TOP 10 CS2 Rankings Teams that Play Right Now at IEM Cologne 2025

In Counter-Strike 2, there are several major team rankings based on performance at tournaments. First major event of the 2025 new season — IEM Cologne — is live from July 23rd to August 3. This new season began after the first Major of the year, which took place in June in Austin, USA. All top 10 teams from the leading global rankings are participating in the tournament. Before this tournament, we decided to compare PowerPoints of all actual best CS2 teams on different ranking systems: HLTV, EGW, and Valve. It’s important to analyse different services of CS2 data to see a complete picture of current game favorites.

IEM Cologne 2025: Tournament Main Points

IEM Cologne 2025 kicks off the new season with the first big LAN since the BLAST.tv Austin Major, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With 24 elite teams battling through the Play-In, Group matches, and Playoffs, this tournament is set to shape the CS2 narrative for the rest of the year. Whether you’re chasing ESL Grand Slam points, defending your ranking, or just hungry to lift the trophy in front of a roaring Cologne crowd, this is the event to watch.

• Prize for 1st place: $400,000 + 1 ESL Grand Slam point
• Top contenders: Vitality, FaZe, MOUZ, NaVi, Spirit, The MongolZ
• Dates: Play-in and Group on July 23th – July 29th and Play-offs on August 1 – 3

From the tense Bo3 battles in the Play-In to the iconic LANXESS Arena stage for the Grand Final, every match in Cologne is a proving ground. Expect fireworks, upsets, and highlight plays as teams clash to start their season strong. This isn’t just about prize money — it’s about pride, pressure, and the path to greatness in the new era of Counter-Strike.

Best CS2 Teams Now Participating in IEM Cologne 2025

So, let’s take a look at the top ten CS2 rankings teams that are currently competing at the tournament — in other words, July–August 2025. To determine who objectively stands out among the participants, it’s important to consider multiple rankings to avoid a one-sided view. For example, we’ll compare HLTV, EGW, and Valve rankings to see where each team stands. By identifying patterns and contrasts across these systems, we can get a clearer picture of who the real favorite is going into IEM Cologne 2025. For an even more detailed overview, read about major changes in teams; these are additional nuances for analytics.

Vitality

Team Vitality — heading into IEM Cologne 2025, they’re not just the number one squad on HLTV and Valve rankings, they’re the team to beat, plain and simple. This European powerhouse, led by the legendary apEX and stacked with firepower like ZywOo, ropz, flameZ, mezii, and backed by XTQZZZ on the tactical board, has dominated the CS2 era. Their consistent results and deep map pool prove why they’re in a league of their own. Whether it’s Nuke, Inferno, or Dust2 — they show up, and they show up big.

• HLTV ranking: #1 (1000 points)
• EGW ranking: #1 (2054 points)
• Valve ranking: #1 (2069 points)

Vitality’s record is a clinic in consistency. With win rates above 64% on nearly every major map and a staggering 76.9% on Cache, they’ve got the versatility and structure to handle any opponent. Their biggest wins include 16:1s and 16:2s against top-tier teams like BIG in their prime, while even their rare losses haven’t shaken their confidence. Put simply — if you're trying to predict who’s lifting the trophy in Cologne, you'd be mad not to start here.

Spirit

Team Spirit have built a reputation as one of the most dangerous squads in the server — and it’s easy to see why. With a powerhouse core led by the experienced chopper, the roster is stacked with raw mechanical talent, including the ever-consistent sh1ro and the explosive phenom donk, who’s been lighting up every big stage he steps onto. Statistically, Spirit have been hovering around the top of the global leaderboards, currently sitting #2 in EGW rating #3 in Valve’s ranking and #4 on HLTV, with over 100 weeks in the top 30 — a clear testament to their sustained firepower and system. Under the guidance of coach hally, they’ve turned their aggressive CT sides and fast-paced defaults into a well-oiled machine.

