IEM Cologne 2027 adds eight-team playoffs, 360° stage

ESL confirmed IEM Cologne 2027 will take place August 4-15 and will conclude with a four-day, eight-team playoff at LANXESS Arena in Cologne using a 360° stage setup.

The event will feature 24 teams. Stage 1 opens with 16 teams in a double-elimination bracket competing for eight qualifying spots. Those eight qualifiers will join the eight highest-ranked teams in Stage 2.

Stage 2 will consist of two double-elimination groups of eight. The top four teams from each group will advance to the playoffs. Matches are best-of-three throughout, with the grand final scheduled as a best-of-five. A third-place match will be played before the final.

The playoffs will use a single-elimination eight-team bracket over four days at LANXESS Arena. The 360° stage places the playing area at the centre of the arena and allows viewing from all sides.

Tickets for the first sales wave go on sale October 15. ESL released the competition format and schedule ahead of ticket sales to allow teams, fans and partners to plan for the summer tournament.

Follow our latest CS2 coverage and explore the marketplace for skins, prices, and trading opportunities.