{"id":25683,"date":"2026-06-17T23:41:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T20:41:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hellcase.com\/blog\/?p=25683"},"modified":"2026-06-18T18:35:51","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T15:35:51","slug":"iem-cologne-major-2026-stages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hellcase.com\/blog\/esports\/iem-cologne-major-2026-stages\/","title":{"rendered":"IEM Cologne Major 2026: Stages Recap and Playoffs Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Mid-air Deagle kill, unbelievable comeback, and exhausting triple overtime. Undoubtedly, the Intel Extreme Masters Cologne Major 2026 will be among the most discussed tournaments in the Counter-Strike community for months. At the same time, for now we&#8217;ve only seen Stages, which means the Playoffs promise to be even more intense and exciting. If you missed the beginning of the IEM Cologne Major 2026, be sure to check our material to see exactly what we went through over the last two weeks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In article you will find:<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/hellcase.com\/blog\/esports\/iem-cologne-major-2026-stages\/#IEM_Cologne_Major_2026\" >IEM Cologne Major 2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/hellcase.com\/blog\/esports\/iem-cologne-major-2026-stages\/#Stage_1\" >Stage 1<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/hellcase.com\/blog\/esports\/iem-cologne-major-2026-stages\/#Stage_2\" >Stage 2<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/hellcase.com\/blog\/esports\/iem-cologne-major-2026-stages\/#Stage_3\" >Stage 3<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/hellcase.com\/blog\/esports\/iem-cologne-major-2026-stages\/#%E2%80%8BConclusion\" >\u200bConclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"IEM_Cologne_Major_2026\"><\/span>IEM Cologne Major 2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While it\u2019s not over yet, it\u2019s worth noting that the Intel Extreme Masters Cologne Major 2026, or simply IEM Cologne Major 2026, is the fifth Counter-Strike 2 Major Championship and the twenty-fourth Counter-Strike Major overall. Also, the tournament features a USD 1.25 million prize pool.<\/p><div class=\"hellc-after-paragraph-2\" id=\"hellc-2980660267\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hellcase.com\/#free-giveaway\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"wp-block-content-banner-image-upload-block hellcase-content-banner\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hellcase.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/lost-in-space_868x100.png\" alt=\" new  giveaway Big banner\"><div class=\"hellcase-content-banner__label\">Advertisement<\/div><div class=\"hellcase-content-banner__overlay\"><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>No less important detail is that there are 32 teams, which we already saw in all Stages. The interesting fact is that all of them were directly invited according to their Valve Regional Standings (VRS). Still, only eight of them are going to the Playoffs. But let\u2019s avoid spoilers and begin with Stage 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stage_1\"><\/span>Stage 1<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sixteen teams were participating in Stage 1. And, of course, only eight of them advanced to the next group stage. The first two rounds featured a Bo1 match format, meaning there was no room for errors. Still, in the rounds 3rd, 4th, and 5th, we already had exciting Bo3 matches between the participants. And, undoubtedly, many of them were completely unpredictable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can see the results of Stage 1 below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Team<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Won<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Lost<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Qualification<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>B8<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>0<\/td><td rowspan=\"8\"><br><br><br><br><br><br><strong>Qualification<\/strong><strong>to Stage 2<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>BetBoom Team<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>GamerLegion<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>1<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>M80<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>1<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>MIBR<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>1<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>TYLOO<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>BIG<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>FlyQuest<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Team Liquid<\/td><td>2<\/td><td>3<\/td><td rowspan=\"8\"><br><br><br><br><br><br><strong>Eliminated<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>NRG<\/td><td>2<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Lynn Vision Gaming<\/td><td>2<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>THUNDERdOWNUNDER<\/td><td>1<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sharks Esports<\/td><td>1<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>HEROIC<\/td><td>1<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Gaimin Gladiators<\/td><td>0<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>SINNERS Esports<\/td><td>0<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, we should also mention the most noticeable highlights from Stage 1:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1v3 clutch from Mercury.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">LOVELY 1v3 clutch from Mercury \ud83d\udc4f\ud83d\udc4f<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/16iIMleNHN\">pic.twitter.com\/16iIMleNHN<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2061785806050607253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 2, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A triple kill from NPL in a 2v4 situation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">A classic <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/jks_CS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@jks_CS<\/a> entry \ud83d\udc4a<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/kjZBjhm0Yy\">pic.twitter.com\/kjZBjhm0Yy<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2063212432462585915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 6, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">.<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/npllcs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@npllcs<\/a> steps up massively in the 2v4 to secure the round \ud83d\udd25<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/oZE74a0Sr9\">pic.twitter.com\/oZE74a0Sr9<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2061790932710621274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 2, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A kill with a smoke from hypex.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">.<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hypexxcs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@hypexxcs<\/a> steals the kill with a SMOKE??? \ud83d\ude33<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/nUCgKiL2gX\">pic.twitter.com\/nUCgKiL2gX<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2061801532652175822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 2, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A quad kill from Snax.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">A wonderful QUAD kill from <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/cios_snax?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@cios_snax<\/a> in banana \ud83e\udee3<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/lqAxhKUYWo\">pic.twitter.com\/lqAxhKUYWo<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2061880123285033420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 2, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mid-air Deagle kill from ultimate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"tl\" dir=\"ltr\">ANNIHILATED. <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ultimatecs_go?