IEM Beijing 2026 in Counter-Strike 2 will kick off on November 2 in Beijing, marking one of the major tournaments of the autumn season. ESL has finalized the participant lineup and tournament format, with two Ukrainian representatives — Natus Vincere and B8 — among the 16 teams competing.
The tournament will take place from November 2 to 8 at the Bloomage Biotech·Biohyalux ECM Arena in Beijing. The total prize pool will be $1.25 million, with all matches played in LAN format.
Ukraine represented by NAVI and B8
For Ukrainian fans, the participation of NAVI and B8 will be one of the main reasons to follow IEM Beijing.
NAVI received a direct invitation based on their position in the Valve Regional Standings. The Ukrainian organization is among the strongest teams at the tournament and will travel to China with b1t and w0nderful in the lineup. They will be joined by Aleksib, iM and Makazze, with B1ad3 serving as the team's coach.
B8, meanwhile, earned their spot at IEM Beijing through the closed global qualifier. The Ukrainian organization went through the qualifier undefeated, defeating several opponents on their way to the main event, including Nuclear TigeRES in the decisive match for the tournament slot.
As a result, Ukraine will have two representatives among the 16 teams competing at IEM Beijing 2026.
In addition to the Ukrainian organizations, attention will also be on G2, who feature Ukrainian AWPer Artem r1nkle Moroz. G2 also received a direct invitation to the tournament.
Who else will compete in Beijing
Alongside NAVI and B8, the IEM Beijing 2026 lineup includes FURIA, MOUZ, Falcons, Legacy, G2, Aurora, BetBoom, PARIVISION, FaZe, Liquid, 9z, The MongolZ, HEROIC and TYLOO.
This means Beijing will bring together a very strong international field. Among the main contenders are FURIA, MOUZ, Falcons, G2 and NAVI.
Particular attention will be on TYLOO, with the Chinese team earning its spot through the Asian closed qualifier and preparing to play the home tournament in front of its supporters.
Tournament format
The 16 teams will be divided into two groups of eight. The group stage will use a double-elimination format, with all matches played as best-of-three series.
The winner of each group will advance directly to the semifinals. The teams finishing second and third will start the playoffs in the quarterfinals. Six teams in total will advance to the playoff stage.
The group stage will take place from November 2 to 4, followed by the playoffs from November 6 to 8.
The quarterfinals are scheduled for November 6, the semifinals for November 7, and the grand final for November 8. The grand final will be played in a best-of-five format.
The total prize pool for IEM Beijing 2026 stands at $1.25 million.
The winner will receive $125,000, while the runner-up will earn $50,000. The third- and fourth-place teams will receive $30,000 and $20,000 respectively. ESL will also provide significant club rewards, with the champion receiving an additional $235,000 in club compensation.
A special tournament for Beijing
IEM Beijing 2026 will be the first IEM event in the Chinese capital since 2019. ESL has prepared a new 360-degree stage, allowing spectators to sit around the playing area.
According to Beijing authorities, organizers expect more than 45,000 visitors throughout the tournament. The organizers also expect IEM Beijing to potentially become the largest standalone IEM event in Asian history in terms of on-site attendance.
For Ukrainian fans, the main question is simple: can NAVI and B8 make a deep run in Beijing, while r1nkle and G2 challenge for the title?
IEM Beijing 2026 will begin on November 2 and conclude with the grand final on November 8.
As a reminder, Natus Vincere to leave VCT partner program in 2027 and shift focus in VALORANT.