Counter-Strike will return to Brazil with the next season of Intel Extreme Masters.

The top teams in the world rankings will continue to compete at the next event on the schedule, IEM Rio, where four of the top five teams in the world — Natus Vincere, G2 Esports, Vitality and MOUZ — will participate. Among the 16 teams in the tournament, all were in the top 20 of HLTV except 9z, who ranked 21st.

IEM Rio will also be another stop for the ongoing Intel Grand Slam title. Currently, MOUZ has two wins and two chances to win, while FaZe enters with two wins and three chances remaining. G2 Esports, Team Vitality and Natus Vincere all have a win.

Journey to the Intel Grand Slam season 5 title. Source: Liquipedia

Sixteen teams will compete at IEM Rio. They will be divided into two groups of eight teams and play a double elimination format, except for the opening matches, which will be a single elimination format.

Imperial is the team that replaced Rate Atom. The team from the country of a billion people was unable to attend IEM Rio this year due to visa problems.

Teams participating at IEM Rio 2024. Source: HLTV.org

Table distribution at IEM Rio 2024. Source: HLTV.org 

The opening matches will be played in a BO1 format. The next matches will be played in a BO3 format and the Final match will be played in a BO5 format. 

The group stage will take place from October 7-10. The Play-off round will take place on October 11-12. And the final match will be held on October 13. 

Matches from the Play-off round will take place on stage at Farmasi Arena.

Prize:

1. 100,000 USD + Entrance to IEM Katowice 2025

2. 42,000 USD

3-4. 20,000 USD

5-6. 10,000 USD

7-8. 6,000 USD

12-9. 5,000 USD

13-16. 4,000 USD