The Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) series has been a cornerstone of competitive esports since its start back in 2007. Over the years, it has brought us a lot of memorable moments, especially in Counter-Strike, where famous teams like Fnatic, Natus Vincere, and Astralis showed their level. IEM events have visited iconic locations like Katowice, Cologne, and Rio and gathered many people there.
Highlights like Astralis’ championship run at IEM Katowice in 2019 and Outsiders’ unexpected triumph in Rio in 2022 stand out as pivotal chapters in the tournament’s storied history. Now, in 2024, while Intel’s future role in esports seems uncertain due to a potential acquisition by Qualcomm, the legacy of IEM is secure. No matter what changes, its influence on competitive Counter-Strike remains. With the ESL Pro Tour 2025 already confirmed to visit Katowice, Cologne, and Chengdu, IEM’s presence continues to be a crucial force in the evolution of CS2 tournaments.
The Beginnings of IEM
The IEM series started back in 2007, with a focus on growing esports on a global level. Initially, it was more of a European tournament, but the organizers soon saw the opportunity to expand into North America. The very first event was held at CeBIT in Hanover, Germany, and Counter-Strike 1.6 was the main game. The tournament had several qualifiers leading up to the grand final, and early winners like Team Pentagram and mousesports helped lay the groundwork for what would become the longest-running esports tournament series in the world.
IEM quickly became known for its international scope, bringing together top teams from Europe, North America, and Asia to compete for major titles. By hosting qualifiers all over the world, IEM helped create a truly global esports scene, giving players from different regions a chance to prove themselves. Intel’s sponsorship played a huge role in making the tournament successful, with their investment fueling its growth in the early years.
As time went on, IEM became a symbol of top-level competition in esports, covering multiple games and drawing the best players from across the globe. Its move beyond Europe set the stage for IEM to become the global powerhouse it is today, with events in places like Katowice, Cologne, and Shanghai, where thousands of fans gather to watch some of the best players in the world. Those early IEM events helped shape the future of esports and solidified its importance in the industry.
Growth and Milestones
Over the years, IEM added more games to its lineup, such as StarCraft II, World of Warcraft, and League of Legends, broadening its worldwide appeal. However, Counter-Strike became the standout title, with IEM Katowice and Cologne turning into major fixtures on the CS:GO calendar. These tournaments attracted massive audiences, featuring the top teams and solidifying their place as key events in the esports world.
The IEM Major Era
A crucial moment in IEM's history was when it began hosting Valve-sponsored Majors. One of the most memorable was the IEM Katowice Major in 2019, where Astralis dominated the competition to claim their third Major championship. Their flawless run without losing a map further cemented their reputation as one of the all-time great teams in CS:GO.
Another unforgettable moment occurred during the IEM Rio Major in 2022. Outsiders surprised everyone by defeating teams like MOUZ and Heroic to claim the Major trophy. Their triumph in Rio was a reminder of the thrilling unpredictability that makes CS:GO Majors so special, showing that even the underdogs can steal the spotlight and captivate fans around the globe.
Intel’s Crisis and the Future of IEM
Intel's recent struggles with their 13th and 14th generation processors have sparked concerns about the company’s future. With rumors swirling that Qualcomm could potentially acquire Intel, there’s uncertainty about the future of IEM’s sponsorship. If these changes happen, we might even see the legendary tournament series rebranded under a new name, such as AMD Extreme Masters, in the coming years.
Modern Day IEM and the Calendar for 2025
Despite Intel's uncertain future, ESL FACEIT Group has confirmed the ESL Pro Tour 2025. This tour will include five IEM events, along with two ESL Pro Leagues, maintaining the iconic status of the series. IEM Katowice is set to return in January, followed by IEM Cologne in July, both of which remain must-play tournaments for any top Counter-Strike team.
ESL Pro Tour 2025 Event Calendar:
- IEM Katowice (Poland): January 29 - February 9, 2025
- ESL Pro League 21 (Europe): February 25 - March 16, 2025
- IEM Spring (TBD): April 21 - 27, 2025
- IEM Dallas (USA): May 19 - 25, 2025
- IEM Cologne (Germany): July 23 - August 3, 2025
- ESL Pro League 22 (Europe): September 23 - October 12, 2025
- IEM Chengdu (China): November 3 - 9, 2025
EFG has committed to supporting teams with over $22 million in financial contributions over the next two years. This major investment aims to sustain competitive esports and help ensure the longevity of the ESL Pro Tour.
Impact of IEM on Esports
Throughout its history, IEM has been a cornerstone in the esports world, bringing together top teams and players from across the globe. The series has not only raised the bar for competitive gaming but also attracted major sponsorships and millions of fans worldwide. With over 100 events held since its debut, IEM has established a legacy that continues to motivate teams and excite fans, regardless of any potential rebranding that may occur.
A key part of what makes Intel Extreme Masters events so special is the passionate fanbase that gathers at each location. Whether it’s in Cologne, Sydney, or anywhere else, the energy from the crowd adds a thrilling intensity to every match. Fans cheering, chanting, and celebrating their favorite teams create an atmosphere that makes IEM more than just a series of tournaments—it's a global celebration of esports.
Intel Extreme Masters has created countless iconic moments over the years. Even if Intel's sponsorship changes, the impact of the series on the esports landscape will remain huge. From Fnatic’s legendary victories to the rise of new champions like Vitality, IEM's story is filled with unforgettable moments, and its future looks just as promising for fans around the world.
Comments