IEM Chengdu 2025: Schedule, Format, Teams & How To Watch
Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) returns to Chengdu, bringing even more world-class Counter-Strike action back to the heart of Sichuan province. Following its 2024 revival, the event once again marks China’s place on the global IEM stage following a four-year absence of top-tier competition.
This guide will detail all the key information about IEM Chengdu 2025, including the schedule, format, teams, prize pool, and ticket information.
Image source: IEM / X
IEM Chengdu 2025 Location & Dates
IEM Chengdu 2025 will kick off on November 3 and end on November 9, 2025. The tournament takes place at the same venue as last year: the Chengdu Financial City Performing Arts Center. As always, expect a packed crowd and a top-notch production to elevate the already high status of IEM events.
#IEM Chengdu 2025 tickets are LIVE 🇨🇳
Join us to watch challengers clash with champions this November, as IEM makes its return to China! 🐼🏮
Get yours NOW 🎟️ pic.twitter.com/DwYel61LC7
— Intel® Extreme Masters (@IEM) September 11, 2025
IEM Chengdu 2025 Schedule & Format
IEM Chengdu 2025 will feature two stages, both of which will be open to a live audience this year. The Group Stage (November 3-5, 2025) will see 16 teams battle in two double-elimination format GSL-style brackets. Each group comprises eight teams, and all matches will be played as best-of-three series.
The top three teams from each group will advance to the Playoffs and be seeded as follows:
- 1st place → Semifinals
- 2nd place → Quarterfinals (as the High Seeds)
- 3rd place → Quarterfinals (as the Low Seed)
- 4th-8th teams are eliminated
The Playoffs (November 7-9) will then change to a single-elimination bracket. All matches will be played as a best-of-three, except the Grand Final, which will be best-of-five to crown the winner. The current CS2 Active Duty map pool will be used: Ancient, Dust II, Inferno, Mirage, Nuke, Overpass, and Train.
Schedule
This table outlines the full IEM Chengdu 2025 schedule, including each stage, date, and match time in Chinese Standard Time (UTC +8).
| Stage | Date | Start Time (CST/UTC +8) |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage – Day 1 Group Stage – Day 2 Group Stage – Day 3 | November 3, 2025 November 4, 2025 November 5, 2025 | Game 1: 10:00 Game 2: 12:30 Game 3: 15:00 Game 4: 17:30 |
| Quarterfinal 1 Quarterfinal 2 | November 7, 2025 | 14:30 17:45 |
| Semifinal 1 | November 8, 2025 | 14:30 |
| Semifinal 2 | November 8, 2025 | 17:45 |
| Lower Final Grand Final | November 9, 2025 | 12:00 16:00 |
Note: All match times are listed in local Chinese Standard Time (CST). Official fixtures and updates are available on the ESL website.
Image source: ESL / Intel Extreme Masters
Prize Pool Distribution
IEM Chengdu 2025 features a $1,000,000 prize pool. Here’s how the money will be split between the participating teams.
| Place | Prize Money | Club Reward | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | $125,000 | $160,000 | $285,000 |
| 2nd | $50,000 | $100,000 | $150,000 |
| 3rd-4th | $25,000 | $80,000 | $105,000 |
| 5th-6th | $12,500 | $60,000 | $72,500 |
| 7th-8th | $7,000 | $40,000 | $47,000 |
| 9th-12th | $5,000 | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| 13th-16th | $4,000 | - | $4,000 |
| Total | $300,000 | $700,000 | $1,000,000 |
Teams Competing At IEM Chengdu 2025
There are 16 teams competing at IEM Chengdu 2025. Teams were invited based on the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) as of August 4, 2025.
- Team Vitality
- The MongolZ
- MOUZ
- Team Falcons
- Team Spirit
- FURIA
- G2 Esports
- Natus Vincere
- 3DMAX
- FaZe Clan
- Astralis
- paiN Gaming
- TYLOO
- Virtus.pro
- HEROIC
- Lynn Vision
Note: Aurora Gaming (VRS #11) and GamerLegion (VRS #14) declined invitations to attend IEM Chengdu 2025. As a result, the following two eligible teams, Virtus.pro (VRS #17) and HEROIC (VRS #18) were invited.
Image source: ESL / Intel Extreme Masters
How To Watch IEM Chengdu 2025
If you can’t make it to China, you are still spoiled for choice. You can watch all the IEM Chengdu 2025 matches broadcast live on the official IEM website as well as on the ESL Counter-Strike YouTube and Twitch channels.
Tickets
If you want to be part of the in-person audience, you can purchase tickets to IEM Chengdu 2025 via the Intel Extreme Masters website. Pre-sales already started on September 11, 2025, so all the tickets for the Playoffs are already sold out. However, you can still snag seats for the Group Stage matches.
Group Stage day tickets are priced at ¥388 CNY (€47 or $54) for Tier 2 seating, while premium Tier 1 seats are priced at ¥688 CNY (€83 or $97).
FAQs
When and where will IEM Chengdu 2025 take place?
IEM Chengdu 2025 will be held at the Chengdu Financial City Performing Arts Center in Chengdu, China, from November 3-9, 2025.
Can I attend IEM Chengdu 2025 live in person?
Yes. You can attend Group Stage matches with a paid ticket available per day. Nearly all Playoff tickets are already sold out, but some seats for the Group Stage remain available at the time of writing.
What is the IEM Chengdu 2025 prize pool?
The tournament features a $1,000,000 total prize pool, split between $300,000 in cash prizes and $700,000 in Club Rewards. The winning team will take home $125,000 in cash plus $160,000 in Club Rewards, for a combined total of $285,000.
How much do IEM Chengdu 2025 tickets cost?
Group Stage day tickets start at ¥388 CNY (€47) for Tier 2 seating, while premium Tier 1 seats are priced at ¥688 CNY (€83). Tickets can be purchased through the official Intel Extreme Masters website.
How can I watch IEM Chengdu 2025?
You can catch all the action from IEM Chengdu 2025 on the official ESL website, ESL CS YouTube, and Twitch channels. Every match will be broadcast live, including both the Group Stage and Playoffs.
References
- Intel Extreme Masters (Intel Extreme Masters)
- ESL Counter-Strike (YouTube)
- ESLCS (Twitch)
- IEM Chengdu 2025 (ESL Pro Tour)
