A Closer Look at IEM Chengdu 2024: China’s First CS2 Event

IEM Chengdu 2024, held from April 8–14, marked a significant return for the ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) to the Chinese esports market after a five-year hiatus. The event, hosted in collaboration with the Chinese tournament organizer VSPO at the Chengdu Financial City Art Centre, served as a major showcase for Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). While it was the first major CS2 event in China for 2024, the tournament highlighted the professionalization of the regional esports landscape, drawing over 8,000 attendees and crowning FaZe Clan as the champion, which secured them a $100,000 prize and a qualification spot for IEM Cologne 2024.

The event underscored the evolution of the industry since the original IEM Chengdu in 2009, transitioning from small-scale gatherings to large-scale arena productions. Beyond the competition, the tournament functioned as a hub for industry networking, attracting executives from major publishers and organizations such as Tencent, NetEase, and All Gamers. This open-access environment for third-party organizers represents a notable shift in a market traditionally dominated by publisher-operated events.

Commercial activity was a central component of the event, with EFG securing ten brand partners, including Intel, DHL, Monster Energy, and Predator. These sponsors utilized the venue for extensive fan engagement, featuring interactive booths, hardware demonstrations, and merchandise sales. Intel, in particular, reinforced its role as a critical infrastructure provider by supplying over 400 high-end PCs for the tournament. The success of the event signals a renewed commitment to the Chinese market by global organizers, leveraging both established partnerships and the growing professionalization of local esports ecosystems.