At IEM Rio 2026, the lower bracket matches took place where teams fought for survival. Four teams continued their journey in the tournament, while others ended their run at the 9th-12th place stage.
G2 2:0 3DMAX
On Inferno, G2 controlled the game and closed the map 13:6. Dust2 was complete domination — 13:1 with no chances for the opponent.
G2 moves forward in the lower bracket and continues the fight, while 3DMAX finishes the tournament in 9th-12th place.
Spirit 2:1 RED Canids
Team Spirit defeated RED Canids in a tough series.
RED Canids took Mirage (13:8), but Spirit responded on Ancient (13:8) and completely dominated on Overpass (13:2), leaving no chance in the decisive map.
Spirit advances in the lower bracket, while RED Canids are eliminated from the tournament.
Aurora 2:0 B8
Both maps were under Aurora's control: Mirage (13:7) and Overpass (13:6). B8 couldn't put up a fight and succumbed without a chance for a comeback.
Aurora moves to the next round, while B8 finishes in 9th-12th place.
Natus Vincere 2:0 HOTU
Natus Vincere easily defeated HOTU.
On Dust2, NAVI confidently closed the game 13:7, and on Ancient, they secured the series victory 13:9, controlling key rounds.
NAVI remains in the tournament and continues to fight for the playoffs, while HOTU is eliminated.
The elimination matches at IEM Rio 2026 went without major upsets — the favorites confirmed their level. G2, Team Spirit, Aurora, and Natus Vincere continue the battle.
Ahead are even more intense matches, where the cost of mistakes only increases, and each series could be decisive.
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