HLTV.org live from Cologne

The group stage of ESL One Cologne, the last 16-team tournament to be held before the player break, is about to begin.

The iconic tournament features a $300,000 prize pool and is also a part of the Intel Grand Slam series of events, meaning it gives points towards the $1,000,000 Intel Grand Slam prize. The tournament features the strongest teams out there, with all of the top six present, and only NRG missing out of the top 10.

ESL One Cologne starts off with double elimination groups, which will take place over the first three days, with the six best teams advancing to the playoffs which will take place in the LANXESS Arena.

HLTV.org's two-man team, comprising Zvonimir "Professeur" Burazin and Josip "brcho" Brtan, arrived at the group stage venue from where they will bring you photos and interviews, as well as shoot content for upcoming episodes of HLTV Confirmed.

To get up to date on the tournament format and what to expect in terms of teams, be sure to check out our viewer's guide and key storylines article. For live updates, follow HLTV.org on social media, namely Twitter and Instagram.