We are thrilled to announce that the Intel® Extreme Masters World Championship will return to Katowice in 2019 with the most lucrative IEM tournament in its history, as the event has been awarded Major Championship status by Valve Corporation!

The best 24 teams from around the world will compete over three weeks between February 14 and March 3, 2019, for a lion’s share of the US$1,000,000 prize pool, the legendary trophy, and a win counting towards the Intel Grand Slam:

February 14 - 20 : the Challengers Stage will pit 16 teams against each other with competition held at the ESL Arena in Katowice.

: will pit 16 teams against each other with competition held at the ESL Arena in Katowice. February 21 - 24 : the Legends Stage will take place at the International Congress Center (ICC) as the best eight teams of the Challengers Stage and the top eight teams of the previous Major are battling for a spot in the playoffs in front of a live audience, ready to welcome over 1,000 fans.

will take place at the International Congress Center (ICC) as the best eight teams of the Challengers Stage and the top eight teams of the previous Major are battling for a spot in the playoffs in front of a live audience, ready to welcome over 1,000 fans. February 28 - March 3: the Champions Stage will be a four-day playoff taking place inside the legendary Spodek Arena, to crown a new world champion.

IEM Expo, the leading esports-centric tradeshow, will also return to the ICC in 2019. The Expo will once again welcome top industry brands and attendees to immerse themselves in the latest PC gaming technology as well as various esports competitions.

“IEM Katowice has grown to become one of the most iconic esports tournaments in the world,” said Michal Blicharz, Vice President of Pro Gaming at ESL. “I expect that coupling the heritage of IEM with the gravity of a Valve Major Championship will elevate the tournament to what will be the most incredible IEM event in history.”

“Intel Extreme Masters Katowice brings together the top gamers, fans and technology like no other esports competition can and continues to surpass expectations year after year,” said John Bonini, Vice President and General Manager of the VR, Gaming and Esports Group at Intel Corporation. “With the 2019 tournament featuring a Valve Major Championship for CS:GO, we look forward to delivering even more, from the elite competition to the best gaming technology for fans in the arena and those tuning in around the world.”

We cannot wait to host another CS:GO Major in the city of Katowice after EMS One in 2014, and ESL One in 2015. We have no doubt that the teams, the amazing fans, and the crew will deliver an unforgettable IEM World (and a CS:GO Major!) Championship Katowice 2019.