We asked for a major, but another IEM isn't so bad either!
ESL's flagship CS2 series, Intel Extreme Masters, is returning to Australia in Melbourne from April 21 to 29. 16 of the world's best teams will be invited Down Under, with the top six earning the right to play in front of the best crowd in the world at Rod Laver Arena from April 27 to 29.
For the winner: all-important Valve Regional Standings (VRS) points and the lion's share of a massive $300,000 USD prize pool. It's the fifth edition of IEM in Australia and comes at a critical time after Melbourne lost both ESL Challenger and DreamHack.
The two events were held in tandem from 2022 to 2024 but following DreamHack's withdrawal last December, many Aussie fans believed they'd need to wait until 2026 before witnessing live, international CS2 again.
Fortunately, the stars aligned for April's IEM Spring which returns Down Under for the first time since CS2's maiden S-tier event at IEM Sydney 2023.
"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," ESL FACEIT Group's director for game ecosystems Marc Winther said.
"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."
The 16 teams will be taken straight from the VRS rankings—the top 10 from the global rankings, then the top two from Asia, Europe, and the Americas will get the invites first.
As a result, Aussie fans should expect some big names to make their way to Melbourne. Given it's a key event in the calendar, many may need the VRS points on offer if they want to qualify for the next major in Austin, Texas later this year.
"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," minister for tourism, sport and major events Steve Dimopoulos said.
Fans won't be waiting long for tickets! Tickets go on sale at 2pm AEDT this Thursday, Jan. 23 and start at $189 for General Admission. Here is the full breakdown for IEM Melbourne 2025's tickets:
- 3-Day General Admission: $189
- Access to IEM Melbourne & IEM Expo - 3-Day GA+: $249
- Access to IEM Melbourne & IEM Expo
- GA+ Goodie Bag (TBA) - 3-Day Premium: $359
- Access to IEM Melbourne & IEM Expo
- Premium Goodie Bag (TBA)
- Premium seating section - 3-Day GOD MODE: $1,999
- Access to IEM Melbourne & IEM Expo
- God Mode Goodie Bag (TBA)
- God Mode floor seating section
- 3-Day food and beverage package
- Backstage tour
Head to Ticketek's IEM Melbourne page to pick up tickets, starting at 2pm AEDT on Thursday!
