ESL announces 2026 Counter-Strike event schedule

Esports tournament organizer ESL FACEIT Group has just revealed part of the Counter-Strike 2 event schedule for 2026.

In total, ESL has revealed six event timelines from January to November 2026. However, details about each event, including location, format and prize pool, have yet to be announced. .

Announcing Counter-Strike events ahead of time has become common practice in the esports ecosystem, thanks in large part to Valve's new regulations. In order to create a more stable esports schedule, tournament organizers must announce the 2026 event by January 1, 2025.

For 2027 events, notification must be made two years in advance.

ESL's first event in 2026 will take place from January 27 and last nearly two weeks, ending on February 8. Notably, ESL's second tournament in 2026 will take place immediately after that, on February 23.

The schedule also includes three short one-week events, taking place in April, May and November. According to ESL, more detailed information on all 2026 events will be announced in due course. .

ESL Counter-Strike 2 Schedule 2026:

ESL Event: January 27 – February 8, 2026

ESL Event: February 23 – March 15, 2026

ESL Event: April 12 – April 19, 2026

ESL Event: May 10 – May 17, 2026

ESL Event: September 21 – October 11, 2026

ESL Events: November 1 – November 8, 2026

Earlier this year, ESL announced it would contribute at least $22 million (~£16.8 million) to the Counter-Strike ecosystem throughout 2025 and 2026.

The 2025 ESL Pro Tour will include two championship events — IEM Katowice and IEM Cologne — along with five 'master' category events. These events include ESL Pro League Seasons 21 and 22, IEM Dallas, IEM Chengdu and IEM Spring.