Intel Extreme Masters events are known for being fantastic Counter-Strike competitions. The tournament in Rio promises to be especially amazing, fueled by the incredible energy of Brazilian fans!
Brazil didn’t host any major Counter-Strike 2 esports tournaments this year, and fans are already longing for the thrill of IEM Rio 2024. ESL FACEIT Group recently announced some good news during the Budapest Major Playoffs: the popular Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) series will return to Rio de Janeiro in 2026.
IEM Rio de Janeiro 2026: Dates and details
The Counter-Strike tournament is scheduled for the first half of 2026, making it part of the season that includes the Cologne Major.
- Dates: Intel Extreme Masters 2026 happens from April 13 to April 19.
- Location: Farmasi Arena hosts the Playoffs of IEM Rio de Janeiro 2026.
- Number of participants: 16 teams.
- Format: Two double-elimination groups and the single-elimination brackets for the top 8 teams. The Playoffs feature a third-place match.
- Prize pool: $300,000.
CS2 Intel Extreme Masters events in 2026
Five IEM CS2 esports tournaments have been confirmed for 2026, including a Major in Cologne.
- IEM Kraków 2026: Jan. 28 – Feb. 8
- IEM Rio de Janeiro 2026: April 20 – April 26
- IEM Atlanta 2026: May 11 – May 17
- IEM Cologne Major 2026: June 2 – June 21
- IEM China 2026: Nov. 2 – Nov. 8
I’m still hoping we get some news about where in China the next big tournament will be held. I’ve been checking the CS2 esports schedule for 2026, and it’s already filling up with more and more events!
Memories of IEM Rio 2024
In 2024, the Intel Extreme Masters Rio de Janeiro was a fantastic Counter-Strike 2 tournament. Its structure will be the same as the one planned for the 2026 event.
- NAVI continued their great tournament series with the IEM Rio 2024 win. They were Champions at the Copenhagen Major 2024, the CS2 EWC 2024, and the ESL Pro League Season 22.
- In the Group Stage, NAVI were defeated by the local heroes, FURIA, so they started the final brackets from the quarterfinals. NAVI reached the grand final and won a best-of-five match versus MOUZ.
With IEM Rio 2026 still a ways off, teams have ample opportunity to improve and could make changes to their rosters with player transfers.
Brazilian teams like FURIA will likely be especially motivated to improve their performance at the 2025 Budapest Major.
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2025-12-13 14:11