Light Mates, RED Canids and HOTU quailfy for IEM Rio 2026

The trio of Light Mates, RED Canids, and HOTU have secured locations at IEM Rio 2026 via the Counter-Strike 2 occasion’s closed qualifier.

Following the early eliminations of Fnatic and BC.GAME, HOTU navigated its manner via the higher bracket with victories over Light Mates and 9INE, organising an higher bracket ultimate conflict towards BetBoom Workforce.

David ‘n0rbe3r7‘ Danielyan led the cost within the best-of-three as HOTU secured a 2-0 sweep to ebook its place in the principle occasion alongside a few of Counter-Strike’s powerhouse rosters.

Light Mates battled via the decrease bracket, taking down Workforce Nemesis, Ursa, and 9INE to hitch BetBoom Workforce within the decrease bracket ultimate for an opportunity to safe the ultimate place from the worldwide qualifier. Each side received their respective map picks to drive an Overpass decider, the place Light Mates emerged victorious to qualify.

For RED Canids, the South American facet bested Sharks Esports, Imperial Esports, and BESTIA on its approach to the Grand Ultimate. BESTIA made it to the Grand Ultimate via the decrease bracket and commenced the best-of-three with victory on Nuke to maneuver inside one map of qualification. RED Canids bounced again with wins on Historical and Inferno to finish a 2-1 collection victory to safe its first Tier 1 look of 2026.

Following the conclusion of the web qualifiers, the total IEM Rio 2026 is as follows:

Happening from April thirteenth to nineteenth, 2026, the 16 groups will compete for a share of $300,000 (~£219,475) in prize cash and Valve Regional Standings (VRS) factors. For Light Mates, RED Canids, and HOTU, competing in Rio is a chance to climb the rankings and earn a spot on the IEM Cologne Main happening in June.