Intel Extreme Masters

Global esports league operated by ESL and sponsored by Intel.

The Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) is a series of international esports tournaments organized by ESL and sponsored by Intel. As of 2025, the league primarily hosts Counter-Strike 2 events, having previously featured StarCraft II and League of Legends. The highest-tier Masters Championships are held annually in Cologne, Germany, and in Poland, offering the largest prize pools.

Quick Facts

Sport

Esports
Counter-Strike
StarCraft II

Founded

2007

Country

Worldwide

Champion

Counter-Strike: Team Falcons (IEM Cologne 2026); StarCraft II: Joona "Serral" Sotala (Katowice 2024)

Most titles

Counter-Strike: Fnatic

Sponsor

Intel
Acer Predator
1xBet
Paysafecard
DHL
MTN Dew AMP Game Fuel

Facts from the source article.

Did You Know?

During Season 5, qualifiers were held for North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia regions.
Qualified players are placed into two groups of six, with the top two advancing; first place goes directly to the semifinals, while second and third place enter the quarterfinals.
Savvy Games Group, which owns the league, is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and is owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

History

The Intel Extreme Masters originated from the ESL, with the first tournament held at Games Convention 2006 under the name Core 2 Extreme Masters. After the Intel-sponsored European tournament saw potential for expansion outside Europe, particularly into North American markets, Intel funded a worldwide tournament rebranded as the Intel Extreme Masters. Established in 2007, the IEM adopted a format of smaller qualifying events leading to a grand final at CeBIT, where all Grand Finals have been held. Starting in 2008, the tournament was billed as worldwide, with participants from Europe, North America, and Asia. World of Warcraft was offered during Season 4 but dropped for Season 5, whose finals were held at CeBIT 2011 with a prize pool.