IEM Rio is a CS2 event that’s guaranteed to create a lot of memorable moments. The tournament is scheduled to take place between October 7-13 and will bring together 16 of the world’s best teams.
Brazilian Counter-Strike is thriving and could even make an epic comeback in the next few years. Its best three teams, paiN Gaming, FURIA Esports, and Imperial, are all in the top 20 at the moment and have either qualified or been invited to IEM Rio 2024.
At the previous CS2 events held in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian fans introduced us to a way of supporting your favorite team that’s similar to what we see in football. The atmosphere they created was absolutely epic.
Competitive Format
IEM Rio 2024 will be played using a well-known format: two groups of eight teams. In each group, three teams advance to the playoffs. The group winners go directly to the semifinals.
The groups use the double-elimination format while the playoffs use the single-elimination format. Only the first round of matches are best-of-one. Every other match is best-of-three.
Teams
Here are the 16 teams that will compete for $250.000, as well as a direct invitation to IEM Katowice 2025:
- FURIA Esports
- paiN Gaming
- Imperial Esports
- Natus Vincere
- Team Vitality
- G2 Esports
- Astralis
- FaZe Clan
- MOUZ
- Virtus.pro
- Complexity Gaming
- The MongolZ
- 9z Team
- Eternal Fire
- HEROIC
- Team Liquid
With so many strong teams in the race and only six playoffs slots, every match will be played with great determination. Despite the $250.000 prize pool, the pressure to perform will be high because the Brazilian fans have high expectations.
They also tend to support their teams in a very passionate way, so both those teams and their opponents will enjoy some really hyped matches.
On paper, FURIA, paiN, and Imperial’s chances to advance to the playoffs are slim. But we know from experience how quickly things can change when players do not want to disappoint their supporters.
