Counter-Strike: Global Offensive teams gear up for Paris Games Week
The Paris Games Week video trade fair is just around the corner, and teams from all over the world are preparing to compete in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. A total of thirty-two teams will battle it out for a share of the $75,000 prize pool and the chance to claim ultimate bragging rights.
Qualification process for teams
Teams can earn their spot in the competition through either wildcard invites or by participating in qualifying events. These qualifying events will be held at the national and regional levels. The first qualifiers are scheduled to take place in South Africa, Bulgaria, France, Iran, and Portugal.
Regional qualifiers hosted by CEVO
CEVO will be hosting the first regional qualifier event. Here is a list of authorized countries eligible to compete:
Western European: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Malta, San Marino, Andorra, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Italy
Eastern Europe and Southern: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Kosovo, Northern Cyprus, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Turkey
Scandinavia: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Island, Faroe Islands
Teams competing in regional qualifiers must have at least three players from their respective region or country. For example, a team cannot have three players from North America and two players from Sweden and then qualify through the Scandinavian qualifier.
Wildcard invites
Teams also have the opportunity to secure a spot through wildcard invites. To apply for a wildcard invite, teams can use this link: Wild Card Invite Registration.
Notable teams
The first team to qualify from the South American region is Bravado Gaming. Meanwhile, Natus Vincere, the titleholders from 2015, are determined to defend their title this year.
Who do you think will come out on top this year? Will Natus Vincere maintain their dominance or will a wildcard team cause an upset? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. For more updates on ESWC, make sure to follow us on Twitter at @GAMURScom.