IEM KATOWICE 2022 EVENT – UNITED WE PLAY, UNITED WE STAND

IEM Katowice is the tenth Intel Extreme Masters in Katowice, Poland. With other words: IEM Katowice X. It took place between 15-27th of February 2022, and was the first esports arena event after the pandemic and had all eyes on it.

IEM is the longest running global pro gaming tour in the world and is part of the ESL Pro Tour (EPT). Launched in 2006 by ESL, the world’s largest esports company, the competition features the world’s best esports teams in Counter-Strike Global Offensive (CS:GO), StarCraft II and other titles. With more than a decade of history, IEM is widely considered as one of the most prestigious and traditional esports events in the world with professional gamers competing in packed-out arenas for the coveted championship titles and a multi-million-dollar prize pool.

With the involuntary hiatus in 2021, we decided to refresh the brand for the upcoming year, the 2022 event – with a new brand strategy, new messaging, and a new innovative and bold brand design that differentiates us from competitors.
To elevate the experience further, we launched ESL’s new sonic identity during the live event at the Spodek arena on Friday the 25^th of February.

But we were faced with a situation that we had never been in before, the horrifying reality that a war was happening in the neighboring country. With both Ukrainian and Russian teams and players in the tournament the community embraced them equally. And instead of canceling the dream as many expected us tO do, we took the chance to put the players in the spotlight – to let them express themselves and send a message of unity to the entire world. Because we believe in the power of esports to bring people together.