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@ultimatecs_go<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/hlr3qEGmCh\">pic.twitter.com\/hlr3qEGmCh<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2061905516763156549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 2, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A ninja defuse from tabseN.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">.<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/tabseNcs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@tabseNcs<\/a> STEALS THE LEAD WITH A NINJA DEFUSE<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/10Sn7fpjpj\">pic.twitter.com\/10Sn7fpjpj<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2062554431598784640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 4, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The most unbelievable, first-ever 12-0 to 12-12 comeback in CS2 Major history, from BIG against NRG.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">THE MOST UNBELIEVABLE COMEBACK EVER \ud83e\udd2f<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/BIGCLANgg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@BIGCLANgg<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/BRGxXvuW9C\">pic.twitter.com\/BRGxXvuW9C<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2062988746153234614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 5, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bonus: BIG won the Bo3 against NRG thanks to a comeback, 12:16.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">THE MOST UNREAL COMEBACK IN THE HISTORY OF COUNTER-STRIKE MAJORS.<br><br>FROM 0-12 to 16-12 FOR A SPOT IN STAGE 2.<br><br>WHATT???!! <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/BIGCLANgg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@BIGCLANgg<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ksWYwrST2F\">pic.twitter.com\/ksWYwrST2F<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2063013111574003740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 5, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stage_2\"><\/span>Stage 2<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Similar to Stage 1, in Stage 2, all matches were Bo1 (rounds 1st and 2nd), while Elimination and Advancement matches were Bo3 (rounds 3rd, 4th, and 5th). Also, it\u2019s important to note that this group stage included sixteen participants, with eight winners from the previous Stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the results of Stage 2:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Team<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Won<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Lost<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Qualification<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>FUT Esports<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>0<\/td><td rowspan=\"8\"><br><br><br><br><br><br><strong>Qualification<\/strong><strong>to Stage 3<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Team Spirit<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>G2 Esports<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>1<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>BetBoom Team<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>1<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>9z Team<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>1<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Monte<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>B8<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Legacy<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>TYLOO<\/td><td>2<\/td><td>3<\/td><td rowspan=\"8\"><br><br><br><br><br><br><strong>Eliminated<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>BIG<\/td><td>2<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>paiN Gaming<\/td><td>2<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>M80<\/td><td>1<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>MIBR<\/td><td>1<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Astralis<\/td><td>1<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>FlyQuest<\/td><td>0<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>GamerLegion<\/td><td>0<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>But what about the most eye-catching moments from Stage 2? Undoubtedly, there were such highlights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An entry from jks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2063212432462585915\">https:\/\/twitter.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2063212432462585915<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Eco round from Astralis against Full buy from GamerLegion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">.<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/AstralisCS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@AstralisCS<\/a> with only PISTOLS secure MATCH POINT<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/2vfZ0MU4qh\">pic.twitter.com\/2vfZ0MU4qh<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2063215265509192113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 6, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Double kill with one shot from SunPayus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">One shot, Two kills \ud83c\udfaf<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/SunPayuscs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@SunPayuscs<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/W8YoTjNjSV\">pic.twitter.com\/W8YoTjNjSV<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2063244745367855244?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 6, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A quad kill from Krabeni.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Fully in control as <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/KrabeniCS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@KrabeniCS<\/a> closes out the half with a quad kill \ud83d\udca5<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/e9iFCphPK6\">pic.twitter.com\/e9iFCphPK6<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2063288915885195356?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 6, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A perfect nade kill from AZUWU.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">THE PERFECT NADE <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/azuwuCS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@azuwuCS<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/EkO3yvoS5g\">pic.twitter.com\/EkO3yvoS5g<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2063316674468622602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 6, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A quad kill from Vexite.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">BEAST MODE <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/vexite_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@vexite_<\/a> \ud83d\ude08<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ZUBKxCesL5\">pic.twitter.com\/ZUBKxCesL5<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2063655364902756805?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 7, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A quad kill from s1zzi.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">s1zzi has come online on Overpass with a quad kill<br><br>Replays powered by <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/IntelGaming?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@IntelGaming<\/a> \ud83d\udcab<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/TXTklrWCmA\">pic.twitter.com\/TXTklrWCmA<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2064408360280052144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 9, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"hellc-penultimate-h2\" id=\"hellc-80473374\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hellcase.com\/#free-giveaway\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"wp-block-content-banner-image-upload-block hellcase-content-banner\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hellcase.