ESL Reveals Melbourne As Destination for Australian IEM Tournament in 2025
ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), the leading esports and video game entertainment company, today announced Intel® Extreme Masters (IEM) Melbourne 2025 – a Counter-Strike 2 tournament that will take place in Melbourne, Australia, across April 21-27, 2025, with a live arena Playoffs occurring on the weekend of April 25-27. Featuring sixteen of the world’s best Counter-Strike 2 teams, this year marks the first time the global esports tournament series has been hosted in Melbourne. The tournament heralds the return of IEM to Australia for the fifth time, following a sold-out edition in 2023, which saw 20,000 fans in attendance over the three day event hosted in Sydney’s Super Aware Theatre.
Sixteen of the world’s best Counter-Strike 2 teams will make their way to Melbourne to compete in the group stages (April 21-23). Teams will be invited based on Valve Regional Standings, with the invite cut-off happening based on the first available ranking update in February, 2025. The top six teams who make their way through the double-elimination groups will advance to the playoffs, playing live in Melbourne across April 25-27. Fans will be treated to the highest level of Counter-Strike 2, with a front row seat for every victory and defeat.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“We’re extremely excited to have the world’s best gamers here to showcase their skills at one of the biggest esports tournaments ever seen on Australian shores.”
“There will be an incredible atmosphere in Melbourne when competitors and fans flock here from around the world – and it’ll be a major boost for our economy to have thousands of people filling hotel rooms and visiting our world-class cafes and restaurants.”
Quotes attributable to Marc Winther, Director Game Ecosystems – Counter-Strike at ESL FACEIT Group
“The Australian crowd consistently brings something special to our Counter-Strike events – the atmosphere in the arena is always unique, filled with energy and fun, and that comes across online as well. Fans all around the world look forward to seeing what the Aussie crowd will get up to.”
“We’ve always wanted to bring an IEM event to Melbourne, Australia’s historic home of sport, and after an attempt in 2020 that was thwarted by a global pandemic, we are excited to finally bring the tournament to the city.”
Group Stage
The Group Stage of IEM Melbourne 2025 will feature 16 invited teams, based on the Valve Regional Standings (“VRS”) system (10 Global, 2 Europe, 2 Americas, 2 Asia). Teams are split in two double-elimination groups, with all matches to be played in a best-of-three format.
Playoffs
The IEM Melbourne 2025 Playoffs will take place live in Rod Laver Arena, featuring the top 6 teams from the Group Stage. Quarterfinals and Semifinals will be played in a best-of-three format, with the Playoffs Grand Final played as a best-of-five.
Team Invites
Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
Global VRS Invite (1st-10th)
Europe VRS Invite (1st-2nd)
Europe VRS Invite (1st-2nd)
Americas VRS Invite (1st-2nd)
Americas VRS Invite (1st-2nd)
Asia VRS Invite (1st-2nd)
Asia VRS Invite (1st-2nd)
The IEM Melbourne 2025 broadcast will begin on April 21, 2025, as the Group Stage of the tournament kicks off. Fans can watch the broadcast live on FACEIT Watch, the premier destination for live esports content, or via ESL Counter-Strike’s Twitch and YouTube channels, and via dedicated broadcast partners. For more details about the competition, check out the official website and follow ESL Counter-Strike on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. For more general information, head over to eslfaceitgroup.com and follow ESL FACEIT Group on LinkedIn.
Tickets
On Thursday, January 23, at 2PM AEDT, IEM Melbourne 2025 tickets will go on-sale via Ticketek, with 3-Day tickets available from AU$189. The full range of ticket types available include:
| Ticket Type | Price | Inclusions |
| 3-Day General Admission | AU$189 | – Full access to IEM over all 3 days
– Entry into the IEM Expo |
| 3-Day GA+ | AU$249 | – Full access to IEM over all 3 days
– Entry into the IEM Expo – GA+ Goodie Bag |
| 3-Day Premium | AU$359 | – Full access to IEM over all 3 days
– Entry into the IEM Expo – Premium Goodie Bag – Premium Allocated Seating |
| 3-Day GOD MODE | AU$1,999 | – Full access to IEM over all 3 days
– Entry into the IEM Expo – God Mode Goodie Bag – God Mode Seating Area – 3-Day Food & Beverage Package – Exclusive backstage tour |
About the Author
Adrian Gunning Adrian lives in Melbourne Australia and has a huge passion for gaming, technology and pop culture. He recently finished his a Bachelor of Journalism and is currently focusing on games journalism. When not writing and playing video games, Adrian can be found in Comics 'R' Us debating the pros of the DC Universe and cons of the Marvel Universe.
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