European Rainbow Six (R6) Siege X proved its power in 2025, with a big tournament win and grand final presence. Heading into the new season, the top teams made roster changes, which can affect the regional balance and qualification for the first Major of 2026.
The regional qualifier for the R6 Salt Lake City 2026 Major happens in Europe and MENA (Middle East and North Africa) from April 13 to April 17. The playoffs include matches between world-class competitors, real Major trophy contenders.
R6 esports organizations at EML 2026 kickoff should prove their status anew, after meaningful roster changes. Some of the key players left their former teams and even headed to a different Rainbow Six Siege X esports region.
Alongside the traditional powerhouses, the Europe and MENA League (EML) Kickoff 2026 playoffs feature some brave contenders. Battles for the Major qualification spots are true competitive fire, worth witnessing.
How to watch R6 esports matches from EML 2026 Kickoff: Stream
The EU Salt Lake City Major qualification matches are on the official Rainbow Six Siege Esports YouTube and Twitch channels.
Schedule
The detailed schedule of each tournament day at EML 2026 Kickoff is shown in the table below.
| Estimated start | Tournament stage | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| 6 p.m. CEST / 12 p.m. ET, April 13 | Quarterfinal | Virtus.pro vs Rebels Gaming |
| 9 p.m. CEST / 3 p.m. ET, April 13 | Quarterfinal | Twisted Minds vs Fnatic |
| 6 p.m. CEST / 12 p.m. ET, April 15 | Lower quarterfinal | Team Secret vs TBD |
| 9 p.m. CEST / 3 p.m. ET, April 15 | Lower quarterfinal | Shifters vs TBD |
| TBD, April 16 | Semifinal | G2 Esports vs TBD |
| TBD, April 16 | Semifinal | Team Falcons vs TBD |
| TBD, April 16 | Final | TBD vs TBD |
| TBD, April 17 | Lower semifinal | TBD vs TBD |
| TBD, April 17 | Lower semifinal | TBD vs TBD |
| TBD, April 27 | Lower final | TBD vs TBD |
Results at EML 2026 Kickoff: Playoffs for R6 Salt Lake City Major qualification
Two of the top regional favorites had decent runs in the group stage, and they are seeded directly to the upper semifinals. Team Falcons and G2 Esports need one win only to qualify for the Rainbow Six Siege X 2026 Major in Salt Lake City, USA.
Most R6 betting sites also name Team Secret as one of the favorites. However, they lost two matches in groups, to Rebel Gaming and Twisted Minds. The Secret players are already in the elimination brackets.
Shifters is the new name of Team BDS. Rebel Gaming rejoined the R6 esports scene in 2026. Surprisingly, Team Heretics could not advance even to the regional finals.
Big R6 esports teams to exchange players ahead of EML 2026 and the Salt Lake City Major
The European Rainbow Six Siege X competition is refreshed for the 2026 season thanks to roster changes in the top teams.
- Team Falcons said goodbye to Stéphane “Shaiiko” Lebleu. The guy signed with G2 Esports. Marc “jume” Steinmann joined Team Falcons instead. He played for Team Secret.
Falcons were third at Six Invitational 2026 and second at the Munich Major.
- G2 Esports has two new players compared to their Six Invitational 2026 presence. In addition to Shaiiko, G2 signed Benjamin “Benjamaster” Dereli — he was in the North American team Spacestation Gaming.
Roberto “Loira” Camargo left G2 for FURIA in South America. Alexandre “BlaZ” Thomas represents Shifters now.
In 2025, G2 played in the grand final of the Esports World Cup and were in the top 6 of the Munich Major.
- Team Secret lost jume for Falcons. Also, Adrian “Adrian” Tryka left for the NA team Wildcard. The R6 Esports World Cup 2025 winners and Six Invitational 2026 grand finalists should survive the elimination brackets to reach the Salt Lake City Major.
Europe and MENA have four slots at the upcoming Rainbow Six Siege X Major in Salt Lake City. They join competitors from four other big regions. The event happens from May 7 to May 17.