With IEM Sydney 2019 set to kick-off next month, ESL are holding local Oceanic Qualifiers and a IEM Sydney Derby as part of the ESL AU & NZ National Championships in the lead-up to the event. And for the first time two Australian teams will join the 16 top esports teams competing on the big stage for their share of $250,000 USD at IEM Sydney 2019.

“The Australian esports scene continues to show amazing potential and growth, and the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive community are being given a great opportunity as part of that.” said Nick Vanzetti, Senior Vice President of ESL Asia-Pacific Japan.

This includes local favourites ‘Grayhound Gaming’ who secured a spot last year and will be wrapping up their run in the Oceanic Qualifiers on April 14. Plus, local teams ORDER and Chiefs will be vying for a spot.

“Not being jet-lagged is bloody fantastic,” said Grayhound's Oliver "DickStacy" Tierney. “IEM Sydney is a one of a kind event for Australia, we're looking forward to versing the big boys again on home soil."

"We've been working hard to ensure that we perform to our standards for IEM, after some close losses at the event last year. The Oceanic region is the strongest I've seen it - I'm certainly optimistic about seeing some deeper runs from us this year" added ORDER's Chris "emagine" Rowland.

Where to watch:

Oceanic Qualifier (closing April 14): twitch.tv/esl_csgo
EM Sydney Derby (April 18): twitch.tv/esl_australia

Tickets for IEM Sydney 2019 are also still available at www.ticketek.com.au - with Day Passes (starting at $45 AUD), Weekend Passes ($149 AUD), and Weekend Premium ($259 AUD) available.