Tickets have gone live for the ESL IEM Sydney’s second Counter-Strike Global-Offensive event. Last year Australia got its first Intel Extreme Masters tournament. The best teams in the world competing on a stage on our shores for the AU$250,000 prize pool. We watched our home team Chiefs make a huge splash despite not making it to the playoffs and saw SK Gaming take home the win. Bringing the event to Australia was a risk, ESL did not know if it would be a success. The time zone was difficult for the rest of the world to watch and the fan base was not expected to be large. However, it seems we have shown them how good Australian audiences can be, so they’re back. This time teams will compete for AU$310,000 which is the largest prize pool Australia has seen. We can look forward to more Shoeys this time around if the tradition still holds strong.
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Australians do Shoeys at IEM Sydney
Tickets
Like last years event, there are tiers of tickets available. The cheapest option being the single day ticket starting at just AU$39. At the other end of the spectrum we have the Global Elite tickets that offer premium seating and other exclusives. All tickets give access to the Qudos Bank Arena and fan experiences as well as the open signing sessions. The signing sessions will depend on the tournament results and standings as to which teams will be available. Sessions will run for 45 minutes and are limited to 200 people. Last year fans got to meet and get signatures from the Australian Renegades and the Champions SK Gaming in the open sessions.
General Admission
One day
Friday – $39
Saturday – $59
Sunday – $89
Single day ticket gives access to Qudos Bank Arena on the purchased day. Saturday plays the Semi Final matches and Sunday the Grand Final therefore being more popular. Access to the open signing sessions with the selected players and talent for that day. Additional fan activities are available in the arena for all ticket holders.
Three day
Weekend – $139
Weekend PLUS – $199
Three day weekend tickets give access to Qudos Bank Arena on all three days of the event. Open signing sessions and fan experiences are the same as single ticket holders but are available over all three days. Weekend PLUS tickets add a Goodie Bag to take home as well as early access into the arena.
Premium
One day
Friday – $59
Saturday – $89
Sunday – $129
Like the General Admissions tickets, Single day tickets give access to the arena on the day purchased. Premium tickets give access to both open and premium signings on that day. A dedicated seating area on the Club Level of the arena is available to premium ticket holders. Premium tickets also allow early access into the arena before the rest of the crowds to secure those good seats.
Three day
Weekend – $239
The Premium three day ticket gives access to everything above for the Single day ticket but for the entire weekend. Early access to the Arena as well as Club Level seating area. The Premium Weekend ticket also adds the Premium Goodie Bag that contains more items that the Weekend PLUS bag.
Global Elite
Two day package – $959
Three day package – $1,199
Global Elite ticket holders will enjoy premium seating right next to the stage for either two or three days. Packages will include access to everything above as well as a back-stage tour. Food and drinks packages are also provided that gives access to 6 hours of alcoholic beverages and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks. Afternoon tea and a dinner buffet is available for these ticket holders to enjoy on each day of their package.
The 16 teams in attendance are yet to be revealed but will be announced in the coming months. Top teams from the tournaments and majors leading up to the event will be favourites to compete. Watch the official trailer below and buy your tickets here. Get keen for May the 4th and we will see you there.
Originally written by Sarah Thomas.