The XSE Pro League Guangzhou 2026, a $1 million Counter-Strike 2 LAN tournament running July 1 through July 12 in Guangzhou, China, just saw South American squad 9z punch their ticket to the playoffs by defeating regional rival MIBR.
What happened in Guangzhou
Both 9z and MIBR entered their Swiss stage bout sitting at 2-2, meaning it was a do-or-die elimination game. The winner advances to the single-elimination playoffs scheduled for July 9 through July 12. The loser goes home.
9z took the series, securing their spot among the final contenders at an event featuring 16 teams. The roster joins heavyweights like FaZe and NIP in the playoff bracket.
Organized by Xinsai Esports, the tournament splits its $1 million prize pool evenly between players and clubs, with $500K allocated to each pool. First place takes home $200K plus an additional club share.
