Thunderpick's CS2 IEM Rio 2024 Betting Predictions

October 2024 kicks off with an electrifying event as ESL hosts the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) in Brazil. The IEM Rio 2024 promises intense competition among top-tier Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) esports teams, all vying for a share of the $250,000 prize pool and a coveted spot at IEM Katowice 2025.

In this article, I’ll outline the tournament format, schedule, competing teams, and how you can watch the matches live. Plus, I’ll provide my expert betting predictions on potential podium finishers.

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IEM Rio 2024 Schedule & Format

IEM Rio 2024 is set to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from October 7 to 11. The tournament will unfold in two stages: the Group Stage and the Playoffs Stage.

• Group Stage:
  • Two double-elimination format (GSL-style) groups, each featuring eight teams.
  • Opening matches are BO1, while all other matches are BO3.

  The tournament progression is as follows:

  • Group winners advance to the Semifinals.
  • Runners-up move to the Quarterfinals as High Seeds.
  • Third-place teams enter the Quarterfinals as Low Seeds.
  • All other teams are eliminated.
• Playoffs Stage:

  Takes place at the Farmasi Arena with a single-elimination bracket format, all matches are BO3.

How To Watch IEM Rio 2024

You can visit our CS2 betting section, which serves as your hub for CS2 esports. Alongside betting, you can watch every match live by selecting the “Live” tab and clicking the camera icon next to an IEM Rio 2024 match.

Alternatively, fans can tune in to IEM Rio 2024 via ESLCS Twitch and ESL Counter-Strike YouTube channels.

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Competing Teams in IEM Rio 2024

The level of competition at IEM Rio 2024 is heightened, featuring six ESL Partner Teams and 10 squads that qualified through rankings or regional events. Here’s a look at the teams in their respective groups and opening matchups:

Group A Teams & Matchups:

• NAVI vs. Imperial Esports
• Team Liquid vs. Complexity
• FURIA Esports vs. FaZe Clan
• paiN Gaming vs. MOUZ

Group B Teams & Matchups:

• 9z Team vs. Team Vitality
• Virtus.pro vs. TheMongolZ
• Astralis vs. Eternal Fire
• HEROIC vs. G2 Esports

(Note: Rare Atom is unable to participate due to visa issues, so Imperial Esports from the South American qualifier will compete in their place.)

Thunderpick's Predictions for IEM Rio 2024

With the IEM Rio 2024 starting just after the BLAST Fall Final and following three weeks of ESL Pro League Season 20, player burnout is a concern, creating opportunities for potential upsets. Here are my top four predictions for the tournament:

1. G2 Esports

Ranked #2 globally, G2 Esports heads to Rio with incredible momentum. They have had a stellar year, claiming victory at IEM Dallas, finishing second at the Esports World Cup, and securing 3rd/4th place at EPL Season 20. Their recent triumph at the BLAST Fall Final over NAVI only adds to their confidence.

With the addition of Guatemalan rifler malbsMd, the team’s synergy is stronger than ever. The dynamic duo of moNESY and NiKo is pushing the limits, making G2 a formidable contender. If huNter- and Snax bring their A-game, there’s no stopping them.

G2 Esports roster:

• Nikola “NiKo” Kovač
• Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov
• Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa
• Nemanja “huNter-” Kovač
• Janusz “Snax” Pogorzelski (IGL)
• Wiktor “TaZ” Wojtas (Coach)

2. Team Vitality

Team Vitality, ranked #3, is another powerhouse at IEM Rio 2024, led by the exceptional ZywOo. They lifted the IEM Cologne 2024 trophy on August 18, but that remains their only major win this year. To succeed in Rio, they must overcome their struggles in crucial moments.

Team Vitality roster:

• Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut
• Lotan “Spinx” Giladi
• Shahar “flameZ” Shushan
• William “mezii” Merriman
• Dan “apEX” Madesclaire (IGL)
• Rémy “XTQZZZ” Quoniam (Coach)

3. NAVI

Currently sitting at the top of the rankings, NAVI is the best team in the world. They’ve reached five grand finals and won prestigious titles, including the PGL Major Copenhagen, Esports World Cup, and EPL Season 20. However, their performance depends on how well they recover from recent rigorous schedules, as player fatigue is a real concern.

NAVI roster:

• Valerij “b1t” Vakhovsjkyj
• Justinas “jL” Lekavičius
• Mihai “iM” Ivan
• Ihor “w0nderful” Zhdanov
• Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen (IGL)
• Andrij “B1ad3” Ghorodensjkyj (Coach)

4. Team Liquid

I’m making a bold prediction by placing Team Liquid above FaZe Clan and MOUZ. Under the leadership of Canadian IGL Twistzz, the team has become more efficient in every tournament. Young AWPer Roland “ultimate” Tomkowiak has shown incredible skill, and if he performs well, Team Liquid might upset some higher-ranked teams for a podium finish.

Team Liquid roster:

• Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis
• Keith “NAF” Markovic
• Roland “ultimate” Tomkowiak
• Justin “jks” Savage
• Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken (IGL)
• Torbjørn “mithR” Nyborg (Coach)

Conclusion: Are You Ready for Rio?

The countdown to IEM Rio is almost over, and I’m thrilled to see these 16 teams compete. The lineup is bursting