Intel Extreme Masters Dallas Relocates to Atlanta in 2026

Intel Extreme Masters Dallas, or IEM Dallas, has been the biggest North American Counter-Strike competitive event. Hosted by ESL and due to take place in May, the event is undergoing a major change of venue in 2026.

The switch comes after the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center announced that it would be undergoing renovation work until 2029, rendering the facility that hosted the competition since 2022 unavailable.

With the change of venue, however, IEM Dallas is not going to be any less exciting, nor gather lower-caliber teams and players, even if it would be known under its new name - at least for a while - IEM Atlanta.

IEM Dallas becomes IEM Atlanta for the foreseeable future

IEM Atlanta, the reincarnated version of IEM Dallas, is due to take place on May 15-17,bringing together the nation and the world's Counter-Strike elite. The event is hosted as part of the larger DreamHack gaming festival, and it will feature the game's best16 teams, who will test their mettle in front of packed audiences at the Georgia World Congress Center.

The new facility was chosen because of its expanded capacity, accessibility, and the fact that it has hosted esports events in the past, making it a perfect successor for North America’s most significant Counter-Strike event. Fans can expect bigger audiences, enhanced stage setups, and a full festival experience while players face top-level competition.

What is the IEM Atlanta format?

The IEM Atlanta Counter-Strike event is played in a Group Stage and Playoffs format, with a Grand Final taking place once only two teams remain. A total of 16 teams participate in the event, with 13 picked from Valve Regional Standings, 2 promoted from a Global Qualifier, and one from an American Qualifier.

The resulting 16 teams are then organized in two double-elimination groups or GSL. The top three teams from each group make it into the Playoffs, which are further split as follows:

• Group stage winners advance to the Semifinals
• Group stage runners-up advance to the Quarterfinals as the High Seeds
• Group stage 3rd place teams advance to the Quarterfinals as the Low Seeds

The Playoffs are based on single-elimination, so there are no second chances. All matches are Best-of-3 (Bo3), with the Grand Final being Best-of-5 (Bo5).

Additionally, the event will continue the tradition of blending competitive action with fan experiences, thanks to its integration with DreamHack. Cosplay competitions, interactive booths, and other festival elements will accompany the matches, making it more than just a tournament but a full esports celebration.

IEM Dallas competitive scene and past winners

IEM Dallas has become one of the most contested Counter-Strike events in the history of esports, with hardly a single team able to establish dominance on the outcome.

This has made IEM Dallas a much-anticipated event, where the world’s elite test their Counter-Strike mettle to the satisfaction of thousands of roaring fans. Here are the winners of the previous events:

• 2022: Cloud9
• 2023: ENCE
• 2024: G2 Esports
• 2025: Team Vitality

Will IEM Dallas ever return?

IEM Dallas’ relocation and rebranding to IEM Atlanta does not necessarily mean that the original event will not be available once renovations at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center end.

However, there is no official confirmation yet about IEM Dallas as such for 2029. ESL is likely to gauge attendance at Georgia and determine if the venue does not fit better with its overall needs, including scaling the live audience and venue capacity.

The important thing is that a spiritual successor has been found for Counter-Strike’s most significant North American event, ensuring fans continue to enjoy action-packed esports competition.

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