Acer is strengthening its collaboration with ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) by bringing its Predator Orion 7000 gaming PC to the forefront of this year’s Intel Extreme Masters Cologne (IEM Cologne). The system will be used on stage by professional Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) teams and, for the first time in the tournament’s history, will also be available for fans to try on-site.

The move continues Acer’s role as IEM Cologne’s Original Equipment Manufacturer partner, joining other long-standing technology partners such as Intel, which renewed its 24-year relationship with EFG earlier this year. Fans visiting the event will be able to test the same hardware used by the players and explore it at Intel’s booth during the competition.

“We’re always looking for ways to bring fans closer to the action, and for the first time ever, this collaboration allows them to step directly into the world of pros,” said Emily Fuller, Vice President of Partner Management at ESL FACEIT Group. “By bringing the Predator Orion 7000 to the tournament stage and making it available to fans, we’re truly bridging the gap between the community and the elite level of competition.”

“This marks a major milestone for the Predator brand and underscores our dedication to delivering performance-driven hardware that meets the demands of both professionals and fans alike,” said Vincent Lin, Associate Vice President of Global Marketing and Planning at Acer. “Together with EFG and Intel, we’re helping raise the bar for what gamers can expect on and off the stage.”

IEM Cologne, often referred to as the “Cathedral of Counter-Strike”, will host some of the the world’s top CS2 teams at the LANXESS arena from 1 to 3 August.