IEM Rio 2026: Teams Tier List

IEM Rio 2026 is set to be one of the most exciting tournaments of the season, gathering the world’s strongest CS2 rosters. Brazil always offers a unique atmosphere, promising high-intensity and emotional matches. Before the action kicks off, it is crucial to identify the favorites and those who might struggle to make a deep run. We have compiled a tier list of all participants to reflect their current power rankings. Below is a concise breakdown of every team.

Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2026 Tier List

Below is a structured tier list of all teams before we move on to the detailed breakdown.

Below, we explain in detail why each team is placed in these positions.

C-Tier (Likely Early Eliminations)

Legacy – While this Brazilian squad received an invite via the VRS global rankings, their form against top-tier opponents remains inconsistent. Their opening match is against MOUZ, where they risk an early drop to the lower bracket.

Passion UA – This squad recently took 2nd place at Urban Riga Open Season 4, but IEM Rio is a completely different beast. Competing against elite teams requires a level of discipline and endurance they have yet to prove on this stage.

RED Canids – Another Brazilian representative primarily active on the Tier-2 scene. Their opening match is against Vitality; at this point, one can only wish them luck.

HOTU – Primarily known for Tier-2 performances, their participation here is a massive opportunity to challenge top-tier giants, though they are heavy underdogs.

Gentle Mates – For such a young roster, this tournament is a trial by fire. However, the French organization has previously shown they can punch above their weight and put up a fight against stronger opponents.

B-Tier (Teams That Can Compete in Groups)

Team Liquid – An unstable roster still searching for its identity. Recent performances have been underwhelming, and they need to move away from predictable setups to surprise their rivals. If they've sharpened their tactics pre-tournament, they might punch upward.

B8 – The Ukrainian side has shown fluctuating results lately, particularly as their sniper s1zzi works to find consistent form. However, their 5th-8th place finish in Bucharest suggests they have the potential to disrupt the group stage.

3DMAX – Coming off a strong showing at PGL Bucharest 2026 where they reached the playoffs. Despite losing the 3rd-place decider to The MongolZ, their 4th-place finish was a significant step forward compared to previous months.

A-Tier (Playoff Contenders)

MOUZ – Usually a staple in big event playoffs, though they often hit a ceiling once there. Their disappointing 13th-16th finish at BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026 casts some doubt on whether they can truly evolve into title contenders in Rio.

Aurora – A dangerous and unpredictable "dark horse." With heavy hitters like XANTARES and woxic, this roster can turn the tide of any game through sheer individual brilliance and aggressive plays.

G2 Esports – Their form has improved recently. While some of these gains came from Tier-2 events (like winning Stake Ranked Episode 1), the momentum is building, and they remain a threat to any top-tier team.

S-Tier (Finals Contenders)

Falcons – The "super-team" duo of m0NESY and NiKo has yet to reach its full potential. While they are consistent Tier-1 performers, they are still hunting for their first major trophy. They have the firepower to reach the final and challenge Vitality.

Team Spirit – Despite a modest 7th-8th place in Rotterdam, Spirit remains a powerhouse that frequently reaches semifinals. Their success often hinges on donk’s individual performance; if he catches fire in Rio, they could go all the way.

FURIA – While their recent dip in form might suggest a lower ranking, the "home turf" advantage in Brazil is real. Led by the legendary FalleN, they possess the experience and emotional momentum to make a deep run in front of their fans.

S+ Tier (Tournament Favorites)

Team Vitality – The absolute titans of the current season. Having already secured trophies at IEM Krakow 2026, PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026, and BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026, Vitality enters Rio as the team to beat. They currently have no equal in terms of consistency.

NAVI – While some might argue they are a step behind Vitality in raw form, their victory at ESL Pro League Season 23 and a runner-up finish in Rotterdam prove they are elite. A potential NAVI vs. Vitality final is the matchup everyone is waiting for.

So, Who Will Win in Rio?

Overall, IEM Rio 2026 promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable event. Vitality stands as the heavy favorite, while NAVI looks to prove their recent successes were no fluke. Meanwhile, several underdogs are capable of causing massive upsets as early as the group stage. Ultimately, everything will be decided on the server—and we are undoubtedly in for a series of high-stakes, intense matches.