The third day of IEM Cologne 2025 Stage 1 comes to a close. Today welcomes more teams into Stage 2 of Cologne and while we say our goodbyes to others, who unfortunately could not handle the pressure here at IEM Cologne 2025. Here is another rundown of the day.

Astralis vs FURIA

The first game of the day was a qualification game to decide who would be heading for Stage 2. Astralis were shut down by FURIA who beat them a swift 2:0 in the series. This means FURIA advance to Stage 2 and leave Astralis playing a second best of 3 of the day to determine their fate in Cologne. FURIA played very well and deserve to be advancing to the next stage.

BIG vs paiN

BIG took on paiN in their first game of day 3. This was the first elimination game of the day, and unfortunately BIG were unable to provide the numbers and were beat by paiN 2:1 in the series. This mean BIG are now eliminated from the tournament and paiN have to play another B03 to determine their fate in the tournament in Cologne.

FlyQuest vs Liquid

The Australian side took on a strong looking Liquid who took them all the way to three maps. On the second map of Dust2, FlyQuest on their best map absolutely dominated Liquid. They beat the N/A organization 13-3 on that map but unfortunately on the last map were unable to clutch up and are now eliminated from IEM Cologne 2025. Liquid now progress to Stage 2 to battle it out once again.

Virtus.Pro vs HEROIC

Virtus.Pro have had a rough stint, even with their new addition of Perfecto. They came into this game looking confident, but the new roster of HEROIC was able to shut their dreams down and dominate them 2:0 in their elimination game of IEM Cologne 2025. Virtus.pro are now out of the tournament, which will not be healthy for the mentality of the players, leaving HEROIC to battle it out in Stage 2 to progress to the Playoffs.

3DMAX vs TYLOO

The French side of 3DMAX took on the Asian side of TYLOO to decide who would be packing their bags and heading home from Cologne. In the first map of Inferno, the game went to an exceptional 3 OTs with neither team being able to close it out. In the end, 3DMAX were able to secure the win and beat TYLOO on Ancient on map to and secure their spot in Stage 2. TYLOO are now eliminated from IEM Cologne 2025.

Astralis vs paiN

In the final elimination game of the day, Astralis took on the side of paiN. With paiN coming into this matchup after a series win and Astralis coming into it with a series loss today already, it was not looking good for the Danish side. On Nuke, HooXi was able to out call paiN and secure that map an easy 13-4, however struggling on Ancient where paiN took that from them 13-8. On the decider map of Inferno, both teams were not wanting to leave the competition early and you could see this. In a very close game, Astralis were able to clinch victory from the hands of paiN, eliminating them from Cologne and advancing them into Stage 2!