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Everything You Need to Know Ahead of Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2024
- Intel Extreme Masters returns to Katowice as 24 of the world’s best Counter-Strike 2 teams battle it out from January 31 to February 11 for a share of the $1,000,000 prize pool, a spot in IEM Cologne later this year and a step forward in the race to secure Intel Grand Slam V
- During the final three days, the top six teams will compete in front of a live crowd at the iconic Spodek Arena
- Amongst others, local heroes Rebels Gaming and ENCE will attend to fight for the crowns
- StarCraft II also returns to IEM Katowice with 24 of the world’s best players including local hero Piotr ‘Spirit’ Walukiewicz, competing for their share of a $500,000 prize pool live in the MCK Auditorium from February 8 to 11
Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) returns to Katowice, Poland, for the twelfth time from January 31 to February 11, 2024. The Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) tournament, of which the final three days will take place live in the iconic Spodek Arena, will be the first of its scale to take place in Poland as well as the first ESL Pro Tour Championship event of the year.
Furthermore, during the last four days of IEM Katowice 2024, StarCraft II will make its return to the Auditorium of the International Congress Center (MCK). Both competitions will prompt fierce battles between teams and players for a spot in the legendary Hall of Heroes.
Here is all you need to know about IEM Katowice 2024
Counter-Strike 2
IEM Katowice 2024 will see the 24 best Counter-Strike teams compete for a total prize pool of $1,000,000, a win in the race to secure Intel Grand Slam V and a spot at IEM Cologne 2024. Commencing on January 31, contenders from around the globe will face off in Katowice in an attempt to reach the playoffs. There the six best teams will compete live in front of a packed-out audience at the legendary Spodek Arena from February 9 to 11, 2024.
Schedule and Format
Play-In Stage (January 31 to February 2):
- 16 teams will compete in a double-elimination bracket
- Opening matches are best-of-one
- All following matches are best-of-three
- The top eight teams will advance to the group stage where they will join eight directly invited teams
Group Stage (February 3 to 6):
- Two groups of eight teams will compete in separate double-elimination brackets.
- All matches are best-of-three
- The top three teams from each group will advance to the playoffs
- Group stage winners advance to the semifinals
- The group stage runner-ups advance to the quarterfinals as the high seeds
- The group stage third-place teams advance to the quarterfinals as the low seeds
Playoffs (February 9 to 11):
- The top six teams will compete in a single-elimination bracket
- The quarterfinals and semifinals will be best-of-three
- The Grand Final will be a best-of-five
Teams Attending
- Play-In Stage:
- The Mongolz (qualified via ESL World Ranking (WR): AS)
- Cloud9 (qualified via ESL WR: EU)
- HEROIC (qualified via ESL WR: EU)
- Virtus.pro (qualified via ESL WR: EU)
- M80 (qualified via ESL WR: NA)
- Rooster (qualified via ESL WR: OCE)
- FURIA Esports (qualified via ESL WR: SA)
- Apeks (qualified via ESL WR)
- Astralis (qualified via ESL WR)
- BIG (qualified via ESL WR)
- BB (qualified via ESL WR)
- ENCE (qualified via ESL WR)
- Eternal Fire (qualified via ESL WR)
- GamerLegion (qualified via ESL WR)
- Team Spirit (qualified via ESL WR)
- Rebels Gaming (qualified via ESL National Championship PL)
- Group Stage:
