Roaring Bears Mull IEM Cologne 2027 Boycott Over Pricing

On October 2, 2026, Roaring Bears, the supporters’ group of German Counter-Strike 2 team BIG, issued a statement criticizing ESL’s pricing for IEM Cologne and indicating it may boycott the 2027 event in Cologne, Germany.

The group recounted protests during the most recent IEM Cologne, which carried Major status, pointing to sharp ticket price increases and what it described as monetization of nearly every part of the tournament.

A key complaint was a €60 fee for a team autograph session; purchasers, the group noted, were not told in advance which team would appear.

After ESL released prices for IEM Cologne 2027, Roaring Bears argued that little had changed. While some prices are slightly lower than this year, the 2027 edition will not have Major status, which the group contends reduces value for attendees.

The organization, which follows BIG at domestic and international events, is weighing a coordinated boycott of next year’s tournament and plans to consult members before deciding on a collective response. No timeline for a decision was provided.

“We know that many fans cannot afford such prices,” the statement read. “Counter-Strike must remain accessible for everyone, and excessive commercialization can negatively impact the atmosphere and the community that has formed over years.” It continued: “That is why we are also considering not attending this event as a group. We will discuss this with our members and decide together how we want to respond.”

IEM Cologne is organized by ESL and is among the most-watched events on the Counter-Strike calendar. The group’s statement highlighted ticket prices and paid add-ons, including autograph sessions.

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