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Debut IEM event in Oz “an unqualified success”

The first esports event by Australian concert promoter TEG Live was viewed by 8m people worldwide and a live audience of 15,000 in the Qudos Bank Arena

By Jon Chapple on 22 May 2017

IEM Sydney 2017, ESL Australia, SK Gaming, TEG Live

IEM Sydney winners SK Gaming


image © ESL

The inaugural Australian edition of esports competition Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) was viewed by eight million people worldwide, event co-promoter TEG Live has revealed.

Electronic Sports League (ESL), the company behind IEM, signed a strategic partnership with Ticketek parent TEG in March, promising to launch “a new era in esports in Australia”. ESL, the world’s leading esports promoter, also has similar agreements with music-industry giants AEG and Vivendi.

IEM Sydney, which saw eight teams do battle on Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, took place at the TEG-owned, AEG-operated Qudos Bank Arena (21,000-cap.) on 6–7 May, attracting a live audience of 15,000 and 8m unique viewers online. Brazilian organisation SK Gaming were the victors, taking home the lion’s share of the US$200,000 prize money.

“IEM Sydney was an amazing event with a highly engaged audience, a great live atmosphere and a huge global viewership online,” comments TEG CEO Geoff Jones.

“”In time we will see the star players of Counter-Strike build profiles like the top athletes in other sports”

“In time we will see the star players of CS:GO build profiles like the top athletes in other sports. It is a really exciting time for esports in Australia and TEG is delighted to be a part of the developments with ESL Australia.”

ESL Australian MD Nick Vanzetti adds: “Fifteen years ago I dreamed along with my peers of massive crowds filling an arena to watch esports and this year we made that a reality. […]

“This is a new beginning for esports in Australia. We have set the standard and need to keep raising the bar.”

Global esports revenues are expected to reach US$1.1 billion by 2019.

 


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