This decision aims to enhance the viewing experience for Counter-Strike 2 spectators. The shift from the previously popular BO3 format aligns with the trend set by other top-tier lan tournaments following the game's release.
This was announced by Michael Parsons, the senior manager of ESL FACEIT Group, in an interview for HLTV. According to him, with the switch to MR12 and faster matches, they decided on the BO5 grand finals format to ensure that spectators attending the arena receive enough content.
BO5 in the Future?
The decision to use the BO5 format now extends to all upcoming ESL tournaments. They aim to provide a more enriched spectator experience, especially for fans traveling from afar. Longer matches add an extra level of intrigue and make attending the event more worthwhile for ticket buyers.
ESL has already implemented this format at its flagship tournaments, such as IEM Cologne and IEM Katowice, but now the innovation will become standard for all IEM series tournaments, ESL Pro League.
IEM Rio 2024 Details
IEM Rio 2024 will begin on October 13th and run until the 13th. The tournament starts with a double-elimination group stage featuring the top CS2 teams. The playoffs will be held at the Farmasi arena, with the top three teams from each group advancing.
The grand final is scheduled for 8:00 PM local time, with a show match called "All-Star Hour" taking place two hours before. The participants of the show match are yet to be announced but will be revealed closer to the tournament's final.
Past IEM Rio Results
The prize pool remains the same as last year, and Vitality has the opportunity to become the first-ever two-time IEM Rio titleholders.
