IEM Melbourne 2025 is quickly approaching while excitement grows throughout the CS2 community after ESL disclosed their list of tournament invites. The S-tier Counter-Strike 2 tournament scheduled from April 21 through April 27, 2025 will showcase 16 elite teams battling for a $1,000,000 prize pool. The tournament will take place in the iconic Rod Laver Arena located in Melbourne, Australia and represents the first time this event is held in that city.
How Teams Were Invited
A selection process based on Valve Regional Standings determined the 16 participating teams. Ten teams qualified directly through global rankings while the rest of the six available spots went to top teams from Europe, Americas, and Asia. The selection process guarantees a broad range of teams in the tournament while ensuring worldwide representation.
Full List of Invited Teams
Here is the complete list of teams that will compete at IEM Melbourne 2025:
- Team Spirit
- Team Vitality
- Natus Vincere (NAVI)
- Eternal Fire
- FaZe Clan
- Team Liquid
- paiN Gaming
- TheMongolZ
- FlyQuest
- MOUZ
- Team Falcons
- Virtus.pro
- GamerLegion
- 3DMAX
- MIBR
- BIG
Major teams such as G2, FURIA, and Astralis opted out of attending this event allowing other strong competitors to receive their spotlight.
Tournament Format
The tournament will start with group matches that consist of two double-elimination brackets. The tournament structure includes eight teams per group and mandates all matches to follow a best-of-three (BO3) format. Three teams from each group will move forward to the playoffs. The winning teams from each group will advance straight to the semifinals while teams that finish in second and third positions will begin their playoff journey in the quarterfinals.
The playoffs will follow a single-elimination format. Both the quarterfinals and semifinals matches will run as best-of-three (BO3) games while the grand finals will unfold as an exciting best-of-five (BO5) series. The tournament structure delivers relentless competition which provides fans with numerous exciting events to watch.
Why This Event Matters
IEM Melbourne stands out as a festive showcase for the worldwide popularity of Counter-Strike 2. The event features top teams such as NAVI and FaZe Clan together with emerging players like TheMongolZ and FlyQuest to assure every moment will be memorable. The electrifying atmosphere at Rod Laver Arena will enhance the esports experience making it essential viewing for fans of the sport.
How to Watch
The live action of IEM Melbourne will be available to fans through FACEIT Watch as well as ESL Counter-Strike’s Twitch and YouTube channels and their partnered broadcasters. Games in the group stage begin on April 21 while the playoff matches take place from April 25 through April 27.
IEM Melbourne 2025 stands out as one of the year’s most significant esports competitions. Don’t miss this event as it features top teams alongside a huge prize fund and a premier venue. Keep watching for fresh information about team groupings as well as upcoming schedule details and live broadcast announcements.
