Look Sports Media – DreamHack Atlanta 2026 is set to explode onto the scene, transforming into the battleground for IEM Atlanta 2026, a colossal Counter-Strike 2 tournament boasting a $1,000,000 prize pool. The event, announced by DreamHack and ESL, will electrify the Georgia World Congress Center from May 11-17, with the heart-pounding playoff stage igniting between May 15-17.
This move marks a significant shift for North American Counter-Strike, with the IEM event departing from Dallas, its home since 2022. With the BLAST.tv Austin Major also in Texas, many fans have been eagerly awaiting a premier event closer to them.
IEM Atlanta will showcase 16 of the world’s elite Counter-Strike teams. The competition begins with two groups of eight, utilizing a double-elimination format. The top six teams will then advance to a single-elimination playoff bracket, with group winners earning a direct bye to the semifinals. The second and third-place teams from each group will clash in the quarterfinals. The ultimate victor will not only claim the lion’s share of the prize pool, a staggering $295,000, but also a significant boost in Club Share revenue.
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Marc Winther, Director Esports – Counter-Strike at ESL FACEIT Group, expressed his enthusiasm: "Bringing a world-class Counter-Strike tournament like Intel® Extreme Masters to Atlanta is a significant moment for esports in the Southeast U.S. We know how passionate Atlanta’s gaming community is, and we’re excited to bring back the top-tier competition to a city with such a rich history. Hosting IEM at DreamHack will make for an unforgettable weekend of elite competition and festival energy."
The announcement follows the conclusion of DreamHack Knockout Atlanta 2025, where M80 emerged victorious, securing their spot in ESL Pro League Season 23.
Halo Returns to the DreamHack Stage
Adding to the excitement, DreamHack Atlanta 2026 will also feature the return of Halo esports from May 15-17. This provides a crucial platform for top Halo teams following the conclusion of HCS 2025 and the subsequent hiatus before the next Halo title. Shopify Rebellion’s dominant performance at the Halo World Championship 2025, where they defeated OpTic Gaming, solidified their position as a potential dynasty. DreamHack offers SR and other top teams a vital opportunity to continue their competitive journeys.
Halo and Counter-Strike join Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 as featured esports titles at DreamHack Atlanta, following the Call of Duty League’s announcement of its 2026 esports calendar. The CDL circuit includes stops at DreamHack Atlanta and DreamHack Birmingham in the UK.
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