The IEM Katowice is back, bringing together the elite of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) for one of ESL’s most prestigious tournaments. With a whopping $1 million prize pool and coveted invites to IEM Cologne and the BLAST Premier World Final, the competition is set to be fierce.
Event Highlights:
- Prestigious Tournament: Among the most significant in the CS2 scene.
- Grand Prize: $1M pool, with special invites for the winner.
- Intel Grand Slam: Points contribution for the grand slam.
Format and Teams Breakdown
The IEM Katowice 2024 is structured into three main phases: Play-In, Group Stage, and Playoffs. A total of 24 teams will vie for the trophy, but only six will make it to the Spodek Arena stage.
Play-In Phase:
- 16 Teams: Double-elimination format.
- Qualification: Based on ESL regional rankings.
Group Stage:
- 16 Teams: 8 from Play-In, 8 invited.
- Format: Double-elimination in two groups.
Playoffs:
- Final Showdown: Top three from each group in the Spodek Arena.
- Determining the Champion: Epic battles for the prestigious title.
List of Participating Teams:
| Team | Qualification Method | Starting Phase |
|---|---|---|
| G2 Esports | IEM Cologne 2023 | Group Stage |
| MOUZ | ESL Pro League Season 18 | Group Stage |
| FaZe Clan | IEM Sydney 2023 | Group Stage |
| Team Vitality | ESL World Ranking | Group Stage |
| Complexity Gaming | ESL World Ranking | Group Stage |
| Natus Vincere | ESL World Ranking | Group Stage |
| Monte | ESL World Ranking | Group Stage |
| Team Falcons | ESL World Ranking | Group Stage |
| Rebels Gaming | ESL Mistrzostwa Polski | Play-In |
| Cloud9 | ESL World Ranking (EU) | Play-In |
| Virtus.pro | ESL World Ranking (EU) | Play-In |
| Heroic | ESL World Ranking (EU) | Play-In |
| FURIA | ESL World Ranking (SA) | Play-In |
| M80 | ESL World Ranking (NA) | Play-In |
| Rooster | ESL World Ranking (OCE) | Play-In |
| The MongolZ | ESL World Ranking (Asia) | Play-In |
| BIG | ESL World Ranking | Play-In |
| GamerLegion | ESL World Ranking | Play-In |
| Apeks | ESL World Ranking | Play-In |
| Astralis | ESL World Ranking | Play-In |
| Eternal Fire | ESL World Ranking | Play-In |
| BetBoom Team | ESL World Ranking | Play-In |
| ENCE | ESL World Ranking | Play-In |
| Team Spirit | ESL World Ranking | Play-In |
Prize Distribution:
- Champion: $400,000 and more.
- Intel Grand Slam: Valuable points towards the grand slam.
- Other Teams: Share in the $1M prize pool.
ALL 24 TEAMS INVITED TO #IEM KATOWICE 2024 ⚔️
Which teams do you think are going to set the Hall of Heroes alight? 🌟
🟡Group Stage
🔵Play-in Stage pic.twitter.com/QUYWyi0M6P— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) December 18, 2023
Schedule Overview:
- Timing: All times in Central Time (CT), subject to change.
- Play-In Start: Wednesday, January 31st.
Initial Matches:
- Cloud9 vs Rebels Gaming
- Eternal Fire vs BetBoom Team
- Heroic vs Astralis
- ENCE vs BIG
- FURIA vs The MongolZ
- Team Spirit vs Apeks
- GamerLegion vs M80
- Rooster vs Virtus.pro
Overview of IEM Katowice 2024
IEM Katowice 2024 stands as a significant milestone in the CS2 competitive calendar, showcasing top-tier gameplay and immense stakes. With the blend of established giants and rising stars, the event promises unforgettable moments and a thrilling contest for the crown of CS2 supremacy.