IEM Rio 2024 is set to take place from October 7 to October 13, bringing together some of the best CS2 teams in the world to compete for a $250,000 prize pool in Rio de Janeiro. The event will be hosted at the iconic Farmasi Arena for the playoffs, adding to the electrifying atmosphere that Brazilian fans are known for.

With 16 teams competing and only the top three teams from each group advancing to the playoffs, this tournament promises intense competition from start to finish.

Format Overview

Group Stage:

• Two double-elimination (GSL) format groups with eight teams each.
• The opening matches are Bo1, while the rest of the matches are Bo3.
• The top three teams from each group move to the playoffs. Group winners advance directly to the semifinals, while the second and third-place teams enter the quarterfinals with high and low seedings, respectively.

Playoffs:

• The playoffs follow a single-elimination bracket.
• All playoff matches are Bo3.

Prize Pool Breakdown

• 1. $100,000 + a spot at IEM Katowice 2025
• 2. $42,000
• 3-4. $20,000
• 5-6. $10,000
• 7-8. $6,000
• 9-12. $5,000
• 13-16. $4,000

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The Favorites

Three teams stand out as the top contenders for the IEM Rio 2024 title:

1. NAVI – Fresh off their ESL Pro League Season 20 victory, NAVI looks like the team to beat. With players like jL and w0nderful in top form, they are primed to maintain their dominance in 2024.
2. Vitality – Having won the IEM Cologne 2024 and boasting the firepower of ZywOo, Vitality is a formidable team that consistently performs at the highest level. They are another favorite to take the title in Rio.
3. G2 – Coming off their victory at BLAST Premier: Fall Final 2024, G2 has shown resilience and incredible skill. With players like m0NESY and NiKo leading the charge, they will be hungry for another trophy this year.

Brazilian and South American Teams

FURIA, paiN, 9z, and Imperial will represent South America at IEM Rio 2024. Brazilian fans are passionate, and their support will undoubtedly fuel their home teams. However, the reality is that most of these teams are underdogs, with only paiN showing potential to possibly make it to the playoffs. PaiN’s roster is young and talented, but they’ll need to step up significantly to make an impact on the global stage.

Group A Opening Matches

• Natus Vincere vs. Imperial
• Complexity vs. Liquid
• FaZe vs. FURIA
• paiN vs. MOUZ

Group A offers some exciting matchups right from the start. NAVI are expected to cruise past Imperial, while Liquid and Complexity will battle it out in an exciting North American derby. FaZe vs. FURIA should bring the crowd alive with local fan favorites FURIA, but they’ll need to step up to face the international powerhouse that is FaZe.

Group B Opening Matches

• Vitality vs. 9z
• The MongolZ vs. Virtus.pro
• Eternal Fire vs. Astralis
• HEROIC vs. G2

In Group B, Vitality are the clear favorites against 9z, while The MongolZ will be looking to upset Virtus.pro. Eternal Fire vs. Astralis could be a close match, but Astralis will have the edge if dev1ce and stavn bring their A-game. HEROIC vs. G2 is likely the highlight of the group stage, as their clash could set the tone for the rest of the tournament.

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Conclusion

With NAVI, Vitality, and G2 leading the charge and a passionate Brazilian crowd behind the local teams, IEM Rio 2024 is set to be one of the most exciting CS2 events of the year. The top teams will be fighting for $100,000 and a coveted spot at IEM Katowice 2025, while underdogs like paiN will look to make a name for themselves.

With the event just days away, all eyes will be on Rio to see who can conquer the intense competition and take home the prestigious IEM Rio 2024 title. Will the favorites live up to expectations, or will there be surprises in store on the Brazilian stage? Only time will tell.