IEM Sydney kicks off next week and unfortunately, two teams have to withdraw from the competition due to VISA issues. Both Natus Vincere and Space Soldiers applied weeks ago however, not all players were granted Australian VISAs, forcing them to leave the tournament and be replaced by other teams.

Replacing the two European teams will be G2 Esports and local to Australia Legacy Esports. There will be no changes in the bracket: G2 will directly replace Na’Vi, while Legacy will take Space Soldiers’ spot.

“We have just confirmed that both Natus Vincere and Space Soldiers will drop from IEM Sydney 2018 due to VISA complications. We know that both teams were looking forward to travelling to Australia to compete and meet their international fan base" said Shaun Clark, Product Manager Intel® Extreme Masters.

"In both cases, not all of their teams roster were granted visas and with the long travel time to Australia and the event set to begin on Tuesday, we had to make the call in order to protect the tournament and still find suitable replacements. With this decision we are incredibly thankful to G2 Esports & Legacy Esports to join as replacements on such short notice."

G2 Esports are still finding their footing with their newest addition, mixwell, who took shox’s place in the team. It will be interesting to see whether they will manage to rise to the top in Sydney.

Legacy Esports finished 4th in the Oceania qualifier, just one place short of making it into the tournament. The Australian CS:GO scene has an even bigger chance now to shine to and make their home crowd proud.

See you in Sydney

Tickets are available !

Be sure to join us for Australia’s biggest esports event! IEM Sydney will take place on May 4-6 in the QUDOS Bank Arena, and will feature 16 teams from around the world competing for the coveted trophy, a US$250,000 prize pool, and a win counting towards the Intel Grand Slam.