NAVI and Falcons to meet in the marquee opening-round match at IEM Beijing
NAVI will open IEM Beijing with a best-of-three series against a Falcons lineup featuring m0NESY and kyousuke.
SHOT editorial team2 min read
NAVI versus Falcons is scheduled for November 2 at 12:30 Moscow time and stands out as one of the key matches of the opening group-stage round.
A demanding opening test
NAVI and Falcons will begin their IEM Beijing 2026 campaigns against each other in a best-of-three series. The match is scheduled to start on November 2 at 12:30 Moscow time. Falcons enter the tournament with m0NESY and kyousuke in the lineup, giving NAVI an immediate test against a roster with considerable individual firepower. The listed start time remains provisional and may move if the tournament schedule runs late.
The value of an opening win
The group stage will use a double-elimination format. Three teams from each group will advance to the playoffs: the group winner will go directly to the semifinal, while the second- and third-placed teams will enter in the quarterfinals.
Winning the opener will not guarantee a semifinal berth, but it will keep the winner in the upper bracket and create a shorter route toward first place in the group. The losing side will still have another chance through the lower bracket.
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