ESL CS2 Events Calendar in 2026

For many years, ESL tournaments have played a crucial role on the professional Counter-Strike scene. These events shape the rhythm of the season, define the competitive level of teams, and often serve as a benchmark for the entire CS2 competitive calendar, attracting constant attention through live matches.

The CS2 competitive season in 2026 will begin with IEM Krakow 2026, a tournament that replaces the legendary IEM Katowice. This is a symbolic start to the year, as IEM events traditionally set the tone for the entire season. Overall, throughout the 2026 competitive year in CS2, ESL will host seven CS2 tournaments, covering both the top tier of the scene and key stepping stones for teams aiming to establish themselves among the elite.

Main ESL CS2 Tournaments in 2026

Traditionally, the new competitive year begins with the first major tournament hosted by ESL. For many years, this role was held by the iconic IEM Katowice, an event with immense history. Unofficially, a part of the Counter-Strike community even considers it a “second Major.” In 2026, this event will take place in a new city for the first time — Krakow. However, the atmosphere, prestige, and prize pools will remain the same.

IEM Krakow 2026 will run from January 28 to February 8 and will feature 24 teams from the global VRS ranking competing for a winner’s prize of $400,000, while the total prize pool will amount to $1,000,000. In addition, this tournament is part of the ESL Grand Slam race, where the eventual winner within the competitive season can earn an additional $1,000,000.

In spring, teams and fans will look forward to Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2026 and Intel Extreme Masters Atlanta 2026. Although both tournaments share the same total prize pool of $300,000, with $125,000 awarded to the champion, they are an integral part not only of the ESL calendar but of the entire CS2 competitive season in 2026.

• IEM Rio 2026 will take place in Rio de Janeiro from April 13 to April 19.
• IEM Atlanta 2026 will be held in Atlanta, USA, from May 11 to May 17.

The first Major in CS2 history and in the 2026 competitive season will be the summer Intel Extreme Masters Cologne Major 2026. For the first time, the LANXESS arena will host an event of this magnitude. Cologne will welcome 32 teams from June 2 to June 21, competing for the prestigious trophy and a winner’s prize of $500,000. The total prize pool remains unchanged at $1,250,000.

The ESL calendar will conclude with the traditional autumn event Intel Extreme Masters China 2026, which will take place from November 2 to November 8 in China. Sixteen teams will compete for first place and a winner’s prize of $125,000.

Secondary and Regional ESL Events in 2026

In the 2026 CS2 competitive season, regional events and qualifiers within the ESL Pro Tour will play a vital role. It is through these tournaments that the participant lineups for most major LAN events are formed, while Tier-2 and Tier-3 teams receive a real opportunity to break onto the international stage.

The calendar will begin with regional and global qualifiers for IEM Brazil 2026. Open qualifiers for teams from around the world and the Americas region are scheduled for January 16–17, 2026, followed by closed qualifiers from January 21–23. These tournaments will be held online and will not feature significant prize pools; however, the main reward will be a coveted slot at a prestigious IEM LAN event.

In early February, qualifiers for IEM Atlanta 2026 will follow. Global and Americas open qualifiers will take place on February 7–8, with closed qualifiers scheduled for February 10–12, 2026. For teams from North and South America, this event represents a key opportunity to reach a major ESL home LAN without receiving a direct invite via ranking.

The second half of the year will traditionally be complemented by Asian events, including qualifiers for IEM China 2026. Global and Asian open qualifiers are planned for August 24–25, 2026, while closed qualifiers will be held from September 2–4. For the Asian region, these tournaments are particularly important, as they provide local rosters with access to the global CS2 stage.

It is worth noting that most ESL regional qualifiers either feature minimal prize pools or none at all. Their primary value lies in ranking points, high-level competitive experience, and the opportunity to qualify for the main tournaments of the season. Together, these events form the foundation of the entire ESL ecosystem in 2026 and ensure constant movement of teams between different tiers of the professional scene.

Special mention should also be given to ESL Pro League Season 23 and ESL Pro League Season 24, as these tournaments are especially important for teams with lower VRS rankings. Here, they can earn crucial points, make a name for themselves, and gradually climb toward the top tier.

• Season 23 will take place from March 13 to March 15, 2026.
• Season 24 is scheduled for October 3 to October 11, 2026.

Both events will serve as key stepping stones for teams striving to establish themselves among the strongest on the professional CS2 scene.

How the ESL Calendar in 2026 Impacts the CS2 Competitive Season

ESL tournaments are an integral part of the CS2 competitive season in 2026. Regional events provide young and lesser-known teams with a pathway from online qualifiers to the top tier of competition, while secondary tournaments allow teams to consistently earn points and climb the VRS ranking. At the same time, IEM Krakow 2026 plays a central role as the first major tournament of the year, setting the tone for the entire competitive cycle. The ultimate culmination of the season will be the first-ever CS2 Major in Cologne, which traditionally symbolizes prestige, history, and unforgettable emotions for both teams and fans alike.