degster, Aunkere and Jerry to Play IEM Rio 2026 Open Qualifier in CS2

Several well-known CIS players — Abdul “degster” Gasanov, Evgeniy “Aunkere” Karyat, and Andrey “Jerry” Mekhryakov — have registered for the IEM Rio 2026 open qualifier in Counter-Strike 2, forming a mixed roster for the upcoming ESL competition.

The lineup was spotted in the official qualifier registration and later reported by Cybersport.ru.

Confirmed Roster for IEM Rio 2026 Open Qualifier

The team will compete in the open stage with the following players:

• degster — AWPer

• Aunkere — rifler

• Jerry — in-game leader

• Krad — rifler

• r3salt — rifler

The qualifier will be held online, with teams competing for spots in the closed qualifier stage.

IEM Rio 2026 Qualifier Format

• Open Qualifier: January 16–17, 2026

• Closed Qualifier: January 21–23, 2026

• Advancement: Top teams from the open qualifier move on to the closed stage, where only one slot to the main IEM Rio 2026 event is available.

Context: Why This Roster Matters

degster Continues His Search for a New Team

degster remains one of the most notable free agents in CS2. After parting ways with Falcons, the AWPer stated publicly that he is motivated to return to top-level competition and is actively looking for a new project. Participation in the IEM Rio qualifier could serve as an opportunity to stay match-ready and showcase his form.

Aunkere’s Potential Return to Competitive CS2

Aunkere has previously said that he is open to returning to professional play under the right conditions, emphasizing the importance of roster quality and long-term goals over financial incentives. His appearance in the IEM Rio 2026 qualifier suggests continued interest in high-level competition rather than a full focus on streaming or content creation.

Jerry’s Ongoing Leadership Role

Jerry, known for his in-game leadership and team-building experience, has recently been involved in evaluating young talent and discussing long-term development within the CIS scene. His role as IGL makes him a key structural piece of this mixed lineup.

IEM Rio 2026 Overview

• Event dates: April 13–19, 2026

• Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

• Prize pool: $1,000,000

• Invites: Based on Valve Regional Standings (VRS)

What to Expect From the Open Qualifier

As a newly assembled mix, the team will rely on individual skill and experience rather than long-term synergy. Open qualifiers traditionally feature short match formats and minimal room for error, making consistency and veto preparation critical.

A successful run could significantly impact the future prospects of several players — especially degster and Aunkere — ahead of the 2026 CS2 season.