Countdown to IEM Oakland

Riot·11/14/2016, 9:16:03 PM·1 votes·29,635 views

Who is ready to watch some competitive action this offseason?

The Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Season 11 will touch down in Oakland, CA featuring a League of Legends tournament with six international teams starting on Saturday, November 19. If this is your first IEM or need to catch up on the changes coming to IEM Oakland this weekend, read on:

What is IEM Oakland?

On their 11th season, Intel Extreme Masters is the longest running global pro gaming tour in the world. IEM Oakland will feature six teams facing off in an international League of Legends tournament on November 19-20 live in front of an audience at the Oracle Arena.

Why does it matter?

Teams at IEM Oakland are competitive for a prize pool of $100,000 USD. Here’s the breakdown of prize money distribution:

  • 1st place: $50,000
  • 2nd place: $20,000
  • 3rd-4th place: $10,000
  • 5th-6th place: $5,000

The IEM Oakland champions will also qualify for the crowning event at IEM Katowice at Spodek Arena in March 2017.

What teams are participating?

  • Flash Wolves (LMS)
  • Unicorns of Love (EU LCS)
  • INTZ (CBLoL)
  • Chiefs (OPL)
  • TSM (NA LCS)
  • Longzhu Gaming (LCK)

What’s the format of IEM Oakland?

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IEM Oakland will be a single elimination bracket starting with a Quarterfinal Stage consisting of four teams in Best of 3 matches. The two winners will proceed to face the Semifinalists who have been seeded based on Worlds 2016 results and regional record. The winners of the Best of 3 Semifinals will face off in a Best of 5 Grand Final.

What’s the schedule?

Note: All dates and times are in Oakland local time or Pacific Time (PT). Match times listed below are estimates pending previous game length.

Saturday, November 19 - Playoffs:

  • 10:00 AM - Broadcast begins
  • 10:45 AM - Quarterfinal 1
  • 2:25 PM - Showmatch
  • 3:45 PM - Quarterfinal 2

Sunday, November 20 - Playoffs:

  • 9:30 AM - Broadcast begins
  • 10:00 AM  - Semifinal 1
  • 1:30 PM - Semifinal 2
  • 5:00 PM - Grand Finals (Bo5)

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Where is IEM Oakland taking place?

Matches will be live in front of an audience at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA on November 19-20.

What patch will IEM Oakland be on?

Patch 6.21

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How can I watch IEM Oakland?

The IEM Oakland broadcast will be available on Lolesports.

The IEM Oakland broadcast begins at 10:00 AM PT on Saturday, November 19. The broadcast will start at 9:30 AM PT on Sunday, November 20.

I want to come to IEM Oakland, can I still get tickets?

IEM Oakland tickets are still available here.

I’m attending IEM Oakland, what do I need to know?

Check out the IEM Oakland FAQ for more information about attending the event. If you have any additional questions about the event, email [email protected]

What’s the next stop for IEM after Oakland?

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The next stop for IEM will be IEM Gyeonggi on December 16-18. This year’s IEM Season will conclude at IEM Katowice to be IEM Season 11 World Champions.

Don’t miss any of the battles for the IEM Oakland championship starting on Saturday, November 19 at 10:00 AM PT.

20 Comments

ElectricAlien11/14/2016, 10:27:16 PM4 votes

"...Semifinalists who have been seeded based on Worlds 2016 results and regional record." All 3 Korean teams finish top 4 and they don't get anything. lol

Jangbolsal11/15/2016, 2:59:49 AM2 votes

Why is Longzhu gaming participating this tournament? They barely missed LCK relegation match by two wins. Seriously, why wouldn't you pick KT, Samsung etc

Miror B11/15/2016, 3:01:24 AM2 votes

6 teams enter, and everyone leaves thoroughly bored because it isn't the kespa cup and thus isn't really worth watching!

DblBaconChseBrgr11/14/2016, 9:53:30 PM2 votes

would love to be able to go to a pro LoL event. maybe one could be in the south soon, Houston or even New Orleans?

Star PlatinumELO11/16/2016, 7:21:02 AM1 votes

good thinking guys, play your tournament in the protest ridden area's of California. No safety concerns there amirite.

Akiko11/18/2016, 11:34:06 PM1 votes

RIP Oce is gonna come last :( #reality

Ravens696911/19/2016, 8:19:24 AM1 votes

TSM will probably lose to FW xD

TrollFan0111/15/2016, 1:55:06 AM1 votes

TSM ZUNA FTW!

Clouded Skies11/15/2016, 5:41:46 AM1 votes

GG??

Urfgot11/16/2016, 5:19:42 AM1 votes

Why is it being played on patch 6.21 and not 6.22? Patch 6.22 would be a lot more entertaining to watch; Bjergsen even questioned what the point of it is if this tournament is being played on 6.21.