ESL Announces IEM Melbourne 2025

The tournament will bring together 16 of the world’s top teams to compete for a share of the $300,000 prize pool, with the playoffs hosted at the iconic Rod Laver Arena from April 25-27. Tickets for the playoff stage will go on sale on January 23, offering fans the chance to witness the action live in one of Australia’s most renowned venues.

The tournament will follow a 16-team structure, with all slots filled via the Valve Regional Standings (VRS). Ten teams will qualify based on global rankings, while six additional spots will be distributed equally among teams from the European, Americas, and Asia regional rankings. In case of any declined invitations, the spots will be offered to the next-highest-ranking teams. The teams will be split into two double-elimination groups, with all matches played as best-of-threes (BO3). The top three teams from each group will advance to the playoffs, with group winners earning direct spots in the semi-finals. The playoffs will feature a single-elimination bracket, culminating in a best-of-five (BO5) grand final.

The tournament also adheres to Valve’s “Tournament Operating Requirements”, ensuring compliance with the company’s guidelines for professional play. As IEM Melbourne 2025 approaches, anticipation is building for a week filled with intense matches and thrilling moments, fueled by the passionate Australian audience. 

This event will mark IEM first’s Australian appearance since IEM Sydney 2023, following a one-year absence in 2024. Although there was no IEM tournament last year, ESL kept the Australian esport alive with ESL Challenger Melbourne, a tournament won by MIBR.