Counter-Strike 2 fans have something to look forward to as the IEM Rio 2024 tournament is set to begin on October 7. Following the recent BLAST Premier Fall Finals, where G2 Esports emerged victorious, the excitement is building for another thrilling esports event.
With 16 of the world’s top teams competing for a $250,000 prize pool, this tournament promises to deliver some of the best gameplay and showcase the vibrant passion of Brazilian fans at the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro.
Participating Teams at IEM Rio 2024
The teams competing in Rio include:
- Astralis
- FaZe Clan
- G2 Esports
- MOUZ
- Natus Vincere
- Team Vitality
- FURIA Esports
- Virtus.pro
- Complexity Gaming
- The MongolZ
- 9z Team
- Eternal Fire
- HEROIC
- Team Liquid
- paiN Gaming
- Imperial (replacing Rare Atom due to visa issues)
IEM Rio 2024: Schedule and Opening Matches
The Group Stage kicks off on October 7, featuring two groups of eight teams in a double-elimination format.
- Match Format:
- First-round matches: Best-of-One (Bo1)
- All subsequent matches: Best-of-Three (Bo3)
Group A Opening Matches
- Natus Vincere (NaVi) vs. Imperial
- Team Liquid vs. Complexity
- FaZe Clan vs. FURIA Esports
- MOUZ vs. paiN Gaming
Group B Opening Matches
- Team Vitality vs. 9z Team
- Virtus.pro vs. The MongolZ
- Eternal Fire vs. Astralis
- G2 Esports vs. HEROIC
Playoffs Qualification Criteria
The top three teams from each group will advance to the Playoffs:
- Group winners: Directly advance to the Semifinals
- Runners-up: Advance to the Quarterfinals as High Seeds
- Third-place teams: Advance to the Quarterfinals as Low Seeds
Playoffs Format
- Single-elimination bracket format
- All playoff matches will be Best-of-Three (Bo3), except for the Grand Final, which will be Best-of-Five (Bo5)
- The Grand Final is scheduled for October 13, with the champion receiving $100,000 and a spot at IEM Katowice 2025
Prize Pool Breakdown
The total prize pool of $250,000 will be distributed as follows:
- 1st Place: $100,000 + qualification for IEM Katowice 2025
- 2nd Place: $42,000
- 3rd-4th Places: $20,000 each
- 5th-6th Places: $10,000 each
- 7th-8th Places: $6,000 each
- 9th-12th Places: $5,000 each
- 13th-16th Places: $4,000 each
Where to Watch IEM Rio 2024
Fans can catch all the action live on ESL’s official Twitch and YouTube channels. Additionally, Brazilian fans can tune in to popular streamer Gaules, who will be hosting live broadcasts on his own Twitch and YouTube channels.
For those wishing to attend the event in person, tickets are available on the official IEM website, with prices ranging from $35 to $140. The Farmasi Arena will be open to fans from October 11-13, providing a chance to witness the playoffs live.
Conclusion
With high stakes and top-tier competition, IEM Rio 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting event for all Counter-Strike 2 enthusiasts. Mark your calendars for October 7, and prepare to cheer for your favorite teams as they vie for victory in Rio de Janeiro!
G2 Ends NAVI’s Streak and Claims Victory at BLAST Premier Fall Finals