The heroes return. After a successful debut in spring 2025, the HERO Esports Asian Champions League (ACL) tournament series has officially announced its comeback. In May 2026, the best teams from across the Asian region will once again gather for LAN playoffs to compete not only for a $130,000 prize pool — but also for prestige, which is becoming increasingly significant in the CS2 world. Organizers have revealed the full schedule, qualification format, and playoff structure. This is more than just another tournament — it’s a bold attempt to establish a truly top-tier circuit in Asia.
ACLxCS2 2026 Calendar: From Open Qualifiers to LAN Playoffs
The 2026 tournament structure follows a three-phase format, smoothly transitioning from regional qualifiers to LAN playoffs:
Open Qualifiers (Online): January – March 2026
- Regions: China, Oceania, Southeast Asia, and the broader Asia region
Closed Qualifier (LAN): April 29 – May 3, 2026
- Location: China
LAN Playoffs: May 11 – 17, 2026
- Location to be announced
This format strikes a balance between openness and quality. Teams from all corners of Asia can embark on the journey from scratch, while the LAN stage ensures minimal variance and maximum competitive integrity.
Format: 16 Teams, Dual Qualification System & Valve Rankings
ACLxCS2 2026 adopts a hybrid system that combines open qualifiers, Valve ranking invites, and a wildcard:
Closed Qualifier (16 Teams):
- 11 teams — Winners of the regional online qualifiers (CN/SEA/Pacific/Asia)
- 4 teams — Invited based on Valve Asia Regional Rankings
- 1 team — Wildcard invite from the organizers
Only four teams from this LAN stage will advance to the main playoff bracket.
LAN Playoffs (16 Teams):
- 4 teams — Qualified through the closed LAN qualifier
- 12 teams — Invited directly based on Valve’s ranking system for Asia
This structure opens the door for both rising underdogs and regional giants like TYLOO, The MongolZ, Rare Atom, and Lynn Vision.
Prize Pool: $130,000 — With a Focus on First Place
The prize distribution emphasizes championship value:
- 1st place — $80,000
- 2nd place — $30,000
- 3rd–4th — $10,000
- 5th–6th — $7,000
- 7th–8th — $3,000
Compared to the 2025 edition (which had a $100,000 prize pool), the stakes have been raised not just in total sum, but in the gap between first place and the rest — making the title race even more intense.
TYLOO’s Legacy & the Challenges of 2026
The inaugural ACL in May 2025 was a landmark event for Asian CS. It brought together regional leaders such as FlyQuest, Lynn Vision, The Huns, and more — but it was TYLOO who proved dominant. Dongkai “Jee” Ji and his squad not only claimed the $100,000 top prize but also earned a slot at the Esports World Cup, reinforcing their status as the region’s top team.
However, in 2026, Hero Esports may face a tough challenge: the ACL LAN playoffs (May 11–17) overlap directly with two major events — PGL Major Astana 2026 (May 9–17) and IEM USA (May 11–17). This scheduling conflict could cause some top-tier Asian teams to prioritize Tier-1 circuits over ACL.
Why ACL Matters for the Region
Despite the competition on the calendar, ACL carries strategic importance for the development of the Asian CS2 scene:
- Consistency: A second consecutive edition shows structural reliability
- Infrastructure: LAN qualifiers mark a new organizational standard
- Regional Focus: Valve rankings tailored specifically for Asia
In a world where most major CS2 events are based in Europe or North America, building a localized ecosystem — with its own stars, qualification path, and tournament identity — is a crucial step forward.
ACLxCS2 2026: A Test of Maturity
The second ACL season has the potential to become a cornerstone of the regional calendar. An open path to LAN, a sizeable prize pool, and a robust tournament structure provide a fertile ground for new stars to rise and for Asia to further solidify its presence on the global CS2 stage.
But there’s a test ahead. If organizers can retain top teams and maintain a competitive field, ACL may become to Asia what IEM is to Europe — a prime arena of ambition, firepower, and dramatic showdowns.
