IEM Cologne 2027 expands to eight-team playoffs with 360° stage setup

ESL has announced details for IEM Cologne 2027, the German esports tournament running August 4-15 at LANXESS arena in Cologne. The playoffs will feature an eight-team bracket over four days, with matches in a best-of-three format except for the final, which will be best-of-five.

The tournament structure includes two stages. Stage 1 involves 16 teams competing in a double-elimination bracket to earn eight playoff spots. These eight qualified teams will join the eight highest-ranked sides in two double-elimination groups, with the top four from each group advancing to the playoffs.

A notable addition for 2027 is a 360-degree stage setup, marking the first time IEM Cologne will feature this format. The playoffs will also include a third-place decider match preceding the final.

Tickets for the event will go on sale in two waves. The first wave opens October 15, with additional tickets available later in the month.