Preview IEM Rio Major 2022

First round

To determine the starting pairs, a standard seeding system was used, which divided the teams into two baskets, depending on their performance at RMR tournaments. The teams from the first pot (Challengers) got into the teams from the second pot (Contenders). At the same time, the system is adjusted in such a way that the best team from Challengers will play with the worst team from Contenders. A similar system is presented in the distribution of participants in the second stage: the first basket (Legends) and the second basket (Challengers).

Second round

For the second round, the teams will be divided into two groups: winners and losers. In this case, the teams will play each other in each group. For example, if a team from the Contenders pot ends up in the winning group, it will still receive the worst seed relative to the Challengers pot.

Third round

From the third round, the so-called Buchholz system will be used. In this case, the teams will be divided into three groups: 2:0, 1:1, 0:2. In short, this system involves awarding points to teams based on the performance of their opponents. For example, a team whose opponents finish the game day with a score of "1-1" will receive 0 Buchholz points. As a result, this team will have the right to choose their opponent in the third round.

The first BO3 matches will also begin in the third round, following which two teams will advance to the respective next stages (Legends or Champions), and two more will leave IEM Rio Major 2022.

Fourth round

In the fourth round the teams will be divided into two groups: 2:1, 1:2. At this stage of the championship, all matches will be played in the BO3 format, as they are of decisive importance in the tournament prospects. Following the results of the fourth round, three more teams will advance to the next stage, as well as three teams will leave the competition.

Fifth round

In the last round, each team will be assigned an opponent they haven't played yet, based on the Buchholz algorithm. All meetings will be held in the BO3 format, which will determine the last three "lucky ones".

Championship participants and their baskets

Challengers (October 31 - November 3)

Contenders (October 31 - November 3)

FaZe Clan

Natus Vincere

OG

Team Vitality

Gamer Legion

00NATION

Ninjas in pajamas

ENCE

Evil Geniuses

Bad News Eagles

FURIA

Outsiders

Sprout

Team Spirit

Cloud9

MOUZ

IHC Esports

fnatic

heroic

Team Liquid

BIG

9z Team

Imperial Esports

grayhound

What else interesting can you find out about IEM Rio Major 2022?

• ESL provided teams with safety tips during the tournament
  
• According to the rules of the organization of the event, teams that have two or more players sick will be disqualified from the championship
  
• BBC Studios will shoot a documentary about IEM Rio Major 2022
  
• ESL introduced the composition of the English-language analytics studio that will work at the tournament
• The organizers will hold a show match with the teams of Brazil and Sweden