IEM Cologne 2025: Opening Day Viewership Exceeds 300,000

The commencement of Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Cologne 2025 saw a substantial viewership, exceeding 300,000 individuals.

As indicated by esports analytical resource Esports Charts, the preliminary Play-In phase recorded a maximum concurrent viewership of 306,061.

Information derived from the Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) competition highlights that the confrontation between the Brazilian contingent FURIA and the Australian representatives, FlyQuest, achieved the highest audience numbers. However, current data reflects the peak at 275,559 viewers at the time of reporting.

The clash between BIG and FaZe Clan secured the second-largest peak audience, drawing 225,309 spectators for Helvijs ‘broky’ Saukants‘ initial appearance after rejoining the North American organisation’s active roster.

In a separate development, content creators providing alternative broadcast streams also played a part in producing high viewing counts throughout the initial day. Brazilian streamer Alexandre ‘Gaules’ Borba Chiqueta attracted 65,434 concurrent viewers during the opening Play-In games.

The tournament’s first day has established a foundation that could lead to higher viewership numbers as the Play-Ins unfold and as focus shifts to the Group Stage, where teams such as Team Vitality and Team Falcons enter into contention.

Following the conclusion of the first day, the second day will feature six contests. Three will ascertain the first teams to progress to the Group Stage, while the remaining three will determine the initial teams to be eliminated from contention.

The victors of the lower bracket matches will proceed to the subsequent phase, where teams will vie for an additional opportunity to qualify for the Group Stage, set to take place from July 26th to 29th.

The matches scheduled for July 24th, 2025, are listed below:

Enthusiasts are able to follow the second day of IEM Cologne 2025 via ESL’s official channels on YouTube and Twitch.