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IEM Cologne 2023: CS:GO Teams, Format, Schedule, How To Watch

Here's everything to know about the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Cologne 2023, from the CS:GO teams competing to the schedule, format, how to watch, and more.
IEM Cologne 2023: CS:GO Teams, Format, Schedule, How To Watch
Intel / ESL

The Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Cologne 2023 is an unmissable CS:GO event, brimming with top-tier competition and epic showdowns. As a crucial part of the Intel Grand Slam Season 5, IEM Cologne 2023 is set to showcase the world's top teams, each vying for a share of $1,000,000.

This comprehensive guide offers all pertinent details about the IEM Cologne 2023. From the schedule to the participating teams, the competition format, and where to livestream the thrilling matches, we cover everything a CS:GO esports enthusiast needs to know.

This event ended on 6 August 2023. Looking for more esports action? Stay up-to-date with our 2023 Esports Calendar for more upcoming events.

IEM Cologne 2023: Dates, Times & Location

The IEM Cologne 2023 returns to the iconic LANXESS arena in Cologne, Germany. The offline competition begins on 26 July 2023, culminating on 6 August 2023 with the crowning of the champion. The event consists of three stages spread across these dates:

  • Play-In: 26 - 28 July 2023
  • Group Stage: 29 July - 1 August 2023
  • Playoffs: 4 - 6 August 2023

A total of 24 teams will compete for the lion's share of the $1,000,000 prize pool.

IEM Cologne 2023: Format

The ESL, in collaboration with IEM, has designed a unique competition format, comprised of three key stages: Play-In, Group Stage, and Playoffs.

Play-In

The Play-In stage uses a double-elimination bracket, with opening matches as Bo1, and all subsequent matches as Bo3. The top eight teams advance to the Group Stage.

Group Stage

The Group Stage involves two double-elimination (GSL) groups, each with eight teams, and all matches being Bo3. The top three teams from each group move forward to the Playoffs.

Playoffs

Finally, the Playoffs take place in a single-elimination bracket. The Quarterfinals and Semifinals are Bo3, while the Grand Final is a tense Bo5 showdown.

Teams at BLAST Paris Major 2023

The world's top 24 CS:GO esports teams, chosen based on the ESL World Ranking and other qualifications, will participate in IEM Cologne 2023.

Direct Qualified Teams

Team Means of Qualification Players
G2 Esports IEM Katowice 2023 huNter-, NiKo, m0NESY, jks, HooXi, Swani
FaZe Clan ESL Pro League Season 17 rain, broky, Twistzz, karrigan, ropz
Team Vitality IEM Rio & BLAST Major apEX, ZywOo, Magisk, Spinx, flameZ, zonic
ENCE IEM Dallas 2023 Snappi, dycha, maden, SunPayus, NertZ, sAw
Heroic ESL World Ranking stavn, cadiaN, TeSeS, sjuush, Jabbi, Xizt
Cloud9 ESL World Ranking sh1ro, Ax1Le, HObbit, electroNic, Perfecto, groove
Natus Vincere ESL World Ranking s1mple, b1t, Aleksib, jL, iM, B1ad3
GamerLegion ESL World Ranking isak, acoR, Keoz, TBD, TBD, ashhh

Play-In Teams

Team Means of Qualification Players
MOUZ ESL World Ranking EU frozen, torzsi, xertioN, siuhy, Jimpphat, sycrone
Apeks ESL World Ranking EU nawwk, jkaem, STYKO, kyxsan, CacaNito, kuben
9INE ESL World Ranking EU Goofy, KEi, Kylar, mynio, hades, nawrot
FURIA Esports ESL World Ranking EU yuurih, arT, KSCERATO, FalleN, chelo, guerri
Team Liquid ESL World Ranking NA NAF, oSee, YEKINDAR, Rainwaker, Patsi, daps
Imperial Esports ESL World Ranking NA boltz, VINI, JOTA, HEN1, felps, zakk
The MongolZ ESL World Ranking SA bLitz, Techno4K, hasteka, 910, mzinho, maaRaa
Grayhound Gaming ESL World Ranking AS Sico, INS, aliStair, Liazz, Vexite
Fnatic ESL World Ranking OCE KRIMZ, mezii, roeJ, afro, dexter, keita
Monte ESL World Ranking Woro2k, DemQQ, kRaSnaL, sdy, br0, lmbt
Ninjas in Pyjamas ESL World Ranking REZ, hampus, Brollan, headtr1ck, k0nfig, djL
Astralis ESL World Ranking blameF, dev1ce, Buzz, Staehr, b0RUP, casle
Into The Breach ESL World Ranking Thomas, rallen, CRUC1AL, Bymas, NEOFRAG, Juve
Complexity Gaming ESL World Ranking JT, floppy, Grim, hallzerk, EliGE, T.c
OG ESL World Ranking nexa, F1KU, regali, k1to, FASHR, ruggah
BIG Meisterschaft tabseN, Krimbo, s1n, prosus, S3NSEY, TuGuX

Please note that the 'Players' column also lists the members of each team's coach.

How To Watch IEM Cologne 2023: Live Streams

You can enjoy all the gripping IEM Cologne 2023 matches live on ESL's official Twitch channel, which we've embedded below for easy access.

For additional content such as highlights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes peeks, tune in to the ESL's YouTube channel, which hosts regular uploads during the event.

IEM Cologne 2023 Prize Pool

The total prize pool for IEM Cologne 2023 is $1,000,000 USD, distributed among the participants as follows:

Placement Prize Qualifies For BLAST Points Team
1st $400,000 IEM Katowice 2024 3,000 G2 Esports
2nd $180,000 - 2,000 ENCE
3rd-4th $80,000 - 1,200 Team Vitality
Astralis
5th-6th $40,000 - 500 Cloud9
Heroic
7th-8th $24,000 - 500 Gamer Legion
Natus Vincere
9th-12th $16,000 - - Fnatic
Monte
FaZe Clan
MOUZ
13th-16th $10,000 - - The MongolZ
9INE
OG
Ninjas in Pyjamas
17th-20th $4,500 - - FURIA Esports
Apeks
Team Liquid
Imperial Esports
21st-24th $2,500 - - Into the Breach
Complexity Gaming
BIG
Grayhound Gaming

There you have it! This guide equips CS:GO esports fans with all the information required for the IEM Cologne 2023.