Intel Extreme Masters are always wonderful celebrations of competitive Counter-Strike. With Brazilian energy, the tournament in Rio is going to be epic!
There were no big CS2 esports events in Brazil this year, and we already miss the powerful excitement of IEM Rio 2024. The good news was revealed by ESL FACEIT Groups during the Budapest Major Playoffs. The legendary series Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) makes its return to Rio de Janeiro in 2026.
IEM Rio de Janeiro 2026: Dates and details
This Counter-Strike event happens in the first half of 2026, so IEM Rio 2026 belongs to the Cologne Major season.
- 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
We still should have a reveal about the location in China. More tournaments are listed in this CS2 esports schedule for 2026.
Memories of IEM Rio 2024
Back in 2024, we could witness an amazing CS2 tournament Intel Extreme Masters Rio de Janeiro. The format was identical to the upcoming 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.
IEM Rio 2026 is a distant event, so the teams have plenty of time to boost their competitive form. This includes potential player transfers.
FURIA and other Brazilian teams should certainly feel extra motivation! Their performance at the Budapest Major 2025 could certainly be better.