• HLTV ranking: #4 (406 points)
• EGW ranking: #2 (1830 points)
• Valve ranking: #3 (1867 points)

Map-wise, Spirit come into Cologne with an incredibly deep pool. Their Dust2 (67.4%), Ancient (67.7%), and Anubis (67.1%) win rates all signal danger — especially when donk gets off to a hot start. Even on traditionally difficult battlegrounds like Nuke, Cobblestone, or Overpass, they maintain respectable numbers, and their success after securing opening picks (up to 76.1%) proves they capitalize on every advantage. Add in their terrifying 16:1 blowouts against names like Astralis, FORZE, and Vega Squadron, and you’re looking at a team that not only knows how to win, but knows how to dominate.

MOUZ

MOUZ have quietly transformed into one of the most complete and dangerous rosters in CS2 right now. With an international core blending youth and discipline, they currently hold the #3 in EGW rankings, and #2 spot in both HLTV and Valve rankings, and that’s no accident. Led by the sharp AWPing of torzsi, the explosive impact of xertioN, and the calm consistency of Spinx, this is a team firing on all cylinders. Add in Jimpphat, one of the most mature young riflers in the scene, and Brollan, who brings both structure and LAN experience, and you’ve got a lineup that can run with anyone. Coach sycrone continues to refine the squad’s identity — and after 106 weeks in the top 30, this group knows exactly what it takes to win deep into a tournament.

• HLTV ranking: #2 (534 points)
• EGW ranking: #3 (1745 points)
• Valve ranking: #2 (1868 points)

When it comes to maps, MOUZ are one of the most versatile teams in the field. Their Mirage (60.4%), Ancient (61.4%), and Nuke (60.7%) are go-to battlegrounds, where they consistently outplay opponents both tactically and mechanically. Even on more niche maps like Train, Cache, or Overpass, their win rates hover above 50%. They thrive in early-round scenarios too, boasting over 76% round win rate after securing the first kill on Mirage. Throw in dominant victories like a 16:0 over NAVI, and it’s clear that MOUZ are not just contenders — they’re here to make a statement.

FaZe

If there’s one team that defines experience and longevity in elite Counter-Strike, it’s FaZe Clan. With 228 weeks in the top 30, a Major trophy in the cabinet, and one of the most iconic in-game leaders in karrigan, this is a lineup that simply refuses to fade away. Sitting at #4 in EGW raknings, and #8 in both the HLTV and Valve rankings, FaZe enter IEM Cologne 2025 with a retooled but still dangerous roster. frozen brings consistency, EliGE injects firepower and NA flair, and broky remains the cool, clutch factor at the back. Add in rain, the eternal lanimal, and you’ve got a team built to peak when it matters most. Under the watchful eye of NEO, they’re still capable of turning any playoff bracket upside down.

• HLTV ranking: #8 (218 points)
• EGW ranking: #4 (1716 points)
• Valve ranking: #8 (1662 points)

Map-wise, FaZe lean heavily on fundamentals and experience. Their most played and successful maps are Ancient (62.5%), Inferno (60.5%), and Nuke (57.9%), where they repeatedly showcase elite discipline in mid-rounds. They’re incredibly reliable after finding the opening, with over 75% round win rate after first kill on Mirage, Nuke, and Inferno — and they’re no strangers to big victories, including 16:0s over Complexity and NiP. Despite some volatility on Vertigo and Cobblestone, FaZe’s deep playbook and leadership make them a threat no matter the veto. You write them off at your own risk.

G2

G2 are walking into IEM Cologne 2025 as one of the biggest question marks of the event. The organization is used to high expectations, but with just 28 weeks in the top 30 for this core and a slew of recent changes, they’re far from stable. Still, don’t count them out. huNter- remains the emotional core and veteran leader, while SunPayus brings a sharp, cerebral AWP presence that adds structure. malbsMd and MATYS are raw aimers with plenty to prove, and HeavyGod adds firepower depth that could surprise many. With sAw at the helm, there’s structure — but the question is whether this mix can gel in time for Cologne’s brutal playoff race.

