IEM Cologne Play-In: Teams Clash for a Shot at Main Stage Glory

The cathedrals of Counter-Strike are once again welcoming the action as IEM Cologne commences today. The event begins with the Play-In stage, where 16 teams will compete fiercely to secure one of eight available spots in the subsequent main event.

Matches are starting shortly, and the tournament will follow a double-elimination format. In this system, a team's first loss sends them to the lower bracket, while a second defeat means they exit the competition. Advancement is granted to the four teams that win two matches in the upper bracket as well as the four teams that survive the trials of the lower bracket. The overall arrangement of these positions will An alternative way to phrase it could be: "will be finalized over the next few days, alongside the" initial match schedule already in place.

Below is a list representing the eight teams that have long since secured their position within the main group stage:

• Qualified Team 1
• Qualified Team 2
• Qualified Team 3
• Qualified Team 4
• Qualified Team 5
• Qualified Team 6
• Qualified Team 7
• Qualified Team 8

Among the competitors, one team stands out as a clear frontrunner due to a remarkable winning streak. Their current performance places them at the forefront of the chase for the upcoming grand tournament milestone, making them the team to watch during this exciting period of competitive play.