With this year's event set to include the Australian esports debut of global Counter-Strike giants Team Liquid and Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP). Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Sydney is set to run from May 3-5 at Qudos Bank Arena where both local and international talent will compete for a share of the $US 250,000 prize pool.

“Aussie fans will welcome Team Liquid and NiP when they take the stage, and local teams will relish the opportunity to take on the biggest names in CS:GO,” said Nick Vanzetti, Senior Vice President, of ESL Asia-Pacific Japan. Adding, "IEM Sydney has become a destination for the biggest teams and match-ups, and we’re excited to host household names, as they go up against crowd favourites, the Renegades.”

Which is in reference to the international team, the Renegades, that prominently features both Aussie and NZ players. With this year's event being the third IEM Sydney, returning champs FaZe Clan will be back to defend their crown.

Local teams are set to be announced at a later date after qualifiers take place in April.