ESL chooses Gravity Media for the global production of the Intel Extreme Masters Sydney 2023

Intel Extreme Masters returned to Sydney’s ICC Sydney venue in Darling Harbour for the fourth time in history this October

ESL chose Gravity Media to aid the global production of the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Sydney 2023 esports event.

IEM is the longest-running global professional esports tournament circuit in the world. Started in 2006 by Intel and ESL, an ESL Faceit Group brand, the competition features the world’s best gamers in Counter-Strike and other esport titles. Approaching two decades of history and many record breaking events in terms of viewership and stadium attendance, IEM is widely considered one of the most prestigious and traditional esports tournaments in the world.

This year, IEM returned to Sydney’s ICC Sydney venue in Darling Harbour for the fourth time in history and for the first time since 2019. Commencing on 16 October, 2023, 16 top Counter-Strike teams faced off for the lion’s share of the $250,000 total prize pool and one of six spots in the Playoffs which took place live at the Aware Super Theatre at ICC Sydney. Eventually it was FaZe Clan who secured the coveted title and became the first ever Champions of Tier 1 Counter-Strike 2, the new game iteration of the widely popular Counter-Strike franchise.

For more than two decades, ESL has been shaping the industry and leading esports and gaming innovation globally across various game titles. By offering a comprehensive ecosystem with opportunities for players to go from zero to hero and for fans to witness the best stories esports has to offer, ESL creates a world where everybody can be somebody.

The Gravity Media team from France joined forces with the team in Australia to deliver the IEM esports tournament held at the ICC in Sydney

The Gravity Media team from France joined forces with the team in Australia to deliver the esports tournament held at the ICC in Sydney. On site, the team deployed outside broadcast trucks HD 7 and RoVa to capture the all-important action.

Solène Zavagno, Gravity Media’s general manager in France, commented: “We are delighted to continue working with ESL on their prestigious events across the globe. The Intel Extreme Masters tournament provided us with another outstanding opportunity, on-site delivering yet another exciting esports tournament in collaboration with the team in Australia. We look forward to continue supporting ESL Faceit Group with their international esports endeavours.”

Ben Madgwick, director, media services and facilities at Gravity Media Australia, added: “Gravity Media Australia is delighted to have worked with our colleagues at Gravity Media France to bring ESL and Intel Extreme Masters Sydney to a global audience. We are thrilled to have played a key role in Gravity Media France’s delivery of a state-of-the-art esports event production in Sydney that meets ESL Faceit Group’s complex and flexible requirements worldwide.”