IEM Cologne 2024 Play-In Stage: All Opening Matches

As a long-time fan of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and regular attendee of various esports events, I’m thrilled to see ESL shaking things up for IEM Cologne 2024. The switch from Best of 1 (BO1) to Best of 3 (BO3) format in the Play-In stage is a welcome change that adds more depth and excitement to the competition.


At IEM Cologne 2024, the Play-In stage is anticipated to be more engaging due to a change in format. ESL has decided to replace the Best of 1 (BO1) matches with Best of 3 (BO3) ones. Consequently, teams will have an opportunity to showcase their skills over multiple games, potentially leading to thrilling and closely contested Counter-Strike matches.

30am in British Summer Time.

Here are twenty-four top-tier Counter-Strike teams ready to compete. It’s only a matter of time before one of them emerges victorious in the #IEM Cologne 2024 tournament.

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) July 25, 2024

All Match-Ups For IEM Cologne 2024 Upper Bracket Round 1 (Opening Matches)

IEM Cologne 2024 Play-In Stage: All Opening Matches

Here are the teams set to participate in the first matches of the IEM Cologne 2024 Play-In round:

  • Complexity vs. ALTERNATE aTTaX
  • Eternal Fire vs. Team Falcons
  • HEROIC vs. MIBR
  • BetBoom Team vs. 9z Team
  • FURIA Esports vs. Imperial Esports
  • paiN Gaming vs. Team Liquid
  • FlyQuest vs. BIG
  • SAW vs. The MongolZ

In the Upper Bracket Round 1, the winning teams from each matchup will progress to the next round, the Upper Bracket Round 2. The losing teams, however, will have a second chance in the Lower Brackets. The victors of both the Upper Bracket Round 2 and Lower Bracket Round 2 will then move on to the Group Stage Quarterfinals.

IEM Cologne 2024 Play-In Stage Format

The Play-In stage for IEM Cologne 2024 will utilize the following format:

Play-In:

  • Double-Elimination bracket
  • All matches BO3
  • The top eight teams advance to the Group Stage

As a gamer excitedly looking forward to IEM Cologne 2024, I can’t wait to mark my calendar for this thrilling event. From the 7th to the 18th of August, 2024, Lanxess Arena in the vibrant city of Cologne, Germany, will be the epicenter of the gaming world. Let’s gather there and witness unparalleled competition!

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2024-07-26 14:43