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The Australian debut of IEM eSports at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena earlier this month has been declared an unqualified success with a 15,000 live audience and 8 million unique viewers online.

The longest-running global pro gaming circuit in the world, IEM (Intel Extreme Masters) celebrated the start of its 12th season with its first-ever event in Australia, 

Promoted by TEG Live in conjunction with ESL Australia, over 7,000 fans attended  each of the event days on 6th and 7th May.

TEG Chief Executive Geoff Jones said the event had surpassed TEG’s expectations for esports in Australia, stating “the IEM Sydney was an amazing event with a highly engaged audience, a great live atmosphere and a huge global viewership online.

“In time we will see the star players of CS:GO build profiles like the top athletes in other sports. It is a really exciting time for esports in Australia and TEG is delighted to be a part of the developments with ESL Australia.”

The event saw an exciting group stage series featuring eight international CS:GO teams and two winners of the local qualifier, Vici Gaming from China and Chiefs Esports Club from Australia. Some thrilling upsets included a valiant performance by Chiefs in defeating number five team in the world, Denmark’s North. Finally, four teams made their way to the IEM Sydney’s main stage, and the leading Brazilian team SK Gaming took home the lion’s share of USD $200,000 (AUS $260,000), the trophy, and the IEM Sydney champion title.

ESL Australia Managing Director Nick Vanzetti stated “15 years ago I dreamed along with my peers of massive crowds filling an arena to watch esports and this year we made that a reality.

“IEM Sydney is the result of years crafting that vision and supporting the market, while building on opportunities.

“This is a new beginning for esports in Australia. We have set the standard and need to keep raising the bar."

Images: Intel Extreme Masters at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena. Courtesy of Qudos Bank Arena/Facebook.

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