Intel Extreme Masters returns to the Land Down Under this August for its fourth anniversary, but this time it’s heading to Melbourne!
Headlining the Melbourne Esports Open, the IEM tournament will see sixteen teams compete for a US $250,000 prize pool and the coveted IEM Trophy at the Rod Laver Arena on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd.
As well as being part of the new and exciting ESL Pro Tour, IEM Melbourne 2020 is also part of the Intel Grand Slam, a race between some of the top teams in the world to be the first to win four or more ESL and DreamHack Masters-level tournaments.
“Australian Counter-Strike fans are second to none, and when we had the opportunity to bring IEM to Melbourne, to headline the Melbourne Esports Open, it was a perfect fit.” said ESL Vice President Pro Gaming Michal “CARMAC” Blicharz. “Australians have always generated atmospheres that could not be matched by anything else. Coming back for 2020 was a top priority, and the Melbourne Esports Open was a natural match. It will open Intel Extreme Masters to a broader audience and provide CS:GO fans a richer event experience" he added.
In addition to the fantastic CS:GO that will be on offer, fans will be able to explore a variety of side activities and promotional booths, as part of IEM Melbourne and the wider Melbourne Esports Open.
“We’re excited for IEM to headline the Melbourne Esports Open. By bringing these two events together, we’re taking what was already Australia’s biggest esports weekend in IEM and making it an even bigger spectacle for fans” says Intel® Managing Director Sales and Marketing Group, Asia Pacific and Japan Territory, Santhosh Viswanathan “We’re also looking forward to showcasing Intel’s gaming ecosystem of products that top esports leagues use to deliver a world-class experience to gamers as well as the gaming community.”
Tickets for the tournament will be going live at 10am AEDT, Friday the 14th February. Fans purchasing tickets for IEM Melbourne will also be granted ground pass access to the Melbourne Esports Open.
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