Esports News UK’s IEM Cologne 2023 and Counter-Strike coverage is powered by Predator Gaming
The Intel Extreme Masters IEM Cologne 2023 broadcast talent line-up has been confirmed, and once again it’s an all-star assortment.
The CSGO tournament will take place in Germany from July 26th to August 6th, and will see 24 teams compete for $1m. There’s more info on the event in our IEM Cologne 2023 preview including teams, schedule, format and more.
IEM Cologne 2023 Broadcast Talent Listed in Full
In terms of hosts in Cologne, OJ Borg has been announced as stage host, alongside desk hosts stunna, Freya Spiers, DarfMike and Tech Girl.
The charismatic James Banks and Sjokz are on board as interviewers.
As for IEM Cologne 2023 broadcast talent casters, we have Spunj and Machine, Harry (aka JustHarry) and Hugo, James Bardolph and Hawka, plus Scrawny and Launders.
Analysts include Maniac, kassad, Moses, YNk, Bleh, Mauisnake and Pimp.
ESL made the announcement on social media with some gorgeous-looking cathedral-inspired avatar art of each talent:
The UK once again has great representation in a top esports event, with OJ Borg, Freya Spiers, James Banks, Machine, Harry, Hugo, James Bardolph and Hawka. Plus, Mauisnake is based in the UK.
Some of the IEM Cologne 2023 broadcast talent also return from the IEM Cologne 2022 talent line-up.
James Banks said: “Heading to the Cathedral, to gaze upon the greatest Counter-Strike teams and witness the most godlike plays as they battle it out for the chalice of IEM Cologne! From dreaming of working this event a few years ago, to working it during play-offs last year and now I’m in for the full event. I never take it for granted and truly am thankful!
“A lot of extra preparation has been done with all of the roster changes going on… I’ve got so many questions.”
Harry added: “Let’s goooo – first time ever casting in the Cathedral. This was lil Hugo’s first ever live event he attended as a spectator. This was where he fell hard for CS. We’ve always looked at this event as a real special one and it’s always been the one that got away. But not this time!”
Hugo said: “Cologne 2015 was my first CS event as a spectator. Watching Fnatic v NV in the Lanxess made me fall in love with this game and pushed me even harder into commentary with the goal of one day working this legendary event. Eight years later and I’m so honoured. We’re fucking back, baby.”
Win VIP tickets and travel to IEM Cologne 2023
Esports News UK has teamed up with Acer UK to help promote its celebration of ‘The Cathedral of Counter Strike’ with a VIP giveaway and a wide range of special offers.
Read more and enter below: Win a trip to IEM Cologne 2023 including VIP tickets, flights, accommodation and spending money, courtesy of Acer UK.
Dom is an award-winning writer and finalist of the Esports Journalist of the Year 2023 award. He graduated from Bournemouth University with a 2:1 degree in Multi-Media Journalism in 2007.
As a long-time gamer having first picked up the NES controller in the late ’80s, he has written for a range of publications including GamesTM, Nintendo Official Magazine, industry publication MCV and others. He worked as head of content for the British Esports Federation up until February 2021, when he stepped back to work full-time on Esports News UK and offer esports consultancy and freelance services. Note: Dom still produces the British Esports newsletter on a freelance basis, so our coverage of British Esports is always kept simple – usually just covering the occasional press release – because of this conflict of interest.
