Image credit: ESL – Intel Extreme Masters. © ESL Gaming GmbH.
How to Bet on the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) in 2025/26
Last updated: October 2025
The Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) is one of the most prestigious tournament series in esports. Organised by ESL and sponsored by Intel, it has run since 2006 and continues to be a cornerstone of the Counter-Strike calendar.
In 2025, IEM was exclusively focused on Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), with StarCraft II now appearing at the Esports World Cup instead. From Katowice to Cologne, the IEM circuit attracts the world’s best teams and some of the biggest prize pools in competitive gaming.
For bettors, IEM offers structure, high stakes, and multiple events across the year — all of which translate into excellent betting opportunities.
Where to Bet on Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) 2025/26
If you’re serious about betting on the Intel Extreme Masters, choosing the right sportsbook matters. These are our top recommended sites for 2025/26, selected for esports market depth, trusted licences, and smooth payouts. My top picks are GG.BET and BetOnline, with strong alternatives from Betway and Thunderpick.
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Pro tip: Odds can differ between books. It pays to have more than one account so you can shop for the best prices.
T&Cs apply • 18+ • Please gamble responsibly.
How to Bet on Intel Extreme Masters
Betting on IEM is straightforward, but understanding the available markets gives you an edge:
- Choose a licensed bookmaker – stick with trusted names like GG.BET, BetOnline, Betway, or Thunderpick.
- Register and deposit – payment methods include cards, PayPal, e-wallets, and crypto.
- Navigate to “Esports → Intel Extreme Masters” – usually found under Counter-Strike 2.
- Select a market:
- Match Winner (Moneyline): Predict who wins a best-of series.
- Map Handicap: Example: Vitality -1.5 maps against MOUZ.
- Total Maps: Over/Under betting on match length.
- Outrights: Predict the winner of an event like Katowice or Cologne.
- Bet responsibly – start small, particularly if you’re new to esports betting.
IEM 2025 Schedule & Results
Here’s how the 2025 season unfolded:
| Date | Event | Location | Prize Pool | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 29 – Feb 9 | IEM Katowice | Katowice, Poland | $1,250,000 | Team Vitality (beat Spirit 3–0) |
| Apr 21 – 27 | IEM Melbourne | Melbourne, Australia | $300,000 | Team Vitality (beat Falcons 3–2) |
| May 19 – 25 | IEM Dallas | Dallas, USA | $1,000,000 | Team Vitality (beat MOUZ 3–0) |
| Jul 26 – Aug 3 | IEM Cologne | Cologne, Germany | $1,250,000 | Team Spirit (beat MOUZ 3–0) |
| Nov 3 – 9 | IEM Chengdu | Chengdu, China | $1,000,000 | Upcoming |
Key notes for bettors:
- Vitality dominance: Won Katowice, Melbourne, and Dallas.
- Spirit breakthrough: Crushed Cologne with donk as MVP.
- MOUZ consistency: Multiple finals appearances but fell short.
Intel Extreme Masters 2026 (Upcoming Season)
The 2026 season will be confirmed after Chengdu 2025, but ESL is expected to continue the cycle of Katowice, Dallas, Cologne, and a Fall event in Asia.
| Date | Event | Location | Prize Pool | Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early 2026 | IEM Katowice 2026 | TBD | TBD | CS2 |
| Mid 2026 | IEM Dallas 2026 | TBD | TBD | CS2 |
| Mid 2026 | IEM Cologne 2026 | TBD | TBD | CS2 |
| Late 2026 | IEM Fall 2026 | TBD | TBD | CS2 |
Top IEM Teams & Players
CS2 Teams to Watch (2025/26):
- Vitality (ZywOo, apEX, Spinx – dominant across Katowice, Melbourne, Dallas).
- Team Spirit (donk MVP of Cologne, rising powerhouse).
- MOUZ (consistent top-four finishes).
- FaZe Clan & NAVI (legacy contenders, dangerous in big events).
StarCraft II context: While SC2 no longer runs as part of IEM, elite players like Serral and Maru remain relevant in the Esports World Cup and other circuits. Mentioning this shows continuity for SC2 fans searching for IEM betting.
Past Champions (Recent Years)
| Year | CS2 Champion | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | NAVI | Won Katowice |
| 2023 | Heroic | Claimed Cologne |
| 2024 | Vitality | Multiple titles |
| 2025 | Vitality (Katowice, Melbourne, Dallas) / Spirit (Cologne) | Ongoing season |
Where to Watch IEM (Live & VOD)
Watching matches live helps bettors spot momentum shifts, map pool strategies, and player form.
- Twitch – Official ESL_CSGO streams.
- YouTube – ESL Esports channel for highlights and VODs.
- ESL Official Site – Brackets, live stats, and schedules.
FAQ – Intel Extreme Masters Betting 2025/26
How do I bet on IEM?
Choose a licensed bookmaker, deposit, navigate to IEM CS2 markets, and place your bet.
Which games are at IEM 2025?
Counter-Strike 2 only. StarCraft II is no longer part of the IEM circuit.
What are the most popular IEM betting markets?
Match winner, map handicaps, total maps, and outright tournament odds.
Who won IEM Cologne 2025?
Team Spirit, defeating MOUZ 3–0, with donk as MVP.
What is the IEM prize pool?
Across 2025, prize pools totalled over $4.8M, with $1.25M each for Katowice and Cologne.
Editor’s Note & Affiliate Disclosure
This guide is written by an esports betting editor with over 15 years of industry experience, combining personal expertise with official ESL sources. We update this page after each IEM event to ensure results, odds, and betting insights remain current.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you sign up or deposit through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend licensed sportsbooks we trust.
T&Cs apply • 18+ • Please gamble responsibly.
