Intel Extreme Masters on Twitter have determined the final invites for the group stage of IEM Katowice 2022, Virtus.pro and Team Vitality after the latter’s triumph at the IEM Winter 2022 followed by a 3-4th place finish by the former.
The road to IEM Katowice 2022 now has a much clearer image following the conclusion of the IEM Winter 2021 with the final two teams receiving an invite each based on their updated ESL Pro tour points from the said event.
Team Vitality indeed took the community by storm after white-washing the Ninjas In Pyjamas 3-0 in the Best of 5 grand finale at IEM Winter although it was the last dance tournament for a few members in the french camp.
Amid multiple reports suggesting Vitality to shuffle their current roster, the Dan “apEX” Madesclaire led side are poised to attend the IEM Katowice with a couple of new faces including a new coach along from the ex-Astralis trio.
As earlier reported by TalkEsport and 1pv.fr, G2 Esports may also show up with a fresh talent from Natus Vince Academy, Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov who has reportedly signed up with the French-Balkan team.
With the Group Stage locked, the only remains is the play-in stage which currently offers eight open spots towards the main event.
The format of the event looks like :
Play-In
- 16 Team Double Elimination
- Opening Matches Bo1
- All other Matches Bo3
- 8 Teams advanced to the main event
Group Stage
- 2 x 8 Team Double Elimination
- Top 3 of each group to Playoffs
- All Matches Bo3
PlayOffs
- 2 Teams directly to Semifinals
- 4 Teams to Quarterfinals
- All Matches Bo3
- Grand Final Bo5
Data by: pro.eslgaming.com
Further, we would like to list down below the teams who have been locked in for the Group Stage and play-in.
Main Event Group Stage :
- Natus Vincere
- G2 Esports
- Heroic
- FURIA
- Team Vitality
- Gambit
- Virtus.pro
- Team Liquid
Play-in stage :
- Ninjas In Pyjamas
- Astralis
- Renegades
- Wisla Krakow
- FaZe
- Tyloo
- GODSENT
- MIBR
