Intel and ESL, the world’s largest esports company, will bring the 77th global Intel® Extreme Masters (IEM) to Beijing to celebrate its 10th-year anniversary in China on November 7-10, 2019. The longest running global pro-gaming circuit will host eight world class teams at Beijing University Students’ Gymnasium of Capital University of Physical Education and Sports to compete for the total prize pool of US$250,000 and a victory towards the Intel® Grand Slam. The competition marks the first time that IEM is hosted in a standalone location in China, establishing IEM as a next-level tournament in China.

In partnership with the city of Beijing-Haidian, IEM Beijing-Haidian brings esports action to Asia with five invited teams and three teams that secured their spots through a series of online qualifiers. The eight participating teams will battle in a double elimination group stage in progress to the playoffs. The final four teams will compete in single elimination, best-of-three matches on the prestigious main stage. The remaining two teams will play in a best-of-five Grand Final on Sunday November 10th. The winning team will claim US$250,000, the prestigious IEM trophy and a point towards the Intel Grand Slam. The next Intel Grand Slam champion will bring home the renowned gold bars and US$1,000,000.

“Over years of hosting IEM in China, we have seen the Chinese esports community grow to be one of the most dedicated in the world,” said Michal Blicharz, Vice President of Pro Gaming at ESL.

“We are honored to crown our journey in China through creating such a historic milestone by bringing our prestigious IEM tournament for a remarkable anniversary to China’s capital Beijing. To celebrate this huge accomplishment, we are excited to fill renowned venues and stadiums around the world instead of trade fairs, and we are proud to bring our tournament to some of the most coveted fans. This is just the kick-off for many more great esports moments throughout Asia and especially China.”

The Publicity Minister of Haidian District Standing Committee Zhang Jinlin is looking forward to welcoming the esports community the District of Haidian:

“Gaming is an important carrier for the integration of culture and technology and an important platform for increasing the influence of the Chinese culture. Haidian is a banner of China’s innovation and development. With the increasing number of college students and young entrepreneurs, strong industrial foundation and superior business market, Haidian is one of the best districts for the development of the esports industry as well as hosting of esports events. With IEM leading the charge, I believe that the esports industry in Haidian will reach a new level.”

Out of the eight teams participating in IEM Beijing-Haidian, world class players and Intel® Grand Slam title holders from Astralis and Team Liquid are already confirmed for the showdown in China’s capital. The 77th IEM overall will contribute to the total awarded prize pool of more than US$11.5 million, and will offer more highlights for the community on-site. In addition to the tournament, all attendees will have the opportunity to meet their idols at signing sessions, as well as on-site activations and partner showcasing the latest developments in technological gaming hardware to get fans involved.

“Intel Extreme Masters continues to be one of the most anticipated esports events in China, and as its influence has continued to grow globally, this is the perfect time to create the first standalone IEM event. IEM Beijing will be a demonstration of China’s central role in the growth of esports. We look forward to sharing Intel’s full gaming ecosystem of products, including the leading 9th Gen Intel® Core™ processors that many of the top pro gamers, teams and esports leagues choose when they game, compete and connect with the community,” said John Bonini, Vice President and General Manager, Desktop, Workstations and Gaming at Intel.

Tickets for IEM Beijing-Haidian are available from late September on, available on Chinese ticketing platform Damai and range in price between ¥189.00 for a regular day ticket and ¥599.00 for the premium access for the whole weekend.