What are the Intel Extreme Masters?

The Intel Extreme Masters by ESL is an eSports tournament sponsored by Intel. The world's best players in the two games Warcraft 3 and Counter-Strike 1.6 meet both online and offline to determine the best team and best player. $285,000 in prize money are up for grabs. At the end of the 6 month season, 20 participants will convene at a large offline event in Germany to crown the season champions.

What is eSports?

It is an acronym for electronic sports. This refers to the competitive aspects of computer game tournaments. Players train hours after hours to become the best in their game. The Intel Extreme Masters by Electronic Sports League are the playground for the masters of the game. Star players have thousands of fans all over the world who support their team and follow every match they play.

How Can I Take Part?

There are 4 ways to participate depending on where you live.

• European countries with ESL Pro Series
  
  First you need to qualify for your country's ESL Pro Series. You can do that via the ESL Amateur Series. Check out your country's ESL Division. Based on the Extreme Masters country ranking, a certain number of teams and players gets slots for the Intel Extreme Masters Main Round or the International Qualifier.
  
  
• European countries with National Qualifiers
  
  All nations ranking high in the Intel Extreme Masters country ranking get a national qualifier, if they do not have an ESL Pro Series. This also applies if the country only has an ESL Pro Series in either Warcraft 3 or Counter-Strike. The best players and teams in the national qualfier move on to the Intel Extreme Masters International Qualifier or Main Round.
  
  
• European countries without National Qualifiers or ESL Pro Series
  
  Due to the large amount of European countries there is only a limited number of National Qualifiers. To balance this issue, ESL offers an international pre-qualifier in both games. Only participants from countries without National Qualifier or ESL Pro Series are allowed! Teams and players can win a spot for the Intel Extreme Masters International Qualifier.
  
  
• Outside Europe
  
  If you live outside of Europe, you still have a shot at the Intel Extreme Master finals. True to the spirit of The Global Competition, ESL offers open tournaments, where everyone can participate and win a slot for the finals. This season's Global Challenge tournament takes place in Los Angeles, USA.

What Else is Happening at ESL?

Electronic Sports League offers leagues for all kinds of games. From games that you can download for free to full price PC games you will find a league for everything you ever wanted. Compete for points, become leader of the ranking and earn virtual medals. You can start up teams with fellow gamers and join the team leagues. Lots of cups, ladders and premierships will guarantee plenty of fun for everyone.

Intel Extreme Masters on Television

Most of the top matches of the Intel Extreme Masters as well as all Intel Friday Night Games and the Global Challenge events will be broadcast live by ESL TV. You will find full coverage at ESL TV. See the best matches live on the 400 KBit free stream or book ESL TV and enjoy the 700 Kbit and 1 Mbit High-Quality streams.

How Else Can I Watch the Games?

Of course, you can watch the games of the Intel Extreme Masters in the way you are used to: Counter-Strike via HLTV and Warcraft 3 via Waaagh-TV and GGTV.

Further Questions?

You are a competitor and have a question about rules or application? Send us a support ticket and we will answer as quickly as possible. If you are a fan and want to discuss all things Intel Extreme Masters or ask a question, check out the Intel Extreme Masters Forums.