ChaiViz
01.11.2026
IEM returns to Beijing for the first time since 2019. Sixteen teams share a $1.25 million prize pool, and the first eight series arrive on Monday, November 2. Every match is a best-of-three in a double-elimination group stage. Group winners skip straight to the semi-finals. Second and third place go through the quarter-finals.
That format changes how you should pick. One early slip is survivable for the teams. In Pick'ems, it costs you a point. Our group-by-group guide covers all eight picks.
On GoCore, every correct pick earns +1 and every wrong pick costs -1. Picks lock once you confirm them, so settle your reasoning before you submit.
Group A holds NAVI, Falcons, FURIA, FaZe, HEROIC, B8, Legacy and The MongolZ. Two of the four openers are heavyweight clashes.
The MongolZ are the pick here. They have the crowd energy of an Asian event behind them and a team that handles pressure well. Legacy are dangerous. They knocked NAVI out on the way to an IEM Atlanta semi-final earlier this year. Still, a best-of-three rewards the more settled side. This is among the safer CS2 matches today for a steady point.
HEROIC and B8 both came through the closed qualifier to complete the field. That makes this a fair fight on paper. We lean HEROIC for their depth over a longer series. B8 can steal a map, but we expect HEROIC to close it out.
This is the match that splits Pick'ems lobbies. Both sides carry star power and both can look unstoppable on their day. We back FURIA to take it. Their aggressive style can overwhelm FaZe early, and the opening day rewards teams that arrive sharp. Treat this as a calculated risk, not a lock.
Falcons are the headline favorite of the group. NAVI always bring fight and an enormous fanbase, but we expect Falcons to be too strong across a full series. If you want one anchor pick for the day, this is it.
Group B features G2, PARIVISION, BetBoom, 9z, Liquid, Aurora, MOUZ and TYLOO. Vitality and Spirit are not in Beijing, which leaves the field wide open. Expect CS2 scores that look closer than the rankings suggest.
TYLOO are the home team, and Beijing will be loud for them. That adds real upset potential. MOUZ remain the better-drilled side, though, and we expect them to stay calm and take the series. Watch the first map. If TYLOO win it, the crowd can swing the whole match.
BetBoom are our pick. They have the stronger tournament record against top opposition, and 9z can be inconsistent when facing a polished team. Expect BetBoom to control the pace.
This one is close. Aurora have the sharper tactical identity, and Liquid have a history of slow starts at events. We lean Aurora, but treat it as a coin flip with a slight edge.
G2 are the cleaner pick in this match. PARIVISION have real talent, and an upset would not shock anyone. Still, G2's experience in big-stage best-of-threes gives them the advantage.
Start with the anchors: Falcons, G2 and The MongolZ. Add BetBoom and MOUZ for steady value. Then decide how bold you want to be on FURIA vs FaZe and Aurora vs Liquid. Those two are where leaderboard gaps open up.
Ready to lock yours in? Head to GoCore, make your Pick'ems for the opening day and see how you rank. Share your picks with the community and tell us where you disagree.
ChaiViz
01.11.2026
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