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Several Top Teams Decline IEM Atlanta 2026 Invites
ESL unveils Counter-Strike 2 teams for main event and closed qualifiers, but notable names opt out of the Tier 1 tournament.
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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ESL has announced the teams invited to compete in the main event and closed qualifiers of IEM Atlanta 2026. While top teams like Team Vitality, FaZe Clan, and Team Liquid have accepted invites to the main event, several other top-ranked squads such as FURIA, G2 Esports, and Team Spirit have declined to participate. The closed qualifiers, which will determine the final two teams in the main draw, are expected to be highly competitive as teams vie for valuable points ahead of the IEM Cologne Major in June.
Why it matters
IEM Atlanta is a Tier 1 Counter-Strike 2 tournament, making it an important event for teams looking to earn qualifying points for the upcoming Major. The absence of several top-ranked teams could open the door for lower-ranked squads to make a deep run and potentially qualify for the playoffs or even win the event outright.
The details
ESL has unveiled the list of teams invited to compete in the main event and closed qualifiers of IEM Atlanta 2026. The main event will feature 16 teams split into two groups of eight, with the top six from each group advancing to the playoffs. Notable teams in the main draw include Team Vitality, FaZe Clan, Team Liquid, and NAVI. However, several top-ranked teams such as FURIA, G2 Esports, and Team Spirit have declined their invitations. The closed qualifiers, taking place from February 10-12, will see 16 teams compete in a double-elimination bracket to earn the final two spots in the main event.
- IEM Atlanta 2026 will take place from May 17-19 as part of DreamHack Atlanta.
- The closed qualifiers for the event will be held from February 10-12.
The players
Team Vitality
A professional esports organization based in France that fields teams in various games, including Counter-Strike 2.
FaZe Clan
A popular and successful esports organization that has teams competing in multiple games, including Counter-Strike 2.
Team Liquid
A prominent esports organization that has teams competing in a variety of games, including Counter-Strike 2.
FURIA
A Brazilian esports organization that fields a Counter-Strike 2 team.
G2 Esports
A leading European esports organization that has a Counter-Strike 2 team.
What’s next
The closed qualifiers for IEM Atlanta 2026 will take place from February 10-12, with the main event scheduled for May 17-19 as part of DreamHack Atlanta.
The takeaway
The absence of several top-ranked Counter-Strike 2 teams from IEM Atlanta 2026 creates an opportunity for lower-ranked squads to make a deep run and potentially qualify for the playoffs or even win the event. The closed qualifiers will be highly competitive as teams vie for valuable points ahead of the upcoming IEM Cologne Major.
