Intel Grand Slam in Counter-Strike 2 | Esports Glory
Introduction
The Intel Grand Slam (IGS) represents one of the highest achievements in competitive Counter-Strike 2 (formerly CS:GO). It rewards esports teams for demonstrating exceptional consistency and dominance at elite tournaments. Rather than rewarding a single victory, the IGS emphasizes sustained excellence by requiring multiple major event victories within a limited series of competitions. The prestigious prize consists of solid gold bars valued at $1,000,000.
History
The Intel Grand Slam was established in 2017 by ESL and Intel to elevate competition and spotlight consistent excellence in professional Counter-Strike. Initially created for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the tradition continues into Counter-Strike 2, quickly becoming one of the most coveted awards in esports history.
Intel Grand Slam Rules Overview
The Intel Grand Slam awards a $1 million prize to the first team to secure four victories across ESL Pro Tour Masters or Championship events within a span of ten consecutive tournaments. Over the years, the rules have evolved to ensure teams consistently perform across diverse and challenging competitions. In 2022, specific emphasis was placed on the ESL Pro League, IEM Katowice, and IEM Cologne events to add strategic depth to the competition.
Additionally, ESL introduced a unique “giant killer bonus” of $100,000. This bonus is awarded to any team that defeats a Grand Slam hopeful in their decisive match, prolonging the competition and heightening excitement.
Current Rules for Season V
- A team must win three ESL Pro Tour Masters events and one ESL Championship event (Katowice, Cologne, or ESL-operated Majors) within ten consecutive events.
- Teams can rotate players, but a core group of three must participate in all four winning tournaments.
- Players leaving their teams become ineligible for prize money from future IGS victories of their previous team.
- The “giant killer bonus” can be awarded multiple times within one IGS season.
Eligible Tournaments in 2025
- IEM Katowice 2025
Jan 29 – Feb 9, 2025 in Katowice, Poland
- ESL Pro League Season 21
Mar 1 – 16, 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden
- IEM Melbourne 2025
April 25 – 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia
- IEM Dallas 2025
May 19 – 25, 2025 in Dallas, Texas, USA
- IEM Cologne 2025
July 23 – Aug 3, 2025 in Cologne, Germany
- ESL Pro League Season 22
Sept 23 – Oct 12, 2025 in Europe – exact location TBD
- IEM Chengdu 2025
Nov 3 – 9, 2025 in Chengdu, China
Previous Intel Grand Slam Victors
Astralis (December 2018)
Astralis, the iconic Danish team, set the standard as the first-ever winners of the Intel Grand Slam, marking an era of unmatched strategic dominance.
- Duration: 235 Days
- Players: gla1ve, dev1ce, dupreeh, Magisk, Xyp9x
- Tournaments Won: DreamHack Masters Marseille 2018, ESL Pro League Season 7, IEM Chicago, ESL Pro League Season 8
Team Liquid (July 2019)
Team Liquid completed the challenge rapidly, dominating opponents with raw skill and confidence. Their achievement inspired ESL to tighten the rules for future Grand Slam challenges.
- Duration: 63 Days
- Players: nitr0, Stewie2K, Twistzz, EliGE, NAF
- Tournaments Won: IEM Sydney, DreamHack Masters Dallas, ESL Pro League Season 9, ESL One Cologne
Natus Vincere (September 2021)
The powerhouse NAVI team of 2021 overcame pandemic-related challenges, cementing their legacy with overwhelming victories and strategic brilliance.
- Duration: 566 Days
- Players: s1mple, b1t, electroNic, Perfecto, Boombl4, flamie
- Tournaments Won: IEM XIV, DreamHack Masters Spring 2021, IEM XVI Cologne, ESL Pro League Season 14
FaZe Clan (March 2023)
FaZe Clan secured the fourth Intel Grand Slam with dramatic victories, underscoring their resilience and adaptability at the highest competitive level.
- Duration: 404 Days
- Players: karrigan, Twistzz, ropz, rain, broky
- Tournaments Won: IEM Katowice, ESL Pro League Season 15, IEM Cologne, ESL Pro League Season 17
Significance of the Intel Grand Slam
The Intel Grand Slam is more than a financial prize—it’s a testament to sustained competitive excellence, strategic mastery, and team cohesion. It elevates teams into legendary status, offering thrilling storylines and rivalries that capture the global esports audience’s attention. In Counter-Strike 2, the Grand Slam continues as a defining achievement, signaling which teams stand truly elite in the world of professional gaming.
