North American and European CS:GO teams are ready to fight it out and find out who the best is at the Intel Extreme Masters XIV - Chicago. The tournament starts tomorrow, July 18, and ends Sunday, July 21. Fans are sure to enjoy what is considered as one of the longest rivalries in esports. Aside from the bragging rights, at stake is a large share of the $250,000 prize pool.
North America
The four teams on the NA side are:
- Team Liquid (Direct Invite)
- MIBR (Direct Invite)
- Renegades (Direct Invite)
- Team Envy (NA Qualifier)
CS:GO in NA is currently at its strongest. Team Liquid remains one of the world’s top teams and has arguably the most skilled line-up. After winning ESL Cologne 2019 early this month, Liquid managed to grab the Intel Grand Slam and the accompanying $1 million prize.
Europe
The teams for Europe are:
- ENCE (Direct Invite)
- G2 Esports (Direct Invite)
- Team Vitality (Direct Invite)
- Heroic (GG.Bet Invitational)
Europe has long been considered the home of the best CS:GO players since the beginning. Despite the occasional win from the NA side, Europe remains to be proud of the fact that the top teams are in the region. Teams from Sweden, for instance, are known for their free-flowing plays. Teams from Denmark, like Heroic, are known for their tactical precision. Of 14 major tournaments, 11 wins has gone to a European team.
Tournament Proper
The Group Stage follows a two double-elimination format (GSL) Groups with all matches being best-of three. The top two teams of each group move to the Playoffs. The Playoffs follow a single-elimination bracket with the semifinals at best-of three and grand finals at best-of five.
Freedom Match
While the tournament ends July 21, a Freedom Match is scheduled on July 22. The exhibition match has Team NA going against Team EU. Each team is composed of a Captain, CS:GO Pro, ex-CS:GO Pro, CS 1.6 Pro, and Chicago Player. Team NA is going to be led by Jason “moses” O’Toole with Anders “Anders” Blume at the helm for Team EU.
Broadcast Team
For this tournament, ESL spared no expense in getting the best talents. The Desk Host is Tres “stunna” Saranthus, with the Stage Host being Oliver James Borg “OJ Borg" D’Anastasi. Other talents are:
- Analysts
- Chad “SPUNJ” Burchill
- Jacob “Pimp” Winneche
- Jordan “n0thing” Gilbert
- Commentators
- Henry “HenryG” Greer
- Matthew “Sadokist” Trivett
- Anders “Anders” Blume
- Jason “moses’ O’Toole
So what about you? Who are you rooting for?
