Guide to IEM Rio 2024: Teams, Format, Schedule, and Prize Breakdown

As we look forward to one of the premier events in the 2024 CS:GO competitive season, IEM Rio is set to host a high-stakes tournament featuring the world’s best teams. With 16 elite teams competing from October 7 to October 13, the IEM Rio 2024 promises thrilling matchups, intense gameplay, and substantial prize money. Whether you're following for your favorite teams, keeping an eye on the Intel Grand Slam, or looking to play the Fantasy league, this article covers everything you need to know about the tournament.

IEM Rio 2024: Participating Teams and Tournament Format

The IEM Rio 2024 will feature 16 top-tier teams, each battling through a double-elimination format in the group stage. Except for the initial matches, which are best-of-one, the majority of the tournament will be played in a best-of-three format, ensuring high-level competition and no room for flukes.

IEM Rio 2024: Group Stage Structure

The teams will be split into two groups of eight, where only the top six teams will progress to the playoffs. In the playoffs, the second and third seeds from each group will compete in the quarter-finals, while the top seeds await in the semi-finals. The two best teams will eventually meet in the grand final, scheduled for October 13.

The tournament format is designed to ensure fairness and excitement, with early eliminations possible only after teams have had multiple opportunities to prove their mettle. The structure creates a thrilling experience, where a single loss doesn’t mean instant elimination, but multiple losses do.

IEM Rio 2024: The Teams

Here’s the list of the confirmed 16 teams participating in IEM Rio 2024:

- FaZe

- G2

- Vitality

- Natus Vincere (Na'Vi)

- MOUZ

- Virtus.pro

- FURIA

- paiN

- 9z

- Complexity

- Imperial

- Liquid

- Astralis

- Eternal Fire

- The MongolZ

These teams represent the very best in the current CS:GO competitive circuit, and many of them are in contention for the coveted Intel Grand Slam.

Intel Grand Slam Update

The IEM Rio 2024 will serve as a crucial event in the Intel Grand Slam, with multiple teams vying for this prestigious achievement. MOUZ currently stands as a top contender, having secured two tournament wins, and they will have two more opportunities to claim the Intel Grand Slam during this season. FaZe also remains in the running, with two wins and three remaining chances.

Teams such as G2, Vitality, and Na'Vi each have one win under their belts, leaving plenty of room for surprises as the season continues. The Intel Grand Slam adds an extra layer of excitement to IEM Rio 2024, as teams not only compete for the tournament's $250,000 prize pool but also for the opportunity to make history by claiming the Grand Slam title.

Complete Schedule for IEM Rio 2024

The action kicks off on October 7 and will culminate in the grand final on October 13. Here’s a breakdown of the first day’s matches:

7/10 - 16.00: FaZe vs FURIA
7/10 - 16.00: MOUZ vs paiN
7/10 - 17.00: Na'Vi vs Imperial
7/10 - 17.00: Liquid vs Complexity
7/10 - 18.00: Vitality vs 9z
7/10 - 19.00: Virtus.pro vs The MongolZ
7/10 - 19.00: Eternal Fire vs Astralis
7/10 - 20.00: Group A Upper Bracket Semi-final #2
7/10 - 20.00: Group A Lower Bracket Round 1 #2
7/10 - 22.30: Group A Upper Bracket Semi-final #1
7/10 - 22.30: Group A Lower Bracket Round 1 #1

The group stage will run until October 9, and after a brief break, the playoffs will resume on October 11, building up to the final showdown on October 13.

Prize Pool Breakdown

The total prize pool for IEM Rio 2024 is $250,000, with distribution as follows:

- 1st Place: $100,000 + a direct invite to IEM Katowice

- 2nd Place: $42,000

- 3rd-4th Place: $20,000 each

- 5th-6th Place: $10,000 each

- 7th-8th Place: $6,000 each

- 9th-12th Place: $5,000 each

- 13th-16th Place: $4,000 each

The significant prize money, along with the chance to qualify for IEM Katowice, adds intense competition to the event, ensuring that all teams are giving their best to secure the top positions.

With top-tier teams, a substantial prize pool, and high-stakes competition tied to the Intel Grand Slam, IEM Rio 2024 promises to be an unmissable event in the esports calendar. The unique double-elimination format, coupled with the intense group stage and playoffs, ensures a tournament filled with drama, action, and memorable moments. Whether you’re tuning in for your favorite team or competing in the Fantasy league, the IEM Rio 2024 is set to deliver on all fronts.

Be sure to mark your calendars from October 7 to October 13 and follow the action as it unfolds in Rio de Janeiro!