The next ESL season will begin with changes that significantly impact the entire path to top-tier tournaments — from open qualifiers to the main-stage arena. Updated fairness requirements and a new qualifiers format introduce a completely different level of control and transparency.
ESL Announces Qualifiers for All Major IEM Events of 2026
The organizers have officially released the schedule for open and closed qualifiers for the three key tournaments of the year: IEM Brazil, IEM Atlanta, and IEM China. An important detail — all global open qualifiers will be played on European FACEIT servers, regardless of the event’s geographical location. This unifies playing conditions and ensures a higher level of technical stability. Additionally, participation in any stage of the qualifiers is now possible only with full FACEIT verification, which becomes a new mandatory standard.
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New Fairness Rules: Two Mandatory Cameras for Every Player
One of the main innovations — every participant in ESL qualifiers in 2026 must use two cameras:
- first: capturing the player’s face and monitor;
- second: showing the desk and the entire surface where peripherals and equipment are placed.
This decision strengthens control over potential manipulations and increases trust in online matches. ESL is moving toward a standard that brings online qualifiers as close as possible to LAN conditions — no “blind spots,” no technical loopholes.
IEM 2026 Qualifier Schedule
IEM Brazil 2026
- Global Open Qualifiers: January 16–17
- Closed Qualifiers: January 21–23
- Americas Open Qualifiers: January 17–17
- Americas Closed Qualifiers: January 21–23
IEM Atlanta 2026
- Global Open Qualifiers: February 7–8
- Closed Qualifiers: February 10–12
- Americas Open Qualifiers: February 7–8
- Americas Closed Qualifiers: February 10–12
IEM China 2026
- Global Open Qualifiers: August 24–25
- Closed Qualifiers: September 2–4
- Asia Open Qualifiers: August 24–25
- Asia Closed Qualifiers: September 2–4
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What This Means for the Scene
ESL is taking another step toward full standardization of online qualifiers. Verification, dual-camera setups, and a unified server base all reduce the risk of abuse and create a fairer environment for players climbing the path to LAN. 2026 will become the first season in which online qualifiers are brought as close as possible to transparent, controlled, and fair conditions of professional esports.