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/lost-in-space_868x100.png\" alt=\" new giveaway Big banner\"><div class=\"hellcase-content-banner__label\">Advertisement<\/div><div class=\"hellcase-content-banner__overlay\"><\/div><\/a><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stage_3\"><\/span>Stage 3<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Stage 3, all matches, unlike in previous stages, were Bo3. While it creates a room for mistakes, the results are still no less unpredictable. Moreover, this time we saw the most unexpected twists, even with the top teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, the match of Team Vitality against 9z Team shares one of such moments, along with ruining most users\u2019 Pick&#8217;em. While the French team easily defeated their opponents on Inferno, they lost on Mirage and then on Dust II. Moreover, 9z had the chance to eliminate Team Spirit and secure a playoff spot. At the same time, after the victory on Overpass in overtime, they allowed Spirits to make an overtime comeback on both Mirage and Dust II. Without a doubt, the Playoffs could look completely different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As always, let\u2019s check the results of Stage 3 below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Team<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Won<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Lost<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Qualification<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Team Spirit<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>0<\/td><td rowspan=\"8\"><br><br><br><br><br><br><strong>Qualification<\/strong><strong>to Playoffs<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>FURIA<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Aurora Gaming<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>1<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Team Vitality<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>1<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Team Falcons<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>1<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>BetBoom Team<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>9z Team<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>G2 Esports<\/td><td>3<\/td><td>2<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Natus Vincere<\/td><td>2<\/td><td>3<\/td><td rowspan=\"8\"><br><br><br><br><br><br><strong>Eliminated<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>FUT Esports<\/td><td>2<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>The MongolZ<\/td><td>2<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>MOUZ<\/td><td>1<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Monte<\/td><td>1<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Legacy<\/td><td>1<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>B8<\/td><td>0<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>PARIVISION<\/td><td>0<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to see the most exciting highlights, then Stage 3 is the perfect choice. Well, at least until we see the Playoffs. Still, it\u2019s better not to miss the following moments:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A quad kill with AWP from 910.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">.<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ninetencs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@ninetencs<\/a> is on his A game \ud83c\udfaf<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/JyXIzsPsyY\">pic.twitter.com\/JyXIzsPsyY<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2065001034553192797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 11, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An ace from ZywOo.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">ACE from <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/zywoo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@zywoo<\/a> saves the round \ud83d\udd25<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/9OJ5Dcnkef\">pic.twitter.com\/9OJ5Dcnkef<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2065062435472449798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 11, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An entry and triple kill from apEX.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Entry fragger <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Vitality_apEX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@Vitality_apEX<\/a> is back \ud83e\udd29<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/myBGTzzh5V\">pic.twitter.com\/myBGTzzh5V<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2065064864981090576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 11, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A triple kill from YEKINDAR.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">.<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/yek1ndar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@yek1ndar<\/a> PLAYS IT SO WELL \ud83d\udd25<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/mhsYeFRk5b\">pic.twitter.com\/mhsYeFRk5b<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2065079326278881690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 11, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A Deagle triple kill from HeavyGod.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">HEAVY. GOD.<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/HeavyGodCS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@HeavyGodCS<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/w27U4SOBmP\">pic.twitter.com\/w27U4SOBmP<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2065130916373045620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 11, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A triple kill from iM.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">That&#39;s LOVELY from <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/iMeCSGO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@iMeCSGO<\/a> \ud83e\udd29<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/yT1WbWPka9\">pic.twitter.com\/yT1WbWPka9<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2065725584735404249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 13, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A quad kill from NiKo.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Too clean for <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/NiKoCS_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@NiKoCS_<\/a> \ud83e\udd76<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/IEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#IEM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/id1G5zSZgn\">pic.twitter.com\/id1G5zSZgn<\/a><\/p>&mdash; ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ESLCS\/status\/2065813565374951577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">June 13, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%8BConclusion\"><\/span>\u200bConclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Stages are already over, and it\u2019s time to prepare for the Playoffs. With teams such as Vitality, Spirit, Falcons, and G2, we definitely will see even more exciting moments. At the same time, there is no good news for NaVi, FUT, and The MongolZ fans. These teams, while showing good results, were eliminated in Stage 3. However, now is the perfect moment for the fiercest battles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, remember that you have a chance to win together with your favorite team. Make correct predictions, earn points, and obtain eye-catching skins by participating in <a href=\"https:\/\/hellcase.com\/pickem\/tournament\">CS2 Pick&#8217;em<\/a> on Hellcase!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mid-air Deagle kill, unbelievable comeback, and exhausting triple overtime. Undoubtedly, the Intel Extreme Masters Cologne Major 2026 will be among the most discussed tournaments in the Counter-Strike community for months. At the same time, for now we&#8217;ve only seen Stages, which means the Playoffs promise to be even more intense and exciting. If you missed [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":25685,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[76,22,12],"class_list":["post-25683","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-esports","tag-cs2","tag-esports","tag-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>IEM Cologne Major Recap: Stages, Highlights &amp; Playoffs Preview<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Full recap of IEM Cologne Major 2026 Stages 1\u20133, including results, key highlights, standout plays, and a Playoffs preview with top CS2 teams.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link 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