The iBUYPOWER Masters FML 2026 is set to bring top-tier North American Counter-Strike back to Las Vegas, Nevada. Erik “fl0m” Flom has announced the invited teams for the upcoming tournament, confirming that Liquid, M80, and NRG will headline the competition. The event carries a $30,000 prize pool and will run from September 25th to September 27th at the HyperX Esports Arena.
The invite list was determined using the July Valve Regional Standings update, placing M80 at the summit as the number one team in North America. Alongside the three powerhouse organizations, Voca, Wildcard, and Chicken Coop round out the North American contingent. The tournament will also feature two South American representatives, BESTIA and DENDELE, creating an eight-team field.
The return of Liquid to a domestic North American LAN marks a notable moment for the region. The organization has not competed in a non-ESL, non-DreamHack, or non-BLAST North American event since the iBUYPOWER Masters IV in 2019. Their acceptance of the invitation ends a multi-year absence from independent domestic competitions.
Chicken Coop secured the final North American invite, edging out Marsborne for the position. The team also benefited from the recent dissolution of Passion UA, which freed up space in the rankings. On the South American side, DENDELE earned their trip to Las Vegas following an impressive performance at BLAST Bounty Summer 2026, where they pulled off an upset victory over FURIA. BESTIA, the top squad from Argentina, completes the international lineup.
How the Invite Field Was Determined
The selection process for the iBUYPOWER Masters FML 2026 relied directly on the July Valve Regional Standings. This official ranking system provided a clear, merit-based pathway for teams to qualify. M80 claimed the top position in North America, reinforcing their status as the region’s leading team at the time of the invites.
The standings also dictated the inclusion of the remaining North American participants. Voca and Wildcard earned their spots through their VRS placements, while Chicken Coop narrowly secured the final position. The team finished just ahead of Marsborne in the rankings, and the timing of Passion UA ceasing operations further solidified their invite. The two South American slots went to the highest-ranked eligible teams from that region, with BESTIA and DENDELE accepting the opportunity to compete on North American soil.
- M80 entered the event as North America’s number one team according to the July Valve Regional Standings.
- Liquid accepted an invitation to a domestic NA LAN for the first time since the iBUYPOWER Masters IV in 2019.
- Chicken Coop claimed the final NA invite, finishing ahead of Marsborne and benefiting from Passion UA’s dissolution.
- DENDELE secured a South American invite after upsetting FURIA at BLAST Bounty Summer 2026.
The inclusion of South American teams adds an international dimension to the Las Vegas event. BESTIA arrives as the top Argentine squad, while DENDELE carries momentum from their recent headline-grabbing victory over FURIA. Their participation ensures the competition will feature cross-regional matchups alongside the domestic North American rivalries.
Tournament Format and Venue Details
The iBUYPOWER Masters FML 2026 will take place at the HyperX Esports Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The venue has hosted numerous esports events and provides a dedicated setting for the three-day competition. The tournament is scheduled to begin on September 25th and conclude on September 27th.
The eight-team field combines six North American organizations with two South American squads. The $30,000 prize pool will be contested across the weekend, with the specific format and bracket details yet to be confirmed by the organizers. The presence of Liquid, M80, and NRG establishes a strong core of established North American talent, while the inclusion of Voca, Wildcard, and Chicken Coop offers opportunities for emerging teams to compete against top opposition.
| Team | Region | Invite Basis |
|---|---|---|
| M80 | North America | July VRS (NA #1) |
| Liquid | North America | July VRS |
| NRG | North America | July VRS |
| Voca | North America | July VRS |
| Wildcard | North America | July VRS |
| Chicken Coop | North America | July VRS |
| BESTIA | South America | Top Argentine squad |
| DENDELE | South America | BLAST Bounty Summer 2026 performance |
The iBUYPOWER Masters FML 2026 brings together a mix of established organizations and rising teams for a $30,000 competition in Las Vegas. Liquid’s return to a domestic independent LAN after a gap stretching back to 2019 stands out as a significant storyline. M80 enters as the top-ranked North American team, while DENDELE and BESTIA represent the South American region. The event runs from September 25th to September 27th at the HyperX Esports Arena.
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