MBA Case Competition 2026 - IESE Pre-selection at Roland Berger

After celebrating the fantastic 30th anniversary of the Roland Berger – IESE International MBA Case Competition this spring, we’re excited to continue this long-standing tradition!

As every year, we are pleased to invite you to participate in this prestigious global event, co-hosted annually by Roland Berger and IESE Business School in Barcelona since 1995. Over the years, the competition has united leading MBA programs from Europe, Asia, and the United States, and has grown into one of the most prominent events of its kind.

The event gives first-year MBA students a unique opportunity to solve a real-world business challenge, showcase their strategic thinking, and present their solutions to a panel of distinguished business leaders. Throughout the competition, teams receive guidance and feedback from experienced Roland Berger consultants, supporting their analysis and sharpening their presentations.

Beyond the IESE case itself, the competition provides participants with several opportunities to network - both with fellow students from leading global MBA programs and with Roland Berger professionals from various international offices, as well as external representatives from the company represented in the case. Additionally, participants will have the chance to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Barcelona through traditional dinners and scheduled sightseeing activities with us!

🏆 To add to the excitement, at the international finals in Spring 2026, there will be a money prize of €4,000 for the overall winning team (€1,000 per team member) and €1,000 for the runner-up team (€250 per team member)!

Ready for some more good news exclusively for IESE?

1. The top teams from IESE that apply to this event and will be selected for the internal IESE round, will receive a 2-hour intensive Presentation Training (PEP – Pyramidal and Effective Presentations).
    
2. For the final team from IESE, which will be selected in December, we will offer all four team members a first-round interview for a summer internship with one of our global Roland Berger offices!

✅ Next Steps:

1. Kickoff Session: IESE will hold an official information session for you, which will take place on Tuesday, October 28, from 13:00 to 13:50 CET. You will receive further information from IESE Consulting Club or CDC. 
    
2. Assemble Your Dream Team: We invite you to form a diverse team of four (4) first-year MBA students - ideally representing at least three nationalities, as well as a variety of languages and genders. Diversity is key!
    
3. Apply: Each team member must apply individually to this event by Sunday, November 2. Please complete all required fields, upload your CV, and provide your team’s name on the second page of the application (after clicking “Next”) so we can properly allocate you to your team.
    
4. Submit Team Introduction Videos: Please also submit a brief team introduction via our Online Video Tool (click to log in) by Sunday, November 2. One team member will need to register to access the tool and your team will then be asked three simple questions. Your team will have one minute and unlimited attempts to answer each question.
    
5. Internal IESE Presentations: The top teams, chosen based on the CVs, team constellation and videos, will be announced on Friday, November 7. On Monday, November 10, these teams will receive a short Roland Berger case to work on and must submit their solutions by Friday, November 28.
    
6. Exclusive IESE Presentation Training: After receiving the case, these teams will also be invited to an exclusive Presentation Training conducted by experienced and trained Roland Berger consultants on IESE Campus on Friday, November 14, from 17:15 - 19:30 CET. This should prepare you for the following on-campus presentation.
    
7. Internal Round: On Wednesday, December 3, from 17:15 - 20:15 CET, the teams will present their case solution in front of a Roland Berger jury during the internal pre-selection round on IESE campus.
    
8. Announcement of the IESE Winning Team: Directly after the on-campus team presentations, the jury will select the final team that will represent IESE at the MBA Case Competition in March 2026 in Barcelona and will announce it during the networking reception!

Does this sound interesting to you? Then be sure to save these important dates, submit your applications, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

We look forward to receiving your participation!

🗓 Event Schedule (details tbc)

Thursday, March 5, 2026
- Arrival in Barcelona
- Welcome session, case introduction & rules
- Networking & traditional dinner

Friday, March 6, 2026
- Case work
- Coaching & case expert sessions
- Relaxed joint dinner

Saturday, March 7, 2026
- Final presentations to jury
- Winner announcement
- Closing networking event

Sunday, March 8, 2026
- Individual departures