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Intel Extreme Masters is now the most watched tournament in Australian esports history!

We all know this year’s IEM Sydney was next level. Now the numbers are in, and it’s one for the history books.

More international teams, more tech, and more people. Team Liquid were crowned the champions and took home the lion’s share of $250,000 USD. It was an intense, five-map final, with Fnatic going down in the final map 16-9. Fans all around the world saw this history made. Check out our full IEM recap of the finals if you’re not up to date.

By the numbers

This is the third IEM Sydney, and the 75th around the world. It started in 2006 and now tours all over the world. This year, over 20 million viewers tuned in from all around the globe. CS:GO fans had one of the biggest viewings, with nearly 10 million hours watched over the event, 16 percent up from last year. Overwatch featured too, with viewers checking in on the Overwatch Contenders.

Social media was big this year. There were over 36,000 tweets, with over 55 million views across all platforms. Nick Vanzetti, the MD & Senior Vice President of ESL APJ, attributed these numbers to the “quality of the tournament.” He further adds:

Between those who watched online and the 7,500 fans who attended each day of the main event, there is a growing appetite in Australia for the highest level of Counter-Strike.

Intel’s Vice President and General Manager of VR, John Bonini echoes these words:

We owe the continued success of Intel Extreme Masters Sydney to the esports community in Australia and around the world, which continues to grow at an incredible pace.

We’re definitely looking forward to watching Australia continue to grow its esports scene. More great events are planned for Sydney, with the next big event on the cards, Girl Gamer Festival, held next month. Get more details on the Girl Gamer website.