ESL Confirms the Return of IEM Rio for 2026 With Major Updates to the Pro Tour Calendar

ESL Confirms the Return of IEM Rio for 2026 With Major Updates to the Pro Tour Calendar

ESL, one of the world’s leading esports tournament organisers, has officially announced the return of IEM Rio as part of its 2026 Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Pro Tour schedule, reviving the iconic Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) event after a one-year break. The return is confirmed as an ESL Pro Tour Masters event, featuring 16 of the world’s top CS2 teams, a significant prize pool, and strong support from local partners in Brazil. 

IEM Rio will be held from April 13 to April 19, 2026, with playoffs scheduled for April 17–19 at the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro — a venue that has previously hosted IEM Rio and drawn large crowds of passionate esports fans. The total prize pool for the event is set at $1,000,000, continuing the tradition of high-stakes competition that characterises the Intel Extreme Masters series. 

The return of IEM Rio in 2026 marks the fourth staging of the event in the city after previous editions in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Following an absence from the calendar in 2025, the tournament will once again bring premier Counter-Strike action to South America’s largest esports market and provide teams with crucial opportunities to earn points toward the ESL Grand Slam — the prestigious season-long competition that awards bonus prize money and historic recognition to the first team to secure multiple ESL Pro Tour wins within a set of consecutive events. 

The Importance of Rio on the ESL Pro Tour

Rio de Janeiro has become a cornerstone of the ESL Pro Tour due to its vibrant esports culture and strong local partnerships. The event in Rio is presented in collaboration with EFG (ESL FACEIT Group), FERJEE (the Rio de Janeiro Esports Federation), and the State of Rio de Janeiro, reflecting a long-term commitment to boosting esports visibility in Brazil and internationally. According to Cadu Albuquerque, President of FERJEE, the return of IEM Rio underscores the region’s influence and passion for Counter-Strike, and the extended partnership is designed to grow the ecosystem further. 

Although the event did not appear on the 2025 competitive schedule, planning and coordination among organisers and local stakeholders continued throughout the hiatus, ultimately securing a 2026 revival that expands ESL’s global footprint. 

Alongside the main event, ESL has announced that ticket sales will begin in waves, with the first phase going live on December 15, 2025. Fans purchasing tickets will not only secure seats for the matches but also gain access to all general public areas of the event, enhancing the fan experience beyond the competitive matches themselves. 

Format, Qualification, and Broader ESL 2026 Calendar

The 2026 edition of IEM Rio will feature 16 teams competing in a standard ESL Pro Tour Masters format with group stages followed by playoffs. Teams will earn substantial prize money and points that contribute to the ESL Pro Tour rankings, which determine qualifications for further major competitions. The event’s position early in the season makes it a key objective for top-tier organisations aiming for momentum heading into later championships. 

In the weeks leading up to the tournament, ESL has also outlined qualifier details for its 2026 Pro Tour events. For IEM Rio, both Global and regional qualifiers will take place, enabling teams from around the world to compete for spots at the main event. The qualifiers feature open and closed phases, with global qualifiers hosted online — a structure intended to reduce travel strain and ensure opportunities for a wide range of competitors. 

The return of IEM Rio follows a broader announcement from ESL FACEIT Group confirming a series of three major IEM destinations for 2026 — Brazil (Rio), the United States, and China — all hosting IEM tournaments with $1 million prize pools and top-level competition. These events are strategically placed across continents to showcase international competition and cater to regional fan bases for CS2. 

Context Within the Competitive Calendar

The inclusion of IEM Rio in the ESL Pro Tour schedule aligns with a packed 2026 competitive calendar. Earlier announcements from ESL had already hinted at multiple CS2 LAN events throughout the year, targeting global engagement from January through November. These events are designed to provide a steady rhythm of high-profile tournaments leading into major finals and culminating in championship events later in the season. 

While the 2026 calendar also features marquee competitions such as the IEM Cologne Major — historically one of the sport’s most prestigious events — IEM Rio’s return underscores ESL’s commitment to diversifying its tournament locations and maintaining Brazil’s significant presence on the CS2 stage. 

Looking Ahead

With ticket sales imminent and qualification pathways underway, teams and fans alike are already turning their attention toward April 2026 and the return of IEM Rio. Given its rich history, passionate audience, and role within the ESL Pro Tour, the event is expected to be a highlight of the CS2 competitive season and a crucial battleground for some of the best teams in the world.