Things are heating up on the CS:GO esports scene - IEM Rio 2023 is just around the corner, and we've finally had our first look at how the Group Stage will play out.
IEM Rio 2023 groups and schedule
IEM Rio 2023 is due to kick off on April 17, running until the April 23 Grand Final.
The tournament will begin with the Group Stage, where 16 teams will fight it out in two double-elimination format groups. Each group is made up of eight teams, who will compete in best-of-three matches, except the best-of-one opening matches.
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The Group Stage action is due to begin on April 17 with the Upper Bracket Quarterfinals. It's going to be a packed day, with both Group A and B taking the stage, going head-to-head in a series of best-of-one matches.
IEM Rio 2023: Group A teams
The two Groups seem to be fairly evenly balanced, although the Group A matches will be fascinating to watch. The group is home to both IEM Rio 2022 runners-up Heroic, as well as the ultimate winner of last year's tournament, who are now competing under the Virtus.pro tag.
| Heroic | 9INE | BIG | MOUZ |
| Virtus.pro | Ninjas in Pyjamas | The MongolZ | Natus Vincere |
IEM Rio 2023: Group B teams
But there's plenty to get excited about over in Group B too. One of the standouts in Group B is no doubt FaZe Clan, who are coming into IEM Rio 2023 fresh from their victory at ESL Pro League Season 17, which also saw them awarded with the Intel Grand Slam bonus prize.
| FaZe Clan | 9z Team | FURIA Esports | Fnatic |
| Team Vitality | OG | MIBR | Cloud9 |
We're just days away before the Group Stage at IEM Rio 2023 begins in earnest - and you'll be able to watch every second of the action live here on Luckbox. You can watch the games live via our upcoming IEM Rio 2023 match schedule. And if you're in the mood for some CS:GO betting and IEM Rio 2023 betting, remember to sign up to claim your free 100% bonus!
