In just under a month, some of Australia’s best eSports teams will descend upon Sydney for IEM Sydney 2019, but the big news is that two Australian teams will have a direct pathway to compete.

The pathway to qualification includes the Oceanic Qualifiers and IEM Sydney Derby as part of the ESL AU & NZ National Championships, both occurring in the coming weeks. With these opportunities to qualify, local players have their best shot yet at competing on the big stage for their share of $250,000USD.

These two Australian teams will join the pool of 16 of the highest performing international esports teams preparing to battle at Qudos Bank Arena from May 3-5.

“The Australian esports scene continues to show amazing potential and growth, and the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive community are being given a great opportunity as part of that.” said Nick Vanzetti, Senior Vice President of ESL Asia-Pacific Japan.

The IEM Sydney Derby as part of the ESL AU & NZ Championships will be taking place on April 18 and can be viewed at twitch.tv/esl_australia.

If you want to attend in person, tickets for the event can be bought here and start at $45, depending on what other things you want included.