CS2: ESL confirms IEM Chengdu 2025 teams

    The ESL FACEIT Group has confirmed the lineup for Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Chengdu 2025, set to take place in Chengdu, China.

    IEM ESL logo IEM ESL logo

    This CS2 tournament marks the second IEM event in the city, following the inaugural April 2024 edition, and will be the final ESL-operated CS2 competition before the StarLadder Budapest Major later this year.

    A total of 16 teams have accepted invitations, all of which ranked within the top 20 of the global standings published on 4 August 2025.

    Invitations were based on the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) from August, with the highest-ranking team, Team Vitality, leading the field.

    Notably, Aurora Gaming and GamerLegion, both top-20 teams, declined their invitations. The lowest-ranked team to accept was HEROIC, sitting 18th in the VRS.

    Among the invited teams are a mix of established powerhouses and consistent performers, including FaZe Clan - the defending champions who triumphed over MOUZ in the 2024 Grand Final to claim 100,000 USD - as well as Team Spirit, Team Falcons, MOUZ, The MongolZ, FURIA, PaiN Gaming, NAVI, Astralis, G2 Esports, 3DMAX, Lynn Vision, and Virtus.pro.

    Organisers have emphasised that the event is not only a showcase for elite CS2 competition but also a crucial opportunity for teams to test strategies and form ahead of the StarLadder Budapest Major.

    With such a strong field confirmed, the tournament promises intense matchups and high-stakes gameplay, reaffirming IEM Chengdu’s growing importance on the international esports calendar.