BIG Fans Weigh Boycott of IEM Cologne 2027 (CS2) Over Ticket Prices

Roaring Bears, a German fan group that supports BIG, is discussing a possible boycott of IEM Cologne 2027. Fans are unhappy with ESL’s pricing policy and believe that attending one of the biggest Counter-Strike tournaments is becoming too expensive. No final decision has been announced yet — the group first plans to discuss the situation with its members, according to Sport.ua.

The complaints first surfaced during IEM Cologne Major 2026. Roaring Bears criticized a noticeable rise in ticket prices and extra paid activities at the venue. Guaranteed autograph sessions priced at €60 drew particular criticism: at the time of purchase, a fan might not yet know which team’s players they would end up meeting.

After prices for the 2027 tournament were published, the fans’ position did not change. Roaring Bears acknowledge that some categories have become slightly cheaper, but point to an important difference: IEM Cologne 2026 was held as a Major, while the next tournament will be a regular ESL Pro Tour championship.

Four days at LANXESS Arena will cost at least €169

On the official IEM Cologne page, a basic ticket for all four days of the playoffs in the upper section of LANXESS Arena costs €169. A seat in the lower section is priced at €279, a reserved-seat option at €379, and the Plus and Premium packages at €529 and €729 respectively.

The most expensive four-day package, The Sanctuary, costs €1599 and includes a VIP area, catering, drinks, a separate entrance and parking. Single-day tickets start at €39. Presales for some attendees of the 2026 tournament begin on October 13, with the first general wave on October 15.

At the same time, ESL is making IEM Cologne 2027 itself bigger. The tournament will run from August 4 to 15, and for the first time outside a Major, the playoffs at LANXESS Arena will stretch over four days. Eight teams will reach the decisive stage, matches will be played on a new stage with a 360-degree view, and the total prize pool will be $1.25 million.

The Roaring Bears protest does not yet threaten IEM Cologne — it reflects the position of a single fan group. But the dispute highlights another problem: ESL is expanding the tournament’s offline portion and adding premium attendance formats, while part of its regular audience believes that a trip to Cologne is gradually becoming too expensive for ordinary fans.