IEM Rio 2024: Teams, Schedule, Format, Prize Pool and More

Counter-Strike 2 fans are in for a treat: after the end of BLAST Premier Fall Finals, where G2 lifted the trophy, we are now gearing up for IEM Rio 2024, set to kick off on October 7.

With 16 of the world’s top teams competing for a prize pool of $250,000, this is one of the those exciting esports events we all love to watch.

Returning to Rio de Janeiro for the third consecutive year, IEM Rio will not only feature incredible gameplay but also showcase the passion of Brazilian fans at the Farmasi Arena.

Participating teams at IEM Rio 2024

The 16 teams competing in Rio are:

• 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 begins on October 7, featuring two groups of eight teams in a double-elimination format.

The first round of matches will be played in a Best-of-One (Bo1), while all subsequent games will switch to Best-of-Three (Bo3).

The top three teams from each group will advance to the playoffs, which will be held from October 11-13 in front of a live audience at Farmasi Arena.

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 move on to the Playoffs:

• Group winners advance directly to the Semifinals;
• Runners-up advance to the Quarterfinals as High Seeds;
• Third-place teams will 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 will take place on October 13, where the champion will take home $100,000 and a spot at IEM Katowice 2025.

Prize pool breakdown

The total prize pool for IEM Rio 2024 is $250,000, distributed as follows:

• 1st Place: $100,000 + qualification for IEM Katowice 2025
• 2nd Place: $42,000
• 3rd-4th Places: $20,000
• 5th-6th Places: $10,000
• 7th-8th Places: $6,000
• 9th-12th Places: $5,000
• 13th-16th Places: $4,000

With the stakes high and the qualification spot for Katowice 2025 on the line, all teams will be giving their best to secure a strong finish.

Where to watch IEM Rio 2024

Fans can catch all the action live on ESL's official Twitch and YouTube channels. For Brazilian fans, popular streamer Gaules will also be hosting a live broadcast on his Twitch and YouTube channels.

For those attending the event live, tickets are available on the official IEM website, with prices ranging from USD 35 to 140. The Farmasi Arena will open to fans from October 11-13, offering them a chance to witness the Playoffs in person.

Feature image credits: ESL

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