TEG has confirmed that the Australian debut of IEM esports was an unqualified success with a 15,000 live audience and 8 million unique viewers online.
Promoted by TEG Live, IEM Sydney was played on 6-7 May when the world’s best teams in Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) took to the stage at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park.
As the longest-running global pro gaming circuit in the world, IEM celebrated the start of its 12th season with the first-ever event in Australia. Over 7,000 fans on each of the event days filled the stadium.
TEG CEO Geoff Jones said the event had surpassed TEG’s expectations for esports in Australia.
“The IEM Sydney was an amazing event with a highly engaged audience, a great live atmosphere and a huge global viewership online,” said Jones.
“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.”
At IEM Sydney an exciting group stage series featured 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.
“Fifteen 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,” said Nick Vanzetti, Managing Director at ESL Australia.
“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.”
About TEG
TEG is Australasia’s leading Ticketing, Live Entertainment and Data Analytics Company. TEG includes Ticketek, TEG Live, TEG Dainty, TEG Analytics, TEG Rewards, Softix, Qudos Bank Arena, Eventopia, Life Like Touring, The Entertainment Store, the Brickman Lego Exhibition, TicketCharge in Malaysia and International Ticketing.
TEG website: tegwebsite.wpengine.com