Oceanic Qualifiers builds pathway for Aussie teams
For the first time ever, an Australian championship series will channel into a global Intel Extreme Masters competition. Local teams will compete for a spot at IEM Sydney 2019 and two squads will emerge to earn a spot on the international stage. One will come from the Oceanic Qualifiers this weekend, and one from the IEM Sydney Derby. Both events are part of the ESL AU & NZ Championships
The IEM Sydney Derby is a chance for Aussies to prove their worth. The Derby is to be held 18 April, just two weeks before IEM Sydney. Once we have both our Australian teams, they’ll join the pool of 16 teams. It’s the best of the best, including Team Liquid, Ninjas, Renegades, and FaZe Clan.
From the locals, crowd favorites Grayhound Gaming are looking to secure a spot through the Oceanic Qualifiers. After an impressive performance at last year’s IEM Sydney, Greyhound want to show everyone they can compete with the best. Greyhound player Oliver “DickStacy” Tierney, said it’s great to have a game on home turf where they don’t have to be worried about jet-lag:
IEM Sydney is a one of a kind event for Australia, we’re looking forward to versing the big boys again on home soil.
But it’s not all about Greyhound. Other local teams ORDER and Chiefs want to make their mark too. ORDER player, Chris “emagine” Rowland, says the team has been working hard to show everyone just how strong they are:
We’ve been working hard to ensure that we perform to our standards for IEM, after some close losses at the event last year. The Oceanic region is the strongest I’ve seen it – I’m certainly optimistic about seeing some deeper runs from us this year.
ESL AU & NZ Championships
The Oceanic Qualifiers and IEM Sydney Derby will be lived streamed. You can check it out on the ESL CS:GO Twitch channel. And don’t forget about getting tickets for IEM Sydney. They are selling fast. Tickets will also give you the chance to watch “The Caches” once again.
Published: Apr 9, 2019 04:30 am