ESL explains slots for IEM China and IEM Dallas

ESL explained the slots system for IEM China and IEM Dallas. The organizer is responsible for both competitions. Meanwhile, the ESL partner organizations have reserved spots, as per the Louvre Agreement.

The agreement between ESL and the organizations grants spots in several of the organizer's competitions throughout the year. Clubs have to promote and accept participation in ESL tournaments under the Louvre Agreement. Both parties still comply with other clauses in the Louvre Agreement as well.

The Louvre Agreement expanded in 2021 with the addition of FURIA, Heroic, and BIG. This expansion contributed to a total revenue of $20 million for ESL.

Additionally, this is the last year for ESL and other organizers working with partner teams like BLAST. Valve intends to abolish the system in as early as 2025.

The number of ESL partner organizations via the Louvre Agreement is 18, according to an announcement. Only 12 teams are for IEM China and IEM Dallas.

ESL has its own rankings based on performances in competitions. The top 20 teams in the ranking will be eligible for the draft.

"Only teams that have finished in the top 20 of the ESL World Ranking at time of draft are eligible," ESL explained. "In 2024, with the number of available slots (12) exceeding the number of eligible Partner Teams (10), the top 2 Partner teams within the ESL World Ranking will receive an invitation to both events. If an invitation is declined, we will invite the next Louvre Partner Team in line."

Here are the slot details for IEM China and IEM Dallas:

IEM China

IEM Dallas

ESL also confirmed the existence of IEM Fall without revealing the location yet. The competition will take place between Oct. 7 and Oct. 13.

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