Report: ESL look to host IEM Rio Major as second major of 2022

The second Valve-sponsored Counter-Strike: Global Offensive major of 2022 is provisionally slated to be run by ESL and take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Dexerto reports. The event, called the IEM Rio Major, would run from Oct. 31-Nov. 13.

ESL had previously planned to host the ESL One: Rio Major 2020, but the spread of COVID-19 in Brazil forced its cancelation. These new plans, first announced by ESL in Sept. 2021, would make up for the lost tournament by bringing the major back to Rio. There is not yet any confirmation on the choice of venue, according to Dexerto.

As Valve returns to hosting two CS:GO majors per year in 2022, up from only the PGL Major Stockholm in 2021, plans are being made to accommodate the game’s most prestigious tournament. There has not yet been word on which tournament organizer will handle the year’s first major. The first major should be held in May, according to HLTV. A single Regional Major Rankings event will take place before both majors, finalizing the teams that will qualify to the events.

Brazil has long been home to one of the most passionate and enthusiastic Counter-Strike fanbases, leading to added anticipation over a major being held in Rio. With most tournament organizers in CS:GO based out of Europe — like ESL who work out of Cologne — the logistical issues of having big events in Brazil has always been a consideration. The IEM Rio Major would be the most significant event yet to be held in the country.

The last two majors were organized by PGL and StarLadder. As the largest tournament organizer in CS:GO, ESL has also held the most majors in the game’s history — six, including the Intel-sponsored Katowice major.

The change in name from ESL One: Rio Major to IEM Rio Major comes following a deal renewing the partnership between Intel and ESL. Outside of the ESL Pro Tour circuit tournaments, other ESL-run events will be rebranded under Intel Extreme Masters.