FaZe Clan win IEM Cologne 2022: Full recap and results

IEM Cologne is one of the most storied events on the Counter-Strike calendar. Twenty-four teams gathered in Germany to compete in the 2022 edition of the event, duking it out for their share of $1,000,000 in prize money and the prestigious title. Here’s how it all went down.

Key Action

• FaZe overcome NAVI 3-2 in an absolutely epic Grand Final
• FaZe ends Movistar Riders Cinderella run with 2-0 win in Semifinals
• NAVI get past Astralis to secure Grand Finals spot

As far as trophies go in Counter-Strike, the IEM Cologne title is always one players are chasing. It might not be a Major, but it has a near-equal level of prestige as a permanent fixture on the yearly calendar.

The Group Stage concluded with Team Liquid and Movistar Riders making surprise deep runs. The Playoff Stage started on July 15 with Astralis taking down MOUZ and the two surprises of the tournament facing off against each other. Fans will also get a second look at FaZe Clan vs. NAVI, after the two were both seeded directly into the Semi-finals.

The Semifinals started out on July 16 with NAVI barely skating by Astralis on their way to the Grand Finals. In the second match of the day, FaZe ended Movistar Riders Cinderella run with a 2-0 sweep of the upstart Spanish side. The stage was set for FaZe and NAVI to face off in the Grand Finals of IEM Cologne 2022 on July 17.

It was an epic back and forth, and one that will go down in the history books of Counter Strike. But, after five games it was FaZe who would come out on top and cement their spot on top of the CS:GO rankings.

• Recap
• Format and location
• Schedule and results
• Final standings
• All qualified teams

IEM Cologne 2022: Recap

IEM Cologne 2022 was full of storylines, including a Cinderella run from Movistar Riders, but in the end it would be NAVI vs FaZe for the Grand Final yet again.

From the very start of the final it was back and forth as a CSGO match can be. FaZe came out blazing on Inferno, taking the opening map 16-13. However NAVI struck back on Overpass to tie it up 1-1, with an identical 16-13 score.

Ancient would also go to s1mple and company, who after a 19-16 win looked ready to lock things up. FaZe weren’t done though, and dominated Mirage 16-9 to level the scores yet again at 2-2.

This meant it all came down to Nuke, which was truly a battle for the ages. Reflecting the series as a whole it was almost out of control at moments. At times it seemed like NAVI would win, then two rounds later FaZe seemed to have taken over the driver’s seat.

In the end though, it was karrigan and FaZe who would come out on top, and cement themselves as the best CSGO team in the world. After winning ESL Pro League Season 15, PGL Major Antwerp 2022, and now IEM Cologne, FaZe are undoubtedly the team to beat going forward. 

IEM Cologne 2022: Full results

Playoff Stage (July 15-17)

Day 1: July 15

Day 2: July 16

Day 3: July 17

Group Stage (July 7-10)

Day 1: July 7

Day 2: July 8

Day 3: July 9

Day 4: July 10

Group A

Group B

Play-In Results (July 5-6)

Day 1: July 5

Day 2: July 6

IEM Cologne 2022: final standings

IEM Cologne 2022: format & location

IEM Cologne 2022 took place from July 5 to July 17, 2022. The competition was split up across three stages.

The top eight from the play-in stage joined the remaining eight sides in the Group Stage, which followed the GSL format across two groups.

The top three from each group progressed to the Playoffs, with the first seeds earning a bye into the semifinals. From there, it was single elimination until a winner is crowned. The playoffs were held at Lanxess Arena in front of a live crowd.

IEM Cologne 2022: All qualified teams

Twenty-four teams qualified for IEM Cologne 2022. Big names like recent Major winners FaZe Clan and Natus Vincere top the list, but emerging squads like the new-look ENCE and dark horse Movistar Riders kept things very interesting.

You can see the full team list for IEM Cologne 2022 below including all the players on each roster.