• HLTV ranking: #14 (149 points)
• EGW ranking: #5 (1673 points)
• Valve ranking: #13 (1584 points)

Statistically, G2 Esport have a wide map pool, but their strengths lie on Inferno (60.4%), Dust2 (60.0%), and Nuke (59.4%). These are their comfort picks, where they consistently convert opening picks into round wins, especially on Dust2 (74.8% win rate after first kill). Their biggest victories, like a 16:0 over Revolution and 16:1 vs Astralis, show their ceiling when everything clicks. However, shaky showings on Overpass (49.1%) and Mirage (52.9%) highlight inconsistency. Their success at IEM Cologne depends on finding cohesion quickly and leaning on SunPayus and huNter- to deliver under pressure. Right now, they’re a dark horse — unpredictable, dangerous, and with just enough firepower to ruin someone’s bracket.

NaVi

Natus Vincere arrive at IEM Cologne 2025 with only one roster change — the addition of Kosovo rifler makazze. But while the lineup looks stable on paper, this current version of NAVI is arguably one of the weakest in the organization’s storied CS history. With no real star breakthrough since the departure of s1mple and electronic, and inconsistent results across the last three events, the squad is entering Cologne not as a title contender, but as a team fighting to maintain relevance. Coach B1ad3 still provides structure, but without a strong firepower backbone, there's only so far discipline can carry them.

• HLTV ranking: #7 (238 points)
• EGW ranking: #6 (1665 points)
• Valve ranking: #10 (1613 points)

NAVI’s main goal this tournament is simple: protect their seeding and avoid a ranking slide. Realistically, a playoff run would be a pleasant surprise, not an expectation. The pressure is on players like iM and w0nderful to find impact early, while makazze has everything to prove in his Tier 1 debut. There’s no clear path for a step-up just yet — it’s all about survival mode in Cologne.

The MongolZ

The MongolZ are no longer a dark horse — they’re a proven force. Coming off a sensational run at the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, where they made history as the first-ever Asian team to reach a CS Major grand final, this Mongolian squad enters Cologne with real firepower and even bigger expectations. With bLitz at the helm and a rapidly developing core of Techno, 910, mzinho, and Senzu, the team has shown they can outplay Tier 1 opposition in high-pressure situations. Victories over G2, FaZe, and paiN in Austin weren’t flukes — they were statements.

• HLTV ranking: #3 (459 points)
• EGW ranking: #7 (1614 points)
• Valve ranking: #4 (1800 points)

Now ranked #3 on HLTV, #7 on EGW and #4 by Valve, The MongolZ are no longer chasing upsets — they’re hunting trophies. Their steady rise over the last six months is backed by a 65% win rate and consistent top finishes at events like IEM Dallas and the Major. With raw aim, a deep Ancient–Mirage map pool, and an explosive style that constantly catches favorites off guard, they come into Cologne as a serious title threat. The key will be consistency — if they can maintain composure across Bo3s, another deep playoff run isn’t just possible, it’s expected.

Aurora

Aurora enters IEM Cologne 2025 as a completely rebranded force — but make no mistake, this is the same Turkish core that once donned the Eternal Fire jersey. Led by veterans MAJ3R, XANTARES, and woxic, with support from rising star Wicadia and rifler jottAAA, this lineup had built serious momentum in the first half of the season. But heading into the Austin Major, they hit a wall. Exhausted and out of sync, their run ended early in the 12–14th range, exposing a team that had burned too hot for too long. That said, if they’ve taken the time to reset and regroup, Aurora might just be back in shape for a legit playoff bid — especially against similarly ranked teams like The MongolZ or NAVI.

• HLTV ranking: #5 (290 points)
• EGW ranking: #8 (1129 points)
• Valve ranking: #9 (1654 points)

From a rankings perspective, they’re still clinging to relevance: #5 on HLTV, #8 on EGW, #9 by Valve, and a core that’s spent over 100 weeks in the top 30. Their 52.9% win rate over the last three months doesn’t jump off the page, but it hides impressive flashes, like a 13:5 win over FaZe and series victories against Liquid and Heroic at IEM Dallas. On maps like Nuke (63.3% WR) and Mirage (62.2%), their structure and veteran firepower shine. The real question is stamina. If Aurora plays like they did in May — disciplined, explosive, and calm — they could absolutely turn Cologne into a comeback story. If not, they risk being left behind in a meta that isn’t waiting for anyone.

