IEM Rio 2026: Spirit/MOUZ, Vitality/Na’Vi Picks

Two huge games to decide who will meet Falcons and FURIA in the semis. The quarterfinals are where IEM Rio gets really serious.

In tandem with this article, be sure to check out our CARNAGE scores for each player on the slate.

CS2 Slate Preview

These should both be great matchups on the stage at IEM Rio. The crowd finally becomes a factor, so that will be interesting to track throughout the knockout round. FURIA is already in the semis and will have huge home support tomorrow.

Let’s get into it!

Game by Game

Spirit vs. MOUZ -- 57.0% / 43.0% -- 11:00 AM ET

donk has the highest ceiling on the slate. He is a phenom and typically carries Spirit hard. sh1ro is the second option to consider, as he carries a reliable floor and is capable of a big series.

Spinx paces Mousesports and has been performing at a high level in important moments. He’s been one of my favorite DFS targets in recent months.

xertioN would be the only other MOUZ option I’d consider for fantasy and betting considering his aggressive, opener-heavy playstyle. His consistency is questionable, though.

Vitality vs. Na’Vi -- 72.1% / 27.9% -- 2:15 PM ET

Vitality's top three of ZywOo, flameZ and ropz is beyond lethal. All are playing great CS and can pop off for game-winning moments and scores. ZywOo is right there with donk as a matchup-proof player with insane skill.

makazze remains my favorite Na’Vi play. The low win probability trims his projection slightly, but his form holds him competitive with Vitality's top fraggers. If Na’Vi stay in this, he's the one who is likely producing.

b1t and w0nderful are also interesting if you're committing to the upset scenario. Vitality has looked much more mortal at this event so far, and Na’Vi is obviously a formidable opponent.

Players to Watch

donk (Spirit) -- leads the slate; ceiling is unmatched even in a tough matchup

ZywOo (Vitality) -- shocker! the two best players in CS in the top two spots

makazze (Na’Vi) -- one of the better contrarian plays; strong individual form & growing in confidence

Spinx (MOUZ) -- MOUZ’s primary weapon; top target if you are fading Spirit

flameZ (Vitality) -- does not get the attention ZywOo receives, but the output is real

Win probabilities are approximate and subject to change.

Good luck!