The highly anticipated iQOO BGMI Pro Series 2024 has kicked off on January 29th, pitting 24 of India's top teams against each other for glory and a massive ₹55 lakh prize pool ( ₹15 lakh for the Pro Series and ₹40 lakh for the LAN Event).
With new powerhouse rosters and intense 10-point scoring, the action promises to be thrilling.
Let's break down everything fans need to know about one of the year's biggest BGMI tournaments.
Star-Studded Lineup
The talent level in this tournament is off the charts.
Defending champions GodLike Esports return with Jonathan leading the charge.
Team Soul which completely bought Blind Esports roster, boasts a scary new roster of former champions.
Newly founded Carnival Gaming takes the former Team Soul’s crew.
And underdog outfits like Hyderabad Hydras are hungry to make their mark.
In total, the 24 teams are divided into three stacked groups for the opening Group Stage.
Four teams qualified through iQOO All-Star Cup, while the rest were 20 popular invited teams.
Perennial contenders like Entity Gaming, 8Bit, and Revenant Esports join rising squads like Skulltz Esports and Gujarat Tigers in the hunt for glory.
With elite firepower throughout the field, the title is truly up for grabs.
Group A
Team Soul
Entity Gaming
Blind eSports
Hyderabad Hydras
BIG BROTHER ESPORT
Alibaba Raiders
TWM Gaming
Team Tamilas
Group B
Gods Reign
Medal Esports
8Bit
Revenant Esports
OREsports
Gujarat Tigers
Dark Spirits
Skulltz Esports
Group C
Hydra Official
GodLike Esports
Autobotz Esports
FS Esports
TeamXSpark
Team Psyche
Carnival Gaming
WSB Gaming
The top 16 teams will be moved forward in the Grand Finals, scheduled on January 31 and February 1.
10-Point Format
Now, winning a match Chicken Dinner - nets 10 points, second place gets 6 points, and third place earns 5 points. This format encourages teams to prioritize late-game survival.
The revamped scoring could lead to teams playing more conservatively early on to boost their placement points.
But it also means the overall standings will remain close, keeping tension high until the very end.
First Place - 10 points
Second Place - 6 points
Third Place - 5 points
Fourth Place - 4 points
Fifth Place - 3 points
Sixth Place - 2 points
7th and 8th Place - 1 point
From the 9th onward all teams will get - 0 point
LAN Event Implications
The Group Stage will crown an iQOO Pro Series winner and will get a share from ₹15 lakh prize pool.
But that's not it!
It also serves as a qualifier for the separate upcoming LAN Event, where the top 8 teams will battle on stage.
With the higher prize pool of ₹40 for earning a LAN spot, teams will be extra motivated to finish near the top of their groups.
Expect to see rosters pull out all the stops to secure enough points for LAN qualification.
The organizer will soon announce the date for the LAN Event.
Changing of the Guard?
Last year, GodLike emerged from a down-to-the-wire final against OR Esports to seize the trophy.
But with so many teams making impactful roster moves in the offseason, new kings could claim the throne this time.
The mix of new firepower and innovative strategies could unseat incumbent powers like GodLike and 8Bit.
Hungry challengers like Hydra Official and Autobotz Esports have their sights set firmly on the crown.
Must-See Esports Action
As one of the first major tournaments of 2024, the iQOO BGMI Pro Series will set the tone for India's packed esports calendar.
You can watch like battle on the official YouTube channel of iQOO Esports at 5:30 pm IST.