The pressure is building at IEM Cologne 2025, and two of Europe’s top teams have just been shown the exit door. GamerLegion and Astralis are officially out of the tournament after losing their respective elimination matches this weekend. With playoff spots on the line and tension at an all-time high, the outcomes of these matches are shaking up the expectations set at the start of the event. Meanwhile, FURIA and 3DMAX have risen to the occasion and will now move one step closer to competing inside the legendary Lanxess Arena.

GamerLegion had impressed during the early play-in rounds, scoring notable wins over Complexity and Virtus.pro. But their momentum was stopped by Team Falcons, which pushed them into the lower bracket of Group A. Their survival depended on a showdown with 3DMAX, a French team that had lost its opener to The MongolZ. The series began with GamerLegion taking Overpass confidently, only to see 3DMAX bounce back on Inferno. The decider map, Dust II, turned into a marathon with triple overtime, where 3DMAX finally edged ahead and shattered GamerLegion’s dream of advancing further in the tournament.

Over in Group B, Astralis faced FURIA in a do-or-die situation. Fresh off making it into the top ten of the Valve Regional Standings, FURIA brought energy and aggression from the start. They dominated Inferno and carried their momentum into Dust II, where their coordination and sharp aim overwhelmed the Danes. Astralis, despite their experience and strategic depth, could not find a foothold and exited the competition without a map win in their final series. The Brazilian side now moves on to face Team Falcons in the lower bracket, where a win could land them in the final stages of the group round.

The elimination of GamerLegion and Astralis narrows the playing field and sets up a thrilling next phase in IEM Cologne. Upcoming matches include big names like FaZe Clan, NAVI, Team Liquid, and G2 Esports, all fighting to secure their place in the playoffs. Every remaining team now faces mounting pressure with fewer chances to recover from a loss.

For fans, the excitement is only growing. With each match, new narratives are unfolding and underdogs are beginning to shine. Viewers can follow all the live action through ESL’s official channels on Twitch and YouTube, where the production quality and expert commentary continue to elevate the viewing experience.

IEM Cologne 2025 is proving to be a stage where legends are tested and newcomers have their shot at making history. As the bracket tightens, every round matters, and for the remaining teams, the road to the Lanxess Arena is paved with nothing but high-stakes Counter-Strike.

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