The world's top-ranked teams will continue to compete at IEM Rio, where four of the world's top five teams ( Natus Vincere , G2, Vitality, and MOUZ) will participate. Out of the 16 teams, only one ( 9z ) is ranked 21st, while the rest are Top 20 teams.
The event will start on October 7th and will last until October 13th. The prize pool is as high as $250,000.
Participating Teams and Format
This event features 16 teams, divided into Groups A and B. Each group of eight teams will use a BO3 double-elimination format, except for the opening match, which will be BO1.
The top six teams can advance to the playoffs held at the Farmasi Arena. The top team from each group goes directly to the semifinals, while the 2nd and 3rd place teams will participate in the quarterfinals.
Group A Teams
FaZe
Liquid
Complexity
pain
Group B Teams
G2
9z
Additionally, IEM Rio will also be counted as part of the Intel Grand Slam. Currently, MOUZ and FaZe have already won two championships, with two and three opportunities respectively. As for G2, Vitality, and NAVI, each has won one championship.
Schedule
The BO1 opening match will take place on October 7th, followed by two matches in the winners and losers brackets. The group stage will last until October 9th, and the playoffs will continue on October 11th.
The prize pool distribution is as follows:
1. $100,000 + IEM Katowice qualification
2. $42,000
3-4. $20,000
5-6. $10,000
7-8. $6,000
9-12. $5,000
13-16. $4,000
