ESL Unveils Full Qualifier Structure for 2026 EPT Events, Introduces Stricter Integrity Measures

ESL Unveils Full Qualifier Structure for 2026 EPT Events, Introduces Stricter Integrity Measures

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Tournament organiser ESL has officially revealed the qualifier format for three of its major 2026 ESL Pro Tour (EPT) events — IEM Brazil 2026, IEM Atlanta 2026 and IEM China 2026 — while also announcing enhanced integrity requirements for all online qualifiers. 

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Qualifier Format Breakdown

Each of the three 2026 events will feature two parallel qualification paths: a “Global Qualifier” (open to any region) and a region-specific qualifier (Americas or Asia). 

IEM Brazil 2026

• Global Qualifier:

  • Open Qualifier: Jan 16–17, 2026

  • Closed Qualifier: Jan 21–23, 2026

• Americas Qualifier:

  • Open Qualifier: Jan 16–17, 2026

  • Closed Qualifier: Jan 21–23, 2026

IEM Atlanta 2026

• Global Qualifier:

  • Open Qualifier: Feb 7–8, 2026

  • Closed Qualifier: Feb 10–12, 2026

• Americas Qualifier:

  • Open Qualifier: Feb 7–8, 2026

  • Closed Qualifier: Feb 10–12, 2026

IEM China 2026

• Global Qualifier:

  • Open Qualifier: Aug 24–25, 2026

  • Closed Qualifier: Sep 2–4, 2026

• Asia Qualifier:

  • Open Qualifier: Aug 24–25, 2026

  • Closed Qualifier: Sep 2–4, 2026

The “Global Qualifier” matches will all be played on European servers despite being open to teams worldwide. According to ESL, this is intended to reduce travel fatigue for non-regional teams. 

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Integrity & Fair-Play Enhancements

In a clear move to tighten control over online competition and maintain fairness in the lead-up to LAN events, ESL has introduced the following mandatory requirements for all teams participating in these qualifiers:

• Two cameras per player: One camera must show the player's in-game screen; the second must show the full play environment (desk, peripherals, room).

• Mandatory FACEIT Verification: All players must complete verification on the FACEIT platform before their team is permitted to check-in for any qualifier.

ESL states that these measures stem from community feedback and are aimed at bringing online qualifier conditions closer to LAN-level integrity. 

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What This Means for Teams and the CS2 Landscape

With these changes, ESL is signalling a shift: online qualifiers are becoming more scrutinised and standardised. The introduction of a global path opens the door for non-regional teams to attempt qualification without necessarily travelling to a regional LAN opener. Meanwhile, integrity measures aim to discourage cheating and technical abuse, two major concerns raised by the community in previous seasons.

For teams, this means earlier planning around logistics (for example server location and streaming/recording set-ups), and careful compliance with the new verification and camera requirements. For the broader ecosystem of Counter‑Strike 2 esports, this could mark a step towards more transparent and equitable competition.

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Final Summary

ESL has laid out the full qualifier schedule for three of its major 2026 EPT events, introducing global open qualifiers alongside traditional regional ones and enforcing stronger integrity rules such as dual‐camera setups and mandatory FACEIT verification. Teams around the world now have more routes to qualify, but must also adhere to stricter standards in how they compete online.