IEM Katowice 2023 viewer’s guide
It is time for top-tier CS:GO esports to return to Katowice! Yes, we are talking about the prestigious Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Katowice 2023, which begins with the play-ins this week. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t miss out on any of the thrilling action.
IEM Katowice 2023 details
Organized by ESL, IEM Katowice 2023 is a premium LAN event featuring top-tier CS:GO teams from across the globe. The playoffs are set to take place in the Spodek Arena in Poland, where a champion will be crowned. Before we get to the playoffs, however, there are a few stages for teams to get through.
IEM Katowice 2023 runs from Tuesday, 31 January 2023, until 12 February 2023. It features 24 teams and a huge $1 million prize pool. At the current Dollar to Rand exchange rate, that’s over R17 million.
The action begins with the play-in stage, where 16 teams will compete for only eight spots in the group stage. This play-in stage runs from 31 January to 1 February. Opening matches are best-of-one, while all other matches are best-of-three in this double-elimination bracket. The top eight teams advanced to the group stage of IEM Katowice 2023.
From 2 to 5 February, the group stage will run. It features two double-elimination format GSL-style groups, with eight teams each. All matches are best-of-three. The top three teams from each group advance to the playoffs. Specifically, the winners of each group go directly to the semifinals, while the runners-up claim a spot in the quarterfinals as the high seeds, while the 3rd-placed teams from each group are also in the quarterfinals as the low seeds.
From 10 to 12 February 2023, the playoffs will take place at the Spodek Arena in front of a live crowd. It features a single-elimination bracket, with the semifinal and quarterfinal matches being best-of-three and the grand final being a best-of-five slugfest.
You can watch all the CS:GO esports action from IEM Katowice 2023 by tuning in to the official ESL_CSGO Twitch channel. It will be very exciting to see who comes out on top of this huge event.
Header image via ESL / Adela Sznajder.