- G2 Esports (qualified via IEM Cologne 2023)
- MOUZ (qualified via ESL Pro League Season 18)
- FaZe Clan (qualified via IEM Sydney 2023)
- Complexity (qualified via ESL WR)
- Natus Vincere (qualified via ESL WR)
- Monte (qualified via ESL WR)
- Team Falcons (qualified via ESL WR)
- Team Vitality (qualified via ESL WR)
Prize Money (USD)
| TOTAL | $1,000,000 |
| 1st | $400,000 |
| 2nd | $180,000 |
| 3rd-4th | $80,000 |
| 5th-6th | $40,000 |
| 7th-8th | $24,000 |
| 9th-12th | $16,000 |
| 13th-16th | $10,000 |
| 17th-20th | $4,500 |
| 21st-24th | $2,500 |
Broadcast Talent
- Desk
- Freya ‘Freya’ Spiers
- Tres ‘stunna’ Saranthus
- Mike ‘DarfMike’ Winnick
- Sam ‘TechGirl’ Wright
- Analysts
- Mathieu ‘Maniac’ Quiquerez
- Janko ‘YNk’ Paunovic
- Joshua ‘steel’ Nissan
- Jacob ‘Pimp’ Winneche
- Alex ‘Mauisnake’ Ellenberg
- Lucas ‘Bubzkji’ Andersen
- Arena
- Oliver James Borg ‘OJ Borg’ D’Anastasi
- Michał ‘wasiu’ Wasik
- Eefje ‘Sjokz’ Depoortere
- James ‘BanKs’ Banks
- Casters
- Alex ‘Machine’ Richardson
- Chad ‘SPUNJ’ Burchill
- Adam ‘Dinko’ Hawthorne
- Jason ‘moses’ O’Toole
- Harry ‘JustHarry’ Russell
- Hugo ‘Hugo’ Byron
- Conner ‘Scrawny’ Girvan
- Mohan ‘launders’ Govindasamy
Where to Watch
The live broadcast will be available on the ESL Counter-Strike Twitch and YouTube channels for fans around the world to watch. For those unable to tune in live, all matches will also be available to watch on-demand for free via YouTube.
For more information about the IEM Katowice 2024 Counter-Strike competition and the latest updates on the event, please visit the official website and follow ESL Counter-Strike on X, Facebook and Instagram.
StarCraft II
The last four days of IEM Katowice 2024 will see a standalone StarCraft II tournament take place where 24 of the world’s best players will be competing for a $500,000 prize pool in front of a live crowd. Held at the Auditorium of the International Congress Center (MCK) just next to the Spodek Arena in Katowice, the tournament will run from February 8 to 11.
Schedule and Format
Group Stage (February 8 to 10):
- Four groups of six players will compete in ’round robin’ formats
- All matches are best-of-three
- The top three players from each group will advance to the playoffs
- The winner of each group will advance to the playoffs quarterfinals
- The second and third placed players of each group will advance to the playoffs round of twelve
Playoffs (February 10 to 11):
- Twelve players will compete in a single-elimination bracket
- The round of twelve, quarterfinals and semifinals will be best-of-five
- The Grand Final will be best-of-seven
Players Attending
Prize Money (USD)
| TOTAL | $500,000 |
| 1st | $150,000 |
| 2nd | $70,000 |
| 3rd-4th | $40,000 |
| 5th-8th | $20,000 |
| 9th-12th | $10,000 |
| 13th-16th | $5,500 |
| 17th-20th | $4,000 |
| 21st-24th | $3,000 |
| Group Stage Extra* | $30,000 |
*$500 per win in the group stage
Broadcast Talent
- Desk
- James ‘Kaelaris’ Carro
- Stage Host
- Rachel ‘Seltzer’ Quirico
- Casters and Analysts Stream A
- Benjamin ‘DeMu’ Baker
- Jared ‘PiG’ Krensel
- Jessica ‘ZombieGrub’ Chernega
- Jonathon ‘Wardi’ Ward
- Kevin ‘RotterdaM’ van der Kooi
- Simon ‘Lowko’ Heijnen
- Casters and Analysts Stream B
- Dave ‘Steadfast’ Loose
- Philip ‘BeoMulf’ Mulford
- Casters and Analysts Stream C
- Julian ‘Lambo’ Brosig
- Kevin ‘Harstem’ Koning
Where to Watch
The live broadcast will be available on the ESL StarCraft II Twitch channel and ESL YouTube channel for fans around the world to watch. For those unable to tune in live, all matches will also be available to watch on-demand for free via YouTube.
