Intel Extreme Masters (IEM), one of the longest-running and most prestigious esports tournament circuits in the world, is set to return to China this November.
The new IEM Beijing 2026 event has been organized in partnership with the Beijing Esports Industry Development Association as a part of the “Beijing Esports” initiative. The tournament will take place on November 2-8, 2026, at the Bloomage Biotech·Biohyalux ECM Arena in Wukesong, Haidian District.
Marking its first return to Beijing since 2019, the event will see 16 of the world’s best Counter-Strike 2 teams compete live in front of fans for increased Total Winnings of $1,250,000, a coveted ESL Pro Tour (EPT) Masters trophy, and a crucial point in the ESL Grand Slam VII race. Last November, the IEM event was held in Chengdu, China.
For the first time since the IEM Rio Major 2022, Intel Extreme Masters will introduce a 360-degree stage design, creating a truly immersive and dynamic experience for players and fans alike. With an expected audience of over 45,000 fans, the event is set to become the largest standalone IEM event ever held in Asia to date.
Building on the success of the live-audience group stage at IEM Chengdu 2025, IEM Beijing will once again welcome fans throughout all six tournament days, offering more opportunities to experience world-class Counter-Strike action live from the arena. In addition to three days of live group stage matches and electrifying playoffs, fans can look forward to dedicated partner activations, signing sessions with all participating teams, and a wide range of on-site activities across all competition days.
“Over the past years, we’ve experienced the incredible passion and energy of Chinese fans firsthand,” said Marc Winther, Director Esports Counter-Strike 2 at ESL FaceIt Group, in a statement. “With IEM Beijing 2026, we’re excited to take things to the next level through a 360-degree stage design and a range of fan activations, while further deepening our commitment to the region. Together with the Beijing Esports Industry Development Association, we look forward to welcoming IEM’s largest live audience in Asia to date and creating new opportunities for fans and partners.”
As part of the collaboration between ESL FaceIt Group and the Beijing Esports Industry Development Association, both parties have expressed a shared commitment to further deepen their cooperation within the esports ecosystem, working together to develop diverse initiatives to unlock the industry’s full potential locally.
The ticket sales information for IEM Beijing 2026 will be revealed at a later date.