As we move closer to the end of the 2021 competitive year in esports, the last few tournaments are being played out. This year, the CSGO schedule will culminate in a huge event – the BLAST Premier World Final. However, before that can be played, we’ve still got a few events yet to kick off, such as the IEM XVI Winter tournament. On a grand stage, sixteen teams will fight it out for a $250k prize pool. Today, we’re here to offer you a comprehensive Intel Extreme Masters Season XVI Winter betting guide.
These ‘S-Tier’ tournaments boast unparalleled opportunities to get involved in a little esports betting. However, for newcomers, it can be a complex process to understand the ins and outs of the CSGO markets and odds that various betting platforms offer. Statistically, CSGO betting makes up the biggest portion of the entire esports betting market, so you’ll have no issues finding a site where you can place a few wagers.
Without further ado, let’s break into the Intel Extreme Masters Season XVI Winter betting guide.
Bet on IEM Winter at leading CSGO betting site:
IEM XVI Winter: Format and Schedule
Thankfully, while the betting aspect can be a little daunting to newcomers, the format and schedule for this event are not complex.
For this competition, the play will be split into two stages: the Group Stage and the Playoffs. It’s a tried-and-tested format, and it’ll feel familiar to any esports fan. Firstly, two double-elimination format groups will be formed, made up of eight teams each. At the start of the tournament, the opening fixtures will be played with a best-of-one format, transitioning into a best-of-three as the competition unfolds.
When the smoke has settled from the opening stage, the top three teams from each group will push through into the Playoff stage. At that point, a single-elimination bracket is set, featuring a best-of-three round and a best-of-five Grand Final fixture.
From start to finish, the IEM XVI Winter event runs from the 2nd of December to the 12th of December. If you’re interested in Intel Extreme Masters Season XVI Winter betting, here are the first few, highly-anticipated fixtures:
Ninjas in Pyjamas vs. Astralis – 02/12 11:00am GMT
MOUZ vs. Team Vitality – 02/12 11:00am GMT
G2 Esports vs. TYLOO – 02/12 12:10pm GMT
OG vs. Team Liquid – 02/12 12:10pm GMT
Gambit Esports vs. Fnatic – 02/12 13:20pm GMT
Sixteen Enter, But Only One Can Win
Like many of the best CSGO tournaments, this event features a mix of teams that have been both invited and qualified to and for the tournament. At the top of the table is a mighty bunch; some of the heaviest hitters in CSGO today. However, the teams that have qualified from the various regions around the world have already had to fight for their position in the IEM Winter event.
Ultimately, only one team can snatch the grand prize, which looks a little something like this:
- 1st Place: $100,000 / 1000 Pro Tour Points
- 2nd Place: $42,000 / 750 Pro Tour Points
- 3rd – 4th Place: $20,000 / 525 Pro Tour Points
- 5th – 6th Place: $10,000 / 350 Pro Tour Points
- 7th – 8th Place: $6,000 / 200 Pro Tour Points
- 9th – 12th: $5,000 / 100 Pro Tour Points
- 13th – 16th: $4,000 / 0 Pro Tour Points
When it comes to IEM Winter bets, you might be wondering which team is most likely to win the whole tournament. Right now, that accolade sits with the likes of Gambit, Astralis, or FaZe Clan. If you’re going to get involved with Intel Extreme Masters XVI Winter betting, these teams are well worthy of your investment. They’re arguably some of the best CSGO teams in the world right now.
Here’s the total team breakdown for the event:
Invited:
- Astralis
- BIG
- FaZe Clan
- Heroic
- G2 Esports
- Gambit Esports
- Team Liquid
- Ninjas in Pyjamas
- OG
- Virtus.pro
- Team Vitality
Qualified:
- Fnatic
- MOUZ
- ENCE
- GODSENT
- TYLOO
Intel Extreme Masters Season XVI Winter Betting Tips
Firstly, you’ll need to identify the best CSGO betting sites for your money. Thankfully, we’ve reviewed all of the top platforms out there, to make the decision a little easier. When it comes to IEM Winter betting sites, almost every major esports betting platform should cover the tournament. It’s as prolific a competition as you can get in the CSGO space, and it won’t be difficult to find markets for it.
If you’re a newcomer, it’s a fair suggestion to stick to the simple bets until you understand the CSGO betting odds. If you’re more of a veteran bettor, you could experiment with the exotic and special markets that require a deeper understanding of the game itself. In fact, that’s a great piece of advice – learn about CSGO as a game. If you understand how it’s played, you’ll be able to watch the tournament live and place dynamic, in-play bets.
When toying with IEM Winter bets, you should avoid restricting yourself to one platform. It’s a great idea to move from place to place, essentially diversifying your ‘portfolio’. There are many esports betting platforms out there, and they each offer different advantages. From the welcome bonuses to the promo codes, and from the unique markets to the on-platform contests, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to moving from place to place.
Ultimately, remember to bet responsibly, only wager with the money you can afford to lose, and when the fun stops, stop.
Intel Extreme Masters Season XVI Winter Betting Odds
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We wish you the best of luck with your Intel Extreme Masters Season XVI Winter betting!