IEM Beijing 2026 runs from November 2 to 8 and brings together 16 of the world’s leading organizations, among them Vitality, FURIA and MOUZ, competing for a $1,250,000 prize pool. 9z goes up against the top teams in the world with the aim of showing that its success in China is only the beginning.
From the Guangzhou title to Beijing
Winning the XSE Pro League Guangzhou final in July was one of 9z’s best results of the season. The team beat PARIVISION 3-0 in the final series and added another trophy to its record.
The win in China gave the whole roster a lot of confidence. In Beijing, 9z will meet stronger opposition and has the chance to prove it can regularly challenge for top places at S-tier events.
A rematch on the opening day
The pressure starts on November 2, when 9z faces a familiar opponent it still has history with. At ESL Pro League Season 24 in Katowice a month ago, 9z won their match 2-0 and knocked the rival team out of the tournament. Now the opponent has the chance to get revenge, and 9z has the chance to show that its October win was earned. In CS2, a single poor map pick or a lost eco round can change the course of a series, so both teams will have to put the last result behind them and come in with new plans.
Six playoff spots up for grabs
IEM Beijing continues until November 8. The group stage comes first, with teams fighting for six playoff places against organizations looking to make an impression on the international stage.
1xBet, 9z’s official partner, will be following the team’s progress alongside the fans and supports 9z as it goes after more international titles. 9z’s campaign in Beijing begins on November 2.
