IEM Rio 2026 Viewer’s Guide: Schedule, Where to Watch, and More

IEM Rio 2026 is just around the corner. Running between April 13-19, the tournament will feature 16 teams battling for a share of the $1 million prize pool. Teams will initially be split into two groups and compete in a double-elimination bracket. The top three teams from each group will then advance to the single-elimination playoffs, set to begin on April 17.

Although the Cologne Major slots have already been finalized, teams still have plenty to play for. For some, the stakes are valuable VRS points and the chance to build momentum heading into the Major in June. For others, like Team Vitality, it's an opportunity to win a fourth consecutive trophy and further extend their lead over the competition. We've discussed this further in our article here.

With big names like Vitality, Falcons, FURIA, and others competing, the tournament is sure to be entertaining. Below, you'll find a detailed schedule and livestream information for IEM Rio 2026.

IEM Rio Schedule

Opening Matches

Monday, April 13:

• Vitality vs RED Canids: 6 am PDT/ 3 pm CEST

• Gentle Mates vs G2: 6 am PDT/ 3 pm CEST

• Spirit vs Liquid: 8:30 am PDT/ 5:30 pm CEST

• 3DMAX vs Falcons: 8:30 am PDT/ 5:30 pm CEST

• B8 vs NAVI: 11 am PDT/ 8 pm CEST

• Legacy vs MOUZ: 11 am PDT/ 8 pm CEST

• FURIA vs Passion UA: 1:30 pm PDT/ 10:30 pm CEST

• Aurora vs HOTU: 1:30 pm PDT/ 10:30 pm CEST

The remaining fixtures will depend on the outcome of the opening matchups. The winners will move to the Upper Bracket Semifinals, while the losers will be pushed to Lower Bracket Round 1.

Remaining Group Stage Matches

Tuesday, April 14:

• Group A Upper Bracket Semifinal #1: 6 am PDT/ 3 pm CEST

• Group A Lower Bracket Round 1 #1: 6 am PDT/ 3 pm CEST

• Group A Upper Bracket Semifinal #2: 8:30 am PDT/ 5:30 pm CEST

• Group A Lower Bracket Round 1 #2: 8:30 am PDT/ 5:30 pm CEST

• Group B Upper Bracket Semifinal #1: 11 am PDT/ 8 pm CEST

• Group B Lower Bracket Round 1 #1: 11 am PDT/ 8 pm CEST

• Group A Upper Bracket Semifinal #2: 1:30 pm PDT/ 10:30 pm CEST

• Group A Lower Bracket Round 1 #2: 1:30 pm PDT/ 10:30 pm CEST

Wednesday, April 15:

• Group A Lower Bracket Semifinals #1: 6 am PDT/ 3 pm CEST

• Group A Lower Bracket Semifinals #2: 6 am PDT/ 3 pm CEST

• Group B Lower Bracket Semifinals #1: 8:30 am PDT/ 5:30 pm CEST

• Group B Lower Bracket Semifinals #2: 8:30 am PDT/ 5:30 pm CEST

• Group A Upper Bracket Final: 11 am PDT/ 8 pm CEST

• Group A Lower Bracket Final: 11 am PDT/ 8 pm CEST

• Group B Upper Bracket Final: 1:30 pm PDT/ 10:30 pm CEST

• Group B Lower Bracket Final: 1:30 pm PDT/ 10:30 pm CEST

The winners of each group’s Upper Bracket Semifinals and Lower Bracket Finals will advance to the playoffs. 

Playoffs Schedule

Friday, April 17:

• Quarterfinal #1: 8 am PDT/ 5 pm CEST 

• Quarterfinal #2: 11:15 am PDT/ 8:15 pm CEST

Saturday, April 18:

• Semifinal #1: 8 am PDT/ 5 pm CEST 

• Semifinal #2: 11:15 am PDT/ 8:15 pm CEST

Sunday, April 19:

• 3rd Place Decider Match: 6:30 am PDT/ 3:30 pm CEST

• Grand Final: 10 am PDT/ 7 pm CEST
  

Where to Watch IEM Rio 2026

IEM Rio 2026 will be broadcast live on ESL's official channels across multiple streaming platforms, with two streams running simultaneously. You can also catch co-streams from various content creators. Below are the official stream links:

• Stream A: Twitch and YouTube

• Stream B: Twitch and YouTube

You can also follow CS2 IEM Rio 2026 live on Strafe.

Don't forget to follow Strafe Esports for the latest news about your favorite esports and to check out our X account for the most recent content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to the Strafe YouTube channel for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and much more.

Featured Image Credit: ESL Counter-Strike

Read More:

Can Anyone Stop Vitality? IEM Rio 2026 Group Stage Is Revealed

Here They Are: Every Team Going to IEM Cologne Major 2026

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