Chengdu set to host Intel Extreme Masters China 2024
ESL has officially confirmed Chengdu as the host city for the 2024 edition of Intel Extreme Masters China. The tournament is scheduled to take place from April 8 to 14, bringing together 16 top teams from around the globe.
Prize Pool, Group Stage Spot, and the Grand Arena
The participating teams will vie for a substantial $250,000 prize pool as well as the coveted opportunity to secure a spot in IEM Cologne's group stage. This event is a significant milestone, marking the return of Intel Extreme Masters to China since 2019.
The final three days of the tournament will unfold at the Wuliangye Chengdu Performing Arts Centre, a versatile arena with a seating capacity of 12,000. Originally intended as the homestand venue for the Overwatch League franchise Chengdu Hunters in 2020, the arena will finally witness intense competition in the realm of Counter-Strike.
Wuliangye Chengdu Performing Arts CentreImage Source: @hello_chengdu on X (formerly Twitter)
Marc Winther, Head of Game Ecosystems, Counter-Strike at ESL FACEIT Group, expressed enthusiasm about bringing Intel Extreme Masters back to China. He highlighted China's vibrant and passionate eSports community, aiming to showcase their energy and talent on a global stage.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing Intel Extreme Masters back to China for the first time since 2019... This return to China reaffirms our commitment to fostering esports growth in the region and recognizes the immense support from Chinese gamers.”
Invited Teams and Regional Qualifiers
The lineup for IEM Chengdu includes renowned teams such as FaZe, G2, FURIA, and Astralis, among others. Ten teams secured direct invitations via the ESL World Rankings, while the remaining six spots will be filled through regional qualifiers. Lynn Vision emerged victorious in the Chinese qualifier, cementing their place in the prestigious tournament.
Interestingly, Vitality and Natus Vincere opted to decline direct invitations based on their ESL rankings.
The current list of invited teams is as follows:
Intel Grand Slam: The Stakes Continue
IEM Chengdu is the second event in 2024 contributing to Intel Grand Slam Season 5, following IEM Katowice. With Vitality, ENCE, G2, MOUZ, and FaZe currently tied in the IGS standings, the tournament promises high-stakes competition.
Intel Grand Slam Season 5 standingsImage Source: Screenshot from Liquipedia.net
Ticket Information and Global Appeal
ESL has announced that tickets for IEM Chengdu will go on sale in Q1. Further details are anticipated in the coming weeks. The global appeal of eSports is evident in ESL's commitment to fostering growth in the Chinese region, recognizing the immense support from Chinese gamers.
As the countdown to April begins, fans around the globe eagerly await the unfolding drama that will determine the next champions of Intel Extreme Masters Chengdu. Find out more at esl.gg/chengdu.
Featured Image Source: ESL
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