Indeed, the IEM XVI Katowice event looks to promise the first live crowd for competitive CoD in a while. Accordingly, there are massive expectations for this upcoming event with the best teams in the world. Read on as we provide all of the viewership details for this epic Major event!
Event Background
Once again, we have $1,000,000 on the line once again. Bearing this in mind, we have the best 24 teams from all over the world, trying to compete for world dominance at the historic offline venue at Katowice, Poland.
Organized by ESL, this event does in fact form part of the Intel Grand Slam. Running from 15th February to 27th February, the teams are listed below together with their journey here:
Directly Qualified Teams
- Natus Vincere – Road To Katowice EU #1
- Gambit Esports – RTK EU #2
- G2 Esports – RTK EU #3
- Team Vitality – RTK EU #4
- Heroic – RTK EU #5
- Virtus.pro – RTK EU #6
- FURIA Esports – RTK NA #1
- Team Liquid – RTK NA #2
Play-in Teams
- Ninjas in Pyjamas – Road to Katowice EU #7
- Astralis – RTK EU #8
- FaZe Clan – RTK EU #9
- GODSENT – RTK NA #3
- Complexity – RTK NA #4
- MIBR – RTK SA #1
- Renegades – RTK OCE #1
- BIG – ESL World Ranking
- Entropiq – ESL World Ranking
- OG – ESL World Ranking
- CPH Flames – ESL World Ranking
- Fnatic – ESL World Ranking
- ENCE – ESL World Ranking
- MOUZ – ESL World Ranking
- Wisla Krakow – Mistrzostwa Polski
- Sprout – Replacement Invite
Considering these incredible names, we’re in for another epic Major to kick of the year. Besides the prize pool up for grabs, there are also ESL Pro Tour and BLAST Premier Points up for grabs.
Format
With regards to format, it’s a classic approach to a CS:GO Major.
Starting with the Play-In Stage, here 16 teams will compete in order to try and reach the Group Stage. Running from 15th February to 16th February, a double elimination bracket is planned. With opening matches as BO1, all remaining games will be BO3.
At this point, only half the teams (the top 8) will make it to the Main Stage to join the rest of the competition. Here are the opening matches for the Play-In:
- Ninjas in Pyjamas vs Wisla Krakow
- CPH Flames vs Fnatic
- GODSENT vs MOUZ
- Sprout vs FaZe Clan
- OG vs Renegades
- ENCE vs Entropiq
- Complexity vs BIG
- Astralis vs MIBR
Moving on, the 8 teams from the Play-In stage will join the 8 teams waiting at the Main Stage. Taking place from 17-20th February, here the competition will opt for two double-elimination format groups. Each group will have eight teams and matches will be BO3, with the aim of narrowing down the competition.
Here are the Groups so far:
- Group A – Team Vitality, Heroic, Virtus.pro, Gambit Esports + 4 Play-In Teams
- Group B – Natus Vincere, FURIA Esports, Team Liquid, G2 Esports + 4 Play-In Teams
Seeding into the Playoffs, will be determined as follows for each of the two Group Stage groups:
- Winners to the Semifinals
- Runners-Up to the Quarterfinals (High Seeds)
- 3rd Place to the Quarterfinals (Low Seeds)
Seeded into the Playoffs, we’ll have our final six teams. Running from 25-27th February, a single elimination bracket will decide the competition. All matches will be a BO3 except for the Grand Final, which will naturally be BO5.
Schedule for IEM XVI Katowice
Considering the length of this exciting event, feel free to visit the official event page for an updated and detailed schedule.
Watch IEM XVI Katowice CS:GO on esportsguide
You can also watch the IEM XVI Katowice CS:GO 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
Accordingly, there are a few considerations for predictions. However, there’s one thing which is clear. Clearly, Natus Vincere are the biggest threats and will hope to come in and win again. Can anyone stop them?
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