Team Vitality emerged as the champions of the Intel Extreme Master Cologne tournament, which drew a record-breaking crowd of 39,000 people. This year’s event took place at the iconic LANXESS arena and featured six of the world’s best Counter-Strike 2 teams vying for the coveted trophy and a share of the $1 million prize pool. Team Vitality’s journey to the championship was filled with hard-fought victories against top squads like MOUZ and G2 Esports. In the intense Grand Final against Natus Vincere, Team Vitality secured a 3-1 victory, marking their first IEM Cologne title.
The win was a long-awaited victory lap for team captain Dan “apEX” Madesclaire, who had participated in the first-ever IEM event at the LANXESS arena in 2015. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with loud cheers, chants, and roars filling the air. Shahar “flameZ” Shushan expressed his excitement about the win, stating that it was one of the best days of his life and that the trophy meant everything to the team.
However, the story of IEM Cologne 2024 is not just about the champions. The Portuguese team SAW made history by representing their country at the Cathedral of Counter-Strike for the first time. They achieved dominant victories against The MongolZ, BIG, and FaZe Clan, showcasing their skills on the global stage.
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut was named the tournament’s MVP for his outstanding performance throughout the event, particularly in the Grand Final. His contributions were pivotal to Team Vitality’s championship run, and he was recognized as the DHL ESL Pro Tour MVP.
The three-day event was filled with fan-centered celebrations, with EFG and various brand partners playing major roles. EFG debuted its all-new ESL brand campaign, highlighting the players, teams, and fans that have chosen to “Live Legendary” over the organization’s 25-year history. The event also saw partnership renewals with DHL and the addition of Logitech and Unilever nutrition brands Knorr and Pot Noodle. Logitech set up a player’s lounge at the nearby Radisson Hotel, providing a space for players to relax and unwind between matches.
The event drew a crowd of over 13,000 people, solidifying its status as one of the largest recurring esports events in the world. The success of IEM Cologne 2024 has set the bar high for future Intel Extreme Masters series events, including the upcoming IEM Rio in Brazil. The event was organized by ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), and Michal Blicharz, one of the original creators of IEM, reflected on the event’s history and its significance in the esports industry.
Blicharz highlighted the trust and support of Intel, which has been a long-time partner of IEM. He compared the event to the Grand Slam events in tennis, emphasizing its prestige and the level of competition. He also explained how IEM evolved from co-located events to hosting its own arena, thanks to the leap of faith taken by Intel. The success of IEM Cologne and its ongoing popularity demonstrate the growth and potential of esports.
Looking ahead, Blicharz emphasized that the future of esports is tied to the future of video games, which is unpredictable. However, he expressed confidence that esports will continue to grow, as it has become a normal part of the lives of younger generations. He also acknowledged the need for experimentation and the refinement of different blueprints to ensure the continued success and development of the industry.
In conclusion, IEM Cologne 2024 was a groundbreaking event that showcased the best of Counter-Strike 2 and the passion of esports fans. Team Vitality’s championship victory, SAW’s historic representation, and the outstanding performances from players like ZywOo created an unforgettable experience. The event also highlighted the growth and potential of esports, as well as the importance of strong partnerships and fan-centered celebrations. As the esports industry continues to evolve, events like IEM Cologne set the standard for excellence and provide a platform for talented gamers to shine.