IEM Rio 2026 Announced with $1M CS2 Prize Pool
Esports fans in Brazil are buzzing as ESL confirms the return of Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Rio for 2026, bringing a $1 million showdown to Rio de Janeiro from April 13-19.
After skipping 2025 for strategic planning, this Tier-1 CS2 spectacle is the first in Brazil in two years. This event will reunite 16 squads at the iconic Farmasi Arena for playoffs, fueling the ESL Pro Tour, Valve Regional Standings (VRS), and ESL Grand Slam race.
Partnering with the State of Rio de Janeiro and Rio de Janeiro Esports Federation, ESL promises on site activations, and economic boosts through jobs and tourism.
Tickets drop December 15, bundling arena access with fan zones.
Tournament Format
GSL Groups to Bo5, 16 teams split into two double elimination GSL groups of eight, all Bo3 matches. Top three per group advance to winners to playoffs semis, runners up as high seeds to quarters, third placers as low seeds.
Playoffs will be single-elim Bo3 (Bo5 grand final), plus Bo3 third place match. Four spots via closed qualifiers (2 Global, 2 Americas).
Confirmed Rosters
HLTV rankings in order:
- FURIA (#1 VRS SA)
- Vitality (#2 Global)
- Falcons (#3 Global)
- MOUZ (#4 Global)
- The MongolZ (#5 Global)
- Team Spirit (#6 Global)
- Natus Vincere (#7 Global)
- G2 (#9 Global)
- FaZe (#12 Global)
- Aurora (#8 Global)
- Legacy (#15 Global)
- B8 (#16 Global)
- M80 (#23 NA)
$1M Prize Pool Breakdown
- 1st: $125,000 (Player) | $170,000 (Club)
- 2nd: $50,000 (Player) | $120,000 (Club)
- 3rd: $30,000 (Player) | $95,000 (Club)
- 4th: $20,000 (Player) | $75,000 (Club)
- 5th-6th: $12,500 (Player) | $55,000 (Club)
- 7th-8th: $7,000 (Player) | $35,000 (Club)
- 9th-12th: $5,000 (Player) | $15,000 (Club)
- 13th-16th: $4,000 (Player) | –
Since: October 29, 2025
