As a seasoned CS:GO fan with countless hours spent watching matches at LANXESS arena, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia and anticipation when looking at ESL’s 2026 calendar. The gaping hole in July-August is like a beacon calling out to me, whispering the words “IEM Cologne.” With my fingers crossed and heart pounding, I eagerly await the official confirmation that our beloved Cathedral of Counter-Strike will once again host the iconic event.
As the year 2025 approaches, certain tournament organizers are already setting their sights on the future. A renowned top-tier organizer, ESL, has revealed its competitive schedule that includes six events in 2026, and some enthusiastic Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) esports fans might immediately spot a notable absence.
On 19 December 2024, in a short-but-sweet announcement, ESL explained that:
2024, the thrilling finale of the competitive calendar year, has Team Spirit claiming the championship at the Perfect World Shanghai Major – a perfect way to wrap up the year! As we eagerly step into 2025, I’m excited to share with you our event footprint and dates for the year 2026. This announcement, combined with our 2025 schedule overview, gives us all a clear picture of what Team Spirit has planned over the next two years!
Afterward, the tournament planner unveiled their schedule for the year 2026, complete with precise dates (as shown in the image below). Don’t forget to check out the empty space!
If you can’t see the image, check out the dates for ESL’s big events in 2026 below.
- 27 January to 8 February 2026
- 23 February to 15 March 2026
- 12 to 19 April 2026
- 10 to 17 May 2026
- 21 September to 11 October 2026
- 1 to 8 November 2026
Compared to it, the 2025 ESL schedule includes seven LAN tournaments, sparking rumors that the one missing tournament might be a Major Championship. For those unaware, the well-known IEM Cologne event usually takes place during July and August, which just happens to be when there’s a gap in the 2026 ESL competitive schedule!
Additionally, ESL mentioned that they will share further details about the 2026 calendar in the upcoming days, emphasizing that these details will adhere to the rules established by Valve. For more specific information, please refer to this link.
Is it likely that the International Esports Event (IEM) Cologne 2026 will take place at the “Temple of Counter-Strike,” or the LANXESS arena in Germany? We certainly hope so, but as of now, it remains speculative.
Stay tuned to our esports section for all the latest news, updates, esports coverage, interviews, and more.
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2024-12-20 11:43