This autumn, Intel Extreme Masters will make a comeback in Beijing, bringing back one of Counter-Strike’s most renowned tournament brands to the Chinese capital for the first time since 2019. This announcement comes from ESL FACEIT Group.
Set to take place from Nov. 2-8 at the Bloomage Biotech·Biohyalux ECM Arena in Wukesong, Haidian District, IEM Beijing 2026 will host 16 Counter-Strike teams vying for a total prize pool of $1.25 million, an ESL Pro Tour Masters trophy, and points in the ESL Grand Slam VII race. The event is a result of a collaboration between EFG and the Beijing Esports Industry Development Association under the “Beijing Esports” initiative.
According to EFG, this event will mark the largest standalone IEM tournament ever held in Asia, with an expected attendance of over 45,000 fans during the six days of competition. Additionally, IEM Beijing will be the first IEM event since the IEM Rio Major 2022 to feature a 360-degree stage design.
For EFG, returning to Beijing signifies both a strategic move and an expansion of its live-event endeavors in China. The official event page lists IEM Beijing 2026 as an EPT Masters event with 16 teams and $1.25 million in prizes, while ESL describes the ESL Pro Tour as a global Counter-Strike circuit featuring seven live events and over $11 million in total annual winnings.
This focus on China follows IEM Chengdu 2025, where EFG experimented with a broader live-audience approach by opening the group stage to fans. The plan for IEM Beijing includes fans being present throughout all six days of the tournament, which will feature group-stage matches, playoffs, partner activations, signing sessions with all teams, and various on-site activities.
Director of esports for Counter-Strike at ESL FACEIT Group, Marc Winther, expressed excitement about the upcoming event, stating, “With IEM Beijing 2026, we’re thrilled to enhance the fan experience through a 360-degree stage design and various fan engagements, while reinforcing our commitment to the region. Together with the Beijing Esports Industry Development Association, we anticipate hosting the largest live audience for IEM in Asia to date, creating new opportunities for fans and partners.”
The partnership with Beijing aligns with the local government’s vision. Beijing’s municipal government previously highlighted the “Esports Beijing” initiative as part of the city’s cultural, infrastructure, and international-exchange agenda. It is unclear from the announcement whether the Beijing Esports Industry Development Association is providing financial support, venue assistance, policy coordination, or other forms of commercial backing.
Details regarding ticketing for IEM Beijing 2026 have not been revealed yet. EFG has also not disclosed information about participating teams, local media partners, sponsor activations, or the financial terms of its collaboration with the Beijing Esports Industry Development Association.