Intel Extreme Masters (or IEM) is one of ESL's flagship tournament series. Hosted in cooperation with Intel, IEM has been running since 2007.
Eight best EU and NA teams around the world will be battling for a staggering $250,000 prize pool and it will be held at United Center Chicago.
Intel Extreme Masters will return to Chicago to celebrate one of the longest rivalries in e-sports: NA vs EU.

Tournament Format

Group Stage
Two double-elimination formats (GSL) Groups. Each group will have four teams and the group stage will be seeded accordingly based on the ESL CS: GO World Rankings.

All matches are best-of-three and top two teams of each group will advance to the Playoffs.

Playoffs
Playoffs will be played on a single-elimination bracket and all games are best-of-three and grand finals will be best-of-five.