What It Really Takes to Run IEM | ESL Interview Behind the Scenes

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We sat down with Michael Parsons a Senior Product Manager at during IEM Melbourne 2025 to go behind the curtain on what it really takes to produce a world-class esports event. From managing international logistics to tailoring events for different global regions, this interview gives a raw look at the unseen work that powers IEM.

💬 Topics Covered:

Regional differences between EU, NA & OCE What fans never see behind the scenes How ESL adapts to new markets Why ANZ events feel different—and why that matters

🎥 Whether you're a tournament organizer, team manager, or a diehard CS2 fan, this is your all-access pass.

0:00 Starting Off – Who Is Michael Parsons? 0:59 How ESL Approaches Global Events 1:59 Managing Complexity at Scale 3:00 Behind the Scenes of a Major IEM 4:00 Tailoring IEM for Different Regions 5:00 What Makes Aussie Crowds So Special 6:01 The Future of ESL in Oceania

#IEMMelbourne #ESL #CounterStrike2 #EsportsEvents #BehindTheScenes #ESLSports #TournamentProduction #ANZCS #GamingIndustry #CS2 #EsportsAustralia #EventManagement

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