Esports fans are on the edge of their seats as Counter-Strike 2 professional circuit resumes following its post-Major break when the second half of the 2025 season starts with the IEM Cologne. For many top teams, this event is the first proper test since the BLAST.tv Austin Major and a chance to clash on the world stage and reset the campaign.
Sixteen teams are participating in the Play-In stage in hopes of reaching a Group Stage. The Play-In will be a proving ground for some of the most accomplished rosters & strengthen narratives that the rest of the season will deliver.
Team Liquid Faces a Defining Moment
Team Liquid’s path to 2025 has been anything but easy. So far this year, the side has failed to surpass a top-six finish in any competition and now cologne could be key for the side. Kamil ‘Siuhy’ Szkaradek’s appointment as in-game leader was announced recently following a successful trial. However, the squad has already faced setbacks as they lost out on a spot in ESL Pro League Season 22 to Sashi Esport.
Moving forward to play at LANXESS Arena can help bring Liquid’s confidence back, but first, they have to beat PaiN Gaming, who are fresh off a good Austin Major Playoffs run. If PaiN wins, they can further cement their place as one of South America’s best. A victory from Liquid can keep their Group Stage run alive. If Liquid manages to win, they will face either BIG or FaZe Clan in round two.
TYLOO’s Momentum on the Global Stage
China’s Growing Presence in International Counter-Strike 2, Heroic’s… With TYLOO, China Shows the Region Is Making Progress. Since the MIBR squad fielded a coach in place of Ji ‘Jee’ Dongkai before his return in the semifinals of FISSURE Playground 1, yet still won it, they must be feeling confident. Yi ‘JamYoung’ Yang is in great shape and won the MVP, meaning that the team is gaining momentum for Cologne.
TYLOO will face off against Virtus.pro in their first match of the Play-In. If the team delivers a strong result in this tournament, not only will they go deeper in the tournament, but their ranking in the Valve Regional Standings will improve and they will also be in a strong position for a Budapest Major qualification.
FaZe Clan Looks to Stabilise
FaZe Clan encountered ups and downs in the 2025 season. The team came in third at PGL Bucharest so in a bid to make it better, they brought in Oleksandr ‘s1mple’ Kostyljev on loan for IEM Dallas and the Austin Major. While the team made it to the playoffs at the major, they got upset in the quarter-finals by The MongolZ.
The return of Helvijs ‘broky’ Saukants in the starting lineup now looks to build consistency in the late season. For their first Play-In match, they will face BIG. The outcome of this contest will mold their entire campaign. It will also help them regain their dominance.
Who Will Qualify From the Group Stage?
With teams from Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania contesting for the eight Group Stage slots, competition is tough. With the experience of FaZe Clan and FURIA, they are strong candidates, while TYLOO’s recent form and Astralis’s default play makes them serious threats.
Predicted Play-In qualifiers include.
- FaZe Clan.
- PaiN Gaming.
- TYLOO.
- FURIA.
- Astralis.
- HEROIC.
- B8.
- Team Liquid.
Where to Watch
Fans can watch every bit of action at the IEM Cologne 2025 Play-Ins through ESL’s Twitch and YouTube, as every map and moment will be broadcast globally.