Just like ESL One Cologne, the upcoming IEM New York will have a somewhat special format in this year of the pandemic. In addition to playing online, the CS:GO teams will be divided into three regions. The competition will also offer the last qualifying points (in NA and CIS) for the next Rio Major.
Points at stake in NA and CIS
Two regions will have more pressure in the upcoming competition, which begins on October 6. This will be the last stage offering points to teams from North America and the CIS, with qualification for the next Major in Rio on offer, which has been repeatedly postponed due to the pandemic.
Teams are still hoping to have the opportunity to play in the $2 million tournament.
North American Tournament
12 teams will compete in this regional bracket with a chance to earn their share of the $60,000 prize pool allocated to the bracket.. We already know the first eight teams that have obtained their place thanks to their Regional Major Ranking.
- Team Liquid
- Evil Geniuses
- Gen.G
- Cloud9
- FURIA
- MIBR
- 100 Thieves
- Triumph
The final four places will be earned via qualifying rounds.
CIS Tournament
A similar bracket, but with only $50,000 in prize money on offer. At the moment the known participants are:
- Spirit
- Natus Vincere
- Virtus.pro
- Nemiga
- Hard Legion
- Winstrike
- Gambit Youngsters
- Espada
The last four competitors will also punch their ticket via qualifiers.
Money and fame at stake in Europe
The last region will only perform for fame and money. There will be no Rio Major points at stake in Europe.
But with the tidy sum of $140,000 at stake, the eight teams should still give it their all. No European team is known yet, but of the eight, six should be invitations and two others will be qualifiers.
Original content by Léo "Tipsalewo" Lecherbonnier.