IEM: Cologne Major 2026

About the tournament

IEM Cologne Major 2026 is Counter-Strike 2’s first Major of the year and one of ESL’s flagship international events. Thirty-two teams will battle through four stages: Stage 1 and Stage 2 use the Swiss system with early BO1s and elimination/advancement BO3s, Stage 3 is entirely BO3, and the playoffs are a single-elimination bracket at the LANXESS Arena. The tournament runs from June 2 to 21, 2026, with the final playoffs from June 18 to 21, and teams compete for the title of Major champions and a $1,250,000 prize pool.