For more information about the IEM Katowice 2024 StarCraft II competition and the latest updates on the event, please visit the official website and follow ESL StarCraft II on X and Facebook.
IEM Expo
Held in conjunction with IEM Katowice 2024, the IEM Expo takes place on February 9 to 11 and is free to enter. Fans attending the event in person will have the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of on-site activities including trying out the latest gaming technology and participating in sponsor activations for a chance to win prizes. There will also be limited space for attendees to join the audiences for the Counter-Strike 2 and StarCraft II live tournaments on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Stay tuned as additional details and activities will be revealed.
Assets for IEM Katowice 2024 can be found in the press kit, which is available here.
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Spin2Win de GoldenRace regresa más fuerte
Reading Time: 2 minutes
GoldenRace, proveedor líder de premiados deportes virtuales y soluciones apuestas, ha presentado la última versión de su emblemático juego de números, Spin2Win & Spin2Win Royale. Reconocido por su sencillez, dinamismo y altas recompensas, este título se ha convertido en una pieza clave del portfolio de la compañía y en una herramienta de participación comprobada para operadores de todo el mundo.
Los juegos de números siguen siendo una de las verticales más sólidas dentro del mercado internacional de apuestas. Cifras de H2 Gambling Capital confirman que los productos de casino representaron en Europa 21.500 y 8.500 millones en ingresos brutos de juego (GGR) para los mercados online y retail respectivamente, en 2024. Sus reglas claras, ciclos cortos y premios frecuentes los convierten en los favoritos de los jugadores y en una fuente estable de ingresos para los operadores.
En GoldenRace, nos esforzamos constantemente por mejorar nuestros productos, haciéndolos más atractivos y accesibles con cada lanzamiento. Y esta filosofía se aplica a toda nuestra cartera. Big5, una innovadora versión del fútbol virtual, y RaceDay, que reúne todos los tipos de carreras en un solo producto, son solo dos ejemplos recientes. Esta versión de Spin2Win continúa por el mismo camino.
Entre sus mejoras destacan una interfaz de usuario totalmente optimizada y una ruleta renovada e impactante que eleva la emoción de cada giro. El juego también incorpora estadísticas más claras, la opción de juego automático en el modo instantáneo y la función multiplicador en el modo programado, herramientas diseñadas para agilizar la toma de decisiones, aumentar la
participación y alargar las sesiones de juego.
Spin2Win mantiene además su variedad con cuatro formatos distintos: Clásico, Royale, Americano y Americano Royale. Las versiones Royale incluyen una ruleta de sectores que amplía las opciones de apuesta, mientras que las versiones Americanas destacan el doble cero verde con cuotas totalmente transparentes. Los operadores se benefician de una configuración flexible, múltiples formatos de cuotas y validaciones automáticas que garantizan un juego justo y estable.
Con este relanzamiento, GoldenRace reafirma su liderazgo en el vertical de los juegos de números e invita a operadores y jugadores a descubrir una nueva era de giros.
The post Spin2Win de GoldenRace regresa más fuerte appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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GoldenRace’s Spin2Win returns stronger
Reading Time: 2 minutes
GoldenRace, the leading provider of award-winning Virtual Sports and betting solutions, has unveiled the latest version of its emblematic number game, Spin2Win&Spin2Win Royale. Recognised for its simplicity, fast gameplay and high rewards, the title has become a cornerstone of the company’s portfolio and a proven engagement tool for operators worldwide.
Number games continue to be one of the most reliable verticals in the global betting market. Figures from H2 Gambling Capital confirm that casino-style products represented 21.5 and 8.5 billion in GGR for online and land-based markets, respectively, in 2024. Their clear rules, short cycles and frequent payouts make them a favourite among players and a steady source of revenue for operators.
