With just two weeks to go for one of the most popular events in the CS: GO calendar, ESL has revealed the format for the IEM Cologne 2022 play-in stage. The tournament organizer has unveiled the eight opening matchups for the million-dollar event; these matchups will set the course for the rest of the tournament.
IEM Cologne takes place from July 4-18, and will feature the best CS: GO teams from all over the world. The event which is one of the most prestigious events in the CS: GO esports circuit is popular as the Cathedral of Counter-strike.
The tournament features 24 teams with sixteen starting in the play-in stage. Only half of these play-in teams will advance to the group stage where they will face eight new teams.
Eight teams from the play-in stage will join the big names in the group stage. The group stage teams include:
The best team in each group will advance directly to the semifinals. Two more teams from each group will play it out in the quarterfinals.
Navi recently announced sdy will play for the team at IEM Cologne 2022. The youngster was pivotal in the team’s recent LAN victory. The Russia-Ukraine war has affected the team’s performance since February. However, despite the adversities and the recent roster change where they lost their IGL, Navi still managed to win BLAST Premier: Spring Finals 2022 after a 2-0 victory over Vitality.
The winner of the tournament will get a massive $400,000 in prize winnings. The second-best team will get $180,000. There’s something for everyone as the last-placed teams will receive $2,500 reach.
Esports.gg will bring you continued coverage for IEM Cologne with exclusive interviews and match coverage.
