CS Asia Championships 2026 Tournament Guide—Schedule, Format, and Teams
The CS Asia Championships 2026 will bring together sixteen of Counter-Strike’s top teams for a major tournament in Shanghai, China, scheduled for May 20-24. This event serves as one of the final Tier 1 tournaments before the IEM Cologne Major, a significant point in the competitive Counter-Strike calendar.
The tournament features a structured format with a group stage running from May 20-22, followed by playoffs from May 22-24. Teams are divided into two groups of eight in a double-elimination format. The structure rewards early success: the top team from each group advances directly to the semi-finals, while group runners-up and lower-bracket winners compete in the quarter-finals. All matches throughout the tournament will be best-of-three series.
As with international esports events, timing is important for viewers. The tournament takes place in Shanghai’s UTC+8 timezone, meaning matches will start early for viewers in Western regions. The championship represents a crucial preparation point for teams heading into the IEM Cologne Major, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the Counter-Strike competitive circuit. For fans looking to follow the action, setting reminders for the early start times will be essential to catch all the matches.