ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) published its official co-streaming guidelines for the 2026 season, which includes the Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) IEM Major Cologne. The document outlines a structured approach to how independent creators may broadcast EFG content, centered on the principle of “Commercial Inheritance.”

Under these rules, all official tournament sponsorship integrations—including in-game logo rotations, banner placements, and commercial advertisements—must remain visible and unaltered on the co-streamer’s feed. EFG stated that these guidelines are intended to maintain the value of the brand partnerships that fund the competitive ecosystem.

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The policy establishes a “5% Webcam Rule,” mandating that a creator’s personal camera overlay occupy no more than 5% of the total screen space during gameplay and interstitial segments. Additional digital elements, such as chat feeds and social handles, are limited to 3% and 2% respectively, and must not obstruct in-game HUDs or sponsor rotations.

The guidelines also detail a comprehensive list of Prohibited Sponsor Categories for co-streamers. Creators are restricted from displaying personal sponsors that conflict with EFG’s reserved categories, which include hardware (CPUs, monitors, peripherals), beverages (energy drinks, soft drinks), and financial services (crypto, betting). This restriction applies to the video overlay, Twitch panels, and chatbot messages.

Other categories like political advertising, skin gambling and trading, and alcohol, are explicitly forbidden. The full list of vetoes can be found in this link. Additionally, creators are required to share viewership data with EFG upon request and grant a royalty-free license for the use of their likeness in promotional materials.

Technical requirements also specify that co-streams are permitted exclusively on Twitch, with other platforms requiring express written exemption. Furthermore, the “Always-On” coverage rule requires co-streamers to maintain a continuous broadcast from the pre-show through to the trophy ceremony to prevent “audience leakage.”

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