IEM Sydney 2023 Event Guide: Dates, Team List, And Schedule

The arrival of CS2 has prompted Counter-Strike enthusiasts worldwide to reflect on Global Offensive’s legacy with renewed appreciation. As iconic venues like Cologne and Katowice completed their farewell celebrations, attention now shifts to Australia’s premier esports destination. Sydney’s renowned stadium, famous for spectacular stage productions and some of esports’ most passionate audiences, welcomes us to explore this landmark tournament through our comprehensive IEM Sydney 2023 guide.

When is IEM Sydney 2023?

Following extensive regional qualifiers, Intel Extreme Masters Sydney 2023 commences October 16th with sixteen elite squads battling through group stages until October 22nd. The tournament structure transitions from initial group competition to elimination playoffs.

IEM Sydney 2023 Format Breakdown

Qualification pathways spanned Europe, Asia, North America and Oceania regions, supplemented by ESL partner slots and ranking points. Qualified organizations divide into Group A and Group B brackets.

Seeding follows current team rankings with opening matches utilizing best-of-one format. Subsequent matches shift to best-of-three map series. Group stages employ double-elimination structure, advancing three top-performing teams from each group to playoffs.

Playoff rounds feature single-elimination best-of-three matches, seeded according to group stage performance. Group winners receive automatic semi-final placement, while runners-up and lower bracket victors compete in quarter-finals.

Visual tournament bracket representation available here.

The competition offers $250,000 total prize distribution, with champions securing $100,000 and qualification for IEM Katowice 2024 – among esports’ most celebrated annual events.

Where is the Event?

As the name indicates, IEM Sydney unfolds in Australia’s largest metropolitan area. Playoff matches welcome live audiences at the 9,000-seat Aware Super Theatre, renowned for exceptional spectator experiences.

What Maps Will Be Played at the Tournament?

Current map selections remain uncertain primarily due to unresolved game version decisions. However, CS:GO’s final competitive map pool likely remains active. Current rotation includes:

• Ancient
• Anubis
• Inferno
• Mirage
• Nuke
• Overpass
• Vertigo

IEM Sydney 2023 Teams

All organizations confirmed for IEM Sydney 2023 competition:

• ENCE
• FaZe Clan
• G2 Esports
• MOUZ
• Natus Vincere
• Team Vitality
• Cloud9
• GamerLegion
• Monte
• Fnatic
• Grayhound Gaming
• Apeks
• BetBoom Team
• Complexity Gaming
• Lynn Vision Gaming
• VERTEX Esports Clubs

Who Will Triumph at IEM Sydney?

The crucial question – which organization will claim IEM Sydney 2023 victory? For esports betting enthusiasts, Twistzz and FaZe Clan emerge as primary favorites. While 2023 hasn’t matched their dominant 2022 campaign, the international roster maintains stability, and we anticipate they’ll reserve peak performances for what likely represents CS:GO’s final significant international tournament.

Additionally, G2’s IEM Cologne championship demonstrated impressive form, arguably marking the European organization’s first instance of their talented lineup fulfilling potential. They defeated consistent overachievers ENCE in that grand final, though we’d be astonished to witness Snappi’s squad reclaim supremacy in Sydney.

Finally, Fnatic’s appearance in the 2019 IEM Sydney finals positions them as legitimate dark horse contenders. The Black and Orange appear significantly more cohesive since Australian in-game leader Dexter’s integration, and hometown support could provide the inspiration he requires to deploy optimal strategic approaches.

No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » IEM Sydney 2023 Event Guide: Dates, Team List, And Schedule Complete guide to IEM Sydney 2023: Format, teams, predictions and strategic insights for CS:GO's final chapter