The Intel Extreme Masters returns for the third consecutive year.
This year, IEM took Australian esports to the next level. IEM is run all around the world. Most recently, we saw IEM in Chicago. IEM brings the best CS:GO teams from around the world to compete for top dollars.
Next year, IEM will return to Sydney. The top CS:GO teams from all over the world will descend to take on Australia’s best. They’ll be competing for a $250,000 USD prize pool. The tournament will take place on May 3-5 next year. Qudos Bank Arena will once again be the home of IEM Sydney.
Intel Grand Slam
IEM Sydney competition won’t be the only IEM next year. It’ll be 2019’s second CS:GO tournament in the Intel Grand Slam. A total of 12 major arena pro gaming competitions are planned globally by ESL for next year. The winners of IEM Sydney will be one step closer to taking out the Intel Grand Slam title. The tournament sees all teams across the regions competing for the $1 million USD prize. The million goes to the first team to win four ESL and DreamHack IGS-level events. Last year’s IEM Sydney winners, FaZe Clan, hold two eligible championships. The runners up, Astralis, also have two eligible championships.
ESL excited
IEM Sydney is another feather in the cap for ESL. They have continued to produce top quality esports events. The team is really excited about next year. The VP of Pro Gaming at ESL, Michał Blicharz, spoke about how he is proud of what his team has achieved in the past two years:
What we have managed to build in just two years with ESL Australia and the ANZ gaming community is absolutely incredible. IEM Sydney is quickly becoming a staple esports event not just in Australia but globally, and it’s something we’re incredibly proud of.
Nick Vanzetti, the Senior Vice President of ESL Asia-Pacific Japan, couldn’t agree more. At IEM Sydney 2018, Vanzetti was the Managing Director of ESL for Australia. Since then he has moved up in the world. He has been integral to producing the caliber of events ESL Australia delivers. Vanzetti is also incredibly proud of the growth of esports in Australia:
For us to be able to announce our third consecutive stadium-scale esports event in Australia with IEM Sydney 2019 is something we never dreamt of happening 10 years ago. It’s a true testament to the strength of esports in our country, and we’ll be working hard to ensure it’s another unforgettable experience for every person who attends.
IEM Sydney 2019
If the stats from 2018 are anything to go by, next year is going to be insane. And we mean insanely good. This year, over 7,500 esports fans packed into the arena to watch their favorite teams. Add another 13.5 million unique online viewers and IEM Sydney 2018 was the highest ever viewership for an esports competition held in Australia.
Attendees to next year’s tournament can expect the same amazing hype. Some of the best CS:GO teams in the world, meeting your idols, giveaways, and more. It’s every CS:GO fan’s dream. If you don’t want to miss out, then get in early.
Tickets to IEM Sydney 2019 go on sale this weekend. There will be day passes (starting at $39 AUD) and weekend passes ($139 AUD) available. If you want something a little more VIP-like, then there’s the Weekend Premium ($239 AUD) and Global Elite tickets ($1,199 AUD). All ticket holders can get access to an Entry Entrance option. This allows you to get access to the venue one hour before the official doors. That’ll give you plenty of time to obtain some sweet loot before the wave of fans rushes in.
Follow IEM on Twitter for all updates, as well as ticket links once it’s live this weekend.
