impressive venue can seat nearly 20,000 fans, creating an electric atmosphere for the players and spectators.
IEM Cologne 2024 format
The competition is divided into three stages: play-in, group stage, and playoffs.
Sixteen teams clash in a double elimination bracket. Opening games are best-of-one while the remaining matches are best-of-three.
The top eight squads join the eight directly invited teams in the group stage.
In the group stage, the 16 teams are divided into two double elimination GSL groups. They compete in best-of-three matches, with the top three teams from each group advancing to the single elimination playoffs.The group winners advance directly to the semifinals, while the runners-up and third-place teams go into the quarterfinals as high and low seeds respectively.
Quarterfinal and semifinal matches are best-of-three, while the grand final is a best-of-five series.
IEM Cologne 2024 prize distribution
Where to watch IEM Cologne 2024
All matches are streamed live on the official ESL Counter-Strike channels and Intel Extreme Masters website.
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