iBUYPOWER is returning to its Counter-Strike roots with a new sponsorship centered on a community-driven esports event in Las Vegas.

The prebuilt gaming PC manufacturer announced a partnership with streamer and former professional Counter-Strike 2 player Erik “fl0m” Flom to sponsor Monster Energy’s fl0m Mythical LAN 2026, a fan-focused LAN party and tournament taking place Jan. 9–11 at the HyperX Arena inside the Luxor Hotel and Casino. The event begins Friday at 5 p.m. PST and will be streamed live on fl0m’s Twitch channel.

The Mythical LAN blends a competitive Counter-Strike 2 tournament with the atmosphere of a traditional LAN party, aiming to appeal to both dedicated esports fans and casual attendees. Eight North American teams are scheduled to compete for a $30,000 prize pool, while also earning Valve Regional Standing points, which factor into global rankings and qualification opportunities.

Flom, who has been vocal about supporting the North American Counter-Strike scene since transitioning to full-time content creation, described the event as part of a broader effort to rebuild regional momentum. He said the quick sellout following the event’s announcement signaled strong community interest and highlighted the hunger among players and fans to see North American Counter-Strike regain international relevance.

A Community-Focused Take on Competitive Counter-Strike

Beyond the main competition, the event is designed to emphasize accessibility and interaction. Attendees will have access to an on-site player lounge, free-play stations, and side activities running alongside official matches. The guest list includes a mix of current and former Counter-Strike figures, such as Moses, Dinko, Sean Gares, DarfMike, GeT_RiGhT, and fl0m himself, offering fans opportunities to meet well-known personalities from the scene.

For iBUYPOWER, the sponsorship marks a symbolic return to a franchise that helped define its early esports identity. The company previously operated a professional Counter-Strike team during the game’s formative years in North America. Marketing Executive Producer King Perez de Tagle said the partnership reflects a renewed commitment to supporting the ecosystem around North American Counter-Strike, including players, organizers, and fans.

While Mythical LAN 2026 is a relatively small-scale event compared to international majors, its emphasis on community, storytelling, and grassroots competition positions it as a notable moment for the region. For fans tuning in or attending in person, the weekend offers a snapshot of where North American Counter-Strike stands — and where its supporters hope it can go next.