ESL has released the list of teams invited to the Intel Extreme Masters Atlanta 2026, including both the Main Event and the Closed Qualifiers. Invitations were issued based on the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) as of February 2, 2026.
The Main Event will feature 16 teams competing in two groups of eight in a double elimination format. The top three teams from each group will advance to the playoffs to compete for $1,000,000 in prize money and a chance at the ESL Grand Slam.
The Global and Americas Closed Qualifiers will also use a double elimination format, with the winners advancing to the Main Event. Some teams declined their invitations, and their spots were filled by the next eligible teams according to the VRS rankings.
The roster submission deadline is April 27, 2026, for the Main Event, and February 8, 2026, for the Closed Qualifiers. Seeding for the Main Event will take place on April 28, 2026. Teams must retain the majority of their roster listed in the VRS at the time of invitation to be eligible to participate.
As a side note, Boars Gaming has announced the coach and captain for their PUBG Mobile roster.