The Intel Extreme Masters Season is back, and it looks to bring the heat this summer starting next week. As part of the season and also the Intel Grand Slam, IEM Summer 2021 will once again celebrate top level CS:GO. Indeed, another $250,000 are on the line, kicking off on 3rd June. Read on for another episode of an esportsguide How to Watch!
Event Background
Specifically, this is the Intel Extreme Masters Season XVI – the sixteenth edition of this event. Planned for the summer, this event will run from 3rd June up to the 13th June. Furthermore, the online event will offer an incredible opportunity for teams to earn cash, but furthermore, Pro Tour Points for future events.
Accordingly, here are the 16 teams which will be participating below:
- Astralis
- Complexity Gaming
- Evil Geniuses
- Fnatic
- Ninjas in Pyjamas
- Team Vitality
- Gambit Esports
- Heroic
- Team Spirit
- Virtus.pro
- Extra Salt
- Imperial Esports
- OG
- FunPlus Phoenix
- G2 Esports
- TBD – winner of NC Global Playoff
Notably, the conclusion of the NC Global Playoff will give us our final participant.
Format
In terms of format, there are two separate stages. Indeed, a classical Group Stage and Playoffs format will wrap things up nicely.
Running from 3-6th June, the Group Stage will involve a double-elimination format for the two groups of eight. Starting matches will be BO1, followed by BO3 matches. Here are how the groups have been sorted:
- Group A: Gambit Esports, Team Vitality, Complexity, Astralis, FunPlus Phoenix, Extra Salt, G2 Esports
- Group B: Heroic, Imperial Esports, Evil Geniuses, Team Spirit, Ninjas in Pyjamas, OG, Fnatic, Virtus.pro
The stakes of the group stage are quite clear. Namely, the winner will move to the semi-finals, while second and third place will make it to the Quarterfinals.
Following the Group Stage, the Playoffs will run from the 11-13th June. Here, a single-elimination bracket will ensue. The quarterfinals and semifinals will be BO3, while the grand final will be BO5.
Schedule for the IEM Summer 2021
With a long and listed schedule, below I’ll be listing some of the initial days of schedule for you to have an idea, all under the time zone of CEST:
June 3rd 2021
- 12:00 – Gambit Esports vs ESC NC Playoff Winner
- 12:00 – Team Vitality vs Complexity
- 13:10 – Astralis vs FunPlus Phoenix
- 13:10 – Extra Salt, G2 Esports
- 14:20 – Heroic vs Imperial Esports
- 14:20 – Evil Geniuses vs Team Spirit
- 15:30 – Ninjas in Pyjamas vs OG
- 15:30 – Fnatic vs Virtus.pro
Watch the IEM Summer 2021 on esportsguide
You can also watch the IEM Summer 2021 live stream via our very own website. Providing an extensive list of the biggest esports together with streams for each esports match live today or upcoming matches.
Predictions for the IEM Summer 2021
So, who do we think is going to come out on top in the upcoming event?
A similar event of this sort is DreamHack Spring 2021, and here Natus Vincere managed to come out on top, followed by Gambit Esport. However, since Na Vi won’t be at the event, not many are sure as to who will come out on top. Namely, the fact that this event is online does add a certain curveball to the event as it may skew results.
Bearing this in mind, Gambit Esports, G2 Esports and Heroic are likely favourites heading into this event. However, the competitive state of CS:GO means anyone can take it at any time.
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