In a world where the click of a mouse is mightier than the sword, the Global Esports Federation’s pro-series Global Esports Tour 2024 has decided to up the ante. Starting from April 18th, the virtual battlegrounds will be sizzling hotter than a British barbecue in the rare summer sun, as eight of the world’s top-ranked professional Counter-Strike 2 teams lock and load for a shot at glory—and a hefty payday.

The stage? None other than Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanãzinho Stadium, where the ghosts of Olympics past now spectate a new kind of sport—one where sweat is digital, and the only thing that’s physical is the palpable tension in the air. The prize? A cool £160,000 (that’s about US$200,000 for our friends across the pond), with the Grand Prize being a royal sum of £80,000 (US$100,000). And let’s not forget the Copa Rio Challenge, where four top women’s teams will show the world that esports isn’t just a boys’ club.

The contenders? Oh, it’s a veritable who’s who of the esports elite:

• FURIA Esports and MIBR, both peaking at a world ranking of #3, because who doesn’t love a tie?
• Monte, sitting pretty at #5, probably because they stopped to admire the view.
• OG, at #6, which we all know is the new #1.
• paiN Gaming, bringing the pain at #10.
• Imperial Esports, royally ranked at #13.
• 9z Team, feeling fine at #16.
• Metizport, at #26, proving that numbers are just that—numbers.

The action will be broadcast live to the world, because what’s the point of digital domination if you can’t show it off? GEF’s Twitch and YouTube channels will be your ticket to the show, with additional streams for those who prefer their content with a side of Bilibili, Huya, Douyu, or Kuaishou.

Eric F. Brinkley, the man with a plan and the Global Esports Tour Commissioner, can barely contain his excitement. “We can’t wait to feel Brazil’s energy,” he says, and who can blame him? The Maracanãzinho Stadium is set to be the epicenter of esports ecstasy.

The tournament kicks off with Best-of-1 matches that promise to be as unpredictable as the British weather. The winners will strut into the Best-of-3 Semifinal in the Upper Bracket, while the rest will duke it out in the Lower Bracket, clinging to their championship dreams like a tourist to their fanny pack.

So, mark your calendars for April 20th, when the GET24 Trophy will be hoisted high, concluding the first stage of what’s being hailed as the biggest Global Esports Tour in history. And if you’re feeling the esports fever, check out the latest merch online—because nothing says “I was there” like a t-shirt.

GET24 Rio is brought to you by the kind support of Forneria Original, Red Bull, and a host of others who believe that when it comes to esports, the only thing better than watching is sponsoring.

Stay tuned, stay clicked, and may the best clickers win.