Table of Contents
The Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2026 commenced on April 13, and we are already nearing the end of the Group Stage. For fans who enjoy watching the action on livestreaming platforms, it was announced by the organizers that they can now do so on one of the prominent services for esports broadcasting.
Will ESL events, such as IEM Rio 2026, be shown on Kick?
The simple answer is yes. The renowned event organizer has formed a new partnership with Kick, ensuring that every moment of excitement from the ESL Pro Tour (EPT) involving Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 will be broadcast live on one of the fastest-growing livestreaming platforms out there.
Intel Extreme Masters on X)
Regarding the top-tier Brazil CS2 tournament, all its matches are currently being broadcast live here, as 16 of the world’s top teams compete for a $1 million prize. The IEM Rio 2026 will also mark a significant moment in the ESL Grand Slam VI race, with Team Vitality on the brink of becoming the first team to win two ESL Grand Slam titles in a row.
ESL has also disclosed that upcoming IEM & EPT competitions will be streamed in English on the Kick channel mentioned earlier. Simultaneously, live streams of these matches will remain accessible on other distribution platforms.
Is there any exclusive content as part of the EPT x Kick partnership?
Indeed. Kick will serve as the exclusive platform for the ESL Challenger League (ECL). These events are where emerging teams showcase their skills and challengers have the opportunity to rise as champions & earn an invitation to the upcoming season of the ESL Pro League.
For those who enjoy watching competitive Counter-Strike matches, the official Kick channel is the go-to destination for all upcoming games.
The first two matchdays of the IEM Rio 2026 have concluded, with notable names like Team Vitality, Team Falcons, FURIA and MOUZ advancing to the Playoffs. Fans can catch all the live action, consult the event schedule, and access viewership data on the Esports Charts tournaments page.
FAQs
What does the new ESL and Kick partnership entail?
ESL has teamed up with Kick to broadcast all ESL Pro Tour (EPT) events for Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 live, with Kick exclusively hosting the ESL Challenger League.
Will IEM Rio 2026 be broadcast on Kick?
Yes, all matches from IEM Rio 2026 are being streamed live on Kick as part of the new collaboration.
What exclusive content is available through the EPT x Kick partnership?
Kick will be the exclusive platform for the ESL Challenger League, where aspiring teams compete for a chance to secure an invitation to the ESL Pro League.
Where can fans find viewership statistics for ESL events?
Fans can monitor performances and access viewership statistics on the Esports Charts tournaments page or through their Events Dashboard subscription.