Press Release: This May, the global esports spotlight turns once again to Texas as Intel® Extreme Masters (IEM) Dallas 2025 returns with another electrifying competition. The tournament will culminate at DreamHack Dallas inside the iconic Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center from May 19 to May 25, set against the backdrop of one of the most vibrant gaming lifestyle festivals in the world.
Presented by ESL FACEIT Group, the world’s leading esports and gaming entertainment company, IEM Dallas 2025 will bring together 16 of the top CS2 teams from around the globe to compete for $1,000,000 in total winnings, a shot at the $1,000,000 ESL Grand Slam VI, and valuable VRS points. With only six playoff spots up for grabs, every match will carry weight and a step closer to etching a name into IEM legacy.
From high-stakes competition to unforgettable fan moments, the energy will peak during the final days of the tournament at DreamHack Dallas, where a passionate live audience will witness another historic victory.
Schedule and Format
Group Stage (May 19 - 21):
- Two groups of eight teams, each following a double-elimination format. The matchups will be played as best-of-three
- The Group Stage winners advance to the Semifinals
- The Group Stage runner-ups advance to the Quarterfinals as the High Seeds
- The Group Stage third-place teams advance to the Quarterfinals as the Low Seeds
Playoffs (May 23 - May 25):
- The Playoffs are played in a single-elimination bracket. The Quarterfinals and Semifinals are best-of-three matches. The Grand Final is best-of-five.
Teams attending
- Team Vitality (Europe VRS Invite)
- MOUZ (Europe VRS Invite)
- Team Falcons (EU Qualifier)
- G2 Esports (Europe VRS Invite)
- The MongolZ (Asia VRS Invite)
- Aurora (Europe VRS Invite)
- FaZe Clan (Europe VRS Invite)
- GamerLegion (EU Qualifier)
- 3DMAX (EU Qualifier)
- Team Liquid (Americas VRS Invite)
- HEROIC (EU Qualifier)
- FURIA Esports (Americas VRS Invite)
- Lynn Vision (Asia Qualifier)
- NRG (NA Qualifier)
- BCG (EU Qualifier)
- Legacy (SA Qualifier)
The ESL Grand Slam Returns: A race for $1,000,000 begins at IEM Dallas
As dust settles after Team Vitality etched their name into the history books by completing the ESL Grand Slam (EGS) V run at IEM Melbourne, a new race is about to begin, and all eyes turn to Intel® Extreme Masters (IEM) Dallas. With the iconic gold bars, the $1,000,000 prize, and a permanent legacy in CS history at stake, the next EGS race sets the stage for another unforgettable chapter. The ESL Grand Slam is awarded to the first team to win three ESL Pro Tour Masters tournaments and one EPT Championship tournament (Katowice, Cologne, or an ESL-operated CS Major) within a span of ten consecutive events, a feat that cements a legacy in esports history.
ESL Impact Grand Final:
Ahead of the IEM Dallas Grand Finals, festival visitors will have a chance to watch the top two women squads competing for the coveted trophy at the ESL Impact Season 7 Finals. For the first time in DreamHack’s history, the Grand Finals will take place in the IEM arena, bringing more fans, more CS action, and more excitement than ever before. Leading the charge, the undefeated Imperial Valkyries are determined to extend their legacy with a ninth consecutive ESL Impact trophy. The IEM Add-On ticket holders will have guaranteed seating, while all DreamHack Dallas festival ticket holders have access to the free seating in the upper ranks of the Arena on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, inside the DreamHack Festival, Hall B, fans will find a viewing area where all ESL Impact matches, including the Grand Final, will be broadcast throughout the weekend
DreamHack Dallas 2025: Where Gaming Worlds Collide
Intel® Extreme Masters will once again share the stage with DreamHack Dallas—a vibrant, three-day celebration of gaming, creativity, and community. This unique crossover allows fans of both events to experience the full spectrum of gaming culture, all under one roof at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
Attendees can dive into a packed weekend of excitement, featuring:
- Esports competitions, including the CDL Major IV, the Brawl Cup, the Halo Championship Series
- Cosplay Championship
- Star appearances
- Tabletop Gaming
- A variety of Indie Games
- The famous Bring-Your-Own-Computer (BYOC) LAN party
And much more.
Where to Watch
Fans around the world can follow every moment of IEM Dallas 2025 through the live broadcast on FACEIT Watch, the ESL Counter-Strike channels on Twitch and YouTube, as well as through a network of official broadcast partners. Every match will be available on-demand for free on YouTube.
For those looking to experience the excitement in person, visit the official DreamHack Dallas website for details on tickets, access, and event perks.
To stay up to date on all things IEM Dallas 2025, head to the official website and follow ESL Counter-Strike on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
IEM Dallas 2025 photography will be available here.
Press accreditation application is available here.
*Details of the mentioned activities are still subject to change.
More info here.
