The expanded qualifier welcomes teams from across South Asia for the first time, offering a US$1,500 prize pool and a route to the international Grand Finals in Shanghai
BenQ ZOWIE, the esports brand of BenQ, a global innovator in display technology, will host the LAN Finals of the eXTREMESLAND CS Asia Open 2026 South Asia Qualifier in Bengaluru on 25-26 October 2026. Three qualifying Counter-Strike 2 teams will compete for a single place at the international Grand Finals in Shanghai, China, scheduled for 16-20 December 2026. The LAN Finals will take place at Elysium X Gaming Café and will be livestreamed on both days on the YouTube channels of The Esports Club (TEC) and BenQ India.
A qualifier that now spans South Asia
This year’s edition widens participation beyond India to teams from neighbouring South Asian countries. The qualifier also introduces a US$1,500 prize pool, adding a cash reward to the chance of representing the region on the international stage. By opening up the field, BenQ ZOWIE aims to create more competitive opportunities for emerging esports talent and strengthen connections across the South Asian gaming ecosystem.
Three teams, one ticket to Shanghai
Diamond Dogs and FIREDUP Gaming from India and Red ViperZ Gaming from Bangladesh have qualified for the Bengaluru LAN Finals. The winning team will advance to the eXTREMESLAND CS Asia Open 2026 Grand Finals in Shanghai, where teams from across Asia will compete for a separate US$150,000 prize pool.
Speaking ahead of the LAN Finals, Rajeev Singh, Managing Director, BenQ India and South Asia, said, “Counter-Strike has a committed competitive community across South Asia, and what talented teams here need most is a clear route to the international stage. By expanding the eXTREMESLAND South Asia Qualifier beyond India, we are creating more opportunities for teams across the region to compete and progress. We look forward to seeing Diamond Dogs, FIREDUP Gaming and Red ViperZ Gaming battle it out in Bengaluru for the chance to represent South Asia in Shanghai.”
Event Details
- Tournament: ZOWIE eXTREMESLAND CS Asia Open 2026 – South Asia Qualifier
- LAN Finals: 25-26 October 2026
- Venue: Elysium X Gaming Café, Banashankari, Bengaluru
- Game: Counter-Strike 2
- Qualified Teams: Diamond Dogs (India), FIREDUP Gaming (India) and Red ViperZ Gaming (Bangladesh)
- South Asia Prize Pool: US$1,500
- International Grand Finals: Shanghai, China | 16-20 December 2026
- International Prize Pool: US$150,000
