ESL announces Brazil return with IEM Rio 2026

ESL has announced its return to Brazil by confirming IEM Rio 2026. The last iteration of IEM Rio was held in 2024, and was won by NAVI. Previously, the event had been a staple of the Counter-Strike calendar, and was a Major championship back in 2022.

In a statement, ESL confirmed that IEM Rio 2026 will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between April 13th and 19th. The Playoffs will be held in Rio’s Farmasi Arena between April 17th and 19th. In total, the event will host 16 of the best CS2 teams from across the globe, fighting for their share of a $1 million prize pool.

You thought we weren't coming back? 🇧🇷

It's time to turn up the heat.#IEM Rio 2026. pic.twitter.com/iekDgJse6u

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) December 12, 2025

In terms of team invites, 11 will be directly invited via the Global VRS. One team will be invited through the North American VRS, with another coming from the South American VRS. Two teams will qualify through global qualifiers, and the final place is going to be decided in an Americas qualifier, allowing local talent the chance to play at IEM Rio 2026. Tickets for the event will be released in three waves.

IEM Rio 2026 returns at the perfect time for Brazilian Counter-Strike. As it stands, FURIA are arguably the best Counter-Strike team in the world right now, bringing Brazilian CS back to the top with the help of some European stardust in YEKINDAR and molodoy. The question is whether they can maintain this level long enough to stay at their peak long enough to arrive at IEM Rio 2026 and enjoy the support of the home crowd as favorites.