The tension’s building as IEM Cologne 2025 heads into Stage 2 — and it kicks off with a banger. Natus Vincere will debut their newest star, Drin “makazze” Shaqiri, in a heavyweight clash against FaZe Clan. No warm-up games. No breathing room. Straight into the fire.
Cologne 2025Germany, Cologne, LANXESS arena
Team Spirit
MOUZ
Natus Vincere
Stage 1 wrapped with Astralis edging out paiN in a nail-biter, securing the final spot in the elite 16-team lineup for Stage 2. With the brackets now locked in, all eyes turn to Saturday’s explosive opening matches — and there’s no shortage of storylines to follow.
Current Cologne kings Vitality are lined up against Astralis, renewing a classic rivalry. Meanwhile, Maxim “kyousuke” Lukin will finally make his tier-one debut for Falcons as they take on GamerLegion at 14:30. At the same time, a revamped G2 roster faces off with FURIA, setting the tone for what could be a wild campaign.
Sunday brings more firepower with MOUZ vs. Liquid and Spirit’s first run with Ivan “zweih” Gogin against HEROIC. The anticipation is real, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Full IEM Cologne 2025 Stage 2 Schedule:
| Date | Match | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 26/07/2025 | G2 vs. FURIA | 14:30 |
| 26/07/2025 | Falcons vs. GamerLegion | 14:30 |
| 26/07/2025 | Vitality vs. Astralis | 17:00 |
| 26/07/2025 | The MongolZ vs. 3DMAX | 17:00 |
| 26/07/2025 | Natus Vincere vs. FaZe | 19:30 |
| 26/07/2025 | Aurora vs. Ninjas in Pyjamas | 19:30 |
| 27/07/2025 | MOUZ vs. Liquid | 14:30 |
| 27/07/2025 | Spirit vs. HEROIC | 14:30 |
From debut dreams to championship defenses, IEM Cologne is ready to deliver another unforgettable chapter. Stay sharp, this weekend is going to be electric.