by ESL has officially announced Chengdu as the host city for the 2024 edition of Intel Extreme Masters China, marking the tournament’s return to China since 2019.
Scheduled to take place from April 8 to 14, the event will bring together 16 elite Counter-Strike teams from across the globe, competing for a substantial $250,000 prize pool and the coveted opportunity to secure a spot in the IEM Cologne group stage.
Four years have passed since our last visit to China. ????
Counter-Strike has changed a lot since then.
It's time to write new history.#IEM Chengdu 2024 ??
??https://t.co/JEah6wXO2G pic.twitter.com/DNKuEny93K
— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) January 15, 2024
The final three days of intense competition will unfold at the Wuliangye Chengdu Performing Arts Centre, a versatile arena with a seating capacity of 12,000.
Originally intended as the homestand venue for the Overwatch League franchise Chengdu Hunters in 2020, the arena will finally witness top-tier Counter-Strike action.
Marc Winther, Head of Game Ecosystems, Counter-Strike at ESL FACEIT Group, expressed enthusiasm about bringing the Intel Extreme Masters back to China.
He highlighted China’s vibrant and passionate esports community, aiming to showcase their energy and talent on a global stage.
The line-up for IEM Chengdu includes renowned teams such as FaZe Clan, G2 Esports, FURIA, and Astralis, among others.
Ten teams secured direct invitations via the ESL World Rankings, while the remaining six spots will be filled through regional qualifiers.
Lynn Vision emerged victorious in the Chinese qualifier, solidifying their place in the prestigious tournament.
Notably, Team Vitality and Natus Vincere opted to decline direct invitations based on their ESL rankings.
ESL has stated that tickets for the event will go on sale in Q1, with more details set to be released in the coming weeks.
IEM Chengdu will be the second event of 2024 contributing to Intel Grand Slam 5 after IEM Katowice, which kicks off on January 31.
The standings currently show Vitality, ENCE, G2, MOUZ, and FaZe tied with one tournament win each in the Intel Grand Slam.
