IEM Cologne 2025 Preview: Can Anyone Stop Vitality’s CS2 Reign?

The professional CS2 scene is finally waking up from the summer break. While fans were still digesting TYLOO’s shocking victory at FISSURE PLAYGROUND 1 — CS, the world’s top Counter-Strike teams are already packing their bags for Cologne. Starting July 23, the legendary LANXESS arena will once again host IEM Cologne 2025, one of the most prestigious CS2 tournaments of the year with a $1.25 million prize pool.

But there’s far more at stake than just prize money. All eyes are on Team Vitality, a roster on the verge of creating a new dynasty — a team that could rival the legacy of Astralis. So far, no lineup has consistently proven capable of stopping the machine led by Dan "apEX" Madesclaire. Who can challenge them in Cologne? Here’s the full IEM Cologne 2025 preview from Farmskins.

Team Vitality — The Undisputed Favorite of IEM Cologne 2025

Since the beginning of the year, Vitality has been operating on a completely different level. Without making any roster changes, the team has been winning tournaments like clockwork. Every event ends either in a trophy or at least a grand final. In contrast to the instability among other top-tier teams, Vitality looks unshakable.

As always, ZywOo remains the shining star. Despite nearly a month of inactivity on FACEIT (no games between June 22 and July 20), the confidence in his form remains unquestioned. In the group stage, the only real threat might come from Team Falcons, but otherwise, the road to playoffs looks very clear for apEX and company.

Team Falcons — Aiming for the Throne

Falcons continue building a star-studded lineup under the leadership of zonic. This summer, they signed Maksim "kyousuke" Lukin, a young rifler previously known mostly in the tier-2 scene. He replaces Magisk and now must adapt quickly to the demands of elite CS2.

There’s still no clear picture of how roles will be distributed or which maps will become their stronghold. Still, among all challengers, Falcons seem the most capable of disrupting Vitality’s dominance. Their infrastructure, coaching staff, and raw individual talent make them a real contender.

Team Spirit — An Uncertain Upgrade

Team Spirit also made a roster move: zweih, formerly of Nemiga, has replaced magixx. While zweih showed tier-1 potential at the major, Spirit’s overall stability remains a concern. Boris "magixx" Vorobyev was more than a player — he often clutched key rounds and acted as a morale anchor.

Now everything depends on how quickly zweih fits into the system. For now, expectations are tempered, but Spirit has a history of peaking at the right moment.

Asia Rising and FaZe’s Hope in broky

The stunning victory by TYLOO at FISSURE PLAYGROUND 1 — CS, coupled with consistent playoff runs from The Mongolz, shows that Asia is no longer lagging behind. Their strategies are becoming harder to read, and their execution is world-class.

TYLOO enters IEM Cologne 2025 with a full morale boost. If the draw favors them, reaching the quarterfinals is entirely realistic.

FaZe Clan, meanwhile, remains in contention despite recent inconsistencies. The return of broky, who grinded FACEIT during the break, is a positive sign. However, s1mple still appears off-form, and his performance remains the biggest question for FaZe. Does Oleksandr Kostyliev still have the fire and form to reclaim his legend status in Cologne?

IEM Cologne 2025: Play-In and Groups Determined

Who Will Win IEM Cologne 2025?

Right now, Vitality rightfully stands as the heavy favorite. Team chemistry, stability, star power, and a clear lack of pressure from rivals all play in their favor. But CS2 thrives on surprises, and Cologne has often been the stage for the greatest upsets in Counter-Strike history.

Watch the matches, cheer for your favorite teams, and remember — CS2 skins are not just beautiful but potentially profitable. Explore CS2 cases on Farmskins and start building your collection of victories today.