At GoldenRace, we constantly push to improve our products, making them more engaging and accessible with every release. And this philosophy runs across our entire portfolio. Big5, a groundbreaking take on Virtual Football and RaceDay, which unites all race types in a single product, are just two recent examples. This version of Spin2Win continues this path.
Among the improvements are a fully optimised user interface and a renewed, visually striking wheel that boosts the excitement of every spin and clearer statistics. The game also incorporates an Autoplay option in instant mode and a Multiplier feature in scheduled mode – tools designed to enhance decision-making, increase engagement and extend player sessions online.
Spin2Win also maintains its variety with four distinct versions: Classic, Royale, American and American Royale. Royale formats introduce an additional sectors wheel that expands betting options, while the American variants highlight the double green with fully transparent odds. Operators benefit from flexible configuration, multiple odds formats and automated validations that ensure seamless and fair gameplay.
With this relaunch, GoldenRace confirms its leadership in the number games vertical and invites operators and players to discover a new era of spinning.
The post GoldenRace’s Spin2Win returns stronger appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Expanse Studios Secures Romanian Class 2 B2B Gaming License
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Expanse Studios, a B2B iGaming content provider and subsidiary of Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI), has been granted a Class 2 license by Romania’s National Gambling Office (ONJN), authorizing the company to distribute specialized gaming software across one of Europe’s fastest-growing regulated markets.
The license, granted under Decision No. 273, enables Expanse Studios to provide its portfolio of proprietary slot games, crash games, and casino content to licensed Romanian operators. This approval positions the company to serve a market that generated approximately €600 million in gross gaming revenue in 2024 and maintains one of Europe’s highest channelization rates at over 90%.
Strategic Entry into High-Growth Regulated Market
Romania represents one of Eastern Europe’s most dynamic iGaming jurisdictions, with internet penetration reaching 88% of its 19 million population and a regulatory framework that has attracted over 50 licensed operators. The market has demonstrated consistent growth, with total industry turnover exceeding €2 billion in 2023, reflecting a 15% year-over-year increase.
The Class 2 B2B license allows Expanse Studios to distribute content to Romania’s licensed B2C operators without establishing a Romanian entity or paying Romanian corporate taxes, while providing access to a market where mobile gaming dominates and player engagement continues to accelerate.
Romania’s stringent licensing requirements under Government Emergency Ordinance 77/2009 make ONJN approval a significant credential for B2B providers. The regulatory framework emphasizes technical compliance, player protection, and operational transparency—requirements that align with Expanse Studios’ existing European operations across 1,300+ casino brands.
“Securing ONJN approval validates our technical capabilities and regulatory compliance standards in one of Europe’s most demanding jurisdictions,” said Damjan Stamenkovic, CEO of Expanse Studios. “Romania offers substantial distribution opportunities through licensed operators serving a tech-savvy player base with strong engagement metrics. This license strengthens our European B2B footprint and demonstrates our ability to meet the compliance requirements of mature regulated markets.”
Expanding B2B Distribution Infrastructure
The Romanian license complements Expanse Studios’ recent European partnerships, reflecting accelerating demand for the company’s content across regulated jurisdictions. With 56 proprietary titles including Super Heli, Titan Roulette, and Wild Icy Fruits, Expanse continues scaling its high-margin B2B operations across Europe, Latin America, and North America.
Romania’s market characteristics—including preference for mobile platforms, strong affinity for slot content, and established payment infrastructure—align well with Expanse Studios’ content portfolio and distribution model. The company’s games will be available to Romanian operators seeking certified, compliant content for their licensed platforms.
This license approval reinforces Golden Matrix Group’s broader strategy of expanding regulated B2B operations in jurisdictions with transparent licensing frameworks and sustainable growth trajectories.
The post Expanse Studios Secures Romanian Class 2 B2B Gaming License appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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