More fans watching live and on global streams than ever before
Brazilian fans brought their passion for esports to the first day of the 2024 Global Esports Tour in Rio de Janeiro, energetically cheering on the four Brazilian teams competing in the event. They also showed their support and appreciation for the incredible moments showcased by the four international teams competing to take home the GET Trophy.
In addition to the local fans in Rio, thousands of people around the world tuned in to watch the start of Season 4 of the GET, with community streams reaching #1 on Twitch in select markets. The combined ticket sales and stream viewership broke records for the Global Esports Federation, with even more fans expected to fill the legendary Maracanãzinho Stadium and watch online as the competition heats up over the weekend.
Thursday’s matches began with an overtime nail-biter between Monte and paiN. After a fast start by Monte, paiN began their comeback after halftime, racking up victories in consecutive rounds to force overtime with the match tied 12-12. The six-round overtime went back and forth until paiN delighted the Brazilian fans with a 16-14 victory.
Imperial Esports carried the momentum and energy of the Brazilian fans into the second match, earning a hard-fought victory over Metizport. Just as with the first match, Metizport started strong with a 9-3 lead after the first half. However, Imperial stormed back to win the second half 10-2 for a narrow victory of 13-11.
The Brazilian dominance came to a halt in the third match, as 9z Globant from Argentina took down the local favorites Furia in an impressive 13-6 victory to advance to the Upper Bracket semifinals.
The final match of the first round featured a showdown between OG and MIBR, where the support of the crowd helped MIBR take the convincing 13-4 victory.
Live performances featuring dancing and a set by Brazilian rapper Reid provided a break in the action for the GET24 Opening Ceremony. Following Brazil’s National Anthem and the Global Esports Federation Anthem, the CEO of GEF, Paul J. Foster, welcomed and thanked the fans for their incredible support of all the athletes competing in GET24.
The first Upper Bracket semifinal welcomed 9z Globant and Imperial Esports back to the stage with a spot in the Upper Bracket Final at stake. Feeling the support and energy of the home fans once more, Imperial capitalized on all of its opportunities on the defensive end, helping the Brazilian team secure a 13-6 victory. The loss sent 9z to the Lower Bracket where they now wait for the results of the first-round matches that begin on Friday.
The action continues on Friday with the second Upper Bracket semifinal between paiN and MIBR kicking off the day, followed by the first round of the Lower Bracket with matchups of Furia vs Metizport, and Monte vs OG. The second round of the Lower Bracket will follow with matchups based off the results from Round 1.
The thrilling final matches will take place on Saturday, April 21, where the GET Trophy and the Grand Prize of US$100,000 will be awarded to the victors.