IEM Chengdu 2024: Format, Teams, Schedule, and More

IEM Chengdu 2024: Format, Teams, Schedule, and More

Andre Guaraldo

6 Mar, 2024, 09:06

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Last updated: 10 Apr, 2025, 07:33

Following the conclusion of the Copenhagen Major, where NaVi became the first-ever CS2 Major champions, the esports world already set sights to the next battleground: IEM Chengdu 2024.

Scheduled to kick off on April 8th, this tournament promises to deliver another dose of intense Counter-Strike 2 action as sixteen elite teams vie for supremacy. With a $250,000 prize pool up for grabs and the added incentive of an automatic invite to IEM Cologne in August for the victor, the stakes couldn't be higher.

Let's delve into all the essential details encompassing the format, participating teams, schedule, and more of IEM Chengdu 2024.

IEM Chengdu tournament format

IEM Chengdu 2024 will feature a dynamic format designed to challenge teams and entertain viewers alike.

In the Group Stage, the tournament will commence with two double-elimination (GSL) groups, each comprising eight teams. Opening matches will be contested in a Best-of-One (Bo1) format, followed by subsequent matches in a Best-of-Three (Bo3) format.

The top three teams from each group will advance to the Playoffs, with group winners progressing directly to the Semifinals, runners-up seeded into the Quarterfinals as High Seeds, and third-place finishers seeded into the Quarterfinals as Low Seeds.

In the Playoffs, the tournament will transition into a single-elimination bracket, with all matches played in a Best-of-Three (Bo3) format.

NaVi, the first CS2 Major winner, will not feature in this tournament (credits: PGL)
NaVi, the first-ever CS2 Major winner team, will not feature in this tournament (credits: PGL)

Participating teams

IEM Chengdu 2024 boasts a lineup of teams from across the globe, ensuring fierce competition and electrifying matchups.

Among the invited teams are teams such as Astralis, FaZe Clan, FURIA Esports, G2 Esports, Heroic, MOUZ, Cloud9, and Virtus.pro. These powerhouse organizations bring with them a wealth of experience and talent, making them formidable contenders on the battlefield.

Additionally, the qualified teams include rising stars like 9z Team, Team Liquid, Wildcard Gaming, TYLOO, FlyQuest, Lynn Vision Gaming, and Nemiga Gaming. These teams have fought through regional qualifiers to earn their spot at IEM Chengdu, showcasing their determination and skill.

[UPDATE]: Monte was unable to participate due to travel issues last-minute. Steel Helmet was invited to fill their gap.

Group A bracket for IEM Chengdu 2024 (credits: IEM)
Group A bracket for IEM Chengdu 2024 (credits: IEM)

Group B bracket for IEM Chengdu 2024 (credits: IEM)
Group B bracket for IEM Chengdu 2024 (credits: IEM)

IEM Chengdu Schedule

Mark your calendars as IEM Chengdu 2024 unfolds with thrilling encounters spread across multiple days of action-packed gameplay. The Group Stage kicks off on April 8th, featuring matches from Group A and Group B as follows: (times in CST)

23:30 PM

  • G2 Esports vs. 9z Team
  • Team Liquid vs. Heroic

00:30 AM

  • FURIA Esports vs. Lynn Vision Gaming
  • TYLOO vs. MOUZ

1:30 AM

  • Cloud9 vs. FlyQuest
  • Wildcard vs. Virtus.pro

02:30 AM

  • FaZe Clan vs. Nemiga
  • Steel Helmet vs. Astralis

Following games will be based on the first round results and will be update on our X profile. The Playoff stage will commence from April 12th onwards, with Quarterfinals and subsequent matches leading up to the Grand Final on April 14th, where the ultimate champion will emerge victorious.

Venue & streams

The Wuliangye Chengdu Performing Arts Centre will host the Playoffs, providing a grand stage for the remaining eight teams to battle it out. Online viewers have the opportunity to tune in to IEM Chengdu 2024 through CSTV, along with the official broadcast channels of ESL on Twitch and YouTube.

Additionally, numerous CS enthusiasts will be hosting co-streams on platforms like Twitch, offering viewers multiple options to their CS-watching experience.

IEM Chengdu 2024 promises to be a spectacle of skill and strategy teams from around the world converge in China. With an exciting format, a star-studded lineup of teams, and a jam-packed schedule, esports enthusiasts are in for a treat. So, gear up, set your alarms, and get ready to witness history in the making at IEM Chengdu 2024!

Feature image credits: IEM

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