IEM Beijing 2026 Invites Revealed for ESL Return to Chinese Capital
ESL has announced the return of IEM Beijing to China’s capital after a seven-year hiatus, with the tournament scheduled for November 2-8, 2026. The event will be held at the Bloomage Biotech·Biohyalux ECM Arena in Wukesong, marking the first major international Counter-Strike competition in Beijing since 2019.
The tournament features a $1.25 million prize pool and is expected to attract 45,000 spectators over the course of the week-long competition. ESL has extended invitations to 13 top-tier teams representing a global mix of competitive talent, including FaZe Clan, Team Liquid, Natus Vincere, MOUZ, G2, FURIA, Team Falcons, Legacy, BetBoom, Aurora, Parivision, 9z, and The MongolZ.
Three additional roster slots will be determined through closed qualification rounds. Two slots are reserved for the winners and runners-up of the Global Closed Qualifier, while a single berth is allocated for the winner of the Asia Closed Qualifier. This qualification structure balances the prestige of direct invitations with opportunities for emerging teams to compete at the highest level.
The tournament’s return to Beijing represents a significant moment for international esports in mainland China, as major tier-one events have been limited in the region in recent years. The combination of a substantial prize pool, record-breaking venue capacity, and invited rosters of world-class teams establishes IEM Beijing 2026 as a marquee event on the professional Counter-Strike calendar.