While the main event of Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Atlanta 2026 is still a long way off, scheduled for May, we recently saw all the qualifiers conclude. That means ESL could share the full list of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) teams competing, and we are already hyped!

First up, a total of 13 teams were directly invited to IEM Atlanta 2026, based on their VRS rankings as of February 2026. This includes NRG, which features South African Aran "Sonic" Groesbeek.

IEM Atlanta 2026 direct invites:

• Team Vitality
• NAVI
• FaZe Clan
• NRG
• Legacy
• Team Liquid
• B8
• Astralis
• GamerLegion
• FUT Esports
• paiN Gaming
• M80
• BC.Game

There were also two qualifiers held to determine the last three spots. In the Global Qualifier, it was BetBoom Team and 33 who came out on top, both of which feature full Russian rosters.

In the Americas qualifier, we saw Passion UA reigning supreme, beating out Wildcard in the Grand Final to secure a spot at IEM Atlanta 2026. Passion UA, of course, features a South African coach, Tiaan "T.c" Coertzen, and IGL Johnny' "JT" Theodosiou!

CS2 esports fans can watch all the IEM Atlanta 2026 action live via the official ESLCS Twitch channel. Stay tuned to Esports Central for a plethora of CS2 esports coverage, including the results and a highlights video of IEM Atlanta 2026 when the main event finishes up.

Header image via Valve.