ESL changes IEM Cologne 2024 format – no more bo1s

ESL has unveiled changes to the format for one of the most iconic Counter-Strike events - IEM Cologne 2024. The marquee event will no longer feature best-of-ones making for more intense competition. The removal of Bo1s means that teams will have more opportunities to prove themselves against the fiercest of competitions.

The IEM Cologne format no longer features best of one series. Instead, the format will be entirely best of threes right from the opening matches. Previously, the opening matches were best of ones, with subsequent series being best of three in format. 

IEM Cologne begins with the Play-in stage where the top teams will come together to compete. Sixteen teams will compete in the Upper Bracket Round 1, a double-elimination format where the top eight teams advance to the Group Stage.

The Group stage will have a double-elimination GSL format. Two groups, eight teams in each group will compete with best of three series. The top three teams move ahead to the playoffs. 

The Group stage winners get a massive advantage as they go to the semifinals. The next two teams will move to the Quarterfinals.

The Playoffs themselves are single-elimination bracket where the quarterfinals and semifinals are best of three series. The Grand Finals is the only best of five series in the entire event. 

With a million-dollar prize pool, the IEM Cologne Grand Final also offers teams the rare opportunity to boast of being the Champions of Cologne. Often touted as the Cathedral of Counter-Strike, IEM Cologne has a huge fanbase and has been an instrumental part of Counter-Strike history. 

There’s more than just prize money for the IEM Cologne 2024 winners. The winner gets an invite to IEM Katowice 2025 as well as BLAST Premier World Finals. In addition, there’s also $400,000 in prize money to be won for the team that lifts the trophy.

The opening matches for IEM Cologne 2024 are as follows:

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