IEM Chengdu 2025: Preview

IEM Chengdu 2025 is just a stone's throw away, set to mark ESL's final S-tier event of 2025. With the winter Major just around the corner, IEM Chengdu will be a crucial event for teams to refine their systems. The MongolZ will be playing the tournament with a stand-in, controlez replacing one of their highest performing players- Senzu. The tournament hosts sixteen teams across two groups, running double-elimination bo3 brackets.

While group winners book semi-final slots, runners and runner-ups occupy quarter-final slots, rounding off the six-team single-elimination playoffs brackets, bringing in the top three teams from each group. A bo5 grand-final on 9th November 2025 will crown the winner, furthering their cause towards the coveted the ESL Grand Slam. Through a post on X, the tournament organizer recently revealed the opening matchups.

TYLOO will take on the star-studded Falcons in the opening game in Group A. The MongolZ, also in Group A will start their campaign against HEROIC. With Spirit on the other side of their bracket, TYLOO have a steep climb to make it to the upper-final of group A. In Group B, Lynn Vision square up against FURIA in the opening round with G2 and 3DMAX on the other side of their bracket.

Opening matchups

Format