IEM Rio 2023 - Everything you NEED to Know
- IEM Rio 2023 is running April 17-23 with 16 teams and a $250,000 prize pool
- Virtus Pro withdrew from the event and were replaced by Imperial Sportsbet
- FaZe Clan and Heroic are both dangerous, and look to be the favorites heading in
IEM Rio returns with its 2023 edition on April 17 - 23, kicking off with the Group Stage. There will be 16 teams in attendance, all fighting for the $250,000 prize pool and the name of IEM Rio 2023 Champions. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the tournament.
IEM Rio 2023 Format
The event begins on April 17 and concludes on April 23. We start with the Group Stage that sees all 16 teams split into two groups of eight teams each. Here, they will battle in a double-elimination bracket which sees best of one opening matches, and best of threes after that.
The top three teams from each group at the end of the group stage will advance to the Playoffs, with the rest being sent home. The winners of each group will automatically advance to the Semi Finals, while the second and third place teams will have to battle through a Quarter Final match. These matches will also be best of threes, except for the Grand Final which will be a best of five.
IEM Rio Teams
There are a total of 16 teams attending IEM Rio 2023.
- FaZe Clan
- Fnatic
- MOUZ
- Natus Vincere
- Ninjas in Pyjamas
- Team Vitality
- FURIA
- Heroic
- Cloud9
- OG
- 9INE
- BIG
- MiBR
- 9z Team
- The MongolZ
- Imperial
Virtus.Pro were originally in the 16 teams for IEM Rio 2023, but withdrew from the event. A spokesperson for ESL FACEIT Group told Esports Illustrated:
“Virtus.pro have informed us about their decision to withdraw from the competition at IEM Rio 2023, and following their withdrawal, they will be replaced by Imperial Sportsbet. With less than a week until the competition begins in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, we’ve opted for the next team in line from the local region of the event, South America.”
Teams to Watch at IEM Rio 2023
With 16 of the best teams competing at IEM Rio 2023, it’s hard to predict the winner. However, there are some giants to look out for.
FaZe Clan
FaZe Clan could be the favorites heading into this event. They recently took the title at ESL Pro League Season 17, and in doing so, also became just the fourth ever team to complete the Intel Grand Slam. With a solid roster that knows how to win, FaZe Clan could be dangerous.
Heroic
Heroic are always a team to keep a lookout for. The Danish team are yet to become consistent winners, but they can pull off an upset at any time. They reached the IEM Katowice Grand Final in February 2023, and have taken event wins in the past. They’ll be up against some big competition, but don’t be surprised if they make it to the end of the tournament.
How to Watch IEM Rio 2023
IEM Rio 2023 will take place at the Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and can be watched in person. However, for fans around the world IEM Rio 2023 will be streamed on the ESL CSGO Twitch Channels starting on April 17.