FURIA

FURIA enters IEM Cologne 2025 with a familiar face at the helm — FalleN — but with pressure mounting from all sides. The recent addition of molodoy from Kazakhstan brought some tactical freshness, yet the team’s results remain shaky at best. A narrow win over FlyQuest followed by another date with Astralis doesn’t inspire full confidence, especially after early exits at both the Austin Major and FISSURE Playground. Even their strong performances against teams like Virtus.pro and Aurora are now weeks behind them. Right now, FURIA is clinging to tier-one relevance — still capable of surprising, but no longer feared.

• HLTV ranking: #9 (205 points)
• EGW ranking: #9 (997 points)
• Valve ranking: #9 (1654 points)

On paper, they’re still #9 in the world (HLTV), #9 in EGW, and #13 on Valve’s leaderboard, but their 59.1% win rate over the last three months hides a rollercoaster of inconsistency. They’ve struggled to beat regional rivals like paiN and SAW, and their map pool looks increasingly shallow, with Ancient (50.7% WR) and Anubis (47.2%) becoming liabilities. The trio of yuurih, KSCERATO, and YEKINDAR continues to deliver impact, but they’re not enough to carry the whole load anymore. For Cologne, expectations are modest: stabilize, make it through Stage 1, and maybe — just maybe—recapture some of the bite that once made them dangerous.

Falcons

Despite holding elite rankings on both Valve (#6) and HLTV (#6), Falcons arrive in Cologne during one of the most turbulent moments in their short history. The roster’s morale took a heavy hit after crashing out of the Austin Major in the second stage — a shocking result given the presence of both NiKo and m0NESY, two of CS2’s most dangerous stars. That failure raised real questions about team chemistry and long-term direction, prompting the bold acquisition of kyousuke, a 17-year-old rifler from Spirit Academy — the same talent pipeline that produced donk. The move is a clear investment in the future, but also a gamble: unless the big names step back to give the newcomer room to grow, Falcons may burn out before they ever lift off.

• HLTV ranking: #6 (274 points)
• EGW ranking: #12 (861 points)
• Valve ranking: #6 (1723 points)

The numbers reflect that instability. Their 56.2% win rate across the past three months hides a pattern of early exits, blown leads, and maps thrown away. While Dust2 (61.8%) and Overpass (53.1%) remain strongholds, the rest of the map pool is a minefield — Falcons sit below 50% win rate on every other pick, with Anubis, Mirage, and Ancient all trending downward. Zonic’s system hasn’t clicked yet, and Kyxsan’s leadership looks strained under pressure. With all eyes on the young gun from Russia, Falcons must balance long-term development with short-term survival. Anything less than a playoff appearance would deepen the spiral — and that’s a dangerous place for a roster this expensive.

Screenshot: NiKo | IEM Cologne 2025 Official Trailer

What to Expect from IEM Cologne 2025?

Given that Vitality are the undisputed champions and currently hold the number one spot across three major rankings, even a complete collapse at the tournament wouldn’t shake their position at the top. Winning IEM Cologne would simply be another trophy for the European favorites, who have dominated the scene for six consecutive events. They also claimed the previous tournament in the ESL Pro Tour Grand Slam Season VI — just like they did in Season V — so the motivation to win back-to-back Grand Slams makes Vitality the clear frontrunners for the gold medal.

As for silver, just like at the Major, The MongolZ could comfortably take second place again. Their main competition in that race comes from Spirit and Falcons, although it's difficult to say definitively who will come out ahead. When it comes to the bronze, MOUZ and The MongolZ both look like solid picks to round out the podium.

Where to Watch CS2 Current Tournament Live?

Like any major tournament, IEM Cologne can be followed in the CS2 events section on EGamersWorld. Simply open the tournament profile from the list of upcoming events by clicking on its name. Then, look for a matchup highlighted in red and labeled “Live.” If none are marked, the match hasn’t started yet — each match has its own scheduled start time listed next to it.

If you prefer watching directly through official channels, head over to ESL Counter-Strike’s streams on YouTube or Twitch — there’s no difference between them, so pick whichever platform you prefer. Enjoy the show!

Have fun!